Home - Rooted Movement Chiropractic

Be Your Best: Break Free from Injury and Pain

Discover premier chiropractic care and injury rehabilitation in Ithaca, NY

Persistent injuries and pain shouldn't limit your active lifestyle.

At Rooted Movement Chiropractic in Ithaca, NY, we provide specialized chiropractic treatments designed to restore your peak performance and enhance your overall well-being. Embrace your potential in sports, work, and everyday life.

The Benefits of Working With Rooted Movement Chiropractic

Getting To The Root Of The Problem

Through our thorough assessment, we pinpoint the underlying causes of your pain.

Education & Empowerment

Our services empower you to master your health and enjoy an active life.

Balance

Achieve a balanced, active life through regular stretches, exercise, and the right care.

Active Living, Pain-Free

At Rooted Movement Chiropractic, we specialize in a range of treatments including chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation, fascial manipulation, and sports injury recovery.

Our goal is to empower active individuals, whether you’re a jogger, soccer player, or fitness enthusiast, with the essential tools needed for optimal health management and pain prevention. Enjoy a fully active lifestyle, free from the need for painkillers and the limitations of discomfort.

At Rooted Movement Chiropractic we are focused on your health.

We aim to listen closely to understand your goals and address your questions, helping us get to the root of your pain. Let us assist in developing a personalized treatment plan that brings out the best version of yourself.

Our treatments are designed for lasting relief, not just temporary solutions for managing pain.

Come talk to us and receive a healthcare plan rooted in your individual needs and aspirations.

The Journey Back to Health

1

Free Consultation & Discovery Visit

Start with a free phone consultation and in-person discovery visit. We’ll discuss your goals, perform a quick movement screen to uncover potential root causes, and determine if Rooted Movement Chiropractic is the right fit for your needs—and if we’re the best fit to help you achieve your goals.

2

Comprehensive Evaluation & Personalized Plan

Your evaluation includes a detailed assessment and a customized treatment plan tailored to your goals and needs. This plan will guide you toward recovery, improved movement, and long-term wellness.

3

Get Back to Doing What You Love

With your personalized plan in place, we’ll help you return to the activities you enjoy most—running, hiking, biking, or simply living pain-free—with confidence and ease.

Most Common Conditions We Treat

At Rooted Movement Chiropractic, we specialize in a wide range of treatments for common conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and sports injuries. However, our expertise doesn’t stop there.

Low Back Pain

Neck Pain

Sports Injury Recovery

Patient Success Stories

See how our care at Rooted Movement Chiropractic has transformed lives in Ithaca, NY. These testimonials highlight the effective results of our personalized treatments.

“For months, I had been experiencing shoulder pain that kept me from sleeping, exercising, working in front of my computer, and even putting on a seat belt without wincing. I had not experienced an injury or direct trauma to the area so when I could no longer do my favorite activity, swimming, it was time for an MRI. I found out that if I did not seek proper care quickly, I would need surgery.

That proper care came from Dr. Arden Freedman who took the time to listen to my situation, help me understand more about my MRI and educate me about the shoulder rotator cuff and its intricate anatomy. He provided a realistic rehab plan that combined once a week in office appointments to adjust, directly treat and address the areas of pain along with daily home exercises that stressed the importance of mobility first, then strength.

After my third appointment, I was able to sleep through the night and back to swimming with full arm rotation by week six. Dr. Freedman truly catered to my needs and adjusted my rehab as I showed progress. Without his treatment and care, I believe I would still be in severe pain and headed towards a surgery.”

-Julie S.

“I initially came in to Dr Freedman’s office for my low back and shoulder pain that I could not manage at home, and he helped me tremendously.

I came in for treatments on a regular basis and did the workouts he recommended and I have made a great recovery. He cares about your health, is patient, and listens. I would recommend Dr. Freeman to anyone who is experiencing pain, or even just a maintenance visit.”

-Saman K.

Dr. Arden Freedman helped me return to work without pain. 6 months ago, I sustained an acute injury superimposed on chronic low-grade pain in my hands and arms. I work as a robotic surgeon. In this capacity, I had developed some overuse pain in my hands,
thumbs and arms. Six months ago, after a power outage in my home, I had flooding and
had a exhausting period of water mitigation, ripping up carpet, and carrying heavy
soggy carpet and furniture to save my home. Following this event, I had significant pain
that was limiting my ability to operate.

I received a number of different treatments from other providers; however, Dr. Friedman was by far the most effective in treating me. His
techniques of fascial release combined with manipulations were phenomenal in
relieving my pain and allowing me to work again without suffering. He listened carefully
to my story, carefully examined me, and explained his plan. He is exceptionally skilled at
diagnosis and treatment. I would recommend him to anyone needing relief from pain.

