What people are saying
Diane Nimmer and Bruce Nimmer
Kay Grace
I’ve been active most of my life, camping, canoeing, running – even did a marathon. At some point though, life got busy, and I became less active and more sedentary. In the winter of 2017, I slipped on the ice and “caught myself” awkwardly – likely tearing or injuring the inguinal ligament (did not know this at the time). I just kept thinking it would heal on its own, but my movements got smaller and the pain got bigger. By 2018, I could no longer sit cross-legged, or stand up out of a chair and walk normally without first pausing to let the pain subside. Due to the pain in the right psoas, other ligaments and hip, my body tried to cope by adapting the way I walk and how I hold myself – really everything was out of whack.
I tried to return to getting fit, but was always stopped by what I couldn’t do anymore. The final straw was when my first grandchild was born, and I couldn’t easily carry her and play on the floor – I hated all the restrictions – I used to run marathons and now I was stuck sitting on the sidelines.
I heard about Char and her unique movement therapy from a friend, and started working with her in December 2018. I knew right away that this was something really different AND crazy effective. I left the first session feeling real hope that I could not only get better, but actually feel even better than I did before the original injury. I’m happy to report that’s exactly what happened.
It’s August 16, 2019, and in 8 days I leave for a bucket-list adventure I’ve wanted to do for years. My husband and I will be hiking all 270 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail here in Minnesota – spending 3 weeks on the trail with our backpacks, averaging 12 miles per day, and I’m ready, thanks to Char!
Not only do I feel amazing as far as hip, psoas, low back, etc., I’ve learned so much about how integrated my nervous system is with the muscles, fascia, ligaments, tissue and so on, and what a huge part it plays in creating optimal health. I’m a holistic healing practitioner myself (for 18 years) and can say that this work is amazing. You do need to know that the work takes time – you may need to see her once or twice per week for a while – but stick with it because I can tell you there is no way to put a price tag on getting my life back and even more, moving into the best health ever. Do whatever it takes to get on her calendar! Kay, age 56, Marketing Professional and Sound Healer
I’ve been active most of my life, camping, canoeing, running – even did a marathon. At some point though, life got busy, and I became less active and more sedentary. In the winter of 2017, I slipped on the ice and “caught myself” awkwardly – likely tearing or injuring the inguinal ligament (did not know this at the time). I just kept thinking it would heal on its own, but my movements got smaller and the pain got bigger. By 2018, I could no longer sit cross-legged, or stand up out of a chair and walk normally without first pausing to let the pain subside. Due to the pain in the right psoas, other ligaments and hip, my body tried to cope by adapting the way I walk and how I hold myself – really everything was out of whack.
I tried to return to getting fit, but was always stopped by what I couldn’t do anymore. The final straw was when my first grandchild was born, and I couldn’t easily carry her and play on the floor – I hated all the restrictions – I used to run marathons and now I was stuck sitting on the sidelines.
I heard about Char and her unique movement therapy from a friend, and started working with her in December 2018. I knew right away that this was something really different AND crazy effective. I left the first session feeling real hope that I could not only get better, but actually feel even better than I did before the original injury. I’m happy to report that’s exactly what happened.
It’s August 16, 2019, and in 8 days I leave for a bucket-list adventure I’ve wanted to do for years. My husband and I will be hiking all 270 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail here in Minnesota – spending 3 weeks on the trail with our backpacks, averaging 12 miles per day, and I’m ready, thanks to Char!
