I have had a long-term back problem, and have had injections, PT, chiropractic work, massage, and…read morefinally 2 discectomies and 4 decompressions surgically. Bloody thing reconciled to the fact that this was my life until I finally gave in to the nagging of a work friend, and called Derek at Norcal Muscle. Honestly, I expected no improvement or benefit - I was just going to shut my friend up. Derek and Laura are both Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) specialists, which I knew absolutely nothing about. The focus of MAT is to analyze and correct muscular weakness, along with stabilizing balance and joints. This is accomplished by constantly testing the strength of individual muscles/groups and the practitioner then sort of "jump-starting" the muscles by applying pressure where the joints/tendons/ligaments and muscles all come together. I'm not great at explaining it, but I can tell you it has been a life-changing experience for me. Anyone who is in constant pain will understand what a radical concept it would be to be able to sit, stand, walk and lie down pain free. It's not immediate or sudden, because you are reactivating and strengthening muscles that you might not have used for some time. I was limping, so half of my leg muscles were very weak, and my back was trying to compensate for it. By making my legs and back stronger, my body doesn't have to keep doing a half-assed job at compensation, but can actually function like it's supposed to. My back surgeon has been sufficiently impressed by my progress under Derek's care that he has asked for Norcal's phone number for referral purposes. I use Derek, but both he and Laura are highly competent, kind, nice and empathetic. They explain the science of what is going on. I really appreciate that, as I'm not one for wanting to hear about my "energy" and chakras being aligned and flowing. That's fine if you're into that, but I want the actual mechanics made understandable, which they do. I wish I could give them 6 stars.

Since 2001 I have been diagnosed as having multiple cervical & lumbar herniated disks of varying…read moredegrees, mid-back compression fracture, multiple reverse curvatures of the spine, scoliosis (read in my spine looks more like a spiral staircase when x-rayed ;) extensive nerve damage and the list goes on... Doctors told me I would be on medications for the rest of my life but none of their heavy-duty pain meds ever helped me... I was still in extreme pain AND the meds just made me foggy-headed, nauseated and dizzy all of the time. I've been on a quest for natural, non-invasive, non-medicated ways to help me feel better. When my boyfriend suggested I go see Derek and Laura at NorCal Muscle Clinic in January 2011, I made an appointment. They answered all of my questions thoroughly and very knowledgeably as they tested and activated my various muscles. The real WOW came when I got off the table... I felt significantly better than I had in years! That alone was miraculous for me! In about 90 minutes time; they did more for me, in the way of getting me mobile with less pain, than all of the scores of medical specialists, chiropractors and massage therapists had ever been able to do in over a decade! It has been truly amazing and a relatively FAST journey for me from someone who could hardly move without grimacing in extreme pain to someone who is enjoying to go camping with my 10 year-old son, hike, jump on a trampoline and work out for the first time in years! I can't say enough great things about Derek and Laura of NorCal Muscle Clinic! Go see them for yourself, you will be VERY glad you did!!! Whether you are seriously injured as I have been or an athlete wanting to recover from or prevent one of those nagging sports injuries, NorCal Muscle Clinic can help! These days I still see Derek or Laura for a tune-up every month or two and without any medications they keep me moving so much better than I had long thought remotely possible! They have significantly changed the quality of my life through their work at NorCal Muscle Clinic. My son has a more active and happy mom because of them and he's let me know he likes it... also, I now enjoy doing more active things with my boyfriend... I am forever grateful. Thank you NorCal Muscle Clinic! Barbie B. Redding, California

Dr Kakleas worked on the wrong leg for hip pain. When I questioned this he said that the hip…read morerotation test showed tightness in my left hip. I said no, it was the right side that showed tightness and was giving me problems. I tried twice to explain his error but he would not admit it. I literally got off the table and left

Dr Kakleas has taken great care of me and taught me so many helpful exercises and stretches to help…read morewith my back and neck issues. I would strongly recommend anyone who is looking for a great chiropractor and PT specialist to visit Dr Kakleas office.

Very good doctor highly recommend great treatment options. Very clean and nice and proffesionalread more

Dr. Melnik gave my mom many back injections over several years. As time went on, it was clear that…read morethey were no longer working (or maybe never had). Due to my mom's worsening dementia, I wrote a very clearly worded email requiring that I be included in my mother's healthcare decisions, and I provided my notarized power of attorney. In that email I also noted the treatments had not helped. Despite this, unbeknownst to me, she did another procedure on my mother which required her to have a mild sedation. I was not notified, my mother's back is not improved, and we lived through several scary days of increased dementia. She did not even warn my mother's partner who was extremely frightened by her sudden cognitive decline.

Hi Folxs, I really appreciate working with the Sport &…read moreSpine center in San Anselmo. The staff really are 1st rate. Lisa Story is my main person, I work with and she is so friendly, caring, kind, thorough, and up on so much health stuff. She sincerely believes in connecting with her clients and I have seen her friendliness with all her clients, not just me. She's also in tip top shape, but can relate to climbing out of an injury hole, as she has had to recover from various injuries herself. The whole staff is vary caring, kind and accommodating. They are all good listeners & without trying in some contrived way, get you to laugh and feel hopeful. I really recommend Sport & Spine wholeheartedly.

