I came to see Neil Sturman specifically for significant pain I have had in my ankle, foot and leg as a result of Achilles tendonitis and chronic knee pain. 95% of the pain in my foot, ankle and knee has resolved due to his experienced hand's on treatment techniques. He is now treating my low back as well and I can't recommend him enough. I, myself, am a physical therapist and have experienced other treatments which have helped temporarily but I am finally beginning to feel normal again after many years of debilitating pain thanks to Neil's expertise. read more

I have suffered from low back pain most of my adult life. This time my entire left hip area was painful and I felt like my left leg wouldn't hold me up. I thought I might need hip surgery. Having been through PT before I wasn't expecting much from a first appointment. Boy was I wrong. Neil listened attentively and then examined me. It was a very interactive appointment and he worked with me the entire hour which is so rare these days. I left feeling so much better and walked out to my car without the slightest limp. Miraculous! Thank you Neil. I am so glad I found Encinitas Physical Therapy! read more

Neil helped me tremendously with some nerve issues. He is caring and listens carefully. I highly recommend him!

I've only been to PT once before, for a calf strain, and it was only one appointment with some light stretching so I don't have much experience with the practice. I came to Encinitas Physical Therapy for lower back pain on 01/07/22 and was seen by David Marsh. I explained the lower back issues I was having and almost immediately he pulled down my pants exposing the top half of my butt without asking or communicating at all. I assumed this was normal practice and let it slide, but then when he was massaging my lower back he proceeded to start massaging my butt without asking first (and not only my upper glutes/glute medius but my lower glutes as well) or communicating at all what he was doing or how it was helping. I understand that this all might have been part of the physical therapy but there was zero communication or transparency as to why. All this behavior made me pretty uncomfortable, and I know I should have said something in the moment, but it wasn't until I got home and researched proper PT behavior that I realized it was out of the ordinary. As I thought, physical therapists are *trained* to ask for consent when removing clothing or touching sensitive areas. I'm pretty sure the intake form even states all therapeutic procedures will be explained beforehand, and the massage part certainly wasn't. Anyway I definitely won't be coming back. read more

I highly recommend the services of David Marsh, PT, MOMT, CSCS. Dave helped me recover from minor rotator cuff tears and calcification that rendered my right shoulder useless. I missed a winter of surf and months of yoga until I was finally approved for PT. In a little over 2 months (2x visits per week) the problem has fully resolved. It is nothing short of remarkable. Dave also provided a description of what was happening internally as he walked me through various exercises and movements and gave me home exercises as well. I also appreciated his great sense of humor. read more

I've had knee & shoulder pain for more than a decade. Neil fixed my shoulder issue in two sessions! My range of motion is completely restored and I no longer have the tight pinching sensation that plagued me for years. I have a torn meniscus and previously torn quad tendon, with a LOT of knee pain/tightness as a result. Neil has helped immensely with both! He is very compassionate, intuitive and an expert at finding the source of your pain. He's also helped me with neck and back issues. I highly recommend him! read more

I've been suffering from neck and shoulder pain since last September 2022. Saw several specialists including a surgeon and two different physical therapy facilities. I wish I had found Encinitas Physical Therapy sooner! It would have prevented so much torment and pain. After 4 sessions with Neil I have nearly no neck pain, and almost full shoulder mobility. He is extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, professional and kind. Everything about the practice is smooth sailing; scheduling, Sheila at the front desk, everything. Highly recommend! I will continue on for a short while with what I believe will be full use of my right side (arm, shoulder, hand) previously compromised. Another success story and no surgery for me! read more

I was shocked to see a 1-star review of David Marsh and felt compelled to write a review of my experience. I've been going to Encinitas Physical Therapy on and off for two years due to a rotator cuff issue and lower back pain. During that time David M. has been completely professional and highly competent at his craft--Manual Physical Therapy. David always explained what he was doing in detail and answered all my questions fully. Not sure what happened the day Samy A. had an appointment but it sounds like an innocent error in communication. In two years, I have never experienced the slightest discomfort with where or how I was being touched--David is a top-notch therapist with lots of skills. John B. (Encinitas) read more

I want to thank Dr. Neil Sturman for helping me with a number of years long aches and pains that I never found a solution for via orthopedic doctors or chiropractors. In three visits Dr. Neil has resolved neck and ligament issues that have plagued me for twenty years or more. All done with his hands on approach and a ultrasound tool only! I will never go to another different PT again. Dr. Neil is the best and most experienced PT there is! Thank you! James P. read more

Update: The receptionist that gave me the cold shoulder apologized and explained she was having a bad day. Months later, I believe her (and further, she moved on and was replaced by the current full-time receptionist, Nikki, who is utterly delightful and effective). Been a client here for about nine months, rotating among the therapists, and they are an amazing team. Each therapist offers a slightly different repertoire of treatments. You might try them all and see who helps you best. Even better, all of the PTs here truly love and care for their patients. Highest recommendation! read more

Neal Sturman may actually be a miracle worker! He just made my sciatica feel soooooo much better. I wish I'd come right here!