Not only do I feel amazing as far as hip, psoas, low back, etc., I’ve learned so much about how integrated my nervous system is with the muscles, fascia, ligaments, tissue and so on, and what a huge part it plays in creating optimal health. I’m a holistic healing practitioner myself (for 18 years) and can say that this work is amazing. You do need to know that the work takes time – you may need to see her once or twice per week for a while – but stick with it because I can tell you there is no way to put a price tag on getting my life back and even more, moving into the best health ever. Do whatever it takes to get on her calendar! Kay, age 56, Marketing Professional and Sound Healer
I have worked with Char Terrana and her use of the Wallace Method several times over several years. In working with upper body, I cannot say enough about the healing!! The Wallace method is one of the most painfree and gentle methods of straightening posture I have ever seen. I have experienced massages designed to loosen the body, but brought a new level of pain and increased soreness afterward. Wallace and Char leave you refreshed and feeling like a new hundred dollar bill! Char is a true healer which you cannot teach, and coupled with the Wallace Method, she can unlock years of bad behavior with such a relaxing methodology. I recommend this method and Char to anyone from retired accountants to professional surfers. - Christian Bowman, age 55, Los Angeles, CA
In the mid 1990s, I was about to launch on my career as a computer programmer. Suddenly I discovered I was getting Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. I was filled with fear. How was I going to have a career in programming if I couldn’t type? A friend of mine suggested that I try the Wallace Method. I attended classes at Heather Wallace’s house. I had one-on-one sessions with various practitioners. And low and behold, the so-called unsolvable Carpel Tunnel disappeared and has remained gone for more than 15 years. One of the great things about the Wallace Method is that you can practice it on your own. Until I had kids, I did that almost daily and it kept my body out of trouble.
After a five-year break, I have come back to the Wallace Method and am reminded of how powerful it is as a healing tool. I have started working with Char Terrana. I remember her from the old days as being one of the best and most committed practitioners. Over the years, she has worked with and helped a vast number of people. One of the things I like about Char is how she includes elements of other healing modalities in her work. I find her to be powerful healer with a gentle touch. -Nicole Lynskey, St. Paul, MN
After a five-year break, I have come back to the Wallace Method and am reminded of how powerful it is as a healing tool. I have started working with Char Terrana. I remember her from the old days as being one of the best and most committed practitioners. Over the years, she has worked with and helped a vast number of people. One of the things I like about Char is how she includes elements of other healing modalities in her work. I find her to be powerful healer with a gentle touch. -Nicole Lynskey, St. Paul, MN
The Wallace Method is the first modality in seven years of searching that has given me any relief from my condition."
Dave H., College Professor, age 32, complete relief from "Stiffman's Syndrome" (official diagnosis)
John just about gave up. He had accepted that he just has to live with a level 9 pain the rest of his life. After a year-long commitment to working with me, here is what he shares: "My experience with Char and her unique methods is that she is actually resolving my issue and not just making me feel better for a while. I am quite surprised by this and very grateful. I have spent thousands of dollars on deep tissue work trying to address knotted muscles in the left chest and shoulder (emphysema, plus frozen shoulder) and have also had repeated lower back injuries. Both conditions were of decades-long duration, always painful, both causing distortion in the muscles and joints around them. (long story short)...increased flexibility and range of motion persist. My pain is much less and my functional flexibility in moving through life has become an active pleasure. Early on, I confided to Char that I had thought there was nothing to be done, that I was going to endure these conditions till death. She replied, 'Not on my watch!' And, so it is turning out." -John B., age 63
"I definitely have increased flexibility. Low back pain is gone. ROM on
my shoulder has increased 5-fold. Emotionally, I honestly feel more
relaxed." Doug C., age 50, Insurance
Impatient to get back on my hockey skates, I was looking for a quick fix for an injury to my neck. Instead, like a kung-fu master, Char lets one discover that the healing process unfolds over time. Through her dedication and hands-on therapy, she heals both body and mind.
Char guides through specific movements to unwind contracted muscles, a process that begins to open space in connective tissue. I remember when I felt the first shift in structural elements — it seemed miraculous — bringing greater range of motion and removing pressure on nerves, blood supply, and soft tissue around my neck.
Most importantly, in contrast to quick adjustment therapies, the Wallace Method builds “muscle memory” over time, in order to retain new structural realignments. Char also transfers capability, teaching organic stretching techniques that I practice on my own in order to maintain improvements.
I’m back on the ice, and will always consider Char one of my teammates.
