NOT RECOMMEND FOR PEOPLE WHO VALUE KINDNESS
Before I tell my…read morestory, I want to acknowledge that I've been to physical therapy three times in the past for previous intensive sports injuries resulting from wrestling and cross country. I also volunteered as a student athletic trainer for four years in high school.
On 07/16, I chose to try AMI Physical Therapy to rehabilitate and resolve tightness in my upper back and calves because of the reviews and the proximity to my residence. When the time arrived for my appointment, I stood outside the door for 10 minutes, as they didn't provide me (beforehand) with the door code (which is required) to enter. During that time, I called the number listed on the door as instructed, but received no response. I was only able to enter when a mail delivery person let me in.
Next, when it was my turn to consult with my physical therapist, Aaditi Gokhale, she was extremely rude to me throughout the entire process. As someone with ADHD, I have to remind myself to slow down, and Aaditi politely mentioned this once. After that, I made a conscious effort to slow down, reiterate my thinking, and keep my responses concise. However, she remained extremely condescending and dismissive of my concerns.
Before we went through the consultation process, I explained my intentions and goals with PT, specifically that I was seeking muscle release, scraping, etc. She immediately laughed it off and said those were just temporary fixes. While I understand her perspective, I mentioned that I have lists and numerous resources for strengthening my muscles, as I know my body well and how to accommodate it, and was really just looking for this aspect with PT, yet she insisted she knew better and essentially dismissed my input as invalid.
She became visibly irritated when I used terms like trapezius or labrum tear shoulder, seemingly perceiving it as if I thought I knew more than her. While the consultation process was demeaning and insulting, I shrugged it off and was still ready to proceed with PT. But again, she was completely impatient, rude, and belittling, explicitly saying, "Did you not watch what I did?" in a very condescending manner and adding, "I am only going to show you this once." This was extremely irritating, yet I still treated her with respect and professionalism.
On 07/17, I called at 8 a.m. to reschedule one of my appointments, as we had booked out six weeks in advance. I was able to reach the office quickly and successfully change the appointment. I also wanted to ask a quick question about the focus of future visits and whether we could leave a note about my original request for muscle release and scraping. I was put on hold and transferred to Aaditi Gokhale.
I greeted her and began to express my concerns, but before I could finish, she said, "Say that again," followed by, "Is this important and urgent right now? Because I need to go." I replied, "No worries, I just wanted to leave a note. I didn't know I was being transferred..." but she cut me off and said again, "Is this important? I don't have time right now."
After that interaction, I was truly baffled by how rude she was and decided to cancel all my future appointments. Even though the location is within a five-minute distance from my residence, this experience was so disappointing that I would rather find another clinic that is actually willing to listen and accommodate my needs instead of handing me a pre-printed sheet of exercises I could have found online. Based on my observations this day and my interaction, this location would probably be beneficial for older adults on simple muscle strengthening exercises, but for younger, intensive athletes (I am 21), this is not your place.
I'm sorry to the other physical therapists at this location, who are probably phenomenal people to work with, but this experience with Aaditi Gokhale, was truly upsetting. Thank you.