I have been seeing PT Mike Mottola at Sport & Spine Therapy of Marin, doing rehab for total reverse…read moreshoulder replacement surgery. Thanks to Mike's expert treatment, my shoulder is progressing well. What sets Mike apart in the PT arena is his combination of technical skill and genuine caring for his patients' recovery. From our first session, it was clear that he has extensive knowledge of anatomy and rehabilitation techniques, and is able to explain them so that I can understand what to do and, importantly, what not to do. He masterfully developed a personalized treatment plan that managed to tailor the PT regimen so that I can strengthen my shoulder without aggravating my degenerative spine condition. At each session, Mike begins with soft tissue mobilization to reduce the scar tissue in my shoulder, and as a result, my post-surgery range of motion is now excellent, with an absolute minimum of scar tissue impeding movement. Even though the Sport and Spine facility is quite understaffed at the moment and he's got to juggle 2-3 patients at a time, Mike carefully monitors my exercises and makes adjustments as needed, ensuring that I am achieving the proper positioning so as not to risk further injury. One of their PTs just left, and I understand that it's not easy to fill her spot. I do hope he gets another certified PT in soon though, because it's otherwise an excellent facility, and Mike's overload of patients is far from an optimal set up. Meanwhile, he maintains both good humor and really superb care. In sum, thanks to Mike's care and the thoughtfully tailored PT program he devised, I've seen significant improvement in my mobility and pain levels, and my strength is finally returning. My shoulder surgeon is pleased with the progress, and I am eagerly looking forward to resuming normal activities. Mike's expertise and dedication to his patients are top of the charts. 5 stars and huge applause for Mike Mottola!

Major continuity of care problem, please call your insurance if you are having problems with Active…read moreMarin PT switching out insurance rapidly at the end of 2025 or billing you a ton for appointments you booked before 12/28/25. I learned this behavior is not allowed and violates both patient notice requirements as well as Continuity of Care laws and No Surprise laws in the state of California. Forcing a post-surgical patient in severe pain to make a rushed financial decision at the front desk is considered administrative coercion and poor medical ethics. I had foot surgery in mid November and was referred for post-surgical PT for hip and low back at my 12/22/25 follow up with my surgeon, due to issues that developed from an uneven gait in the walking boot. I contacted my insurance for referrals and was referred to Active Marin PT as well as a few others that were IN NETWORK. I was in pain and not sleeping well, so when I called Active Marin PT on 12/23/25, and was booked in for eight appointments beginning 12/29/25, I was very relieved. In my booking call, I provided my insurance information and Active Marin PT confirmed they were IN NETWORK. I showed up, in pain, on 12/29/25 and was told verbally that Active Marin PT had ended their contract with my insurance the day before, 12/28/25, but Active Marin PT would file something called a "gap form" on my behalf to bring their services back IN NETWORK. I was very confused as I had been booked for eight (8) appointments before they ended their contract on 12/28/25, and because PT was part of my post-surgical care. And I had made sure with Active Marin PT that I was IN NETWORK. I was induced to continue with care because Active Marin PT stated a plan (the "gap form") to deal with their contractual changes so my services would be covered In Network. Importantly, no one from Active Marin PT contacted me BEFORE of my appointment to explain they had cancelled their office's contract with my insurance (Blue Shield of CA, not a small provider) and obtain my consent to different charges or give me alternative options. I was instructed to keep my three appointments that week and wait out the gap form, and frankly I was in terrible pain that was making it hard to walk, and needed help at that point. I have since learned that the medical provider must give written notice to all patients when a master insurance plan is changed. I also learned that the Continuity of Care doctrine means my care continues for a period of time at In Network rates due to the booking date of 12/23/25, and I learned about the Post Surgical Care laws. Both laws disallow Balance Billing, or upcharging the patient to enrich the medical practice above what insurance allows. I followed up daily on the "gap form" both with my insurance and with Active Marin PT; after the first week (3 appointments) I became concerned about the lack of progress and I cancelled the rest of my appointments. The reception did not seem to have a handle on when or how the gap form might be resolved. I also asked how billing was going to be handled and no one seemed to know. I moved on to an In Network PT who is great, but I had to wait a while to get in for care. Active Marin's behavior cost me additional time in pain. Flash forward - not only did Active Marin PT NOT bill for the three visits at In Network rates ($15 per visit for me, total $45), they Balance Billed a total of $590 for three appointments. Before I knew the laws, I offered to negotiate the bill. Per my insurance, these appointments would have cost me $15 per, or $45 total. I offered $250 (5X what my bill would have been to try and be fair) in resolution. While I understand business contracts can change, Active Marin PT owed me full and complete disclosure of this change BEFORE booking me in for 8 appointments, taking me on an emotional roller coaster while in pain, confusing me with insurance jargon, and forcing me to start my care over, all while Balance Billing and violating California Continuity of Care Laws and California Post-Surgical Care Laws. Active Marin PT refused to even discuss the problem or work out a solution with me, instead inserting their billing coordinator into a quasi-lawyer position to go back and forth with me. It is important for the community to take extra steps with this business and triple check insurance contracts have not changed before each appointment or risk expensive and fake Balance Bills and a dismissive and rude attitude. If this happened to you, please file a complaint with your insurance company so you do not pay false and expensive Balance Bills like I did. I am out $590 and a lot of headache due to this bad behavior.