M. T. Mason
I worked with Char Terrana for several years. Her grasp of the Wallace method is phenomenal. I was in so much pain I could not sleep, and it affected everything in my life. I could not sleep, suffered from anxiety attacks, and always felt swollen and achey. Char began “untwisting” my muscles, a concept that, once she explained it to me, made perfect sense. Although I practiced yoga, all my movements were either strength training or long stretches. The Wallace method literally unwinds the kinks muscles develop over your lifetime, and restore posture, spinal health, and joint relief. If I had a million dollars, I would hire Char to work on me and my family for the rest of our lives. If you have not yet tried this method, give yourself a gift and have a session with Char. She can straighten your back, help your depression, and leave you feeling marvelous. Plus she’s beautiful and compassionate, extra bonuses!! - Cat Thompson, age 50, St. Paul, MN
For several years I suffered from pain from Fibromyalgia. When I first met with Char she indicated that all of my muscles were contracted, so no wonder I had a lot of pain. She worked with me and over a period of time I began to feel more freedom in my joints and began to be pain free. This became part of my program for Fibromyalgia management. The method is so relaxing and gentle, I think anyone would benefit. In addition, Char is a gentle and confident healer. I always have come away from treatments feeling better in every way. While this does not seem to be a widely known protocol, I believe it should be used in many healing modes. - Diane Nimmer, age 62, Golden Valley, MN
Binky Wood says: I would add to the above replies about Char’s extraordinary treatment – the gradual unwinding of a lifetime’s worth of bad habits – that Char teaches you to understand your body and it’s intricate structure. With this knowledge you are able (and strongly encouraged) to take part in your own healing, and your own future lifetime of health. Without this knowledge, you are simply engaging in a quick fix, which is the antithesis of the Wallace Method.
I think the other reviews state the benefits of the Wallace method perfectly. I started with Char after years of going to various physical therapists – each was helpful in her/his own way but the underlying systemic issues remained. The Wallace Methods unwinds your muscle problems and restores them to natural healthy patterns. So it is a long term solution that can get your body aligned,and and then keep the muscles and connective tissues healthy and strong. It is in short a miracle – the medical sytem had given up on me and counseled that I should accept my growing disability. I now work out, walk 3 miles every day, ski, bike and play golf – need I say more! -Diane Lilly
Bonnie West says: I want to say Bravo to all the comments left before mine.. I had a wonderful experience with the Wallace method and more-over with Char. She fixed my nasty shoulder pain. I am 65 years old and thought I wouldn’t use my injured shoulder again. But it’s well! (rotator cuff injury..not tear but grim pull…which effected back and shoulder and pec muscles) thanks Char!
I was first introduced to the Wallace Method in the early 1990s while residing in Minneapolis. I had a knee issue that persisted. I sought the assistance of doctors, physical therapists, chiropractic and acupuncture modalities. The best I received from any of these therapies was temporary (very Buddhist). I was considering surgery which was not a guarantee. I was directed to Heather Wallace from Catherine Cleary. I felt I had nothing to lose. Heather told me that the problem was not my knee, it was only a symptom. Hence the temporary nature of my recovery where the symptom was treated, not the source of the problem. We did several one on one sessions and I participated in Heather’s classes. Within a few months I was able to use my knee as if no problem existed. To this day I have a full range of motion in my knee and every other part of my body. Several years ago I studied with Catherine Cleary and Char Terrana to become a certified Wallace Method facilitator. I am grateful to Heather, Catherine and Char for their assistance in giving me back the mobility every human should experience. - Maxxx Madcap (aka Carl Ahmsted), Decorah, IA
Char’s Wallace work is very intuitive and gentle. She has helped my body become more fluid and balanced. - Monica Droogsma, Brooklyn Park, MN
In my first session with Char, I learned how much more “wound up” I was than I ever thought. It was soothing to have someone guide me to a state of total relaxation. I suffered from pain and was limited in my bodily movements. Char helped me work around the pain and in a short time, I was relaxed, flexible and empowered. Many thanks to Char. – Cheryl M.
I initially saw Char Terrana for The Wallace Method because we were working
at the same office and I wanted to experience her work. I am a
Chiropractor and have received many types of bodywork over the last 16
years. I am usually curious to see what other forms have to offer and
I was impressed with the results after the first visit. As I
continued to get more sessions I sensed an evolving ability to move more fluidly
and efficiently. Minor pain areas lessened, then vanished. I became
aware of new areas that had been unable to move freely for years. TWM
is definitely unique in the way it combines aspects of many other styles of
bodywork in a pleasurable and dynamic way. I also have experienced the
work of another practitioner, Catherine Cleary. I discovered that every
practitioner has an individual style and that both practitioners have a deep
understanding of the body, how it moves and how it
can move when free of the limitations imposed by injury, stress and lack of
use. To work with them is an adventure in discovering what is
possible for your body and the feeling it gives me is very enlivening and
centering. .