I recently began using Neil Sturman to help me thru post-surgery recovery from a torn rotator cuff. Neil has been extremely helpful with this recovery. I have been impressed with his knowledge and with the techniques that he uses. I am progressing rapidly thru this recovery and am on target for full recovery from this surgery. More impressive than the therapy he has provided for my shoulder has been the assistance he is also providing for recovery from sciatica pain that I have suffered for ages. I have had this pain in my right foot and had pretty much given up on ever getting rid of the pain. The pain is there 24/7 and it stops me from doing things that I love to do. I have sought help from physical therapy, accupuncture, various meds, and a chiropractor - all with no results. I explained my symptoms to Neil and he worked on me for one session providing more relief than I had gained in the past year from all other professions combined. Neil is now working to get me to 100% recovery from this pain. In both of the instances above I have been especially impressed with the technical knowledge that Neil has. He is extremely well-read and he attends seminars and courses to constantly improve his knowledge and skills. It is obvious that he is passionate about his practice and he cares for each of his patients. I am 1000% happy with his service and I would strongly recommend his services to others. read more

Once again Dr. Neil has performed his expert diagnosis and treatment to curtail my back pain, resulting from a fall, yesterday. Since I have been seeing Dr. Neil, he's effectively treated and resolved my issues. No kidding, from a trigger finger issue to neck, back, and groin pain Dr. Neil Sturman has addressed and resolved them all. I only return when I've found a way to re-injure myself. That's my fault! Happy to have Neil close by!! read more

Dr. Neil Sturman was brilliant in relieving me of significant pain associated with 13 orthopedic surgeries and procedures resulting from wear and tear as a career Marine Infantry Officer. During my first emergent visit for acute lower back pain, which was disrupting my sleep, he manipulated the area and effectively calmed down the inflammation. I was able to walk out the door a new man! I also sincerely appreciated the prompt focused attention provided by Ms. Sheila Gilbert, who very pleasantly facilitated my emergent appointment, medicare processing, and scheduling of my subsequent appointment Successive visits, focusing on my chest and shoulder led to a remarkable relief from adhesion(s) in those areas + resulted in immediate increase in a range of motion to my arms, that I had not seen in decades. The effects of Dr. Neil's effective manipulative therapy was felt right away, as I returned to the local 'Y' for a great one-mile swim. Dr. Neil also made a point of sharing in layman's terms his expertise in anatomy + neuroscience, which I found particularly useful. Within the scope of just three (3) appointments, my quality of life and daily physical training have improved tremendously and with it. Dr. Neil Sturman has received my highest recommendation. read more

I have three sessions with Neil Sturman and already experienced significant reduction in lower back pain. Actually, after the first session I already had reduced pain; the two additional sessions have be like an added bonus. I recommend Neil to anyone who needs physical therapy. He achieves excellent results and listens very well. read more

I have been to other physical therapy treatments which were intially treated by a licensed therapist and then passed onto assistants for the balance of treatment without much pain relief and use of equipment. At Encinitas Physical Therapy patients are evaluated by a licensed physical therapist and then treated and actually use techniques which brought more pain relief than other facilities. David Marsh at EPT has been exceptional and eased my severe neck pain by his techniques which were most impressive. Highly recommend! read more

David Marsh is a totally dedicated pro. His know- how is a whole career deep. Big- time, personalized treatment in a small- practice atmosphere. read more

David Marsh was wonderful treating my frozen shoulder. He always explained what he was doing and supported me in working hard to heal.

It was the best day in my life when I met Neil Sturman at Encinitas Physical Therapy! I had been dealing with chronic back pain for over 15 years - been through massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, then epidural injections that lasted 1-2 years, then finally after consulting 3 surgeons back surgery. The surgery didn't fix my pain - a follow up MRI showed yet another operation to fuse the L-4/5 area of my spine was probably needed. I had gone through several courses of physical therapy at home and at offices after the surgery but none relieved the pain - some made it much worse. Neil has been a lifesaver in being able to review both pre- and post-op MRIs to enable him to deliver amazing therapy that has completely turned around my condition in just a few visits. My back is not yet perfect- before I couldn't walk 1 block - but now I'm functioning well, almost normal with driving, shopping, and cooking. It's like a miracle to me - sometimes I can't believe this has happened! I recommend Neil to everyone - he's patient, generous with his time, understanding and works on whatever area of your body that needs attention. He does this work on you himself, unlike other therapy sessions I've had where you're handed off to a helper after a main therapist works on you for only 10 minutes. read more

