How Body Alignment Fixes Back Pain (When Nothing Else Works)

Understanding the Amari Method's 8-step protocol for lasting relief

→Take the Free Assessment

What Is the Amari Method?

The Amari Method is an 8-step protocol that identifies and corrects the muscle imbalances causing your chronic pain — not just the spot that hurts. Created by Dr. Garrett Hewstan, DC, it combines hands-on alignment work with guided movement exercises that evolve as your body changes, so your body holds the correction on its own. Most clients feel a measurable difference in their first session.

Over 51 million U.S. adults live with chronic pain, and low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. The Amari Method was built for people who have tried chiropractors, physical therapy, and stretching — and are still hurting.

Sources: CDC MMWR 2023 · Lancet Rheumatology 2023

The Problem with Traditional Approaches

Most treatments manage pain. They don't fix the cause.

Chiropractors

Spinal adjustments restore joint mobility — an important first step. But without correcting the movement patterns and muscle imbalances that caused the misalignment, the body drifts back.

Result: Relief that requires ongoing visits to maintain.

Physical Therapy

Strengthens muscles — but often the wrong ones. Generic exercises can reinforce the same compensation patterns causing your pain.

Result: Heavy exercise burden. Temporary relief. Slow progress.

Painkillers

Mask the pain while your body stays misaligned. The underlying cause gets worse over time, and dependency develops.

Result: No healing. Dependency. More serious problems develop.

Your Journey Through the 8-Step Protocol

The protocol progresses through 5 phases as you master each exercise.

1

Phase 1: Assessment (Awakening)

We measure your alignment, assess movement patterns, and identify what's working too hard and what isn't working enough — the exact muscle imbalances beneath your symptoms.

What you learn: Why your body is misaligned and what's maintaining that misalignment.
2

Phase 2: Release (Connection)

Using specific movements and breathing techniques, overworked muscles begin to release while underworked muscles re-engage. This is where immediate relief happens — you feel the difference in your first session.

What you learn: Which movements and breathing patterns create instant relief for your body.
3

Phase 3: Alignment Restoration (Freedom)

Your body naturally returns to alignment as you continue applying your tools. These simple practices integrate into daily life — you move differently without thinking about it.

What you learn: How to maintain alignment through natural movement and awareness.
4

Phase 4: Prevention (Mastery)

You develop the awareness and skills to recognize early signs of misalignment and correct them immediately — before pain develops. Prevention becomes automatic.

What you learn: How to catch and correct misalignment before it becomes pain.
5

Phase 5: Life Transformation

With proper alignment restored and maintained, you rediscover activities you thought were gone forever — sleeping through the night, playing with grandkids, sports, work without pain.

What you achieve: Life without pain, without dependency, without ongoing appointments.

The Key Difference

The whole culture is set up to outsource your well-being to doctors and practitioners. The Amari Method flips that: it teaches you to in-source your well-being — to become your own healer. Because nobody knows your body better than you. Once you learn these protocols, you have them for life.

What to Expect in Your First Session

All within a single 60-minute session

Initial Consultation

Dr. Garrett listens to your story, understands your pain patterns, and performs a detailed assessment of your alignment and movement.

Hands-On Work

Dr. Garrett guides your body back into alignment while you learn exactly what's happening and what you're doing to create relief.

Take-Home Exercise

Dr. Garrett teaches you the specific exercise for what was worked on that session — a simple movement you'll practice at home to maintain your progress.

Experience Relief

Most clients feel noticeable improvement before they leave. You'll walk out understanding exactly what caused your pain and how to prevent it.

Total Time: 60 Minutes

Full assessment, hands-on work, and a take-home exercise — everything you need to take control of your pain.

Why the Amari Method Works

Addresses Root Cause, Not Symptoms

Most treatments manage pain. The Amari Method corrects the muscle imbalances causing your misalignment, so pain doesn't return.

In-Source Your Well-Being

Instead of outsourcing your health to an endless cycle of appointments, you learn to be your own healer. The tools are yours for life — meaning relief is truly lasting.

Works With Your Body's Intelligence

Rather than forcing your body or overworking it with exercise programs, the Amari Method restores balance — so overworked muscles can relax and underworked muscles re-engage.

Produces Fast Results

Most clients feel relief in their first session — not after weeks of appointments or months of physical therapy.

Conditions We Treat

The Amari Method addresses the structural root cause of most chronic pain conditions.

Neck Pain →

Forward head posture and thoracic stiffness drive most chronic neck pain. We identify and correct the structural pattern — not just the neck.

Learn about neck pain treatment

Shoulder Pain →

Rotator cuff issues and impingement are almost always positioning problems. Correcting scapular mechanics resolves most shoulder pain without surgery.

Learn about shoulder pain treatment

Hip Pain →

Hip impingement, bursitis, and tight hip flexors are rooted in pelvic alignment. Restoring proper positioning eliminates the compression driving the pain.

Learn about hip pain treatment

Knee Pain →

Most knee pain starts in the hip. Correcting how force moves through the lower body — not treating the knee in isolation — is what creates lasting relief.

Learn about knee pain treatment

Lower Back Pain →

Lower back pain is almost always a pelvic and hip problem. Tight hip flexors, inhibited glutes, and anterior pelvic tilt load the lumbar spine constantly — until the pattern is corrected.

Learn about lower back pain treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Amari Method for everyone?
+
The Amari Method works for most people with acute or chronic pain — low back, hip, shoulder, etc. During your free assessment, Dr. Garrett can determine if this is the right approach for your specific situation.
Do I need surgery before trying the Amari Method?
+
No. Try the Amari Method first. Most clients find relief without surgery. Many have avoided surgery entirely by discovering that alignment fixes their pain.
How long do the results last?
+
Once you've learned the tools and your body is back in balance, the results are lasting. Many clients use the tools periodically for maintenance, but they're not dependent on ongoing appointments.
What if I've tried other treatments and nothing worked?
+
That's actually common. Most people have tried chiropractors, physical therapy, or medication before finding the Amari Method. Different approach = different results. Take the free assessment to see if it's right for you.
Can I do this virtually or do I need to come to San Francisco?
+
You have both options. Virtual sessions are just as effective as in-person sessions — you'll receive the same assessment, hands-on guidance, and take-home exercises.

"Chiropractors, acupuncture, a $200/hour specialist. Temporary relief at best. What finally worked was someone explaining what was actually causing it — not just 'your back is tight' but the actual mechanism. Three months now. Still no pain."

— Linda, Business Owner

Ready to Learn How to Fix Your Pain?

Start with a free 2-minute assessment to see if the Amari Method is right for you.

→Get Free Assessment →Book a Session