-Shanti M., MD

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   erin eldermire 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The short version: I 100% recommend Dr. Arden at Rooted Movement!

The long version: I'm a mid-40s lifetime runner. Love running and always have, but a few years ago I started having hip pain on one side that really slowed me down. I basically had to stop running because every time I went on a run my hip pain would flare up and stick with me for days. I was sad not to be able to run and it took a chunk out of my life that I really valued. Over that time, I sought help from all of the healthcare providers in the Ithaca area that I could think of. I saw my primary care provider, sports medicine, a physical therapist, and nothing helped. I tried other chiropractors but my hip never got better. I really started losing hope. I stumbled into Rooted Movement after feeling like I had exhausted all my options for help. Dr. Arden was able to do a quick assessment to understand what was going on, and he started me on a program that was specific to what was going on with me and my biomechanics. He showed me exercises that re-taught me how to move so that my hip wasn't overburdened like it had been. Within a little less than a month I started seeing improvements, and then it quickly got better from there. I'm wrapping up my treatment now, and I'm BACK! Running nearly every day which is what I was doing before this all started and I'm feeling fantastic.

Dr. Arden's approach requires a personal commitment -- I did the exercises that he recommended at home several days a week. But that also got me into a positive pattern of setting aside a little time to work on myself, and now that I have that habit solidified, I see myself doing it indefinitely. I hear time and time again that one really needs to do strength conditioning, especially as we age, and I'm glad that not only am I back to my normal running self, but I've built a healthy habit of conditioning along the way. I'm so grateful I found Dr. Arden, we're lucky to have him in the Ithaca area!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   N. Santamaría 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For over more than a year, I started to have flares of pain in the hip, and could not get rid of them. I tried to alleviate it with things like massage therapy and yoga, which helped to ease it momentarily, but the pain eventually came back. My husband was dealing with back pain, he started seeing Dr. Arden Freeman at Rooted Movement (RMC), and within a month I could see he was pain free. So I decided to give RMC a try, because by then, flares had started to have a negative impact in activities like cycling and hiking.
After the initial evaluation with Dr. Arden, I got a clear plan to address the root cause of the pain, instead of dealing with the symptoms. During the first three months, it took discipline and commitment to do the daily routine of exercises, but it paid off. The exercise routine addressed the imbalances and weaknesses that were causing the pain. Now it has been about six months since I started working with Dr. Arden, I'm pain free, and getting stronger.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ellen Hartman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to Rooted Movement for long term pain and mobility issues related to my knees. I wanted a more holistic approach than regular physical therapy and have been so happy I went this route. I have increased strength, renewed mobility, and no pain. The recommendation for a 15-session treatment was spot on--I improved every week and felt ready to continue with the program on my own after I finished.

I recommend Arden's approach and his practice. A really restorative experience for me--I did not expect to see the amount of improvement I have seen.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shirley Brown 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. recovering from a debilitating bulging disc which pressed on the nerves between L5 and S1 I had been working with various practitioners for 5 years.  Accupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage therapy, PT, OT, injections and energy healing as well.  I tried everything.  It all did help and I became functioning again from having had to use a walker to get around. However, I reached a plateau which led me to Dr. Arden.

I found Dr. Arden's work  to be a kind of melding of physical therapy (but different than that, too), Deep tissue work and some chiropractic adjustments along with accountability for me to do the exercises in between sesssions which all together made a difference. The exercises he gave were unlike anything I did in physical therapy by doing them I have been able to leave my back cushion at home when I am in the car, going to the movies or a restaurant.  I feel stronger and I have a series of tools to assist if I find that I over do something.

Mine is a continuous journey of healing and the exercises I was given by Dr. Arden are continually useful. He assisted me in getting past the plateau.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christine Lemonda 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Before coming to Rooted Movement Chiropractic, I was experiencing intense pain in my hip that radiated all the way down my leg. The issue had been going on for well over a year, but the pain became especially severe during the five months before I started treatment. At times, when I was driving longer distances, my entire leg and foot would go numb. The pain significantly limited my ability to do everyday activities. It became difficult to chop wood,  go for moderate walks, or play actively with my daughter. I found myself sitting on the sidelines of many of the things I enjoy because I was worried about triggering pain or making it worse.

Before finding Rooted Movement Chiropractic, I tried physical therapy, but it didn't help, not even with symptom reduction. After so long without improvement, I was starting to lose hope that I would ever feel better.