5+++ Stars. Nine years ago, I came across Encinitas Physical Therapy and gave them a try. I'd been to dozens of physical therapists and multiple physical therapy modalities and programs over a number of years with minimal improvement in mobility and functionality. (I have moderate to severe disc disease, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, related postural restrictions and deformities, polyneurapathy and chest muscle issues related to a heart surgery and lung disease). I still go there for treatment.The results have been quite remarkable. MRIs taken 7 years apart show no progression in spinal deterioration, which would normally be expected; spirometry tests have not show further deterioration of my lung capacity, despite COPD being a progressive disease. My posture has improved significantly: head tilt improved by about 15 degrees and standing more erect. Mobility improvement has been substantial. When I first went to Encinitas Physical Therapy, I had difficulty looking to the side while driving. I now can swivel my head to look out the rear window. My back muscles are unfrozen for the first time in 30 years allowing me to self-adjust my spine and back muscles. There are several specific reasons why therapy at Encinitas Physical Therapy has worked far better than any of my other experiences: 1. Manual Manipulation (also known as Manual Therapy). This therapeutic approach, of which there are only a small number of skilled practitioners, primarily uses manual manipulation of muscles to achieve desired results. It is unlike the physical therapy most people have experienced. Think "massage" - but by someone who has exceptional knowledge of musculature and techniques for resolving physical challenges. For me, it's been way more effective than exercises, rubber bands and other various techniques to which my body has been subjected. 2. Personal Attention. A highly skilled therapist works with you for the duration of your appointment. Unlike common physical therapy practices, you're not turned over to a PT assistant for part of the session. Total focus and concentration is on you and your needs. 3. Exclusively Physical Therapists. There is no potential conflict of interest in patient care here, unlike doctor- and hospital-owned facilities. 4. Gifted, Skilled and Experienced Therapists. Neil Sturman, owner of Encinitas Physical Therapy, is recognized within the physical therapy professional community as a practitioner with extraordinary knowledge of a broad range of techniques/modalities and years of experience in their application. He's simply brilliant. Neil's also quite good at telling jokes from an amazing repertoire of decent-to-hilarious material. Michelle Sturman, related to Neil by marriage and co-parentage of two lovely children, is remarkably intuitive in visualizing a client's musculature and the location of barriers to normal function that need attention. She's had specialized training in manual manipulation methods. Michelle is also an expert in Harry Potter. Knows every detail of the entire story. Also quite familiar with dragons. Darren Mallinson, a long-time staff PT, is an expert in techniques to improve mobility. He's done great work with my shoulders and detected a bone spur that required subsequent medical attention; also made a major contribution to "unfreezing" my back muscles (a multi-year project) and improving my posture and head tilt. Darren climbs mountains. Climbed Mount Everest. He and his gem of a wife, Katie, plan on climbing Machu Picchu this year. Probably could use physical therapy when they come back from Neil or Michelle. These are wonderful, empathetic people who really care about each client and his/her progress. read more

I went 5 times for tailbone pain. It always seemed as though Dr Neil was just guessing. Ultimately he couldn't help me and told me as much. I appreciated his honesty, but that's the only good thing I can say. Total waste of time, money and visits off my insurance. read more

Neil is truly expert on every level in regards to both physical therapy and patient care. As an RN I am very appreciative of his professionalism as well as his careful listening and well considered responses and treatment. After using 2 other PT practices for my set of presenting problems, I now will go nowhere else. read more

Great first visit I will return, very helpful with my hip pain. I like the privacy of individual patient rooms.

Best physical therapy I ever had. Neil is not only an excellent physical therapists, he does joint mobilizations/ manipulations and since I began PT with him I rarely have to go to the chiropractor. read more

I am a very active person who runs, bikes, swims, weight lifting, and I love to backpack and camp. Approximately a year ago I developed severe back pain and was diagnosed, an MRI, with a moderate disc bulge in L5. I took multiple medications and injections with little or no positive results. Most important I was unable to do many of the activities that I enjoy. I ultimately asked my Physician to prescribe physical therapy and was referred to Neil Struman. Within in 2 sessions I had more relief than I had with all other treatments in the previous year. When I began treatment I was unable to walk any distance without pain and am now walking about 3 miles every other day, cycling up 150-200 miles a week and maintaining a routine weight training program. Neil started with a very through and precise diagnostic process followed with manual therapy followed by specific exercises for home use. He is a very knowledgeable person actively involved as faculty person at PT schools, very interested in studying and investigating new treatment methodologies and is very effective in the treatment process. His office is very well organized and his staff has excellent follow through. I would highly recommend his personalized approach to treatment. read more

