Loo Movement

Loo Movement is a physical therapist practice in Oakland, California, where a licensed physical therapist teaches clients to recognize how their bodies move and to correct the patterns that lead to injury. The practice describes its work as prehab for the body's future: body alignment coaching that helps people get ahead of injuries rather than recover from them, so they can keep doing the sports and activities they love for decades. Loo Movement offers group classes, workshops, one-on-one instruction, and Reformer Pilates.

The practice was created by Valerie Loo, a licensed physical therapist with a master's degree in physical therapy and a certified instructor of yoga, qigong, and Pilates. Her own history as a competitive gymnast who developed chronic back pain in her mid-30s, and who later trained in qigong, myofascial release, Reiki, meditation, and hypnotherapy after conventional treatments brought only temporary relief, shaped the method she now teaches.

Loo Movement incorporates alignment coaching, yoga, qigong, Pilates, meditation, and intuitive bodywork. The alignment work focuses on sensing optimal alignment so joints are spared excessive wear and tear, which the practice describes as leading to smoother movement, less pain, and greater strength and flexibility. Qigong is taught as a Traditional Chinese Medicine modality pairing gentle movement with mindful presence, while Pilates instruction follows Joseph Pilates' core-originating approach to posture and joint stability. The intuitive bodywork draws on Valerie Loo's training in craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and Reiki energy work.

Classes are held at the Loo Movement studio on Grand Avenue, a short walk from Morcom Rose Garden and about a quarter mile from Santa Clara Avenue. The schedule includes Alignment Mat Pilates on Wednesdays, a Reformer, Tower, and Chair circuit, Alignment Techniques sessions on Sundays and Mondays, and Core and Mobility classes on Sundays. New students are offered an introductory rate, and classes with fewer than two students enrolled may be canceled.

For Oakland residents dealing with recurring pain or wanting to move more efficiently, Loo Movement pairs hands-on physical therapy training with movement practices that address alignment at its source.