I had been suffering headaches. After a few visits to the doctor it was suggested I vista physiotherapist and found Michael. I have issues with arthritis and some in my neck. Michael worked on all aspects from the muscles in my neck, through my posture and even pelvic floor muscles and we went for a short walk and that was worked on. Very thorough, very professional and ultimately successful
Michael has been my physiotherapist in Ulverston for a few months now, and I honestly can’t recommend him enough.
He really knows his stuff. For years, I’d been struggling with what I thought were tight hamstrings — I just couldn’t touch my toes with straight legs, no matter how much I stretched. I’d seen several physiotherapists and Pilates instructors, stayed diligent with all sorts of exercises, but nothing made a difference.
It took Michael only a few moments to realise that the issue wasn’t in my hamstrings at all, but in tightness around my rib cage. After just a few minutes of targeted stretches and a simple massage, I could suddenly touch my toes with straight legs — probably for the first time in decades. This is typical Michael - results, no fancy BS.
Beyond that, he’s given me great advice on improving my posture, both in everyday life and while running. That’s helped me avoid the hip and IT band tightness I used to get after harder runs. He’s also identified some muscle imbalances and given me exercises to fix them, which have really improved my running form and overall body awareness. Results? Multiple PBs in the current running seasons, and fewer injuries. Exactly what I needed.
We’re now working on sorting out some lower back pain. This is a more complex issue but it feels like we’re making great progress.
For comparison, I was also referred to another physio clinic in Kendal through my insurer. They were knowledgeable, but I just didn’t see the same results. The advice was a pretty generic set of exercises with little focus on proper technique. Michael's approach has been far more effective for me.
Hi Michael, its been a real pleasure to be your physio and help you with your running related ITB and hamstring issues. Great to hear about your running PBs. Looking forward to working with you to build resilience with regards to your recurrent lower back.
Michael has provided an in-depth assessment of the back problems that I have suffered from. His professional and thoughtful approach has improved my mobility hugely. I can recommend Michael.
Hi Gareth thank you for taking the time to write this review, it's great to provide physiotherapy in Ulverston to people who are ready to take steps to make long-term improvements to persistent issues.
Joshua Matthews2025.10.15
Michael offers a tailored and comprehensive service for both short-term and long-term injuries or issues, and is particularly helpful with running-related problems.
Michael provided both practical and theoretical advice and support to strengthen weaknesses and mitigate against future problems arising.
Over three sessions, Michael took the time to listen to the problems, conduct a quick strength test to confirm his thoughts, and took swift action to address the issues. He ensured I understood why issues arose initially, and what we would do to eliminate them moving forward.
I would recommend Michael to anyone requiring physiotherapy - he provides a clear structure for your recovery and ensures you are comfortable throughout.
Hi Joshua, thank you for coming to see me at my Ulverston physiotherapy clinic. Was a real pleasure to help you address your running issue if you have any problems with your running don't hesitate to give me a ring in the future.
Helen Croxford2025.10.13
I cannot speak highly enough of Michael Otto and would encourage anyone in search of effective, reassuring and successful physio to seek his expertise. I consulted him after a series of knock-on injuries with treatment elsewhere had resulted in debilitating hamstring damage, which I had been told would take up to 18 months to rectify. After just 3 visits to Mike and an expert pinpointing of the cause, (an ankle weakness which was triggering the hamstring) I am pain free (this happened very quickly after the first visit) and walking extensively again - for miles, over all kinds of terrain and slopes. THANK YOU MICHAEL OTTO!
Thank you for taking the time to do this review Helen, it was an absolute pleasure to see you at my Ulverston physiotherapy clinic for hamstring treatment. You followed my advice and hit your goals. Well done
Georgia Smith2025.09.26
I was first drawn to Mike after seeing he was focused on recovery and getting you back to the activities you enjoy doing on his website. I started seeing him after a disc herniation which left me in pain for almost a year. I had received treatment prior to Mike which left my recovery feeling stagnant as I wasn't seeing improvements.
From the offset Mike was focused on milestones and achieving goals with the end goal in mind, which for me was getting back to running completely pain free (Which I honestly didn't even think was possible).
I told Mike in our first session that the goals seemed too good to be true because of my past experience. However just 3 months later I had hit all my goals and I am now pain free when running and during daily activities thanks to Mike.
Thank you for coming to see me for Physio in Ulverston. It's really great to work with people who don't give up on a full recovery and really commit to the treatment plan, even though previous experiences hadn't delivered. Listening to your story here makes my job enjoyable and worthwhile, so thank you, it was a pleasure to be involved in your journey to recovery!
All the best,
Michael
Robin Gregory2025.09.11
I visited Michael after experiencing acute pain in my right calf following a run several weeks earlier. His bio highlighted a strong interest in treating running-related injuries, which gave me confidence to book an initial appointment online—a process that was quick, easy, and didn’t require prepayment. I received a prompt confirmation email, which made everything feel seamless.
From the first session, Michael quickly identified the root cause of my issue. Over the course of three sessions, he guided me through simple yet effective strengthening exercises, helped me improve my posture while using gym equipment, and refined my running technique. He also offered valuable advice on breathing while running, which made a noticeable difference.
Thanks to Michael’s expertise and thoughtful approach, I’ve returned to running pain-free and am now achieving the goals I set for myself. I highly recommend Michael to anyone seeking physiotherapy—especially runners—and wouldn’t hesitate to return should I need support in the future.
Thanks for choosing me in Ulverston as your Physio. It was great to work with you and to help you resolve your calf issue.
