Your body tells the story.
We decode it.
Hands-on treatment and corrective exercise, targeting the compensations you didn't know you had.
Philosophy
Positive compensations can turn negative over time.
Our internal and external environments are constantly changing. In the process of adapting, we develop short-term compensations. In and of themselves, compensations are not bad. Over time, however, they become problematic and show up in our movement, posture, breathing, digestion and even mood.
We can feel these compensations in your tissue as lines of tension, inflammation, muscle incoordination, torques and densification. Our work is to identify these anomalies and use the most suitable techniques that address both the origin of the issue and the related areas.
Approach
Assess, Treat, Test, Repeat.
We start with Observation.
We listen to your story, watch how you move, learn what matters most to you and consider what impedes your progress. Whether you notice it or not, we are paying attention to everything, because all of it helps us verify our findings.
Then we verify.
Rather than assuming our initial observations are correct, we verify what we observed to what we feel under our fingertips.
We identify the source and the related areas.
Sometimes working the source alone can resolve the related compensations. Other times, we have to work backwards from the periphery.
Our techniques match our findings.
We are constantly assessing the integrity of your tissue. As we encounter areas with dysfunction, we apply the appropriate techniques that help restore your tissue to a healthy state.
Treatment
A proprietary, multi-layered treatment system.
We combine manual therapy, corrective exercise, targeted stretching, postural refinement, breathwork, and mindfulness. Rather than addressing symptoms in isolation, we work across structural, neurological, and physiological layers—directly engaging the body's sensory receptors to address negative compensations and restore movement that is natural and authentic to each individual.
What to expect
A typical session.
You will be asked a series of questions regarding your particular complaint. To help narrow down the issue, a visual, physical and movement assessment will be performed along with a hands-on treatment.
We make sure your body is stable before progressing you through the next level of treatment. To do this we use a formula that begins with static treatments → active but supportive movements → complex, dynamic movement & therapies.
Therapeutic exercises, postural corrections and other recommendations may be provided to help you improve faster, post-therapy.
Common conditions
What the work addresses.
- 01 Pre-/Post-Surgery and Rehabilitation
- 02 Tissue Densification and Elasticity Issues
- 03 Scar Tissue Buildup/Adhesions
- 04 Acute and Chronic Pain
- 05 Immobility/Hypermobility
- 06 Inadequate or Excessive Muscle Activation
- 07 Abdominal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- 08 Postural Distortions
- 09 Movement and Exercise Corrections
Scope of practice
We are your partner in this journey.
The Hill Method is designed to work alongside medical care, not in place of it. We partner with medical providers, teachers, researchers and trainers so you get the best care possible. If we are not what you need, or you need more than we offer, we have an incredible network of providers who can help.
We do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. If you are being treated for one, ask your physician whether hands-on work is appropriate before you book.
Derek Hill, CMT, CFT — Soft-Tissue Injury & Pain Specialist
Clinical precision, instinctive skill, grounded presence.
Derek's path is uncommon—shaped by an early interest in hands-on healing, years working alongside clinical medicine, mentorship from masters, and decades of multidisciplinary study.
Early foundation
Derek's interest in healing began early. Throughout his youth, he immersed himself in medical environments—shadowing physicians, studying anatomy in cadaver labs, and observing patient care in Chicago-area hospitals. Meditation, mentorship, and spiritual practices helped shape the calm, attentive, and compassionate approach that defines his work today.
Clinical training & experience
As a young adult, Derek trained under a leading orthopedic surgeon and later worked as a research assistant to a Chief of Spinal Surgery. His involvement in surgical outcomes research and rehabilitation strategy strengthened his analytical thinking and focus on measurable, meaningful results.
Professional development
Formally trained in osteopathic massage and psychology, Derek built his expertise within complex clinical settings. His education spans movement analysis, corrective exercise, adaptive fitness, pelvic health, visceral work, gut health, psychosomatic trauma, and mindfulness practices—allowing him to integrate somatic science with neural processing.
Approach
His work is personalized and intentional—combining clinical expertise with continuous, individualized adaptation to address pain, restore movement, and improve function.
Pricing
Session length is matched to the issue.
Pricing can change without notice. Cancellations made within 24 hours and no-shows are charged the full price of the scheduled visit. There is a 15-minute grace period for all visits. After 15-minutes the appointment is forfeited and the full-price will be charged.
Contact
Let's find your path forward.
Please reach out if you have any questions or comments. Responses, if applicable, will be returned at our earliest opportunity (usually within 1–2 business days).
(front of building)
San Jose, CA 95124