If you're looking for PT who will help you heal AND set you up for a life with less pain, see Richard at MovEvolution! Richard is an amazing physical therapist and is kind, patient, and knowledgeable and checks in with me each session to thoughtfully understand progress and any changes he should make to the plan. He combines various methods to give my injury/body what will help the most and helps me understand the what and why. I came to Richard after a very painful backpacking trip where I injured both ankles (Oh, how the swelling made my ankles disappear!) and had low back pain that was making it hard to walk comfortably. I knew I needed help healing, but I didn't understand what a very skilled and 'big picture/whole picture thinking' physical therapist could do. After just a month, I've been blown away at the results and process - he actually gave me hope that the pain I'd been dealing with would eventually be gone and I'd be even healthier and stronger than before! While I was convinced quickly to work with him I did want to understand my options before choosing a therapist so at the end of my first session, he told me listen, if you do decide to go somewhere else for PT and all they do is tell you to stretch your calves to heal the ankle, you should leave/don't go back to them. It is like he predicted the future, I went to [insert PT company name here] and all they told me was to stretch each calf for 2 minutes a day and come back in a week...I was already sold but just had to laugh at how clearly Richard's years of experience came through. read more

I have had problems with a knee (LCL) injury for the past several years and, following a neighbor's recommendation, I made an appointment at MovEvolution early last year. They are attentive and intuitive in diagnosis and treatment, and have done a great job not only treating the injured muscles and ligaments directly, but isolating and treating instability at the ankle which had caused the injury in the first place. They have also been very conscientious about maintaining a COVID-safe environment, making sure masks are worn and surfaces promptly disinfected. read more

Richard is a true healer. I have chronic joint issues (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) and muscle spasms so I have been to more doctors and physical therapists than everyone else I know combined. Richard is the best physical therapist I've ever worked with. He's the first PT I've met who truly listens and works hard to understand the true underlying problem. He spends dedicated time with you and comes up with a unique plan for just your problem (which is so important for someone like me). If you have issues or are in pain, he's the only person you should see. read more

I had a shoulder injury that Richard helped me with back in 2014. I have continues to learn from him in social media with all of the valuable content he provides about the human body. read more

MovEvolution Physical & Performance Therapy - Helping some back pain with Rock Tape aka Kinesiology Tape - Physical Therapy Near Me - New Britain, Connecticut

I have had several sessions with Richard my physical therapist and he has so far done wonders for me. I have had problems with knee tendinitis due to running and squatting and through our one to one sessions he has increased my strength and helped me live pain free which I have not felt for the past 2 years. He does such a wonderful job demonstrating and offering evidence based therapies and I feel fulfilled each and every session. I would highly recommend him as he is very professional, personal and answers all my questions regarding my injuries and beyond! Thank you Richard for helping me getting back into my routine training and running regimen. read more

MIRACULOUS. That's not a word I use lightly, but it's the only one that I can think of to describe my results at Move Evolution. Richard has treated me for both a worn out knee and shoulder pain. I was on the cusp of knee replacement surgery before seeing him. He has not only caused me to delay it but he has given me an education about my physiology that will be with me for the rest of my life. Surgery will not help you if your muscles are all twisted up and misaligned. Pain meds are a band-aid. You have to get to the source of the pain and work from there. Richard Symister has single handedly given me my life back. I am moving without pain and living without pills. You can't put a price on that. And he has a great front office and an easy online interaction to boot! It does not get better than this! read more

Ok people BRACE yourselves because Richard is the most talented Physical Therapist that is in BROOKLYN. This is not a no frill treatment place. Richard not only utilizes techniques from his profession, but he also expanded his expertise in yoga, tai chi - different sources of exercise from different genres to improve knee pain, back pain, shoulder pain, what ever pain you have. I started treatment with Richard in late 2007 after I ran the NYC Half Marathon and could not run any longer - Through various exercise -manual therapy and treatments, I was up and running again after three to four months. My knees were totally done at that time and could not walk properly with pain going up and down the stairs. Recently - I participated in the Tough Mudder in April 2013 - I damaged my knees even more - I could not do a burpee - I could not do a squat - I could not do any lunges - as a matter of fact the orthopedic doctor said NO SQUATS for you at all. I knew what I had to do - Search for Richard - and I found him. Richard repaired my knees in THREE MONTHS - I can do squats - burpees - lunges with no issues at all. I do not know what else to say about MovEvolution. If you are in pain of any sort - unbearable back, shoulder, knees, wrists, ankles - what ever it is - GO SEE RICHARD at MovEvolution. I promise you - you will not REGRET it! read more