Many thanks,
Michael
Emma Whittaker2025.07.15
I was referred to Otto physiotherapy following an RTC which left me with whiplash. I had previously been to a physiotherapist for deep tissue massage however it had only helped in the short term and my pain kept on coming back. With Mike i have been working on understanding pain and pain management along with other factors that can trigger it such as poor posture and form when walking,running and lifting weights. I have also learnt some breathing techniques used for pain management and stretched out my muscles and overall all of this has helped me reduce flare ups to nearly never. Thank you for all your help! 😊
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. It's been really great to help you in the physio clinic over these last few months, I'm always keen to help people who are looking for long term reductions and resolutions of persistent problems such as neck pain. It sounds like you really put the effort in to your own recovery and physio, followed my advice and are now reaping the rewards. Well done!
Mike
Christine McKinlay2025.07.14
Excellent service that I'd highly recommend. Mike worked with me to identify the root causes of hip, leg & foot pain that had plagued me for months, then set weekly goals with exercises designed to correct imbalances. One month later totally pain free and able to resume all activities.
It was excellent to work with you this past month. You had a clear goal of activities you wanted to get back to pain free. You were able to trust my advice, took action and sounds like you're now reaping the rewards.
All these things make my job really enjoyable so thanks for coming and engaging so well with the physio.
All the best,
Michael
Mark Sutcliffe2025.07.11
18 months ago I had a first appointment with Michael Otto seeking help with achilles pain whilst running. From the outset Michael was insistent on finding the root cause and not just treating the symptoms. We had several sessions together through which I modified my running posture and breathing methodology. Since then I have had zero pain in this area and continue to improve my performance based on the work done with Michael. Always positive and thoughtful I thoroughly recommend Michael's services for all physio work and especially for his understanding of running dynamics.
Thankyou Mark for your honest feedback. It's really great to have been able to use my running gait analysis, running technique coaching and methods to address muscle imbalances to help you overcome your running injury. I particularly enjoy working with people like you who focus on making long term reductions in injury and improved performance.
Tony L2025.07.08
I definitely recommend Michael, he has help with my various issues causing me pain when walking & can walk far more comfortably & further now, due to his advice & excellent treatment.
Hi Tony. Thanks for the review. It was a pleasure to help you. I am always keen to help people who have pain or injuries that are affecting their ability to walk and explore the Lake District. Thanks for choosing Otto Physiotherapy Ulverston.
Helen Gordon2025.07.01
I was keen to see Michael because I had read that he doesn't just give a quick fix to any problems you are experiencing.
He carefully isolates individual muscles to see where any weaknesses are and suggests exercises to strengthen the area and correct the problem. In some cases he manipulates the muscle to wake it up or release any tension. He also discussed and demonstrated how the way I hold myself and walk was aggravating my problems.
I feel I understand a lot more about posture and centre of gravity and am much more conscious of how I move and what I am demanding of my body. I am now able to avoid many of the niggles which interfered with my day to day activities.
It's great to hear you understand the problems you were having in more detail, and that you're now able to avoid the niggles which interefered with your daily activities.
It's great to have worked with you, as I can see you have wanted physio to address the underlying cause and not just surface symptom relief which often returns with activities.
Thank you for choosing Otto Physiotherapy Ulverston.
Kind regards,
Michael Otto
Matt Thornhill2025.03.28
Mike has done a great job on my back muscles. As I was sharing the start of the pain, he was asking insightful questions to eliminate possible problems to get to the root cause. He was able to explain, in simple terms, what was happening and how we would be moving forward to remedy the problem.
Through diagrams, dialogue, and example movements/stretches to try, I returned after 2 weeks - stronger and improved. He has now sent me on my way with more advanced movements and stretches with the open promise of returning if I need to.
Great value for money without wanting multiple follow-up sessions to cash in.
Highly recommend ⭐
Thanks for your feedback Frank. Great to hear that I have been able to help with your recovery.
aprille brocklebank2025.02.12
michael was recommended by a friend. i had shoulder/upper arm pain for 2 months before seeing him. quiet and understanding, he assessed, treated and recommended exercises which brought about good resolution within a month. i would not hesitate to consult michael again should the need arise.
Hi Aprille Thanks for choosing me as your Ulverston physio, Thank you for sharing your positive experience and improvements in your shoulder issue Thank you Michael
ADRIAN GOUGH2025.02.06
Michael works holistically, employing super knowledge and understanding of how the body works. He has set clear goals with me and the practical exercises have led to real improvement.
Hi Eleanor, thank you very much for this feedback, you have put lots of work in, well done, I am really happy to have helped you achieve your physio goals regarding your shoulder.
Dominic Ind2024.10.08
I found the advice i was given very well thought through. A lot of care was taken establishing the sequence of events and it wasn’t a promise of a quick fix but a considered solution. I was sceptical but actually the forecast of improvement was very accurate. Great service!
Thank you so much for your review. You are not the only person to be sceptical, particularly when people have tried other things that haven't worked, but I am glad that we have found a solution.
Graham Cumberland2024.09.11
I have had numerous surgery on my lower back together with post op physio. However I was still in pain and discomfort coming from both my sacroiliac joints. Whilst in Cumbria the pain was getting worse so I contacted Otto physiotherapy and arranged a sports massage.
On attendance I discussed my symptoms and was asked my goals and how I achieve them. I was informed about 'trigger points' and these areas were manipulated which instantly relieved the pain. I actually slept properly for the first time in ages.
I went back for two more sessions and was shown how to sit, stand and walk as well as walking up an incline without putting pressure on my lower back.
The advice and help was ss good I even walked up Catbells (the harder route).
I would say say that the physiotherapist, Michael Otto uses more of a holistic approach, which worked wonders for me. I am so grateful for the experience and I am now virtually pain free and have joined a gym. Thank you Michael!!
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