Super impressed with Active Marin Physical Therapy. I elected to go there based on Yelp reviews and…read morehave not been disappointed. I went in for lower back and sciatica pain. The physical therapists are all highly skilled, professional, and knowledgeable. I love the online system for tracking exercises and watching videos to ensure you're doing them correctly. I've been very pleased with Ming & Nikki.

I don't know what I would've done without Dr Maderis. He…read morehas treated me going on two times now for Lyme disease. I was not lucky when I got bit a second time and it was a positive wife disease, tick. He's wonderful ! I'm deeply appreciative and I highly recommend him!

A true expert in autoimmune diseases. He saved our family by insisting on MOLD test that turned out…read morepositive. He helped us through the most difficult time of our lives. We became free of symptoms years ago, felt obligated to leave a review, because of the amazing quality of care we received from him.

I hate calling attention to my need for medical care, but i feel i owe it to my many fans out there…read moreas well as those who simply consult yelp for guidance to report a good physician when i come across one. i first consulted Dr. Wingfield for a frozen shoulder. i had previously seen a surgeon about this who injected cortisone in the area but somehow missed the spot. within a month the problem resurfaced. a good friend mentioned Dr. Wingfield who, sure enough, did it right; the problem completely disappeared. the latest issue was a minor tear of the labrum in the right hip socket, and for this i decided to forego the surgical route altogether and return instead to the fine doctor who had so capably fixed me up before. there are differences between a shot of cortisone in the shoulder versus in the hip; the difference that means the most difference to me is the length of the needle used for the injection. one thing i have to confess at this point is how much i hate needles, have since i was so very young that all i remember from my first vaccination is the color of the doc's office building (still hate pink for this reason) and the sharp pain. on the other hand as i think on it, my dislike of needles has actually stood me in good stead as a very protective limitation in another realm altogether; the aversion drew a certain line in the sand if you know what i mean, and if you know that's about all i care to say on this anyway. it turns out that the needle for this procedure is about 3 inches long, and of course knowing this caused me no end of misery just thinking about it. "please, Dr. Winfield, be gentle," i whined. "oh, this won't be so bad as all that. what, did someone tell you something about this?" but of course by then it was too late, the needle was already in sight which was enough. still, i soldiered on. and then, almost before she started doing anything, she said simply, "you can open your eyes now, Bob, it's done." it had been almost painless. in short, Dr. Wingfield is amazing in my book, knows what she's doing, and at least in my case so far she doesn't hurt. she is herself quite an accomplished athlete in numerous sports, including of all things high wire trapeze performance. I highly recommend her for any sports and exercise injuries that may not require an operatio, and in that regard will consult her opinion should an orthopedic surgeon suggest "you might do well to fix that."

I received immediate care several time from Dr. Wingfield. She is a top drawer Orthopedist who is…read moreand excellent diagnostician. I highly recommend her.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Mackenzie Steward-Snook at Wellspring Acupuncture &…read moreMassage. I've been using acupuncture for more than 40 years and have been treated by many practitioners over the decades. After a total knee replacement in May 2025, I continued to experience daily pain, especially at night. For 15 months, I accepted that pain as my new normal. Then I had a treatment with Dr. Mackenzie. For the first time in 15 months, I was completely pain-free. It felt nothing short of miraculous. More than a week later, the pain is still gone. Waking up without pain and sleeping through the night has been life-changing, and every day I find myself grateful for the relief. I also saw Dr. Mackenzie for a migraine. In my past experience, acupuncture would ease the pain during the treatment and perhaps for a couple of hours afterward, but the migraine would always return. This time it didn't. The migraine was gone and stayed gone. Dr. Mackenzie combines deep knowledge, skill, and genuine compassion. Her treatments have produced results that exceeded anything I thought possible. If you're considering acupuncture for pain relief or migraines, I wholeheartedly recommend her. Finding Dr. Mackenzie has made a tremendous difference in my quality of life.

Danny Geren is a magician. I have been working with him for almost 10 years, and he has truly…read moretransformed my life. I feel so safe with him. You can tell he truly cares about his clients. He welcomes you into his space and truly cares for his clients. He has a special gift, and I feel truly lucky to know him and have him work on me. If you are looking for a practitioner, look no further than Danny Geren.