Richard is the best physical therapist I've seen by far! I am going to him now with an inflamed quadriceps and tendon behind my left knee and after the first visit, I already noticed a difference. Each time I go, there is noticeable improvement. In addition to the healing time (which is shockingly amazing!), Richard really treats his patients like friends. I actually look forward to going for therapy. After the first appointment, I got a text message from him seeing how I was feeling. I have never had a follow up message from a doctor unless there was a serious issue that needed a call back. He is incredibly knowledgeable and loves sharing body knowledge if you'd like to learn. Between the vast array of body knowledge and how personable Richard is, I would recommend this physical therapy office to everyone over any other. read more

Wonderful experience! As a climber with a passion for movement, I have been able minimize pain and regain strength after a hit and run that left me with a separated shoulder. With his knowledge and experience in creating appropriate workout regimens, I have felt result every week. His care of and patience with clients is exceptional and necessary for anyone looking for take back their bodies. With Richard's help, I have been climbing again and returning to my yoga practice feeling a good as ever. read more

I've been going to MovEvolution since November.  I fractured my tibia and fibula  in a car accident 4 years ago, and had a third surgery this summer to remove hardware and repair cartilage.  I was seeing another therapist and not seeing any improvement.  After going to MovEvolution I'm walking without assistance, (no brace or boot), can do stairs better than I have in 4 years and am feeling stronger and more flexible every day.  I'm getting my life back. If you have any pain from injury RUN (or hobble, whatever you can do) to MovEvolution.  You won't regret it. read more

Richard at MovEvolution has been a HUGE friend in our corner for both of my daughters: one for knee issues, one for dysautonomia. We love the care and attention Richard brings to his work, as well as how relatable and friendly he is during some difficult times. We are grateful for his efforts to get our daughters back on track! Cannot recommend more highly read more

My sister is a 61 year old Female and she was Depressed, Hopeless and in So Much Pain which made her Self Confidence Practically Disappear. Along with Osteoarthritis and a fall off of her bike she suffered three years ago, She thought she was just Doomed and she was going to be Crippled for the rest of her life. She also thought she would not be able to ride her bike again without excruciating knee and hip pain. The Extensive Physical Therapy, Stretching Techniques, and the Personal Prescriptive At Home Exercises/Workouts assigned to her by the physical therapist at MoveVolution, has brought her Comfort and Confidence that she Can Avoid  Knee/Hip Replacement Surgeries, Knee Injections and she can be able to enjoy riding her bike again in the Near Future.  This Physical Therapist is Gifted with Healing Hands, Knowledge of Pain Management Techniques, Stretching Techniques, Massage Techniques and a Crucially Encouraging Relationship with his Clients is a Proven Recipe for SUCCESSFUL HEALING! Thank You So Much Richard and MoveVolution for giving my sister hope. read more

MovEvolution is a fantastic place focused on healing and performance. Having had 5 surgeries in the past 20 years, I have used many physical therapists. Richard is the best so far. If you want your therapist to mumble "do 10 reps of exercise X" and then go back to playing on their phone, then go elsewhere. If you are really interested in healing and changing your life for the better, then MovEvolution is for you. Richard is bright, engaged, enthusiastic, experienced, and compassionate. He is a high effort, hands-on therapist who is dogged in his pursuit of healing. He knows a lot and applies it well. What he doesn't know, he will learn. Richard's approach is super custom and personalized to YOU. What are YOUR issues? What do YOU want to accomplish? How you YOU feel right now? Ultimately it's about RESULTS. After 3.5 months on crutches from two surgeries, Richard was a bright shining light that paved the way to my successful recovery. I would highly recommend not only for injury recovery, but also for improved performance, whether your thing is dance, yoga, cycling, basketball, or weekend warrior activities. The location is also convenient - right by BAM/Atlantic Ave subway and LIRR. read more