For example, I am more aware of my torso as a group of interrelated, movable
areas, instead of one unit with little mobility. My hips and shoulders
feel much better, that is, more fluid, strong and much better integrated with my
torso. In short, TWM has given me a more creative and dynamic way to feel
much more excited about being in my body, both physically and emotionally.
"Char, Catherine and I no longer work out of the same office, yet I do self-sessions
several times a week and get sessions with one of them monthly. Once you
learn to do self-work, it still helps to have individual sessions for more
progress, corrections, and inspiration. I have already integrated their
work into my own and plan to use it with myself as long as I am in a body." J. Ryan, D.C.
Dave H., College Professor, age 32, complete relief from "Stiffman's Syndrome" (official diagnosis)
John just about gave up. He had accepted that he just has to live with a level 9 pain the rest of his life. After a year-long commitment to working with me, here is what he shares: "My experience with Char and her unique methods is that she is actually resolving my issue and not just making me feel better for a while. I am quite surprised by this and very grateful. I have spent thousands of dollars on deep tissue work trying to address knotted muscles in the left chest and shoulder (emphysema, plus frozen shoulder) and have also had repeated lower back injuries. Both conditions were of decades-long duration, always painful, both causing distortion in the muscles and joints around them. (long story short)...increased flexibility and range of motion persist. My pain is much less and my functional flexibility in moving through life has become an active pleasure. Early on, I confided to Char that I had thought there was nothing to be done, that I was going to endure these conditions till death. She replied, 'Not on my watch!' And, so it is turning out." -John B., age 63
"I definitely have increased flexibility. Low back pain is gone. ROM on
my shoulder has increased 5-fold. Emotionally, I honestly feel more
relaxed." Doug C., age 50, Insurance
Impatient to get back on my hockey skates, I was looking for a quick fix for an injury to my neck. Instead, like a kung-fu master, Char lets one discover that the healing process unfolds over time. Through her dedication and hands-on therapy, she heals both body and mind.
Char guides through specific movements to unwind contracted muscles, a process that begins to open space in connective tissue. I remember when I felt the first shift in structural elements — it seemed miraculous — bringing greater range of motion and removing pressure on nerves, blood supply, and soft tissue around my neck.
Most importantly, in contrast to quick adjustment therapies, the Wallace Method builds “muscle memory” over time, in order to retain new structural realignments. Char also transfers capability, teaching organic stretching techniques that I practice on my own in order to maintain improvements.
I’m back on the ice, and will always consider Char one of my teammates.
M. T. Mason
I worked with Char Terrana for several years. Her grasp of the Wallace method is phenomenal. I was in so much pain I could not sleep, and it affected everything in my life. I could not sleep, suffered from anxiety attacks, and always felt swollen and achey. Char began “untwisting” my muscles, a concept that, once she explained it to me, made perfect sense. Although I practiced yoga, all my movements were either strength training or long stretches. The Wallace method literally unwinds the kinks muscles develop over your lifetime, and restore posture, spinal health, and joint relief. If I had a million dollars, I would hire Char to work on me and my family for the rest of our lives. If you have not yet tried this method, give yourself a gift and have a session with Char. She can straighten your back, help your depression, and leave you feeling marvelous. Plus she’s beautiful and compassionate, extra bonuses!! - Cat Thompson, age 50, St. Paul, MN
For several years I suffered from pain from Fibromyalgia. When I first met with Char she indicated that all of my muscles were contracted, so no wonder I had a lot of pain. She worked with me and over a period of time I began to feel more freedom in my joints and began to be pain free. This became part of my program for Fibromyalgia management. The method is so relaxing and gentle, I think anyone would benefit. In addition, Char is a gentle and confident healer. I always have come away from treatments feeling better in every way. While this does not seem to be a widely known protocol, I believe it should be used in many healing modes. - Diane Nimmer, age 62, Golden Valley, MN
Binky Wood says: I would add to the above replies about Char’s extraordinary treatment – the gradual unwinding of a lifetime’s worth of bad habits – that Char teaches you to understand your body and it’s intricate structure. With this knowledge you are able (and strongly encouraged) to take part in your own healing, and your own future lifetime of health. Without this knowledge, you are simply engaging in a quick fix, which is the antithesis of the Wallace Method.