Finally I encountered a physical therapist that actually has provided relief from nearly 30 years of chronic lower back pain. One of my neighbors recommended Neil Sturman of Encinitas Physical Therapy. After jumping through some hoops to confirm that Tricare Prime beneficiaries are indeed eligible for coverage (with appropriate referral from the PCM and authorization) I began therapy. I was impressed that, unlike other therapists I've seen before, Neil provides hands on massage/stretch therapy for the entire visit. He also employed a painless technique called iontophoresis to administer hydrocortisone which had an immediate effect. Probably most important is the guidance Neil provided on how to do specific stretching/strengthening exercises at home that hopefully will eliminate the need for future treatments. I highly recommend Neil and the holistic way he practices physical therapy. read more

I am very happy to have found Encinitas Physical Therapy. Neil Sturman has been able to help me resolve pain that pain management clinics and several other physical therapists could not touch. I had pretty much given up hope of ever feeling any better. What is unique about Encinitas physical therapy is that Neil will work with you one-on-one for the entire appointment time. His many years of experience with manual physical therapy have helped me enormously and I highly recommend him. read more

CAUTION, CAUTION!!!! Not all Physical Therapists are created equal. YOU REALLY HAVE TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Personally, I have a very long history of chronic pain (lower back, pelvis, and buttocks area). I have spent countless years visiting a wide variety of medical professionals, to include, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Urologists, Pain Clinics, etc. During those visits, I received many "possible" reasons for my pain (Interstitial Cystitis and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, etc...). However, despite the theories & countless visits, my pain only persisted. Fortunately, I finally received a referral to see Neil Sturman at Encinitas Physical Therapy (Manual Therapy). Since I've seen other Physical Therapists (with no results), my expectations were rather minimal. But, I was in daily pain and rather desperate to find some degree of relief. BOTTOM LINE: I was absolutely AMAZED. After years of discomfort, I received IMMEDIATE relief. Absolutely unbelievable!!! If your in pain, please seek his assistance. Again, take it from me, not all Therapists are created equal. He really knows how to LISTEN and TREAT the source of the problem. Again, I highly recommend that you do your research. Neil Sturman has my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. He has made a DRASTIC improvement in my overall quality of life. As a Physical Therapist, it's literally AS GOOD AS IT GETS. read more

For 4-5 years, due to several different injuries, I have been treated by Darren Mallinson at Encinitas PT. Serious back pain, which Darren helped minimize for a time, resulted in spinal surgery which required the fusion of L3, L4, L5, S1. My surgeon sent me to his own PT people who I realized were not as caring and knowledgeable as Darren. So I insisted that I return to Darren and Encinitas PT. The results have been very good. My physical condition has improved greatly and the knowledge I've gained from Darren has been very helpful in the understanding of my injuries and the all important self maintenance required. I've had extensive experience w/ medical professionals in the last few years of my life, unfortunately, but Darren and EPT were the absolute best experience possible. Knowledgable and Caring, absolute A- plus. read more

Neil is top notch. I am a dentist, and I had some back issues related to an old injury. With a minimal amount of sessions I was back to normal. He is very skilled. I was trained in physiology and neuroscience at ucsd, and believe me his knowledge of anatomy and neurology was impressive to say the least. I highly recommend him! read more

I threw my back out after a long plane flight and all I can say is Neil is a miracle worker. I couldn't move for 2 days and the urgent care just gave me an iNti-inflammatory injection and a whole host of pain meds. As soon as I could walk, I made an appointment and they got me in that morning. I had limited movement and sitting was painful. After my first treatment with Neil (and only 2 days after my injury) I walked out feeling almost healed. I applied the stretching movements Neil taught me and went back 3 days later. After that session (and he gave me an adjustment as well), I could touch my toes and my tension in my back was almost completely healed. I couldn't believe how quickly I recovered. Had I just lied in bed and taken all the prescriptions, I would still be hurting today. If you have back pain, go here first. You will be happy you did. read more

I worked with Neil Sturman. He was terrific. They take insurance and the staff is very pleasant and thoughtful. This is a very convenient place right off I-5 with lots of parking. I highly recommend Neil and his staff. read more

Encintas physical therapy is the best physical therapy I have ever received. All the therapists are excellent and caring. I had Lela who was amazing. She did hands on for over a hour at every session. Most pysical therapy places that I have ever went to spend most their time giving you exercises to work on at home and do very little hands on. The therapists are very knowlegeable and work on every muscle in the area that are very tight or compressed. They do a lot of mobilization and manipulation so all the areas they are painful in your body become very relaxed and loosen up. I came in to see LeLa for severe pain in my lower back and sciatica pain that was radiating down my legs. I was very limited in my day to day activity. After being seen by her for 2 months I became pain free and was able to return to my activities of daily living. I had a few visits with Neil who is the owner and his wife also. They were both excellent therapists also. You can not go wrong with anyone who you are assigned to there. I would highly recomment this place to anyone who is suffering with pain or who is recovering from surgery. read more