I'm a soccer player and back towards the start of the summer season I tore a muscle in my quad quite badly in our opening game. In my eagerness to get back to playing I returned too early and managed to exacerbate the problem even further. A painful predicament that would definitely need treatment if I was to get back to full fitness. I asked around for recommendations from friends and was given the names of a number of spots in Manhattan. I'm based in Brooklyn so I decided to check out local options too. When I first contacted Richard he was the model of professionalism. He talked me through what to expect from a visit to his studio and made it very clear that initial diagnosis wasn't going to cost me anything. The vibe at MovEvolution is the first thing that catches you: Richard has created an atmosphere that is 100% conducive to healing and feeling comfortable. After less than half an hour of consultation I was completely convinced that he was the right guy to go with, I didn't even bother following up the Manhattan leads. His approach, attitude and communication is exceptional, the man is a true professional. He's damn good at what he does too. After an initial estimate of maybe 5-7 sessions I was back playing competitively after 4!! I will definitely be going back for further strengthening sessions. Goes without saying that I would recommend Richard and MovEvolution to anyone needing physical therapy in a heartbeat: it's no aberration that everyone on here is giving him 5 stars, he totally deserves it. read more

Richard is an angel sent from heaven above to heal the janky masses. Or at least those of us with poor mobility trying to be active with underlying disc herniation. For the past 3 years, I have struggled with tightness in my glutes, psoas, up to mid-back that periodically result in week-long absences from work (and quality of life altogether), lying on a heating pad, and leaving me terrified that I have a serious underlying bone issue. In my most recent incapacitation, I found Richard through a Yelp recommendation, and made a desperate call. In my frustrated, upset state, Richard met me with friendly warmth as he took the time to understand my recurrent lower back pain. I immediately felt seen and heard, trusting his in depth assessment of my movement patterns. Like an excellent practitioner, he took care to ensure that my questions and concerns were addressed and -this is another beautiful quality that sets Richard apart- he broke down each soft tissue exercise to imbue me with skill set to prevent recurrent trigger points and fascia tightness. It has been almost 3 months, and with the tools Richard provided me, I can respond effectively to faint mobility restrictions and preempt spasm and pain. I cannot recommend his services enough. read more

I started seeing Richard a little over three weeks ago for post surgery therapy. I had knee surgery and had it not been for Richard's vast expertise and immediate proper therapy I would not have been able to recover as quickly as I did. I know this because I tried on my own to no avail, to only encounter pain, swelling and stiffness. Richard focused on healing and pain relief the first few sessions progressing to mobility, proper form and now strength to help me achieve my goal of participating in this years 5 boro bike tour. He is vey knowledgeable, experienced and pushes you in a good proper way to gain strength and heal. High recommend. read more

I LOVE this place. I am not an extreme athlete but had years of injuries from yoga, along with neck pain that had begun to plague me. Thus began the search online for a PT who took my insurance. In between the pictures of grandmas getting their hamstrings stretched out, I found Richard. Within 3 sessions, I had experienced a HUGE difference, finally able to turn my neck and unhunch my shoulders in what seemed like the first time in years. Richard is amazing, cool, and gets it done. He will challenge you to work through pain and discomfort with lots of manual work that sometimes hurts (really bad) but works really quickly. He educates his patients about the total body -- how injuries are connected and how we have the power to fix many of our body's ailments. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more

I could not be happier with Richard's work. I came in after years of chronic pain from a badly healed hip injury. Almost immediately i got relief and started moving better. Today, not only does my hip not hurt, but I'm running, squatting, deadlifting, and doing other awesome things. His whole process is super easy too - simple online booking and billing. And unlike other PTs, he doesn't overbook so you can see him when you need to. read more

