I've been going to Empire for the past three weeks for physical therapy. Wow! Here's 5 reasons it gets 5 stars: 1) No wait time. I arrive, check in and say hi to Cece, and within minutes I'm being seen by Jack or Jay. 2) Personal, individualized treatment. Both doctors are really attentive, answer all my questions, and I never feel shorted for time. Qua (pronounced Quway), the assistant, is awesome too and does a really nice job with the ultrasound treatment. 3) Friendly staff. From the first day, I felt welcome. Everyone is conversational and takes an appropriately professional interest in my personal life. 4) Soothing environment. The office is quiet, the benches are comfortable, everything is clean, and I get as many pillows as I want! One time during the electro-therapy I had a headache, and without my saying anything about it Jay noticed my wincing from the light. He dimmed the ceiling light and put an ice pack under my neck. No more headache! 5) EFFECTIVE TREATMENT. A broken tibia in the ankle area and a few ligament sprains had held me back since they occurred in March. When I started going at the end of May, I still had tons of stiffness and swelling in my ankle even 10 weeks after the injury, and I couldn't walk without a cane. Its three weeks later, and I am already feeling ready to run! I know I need to still wait and finish my treatment so I build back my muscle strength. However, the combinations of treatments, education, and teamwork provided at Empire have me extremely satisfied. read more

I went to this PT place twice, in March. The owner and his assistant were both kind. However, the owner's wife - who supervises the office staff (although I think she's only there once/week to go over the billing) - was AWFUL! The receptionist (a nice young woman) told me - when I made my first appointment - that the owner's wife was very concerned about payment. I told her we had *excellent* health insurance (for which we were paying an obscene amount of money) and it would cover 100% of the first eight visits (I'd already *confirmed* that with our insurance company, which is probably the most well-known in the U.S.). At the time of my first visit, the receptionist inferred that the owner's wife was very leery - but they'd made a copy of my health insurance card and therefore they had all of my information (and they could *easily* have contacted our insurance company for verification of my benefits, as anyone else would have). I thought it was quite strange for the owner's wife to behave in that manner, and I've *never* in my entire life encountered such odd behavior from anyone else at a medical office. When I went for my second appointment, the owner's wife was there. After my PT session, she strongly told me that I couldn't continue with appointments unless I paid upfront. I was livid, because they had *all* of my information. I also told her that it would take at least three months for me to get reimbursement (which I realize is the case for medical practitioners and I'm sympathetic, but a patient shouldn't have to be without the money when having *already proven* they'd receive full reimbursement). I decided not to return, since there was *no* way I was going to lay out all that money. Gradually I healed on my own, anyway - but the wife was a FOOL, because they ended up losing a lot of money when I didn't return. UPDATE (2/19/10): Donna W. (the owner's wife) has made totally FALSE statements and SHE is the one who does not "understand" the insurance situation! My health insurance paid *IN FULL* for the two PT visits - but later I was informed by my car insurance company that NYS has a ridiculous law whereby if you're injured in a public transit accident (I was injured on an MTA bus) and if you own a car, your *car* insurance company must pay your medical bills (there's obviously no connection between a bus accident injury and owning a car, but far be it for me to understand the crazy laws enacted by our state legislature). My health insurance company had already paid 100% of my medical bills (including Empire State PT), but that ridiculous law forced every medical provider to reimburse my health insurance company and to then re-bill everything to my car insurance company (!). We have a $200 deductible with our car insurance, which meant that $200 out of the *multi-thousands of dollars* would not be paid. However; I know for a fact that one of the other providers wasn't paid for part of the $200 deductible, therefore Empire State PT is NOT owed $200 (meaning, Donna W. is a *LIAR*!). Further, Empire State PT *NEVER* billed me for any balance and therefore it's an outright *LIE* for Donna W. to accuse me of not paying! And lastly, the supervisor at my car insurance company told me they'd PREVIOUSLY had a problem with Empire State PT refusing to reimburse someone's health insurance company and to re-bill their car insurance company (the same thing happened *this* time, therefore that person had to then call the *owner* of Empire State PT). That just goes to show the type of person Donna W. is (!). It should now be quite obvious why I rated Donna W's behavior so poorly (and I also find it very "interesting" that later on the *EXACT SAME DAY* Donna W. stated her [multiple] lies and I responded with the *truth*, two other people wrote a [glowing] review of Empire State PT - and to make it even *more* obvious, both reviewers had never written ANY other reviews until today). I predict that Donna W. will contact as many patients as possible to write glowing reviews of their treatment, in a desperate attempt to counteract my review. Avoid Empire State PT unless you want to contend with the owner's unpleasant and LYING wife!! read more

I first went to Empire State Hands-On Physical Therapy in early 2012 on the recommendation of my podiatrist--who deserves his own glowing Yelp review--following bunion surgery. After confirming that the practice took my insurance, I went in with no expectations because I'd never been to a physical therapist before. Jack worked thoughtfully to increase my toe's flexibility, and I later worked with Jay to increase strength. As my toe got stronger, they didn't mind working elsewhere as issues came up, e.g. my knees and hips after a long bike ride had me limping. What I particularly like about this practice is everyone's enthusiasm to see each patient thrive. The entire office rooted for me when I set a goal of running a 5K in April 2012, only five months after surgery. I completed it in good time and didn't experience any discomfort during or after the race. When I ignorantly ran two 5Ks back to back in September and irritated my plantar fascia, Jack and Jay showed me stretches to prevent further foot damage--stretches I still use--and the pain hasn't returned. Both PTs are fantastic, and the office staff is phenomenal: CeCe greets everyone with a smile and expertly keeps the schedule so there is never more than a five-minute wait (when was the last time you could say that about a doctor's office?) and Jeanie and Jen make sure you're comfortable during treatment and always have a fun story to share to make the time you're hooked up to a stimulator or getting an ice massage pass quicker. When I broke my pinkie playing softball earlier this year the one thing I didn't have to worry about was where I'd be going for physical therapy once the fracture healed. I've heard other patients say that their time in this office is the best part of the day--there's no more accurate description than that! read more