I think the other reviews state the benefits of the Wallace method perfectly. I started with Char after years of going to various physical therapists – each was helpful in her/his own way but the underlying systemic issues remained. The Wallace Methods unwinds your muscle problems and restores them to natural healthy patterns. So it is a long term solution that can get your body aligned,and and then keep the muscles and connective tissues healthy and strong. It is in short a miracle – the medical sytem had given up on me and counseled that I should accept my growing disability. I now work out, walk 3 miles every day, ski, bike and play golf – need I say more! -Diane Lilly
Bonnie West says: I want to say Bravo to all the comments left before mine.. I had a wonderful experience with the Wallace method and more-over with Char. She fixed my nasty shoulder pain. I am 65 years old and thought I wouldn’t use my injured shoulder again. But it’s well! (rotator cuff injury..not tear but grim pull…which effected back and shoulder and pec muscles) thanks Char!
I was first introduced to the Wallace Method in the early 1990s while residing in Minneapolis. I had a knee issue that persisted. I sought the assistance of doctors, physical therapists, chiropractic and acupuncture modalities. The best I received from any of these therapies was temporary (very Buddhist). I was considering surgery which was not a guarantee. I was directed to Heather Wallace from Catherine Cleary. I felt I had nothing to lose. Heather told me that the problem was not my knee, it was only a symptom. Hence the temporary nature of my recovery where the symptom was treated, not the source of the problem. We did several one on one sessions and I participated in Heather’s classes. Within a few months I was able to use my knee as if no problem existed. To this day I have a full range of motion in my knee and every other part of my body. Several years ago I studied with Catherine Cleary and Char Terrana to become a certified Wallace Method facilitator. I am grateful to Heather, Catherine and Char for their assistance in giving me back the mobility every human should experience. - Maxxx Madcap (aka Carl Ahmsted), Decorah, IA
Char’s Wallace work is very intuitive and gentle. She has helped my body become more fluid and balanced. - Monica Droogsma, Brooklyn Park, MN
In my first session with Char, I learned how much more “wound up” I was than I ever thought. It was soothing to have someone guide me to a state of total relaxation. I suffered from pain and was limited in my bodily movements. Char helped me work around the pain and in a short time, I was relaxed, flexible and empowered. Many thanks to Char. – Cheryl M.
I initially saw Char Terrana for The Wallace Method because we were working
at the same office and I wanted to experience her work. I am a
Chiropractor and have received many types of bodywork over the last 16
years. I am usually curious to see what other forms have to offer and
I was impressed with the results after the first visit. As I
continued to get more sessions I sensed an evolving ability to move more fluidly
and efficiently. Minor pain areas lessened, then vanished. I became
aware of new areas that had been unable to move freely for years. TWM
is definitely unique in the way it combines aspects of many other styles of
bodywork in a pleasurable and dynamic way. I also have experienced the
work of another practitioner, Catherine Cleary. I discovered that every
practitioner has an individual style and that both practitioners have a deep
understanding of the body, how it moves and how it
can move when free of the limitations imposed by injury, stress and lack of
use. To work with them is an adventure in discovering what is
possible for your body and the feeling it gives me is very enlivening and
centering. .
For example, I am more aware of my torso as a group of interrelated, movable
areas, instead of one unit with little mobility. My hips and shoulders
feel much better, that is, more fluid, strong and much better integrated with my
torso. In short, TWM has given me a more creative and dynamic way to feel
much more excited about being in my body, both physically and emotionally.
"Char, Catherine and I no longer work out of the same office, yet I do self-sessions
several times a week and get sessions with one of them monthly. Once you
learn to do self-work, it still helps to have individual sessions for more
progress, corrections, and inspiration. I have already integrated their
work into my own and plan to use it with myself as long as I am in a body." J. Ryan, D.C.