I was so grateful to find Dr. Arden and Rooted Movement Chiropractic. Dr. Arden's approach gave me hope again. I really appreciated the 1:1 attention, the customized treatment plan, and the movement series that helped me not only reduce symptoms but also rebuild strength and confidence in my body. The accountability was incredibly helpful, and the weekly tips he provided made a real difference. I also appreciated how he combined movement-based exercises, education, and hands-on treatment into a comprehensive approach that addressed the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms.

Recovery required commitment, consistency, and an investment of both time and money. But for me, it was 100% worth it. Being able to hike, bike, play with my daughter, and trust my body again is something I can't put a price on. Coming to Rooted Movement Chiropractic has allowed me to return to activities I love without being limited by pain. I'm incredibly grateful for the progress I've made and the quality of life I've regained thanks to Dr. Arden's care.

I highly recommend Rooted Movement Chiropractic!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alyssa Babcock 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I finally found a Doctor who actually listens

For years, I was stuck with chronic pain from workouts—my neck, back, hips, and especially my feet were constantly sore. I tried everything: yoga, stretching, acupuncture, over-the-counter pain relief. But nothing addressed the root of the problem, so the pain just kept coming back. It wore on me emotionally and killed my confidence to try new sports or push myself in the gym.

What makes Dr. Arden different is that he actually pays attention. He doesn’t just treat the symptom in front of him—he listens to what you’re telling him and digs down to find the real issue. That personalized approach completely changed my situation.

The results speak for themselves. I went from dealing with a daily pain level of 4-5/10 down to a 2/10 on bad days, and honestly, most days I’m pain-free. My body feels genuinely resilient now. I can lift heavy without the fear of getting injured and losing weeks to recovery. My balance is better, my mind-body connection is stronger, and I actually understand the fundamentals of movement well enough to approach new exercises with confidence.

But what I’m most grateful for is the peace of mind. Knowing there’s actually a solution to pain and mobility issues—that I don’t have to just accept it and live with it—is huge. Dr. Arden gave me that back. Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   R HC 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have struggled with chronic muscle tightness for decades and had done my best to temper it through stretching, yoga, PT, and even typical chiropractic care. While each of these modalities helped to a degree, my issues persisted and even flared from time to time, severely limiting my mobility. Since beginning to see Dr. Arden in 2025, however, things shifted. By committing to regular visits my mobility improved in ways I hadn't thought possible. The fascial manipulation and rehabilitation exercises from Dr. Arden have made all of the difference. Rooted Movement is unlike any chiropractor I've ever been to. If you feel like you've lost hope in managing your pain or mobility issues, give Rooted Movement a try. I am so glad I did and cannot recommend this practice enough. It is a true Ithaca gem.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Zach Shulman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to Rooted Movement on the recommendation of a friend of mine.  I was having a serious shoulder issue that needed attention.

Arden's approach was truly beneficial for me.  The combination of physical therapy and facia massage is unique in my experience.  The one-hour appointments combine both, and I think this works very well for patients.

My shoulder issue is gone!  And I am continuing to do my PT routine almost every day.  I definitely recommend Arden to patients who believe that treatment over 2-3 months is right for them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Stephanie Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend Rooted Movement! After years of struggling with persistent hip, back, and sciatic pain that injections and acupuncture couldn't fix, Dr. Arden Freedman finally found the answer. While my scans were "normal," his thorough assessment identified deep core instability as the root cause. Through specialized rehab, breathwork, and functional movement patterns, I am finally moving better and feeling stronger than I have in years. If you want evidence-based care that actually looks at how your body moves, see Dr. Arden.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   BWS 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I came to Dr. Arden with hip and low back pain that I’d had on and off for more than a year. Dr. Arden’s approach is unique, goal-oriented, and effective. During the intake process, I was asked to commit to my own treatment plan goal, and each week we’d revisit the goal and our progress toward it. This kept me committed to continued wellness.

Dr. Arden blends chiropractic adjustments and hands-on fascial work with serious training expertise that he adapts to your goals (in my case, weight training). His whole-body approach to care showed me where I needed to get stronger (my core, my hips) and how I needed to train my brain-body connection to help my body move as one integrated functional system.

I’ve worked with Dr. Arden for the past 4 months, and I’m proud to say that I’m meeting my weightlifting goal that I set at the beginning of our work together! I’ve had enough chiropractors who have used a “bandaid” philosophy to treatment that I’m honestly a little surprised by all the progress I’ve made, but I think it’s two main things. First, Dr. Arden really gets to the root cause of your challenges, he really cares and listens, and his holistic, whole-body approach is effective. And second, I will say, you have to show up for yourself in this process, too. You won’t get better if you don’t work on the exercises Dr. Arden gives you outside of your sessions, but if you do this, you’ll be able to see your progress and that builds momentum into even greater success and more healthful living. Thank you, Dr. Arden.