Having been to several PT's in the last year, none have come anywhere close to being as good as the team at Empire State PT. Both Jack and Jay are excellent at what they do. They take time to answer any concerns or questions that you may have. They are very attentive and hands on, where as most places I've been will leave you sitting alone for 10-20 mins at a time. The moment you walk in you will instantly feel the friendly and calming atmosphere they have. Cece (at the front desk) always greets you with a smile, and Qua, Jay and Jack all do the same. There is hardly ever any wait and they have a very flexible schedule which I've found extremely helpful. I have also had an extremely difficult time with my insurance company and they have gone above and beyond to help me work around/with the insurance issues and give me support even when I'm unable to go see them. I can honestly say that I have had significant improvement in shouler/neck movement and significantly reduced pain levels while in their care and if it werent for having to go back and forth so much with my insurance company I probably wouldnt even need to go anymore (I was about halfway through my treatment before the insurance company started problems). At the end of the day I've found that I had the most success with Jacks team as far as PT rehab goes, and the whole team really helped to make an often painful and stressful experience something I actually looked forward to. I highly recommend Empire State Hands on PT!!!!! Thanks for everything to Jack and his team for all the emotional support and improvements I have had with my injury. read more

I went to Jack after almost two years of suffering through horrible leg and foot pain. I saw many physical therapists and doctors before that who each had a different opinion on what was causing it. One doctor - the get you in, get you out type of guy - told me just to take Asprin every day for the rest of my life. Being that I'm only in my mid 20's, this wasn't an option. That's when I found Jack. Jack ran several thorough tests during my evaluation and realized that my hips are too far forward and need to be locked into place. He prescribed a bunch of simple exercises that instantly eased the pain! I was even give a regime for my core, giving me a new set of abs (hey, why not kill 2 birds with one stone?). The entire staff at this office is really friendly and helpful. I highly recommend you go see him if you want to cure your pain naturally. read more

After giving up the drums in my early twenties due to severe wrist pain while playing, I had all but lost hope that I would ever be able to play again. I had seen doctors that suggested surgery was the only route, and not wanting to risk it, I stopped playing for nearly six years. Having heard from a friend how great physical therapy could be, I made an appointment to see Jack and was amazed that within six weeks (twelve appointments) I could drum again pain free!! The service I received was a combination of icing, electro-stimulation, and ultrasound, as well as some exercises Jack gave me to do. This was over two (rockin') years ago, and I haven't had an issue with the pain since. I've since been back to see Jack for my back and neck, and after a sprained ankle, each time with incredible, long-lasting results. I've recommended Jack to friends and coworkers and they've also had great success there!! A++!!!!! I cannot recommend them highly enough!! read more

Empire is amazing. I was injured on the job and needed physical therapy and i was very confused on what the procedures were when it came to insurance and workers comp. Let me tell you how Cece helped me through the whole process and worked hard on making sure all the paperwork was going smoothly from calling my drs to calling my workers comp agent then to contacted me to update. Jay and Jack were great i always had a million questions of why something hurts and what am i capable of doing and they were always patient with me. They taught me excercises to do at home and we always had great conversations. I actually miss going there everyone was great ! read more

Dr. Patrick and his assistant Jennifer are AMAZING. After having been to numerous Physical Therapists, they are by far the best. Jennifer is super caring and punctual, and Dr. Patrick is very patient, knowledgeable and hands-on when helping to relieve my pains. The facility is clean and professional with no long wait time. read more

I had been going to Empire State PT for almost 2 months and only had good things to say until one night they called me to tell me they completely screwed up my insurance and had given me the wrong information. My treatment was put on hold for 1 month until they sorted things out . I was told that I may be responsible for payment of 2 months of treatment as well as for copays to THEM that they hadn't been charging me because they thought I had a differerent plan. Mind yourself, since day 1 they had copies of my insurance card so I'm not quite sure where the confusion was. I would 100% not recommend this place - especially in a city full of experienced professionals. Needless to say I will be finding a new physical therapist. read more

I went to Empire for a month following my bout with Tendonitis, and I was very happy with the service. Everyone that works there is also very friendly and very attentive to making the sessions as comfortable and effective as possible. Big thanks to CiCi (I told you I'd give you a shout!), Jay, Jack, and the 2 ladies that did all of my ice massages. Sorry - I don't think I ever caught your names! 5 stars from me. read more

friendly staff. make the visit so pleasant. from the front desk to the assistants to the PTs themselves. i haven't finished my treatment yet. i hope it's going to help. but i feel like i'm in good hands when i go here. read more

My Orthopedist said that I would never get more than 85% range of movement in my shoulder after he did the surgery. He said that it was the worst shoulder he had been able to repair. Every time I see my Orthopedist (my left hip is going to be replaced eventually), he is amazed at the results. Thanks to Jack at Empire State Hands-On I have 100% movement. It was a lot of work for all involved and I will be eternally grateful. I am no longer in the area and am going to have a hip replacement in April - I wish I was closer and could go back to Jack. He and his wife were not just my PT's they became friends - because of how they treated me and the wonderful results we achieved. Russ Padden read more

You really feel like you are being looked after here. They take their time, ask and answer your questions, to get to the root of the issues. Great experience overall! read more

Jack cured my runner's knee. I always felt in capable hands when there. On top of that, the staff is great. What a difference that makes! Cece and co are personable and get to know every patient. It was always a nice experience. read more