Client
Experiences

Dedric and his team at Empirical Knead are nothing short of miracle workers—true healers. As an athlete, I’ve tried nearly every form of bodywork imaginable, from traditional massages to advanced therapies, but Dedric’s science-based functional model featuring neuromuscular / fascia approach stands head and shoulders above the rest. It doesn’t just treat symptoms; it addresses the root causes of pain and misalignment by viewing the body as a fully interconnected system.

I’ve battled multiple injuries this year that left me in tears and struggling to walk, yet after each session at Empirical Knead, I walked out feeling remarkably better—lighter, more aligned, and with a deeper understanding of my body’s needs. With their care, those injuries healed astonishingly fast.

Throughout my pregnancy, I also received prenatal massage care from multiple therapists on the team, and the consistency, thoughtfulness, and clinical awareness across each session were exceptional. Every therapist approached my changing body with intention, precision, and genuine care—adapting the work to support comfort, alignment, circulation, and relief at every stage. I always felt safe, supported, and deeply understood, which made a world of difference during such a physically transformative time.

My husband and I are profoundly grateful to Dedric, Tony, and Alicia for their expertise and unwavering commitment to our well-being. We’ve finally found our forever bodywork home, and I can’t recommend them enough. If you’re seeking effective, long-lasting results that truly change how you move and feel, Empirical Knead is the place. You’ll be so grateful you discovered them—it’s a game-changer.

When I first started coming to Empirical Knead, I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been to over 25+ massage therapists across Atlanta, and Tony at Empirical Knead is one of only three practitioners I’ve ever encountered who possesses a deep, intuitive, and technical understanding of the human body that has provided me with real, lasting relief.

The expertise in cupping, fascia release, communication from and understanding of how the body stores tension and trauma immediately stood out to me. During my very first session, Tony mentioned that my body was holding onto more than just physical muscle tension — and he was absolutely right. Over the past five years, I’ve been on an intentional health and wellness journey, especially after working in the film industry, which is an extremely high-stress and physically demanding environment. Long days on my feet (often 10+ hours), working between 12-16 hour days and extended drives of eight hours or more for shoots have taken a serious toll on my body, particularly from repetitive overuse of certain muscle groups. Specifically, my psoas, piriformis, hip flexor & Calves and the classic tension in the neck and shoulders.

Tony’s work via the Empirical Knead functional model— has given me the level of relief I had been searching for.  They are approachable, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. And take the time to explain what’s happening in my body, given me personalized exercises and stretches, and has properly released my psoas and diaphragm muscle in a way that has provided relief lasting six weeks or more — something I had never experienced before.

Over the past year, I’ve made meaningful lifestyle changes: exercising more consistently, stretching regularly, and being more mindful of my body. Tony has been a huge encouragement throughout that process and has genuinely helped me become a healthier, more balanced version of myself.

I’ve referred several friends to Empirical Knead, and every single one has had a positive experience. Many of them have since become regular clients and have gone on to refer others as well — which speaks volumes about the quality of his work.

Going to Empirical Knead has changed my life in more ways than one. I am a loyal client and deeply value supporting a business that truly cares about the mind, body, and soul.

With gratitude,

Here is a testament from me regarding the phenomenal healing bodywork that Dedric and Empirical Knead provides. I have been treated by Dedric for many years, and while I’ve naturally aged during that time, I’ve avoided many of the common age-related issues others often experience. When something has presented itself, Dedric has consistently known exactly how to address it.

His science-informed functional approach—combining precise Neuromuscular tissue work, targeted IT band and psoas engagement, and thoughtful use of body positioning—has kept me pain-free, functional, and confident in my movement. What stands out most is his exceptional attention to detail and his ability to assess the body as a whole rather than chasing isolated symptoms.

Over the years, I’ve also watched Dedric evolve into Empirical Knead and an outstanding teacher and clinical researcher and now clinical director, developing a thoughtful, results-driven approach that now lives through Empirical Knead and the therapists he now trains. That same level of care, precision, and expertise is reflected throughout the practice.

Because of this work, I’m able to travel extensively, carry my own luggage, and explore physically demanding places with ease—something I do not take for granted. Dedric is truly a phenom in this field, and is a rare find.

Highly, highly recommended.

As a licensed massage therapist for over 35 years, Dedric has been an important part of my healing/wellness routine. I originally went to Empirical Knead for treatment after shoulder surgery and found that Dedric is the type of therapist that combines the information I offered about what has worked for me in the past and his special intuitive and gift for knowing exactly where to go to get the tissues to release via the amazing functional model approach.

He is kind and patient, exceptionally skilled and methodical. I highly recommend Dedric as a bodyworker and his Empirical Knead team of the highest value in Atlanta.