I don't think I've ever given a review this high. Richard is AMAZING. I came in with hip and knee pain and even after the first visit I was walking better. within just a couple of visits the pain was gone. He is excellent at diagnosis, teaching you exercises to do at home and offering practical solutions to the movement challenges that some of us who work at a desk face. He is excellent at both traditional PT and body work and also uses kinesio tape, cupping and heat treatments to maximize recovery. He listens and remembers and tailors the treatment to your ailments as well as your lifestyle. He truly changed my life. The space he works in is a tranquil space and the music -- he will ask you what you want to hear but you'd be wise to let him pick -- is awesome and either motivating or calming, depending on the treatment. Thank you, Richard!! read more

Movevolution and Richard are truly fantastic. I had my ACL repaired 6 weeks ago and wasn't going to leave a review until I saw how i was progressing. I am continuously amazed by the ongoing progress I make and i contribute it to the work at Movevolution with Richard. Richard takes his role very seriously and works with you in a way that takes your goals into account, educates you on the issues on hand and cares about how you are feeling on that day at that moment. Six week post-op I am able to walk with minimal deficitis, use the subway and having minimal interruptions in my life. I have heard from several friends that at PT you get assigned an aide, get assigned a few exercises and then don't see anyone for a half hour. NOT HERE. While you receive your therapy, you receive a 100% of Richard's attention. I am very grateful for finding Richard and could not be more pleased with my ongoing progress. I give Movevolution my highest recommendation and truly thankful for all I have achieved while receiving treatment there. read more

I was really selective when I started searching for a physical therapist for my lower back problems. I work with clients who have chronic pain and heard one too many horror stories about what their PT was like. From the moment I met Richard I knew that he was going to do right by me and my back! Since starting here, I no longer lose feeling in my legs and feet. I am able to sit for longer and overall have had a major reduction in lower back pain. I also understand where my pain comes from and how to prevent it. I can't thank Richard enough and always look forward to chatting with him during treatment. read more

Richard is a wonderful physical therapist! He is kind and really cares about each and every patient he sees. He is the only PT who has ever emailed to check on my condition outside of office hours and took the time to really help me learn how to help myself heal. I am thrilled to have him in the neighborhood and would recommend him highly to anyone who needs to see a physical therapist for any injury! read more

Richard is amazing. I have made more progress in three sessions there than at the prior PT place I was going to for twice the amount of time. I'm currently recovering from a broken ankle where, now post surgery, I have a hefty amount of hardware in me. As an athlete, I'm trying to get back to my sport (roller derby as well as cycling) as fast and safely as possible. He works a lot with athletes so he understands we have different needs than someone who is sedentary and that our goals are completely different. Within three sessions I've been able to get back on a stationary bike, row machine, and doing squats with a TRX rope with no pain. He understands that (unlike the previous facility) that recovery is total body and not just solely my ankle so he gives well rounded work outs. If I were still at the prior facility I honestly think I would still only be rolling my ankle around on a ball for 40 minutes. He also is so invested in his clients and getting them back to their specific sport that he goes out of his way to understand each and every one of their specific activities- he's gone to bike races, climbing, and for me he watches roller derby footage to see how skaters move in order to give me specific exercises. I honestly could go on and on about how great he is, but I'll stop here. SERIOUSLY, if you're an athlete trying to go back to your sport after an injury I cannot recommend him more. read more

I went to Richard after surgery for a broken ankle. I was bracing for a long recovery and was amazed that in about 6 weeks of working with Richard that I had nearly all my range of motion in my ankle again. I appreciated that Richard knew how to push me along in my recovery in a way that was challenging but safe. He was very attentive to issues that would arise and was great about explaining the value of different exercises in my healing. Richard developed a routine that I am convinced helped me get stronger and recover faster. Richard was also very accessible and had an open door if I had any follow up questions about my at-home exercises. I recommend Richard highly! read more

Richard is an excellent physical therapist and is also incredibly communicative, kind and flexible. My 13 year old son saw him for a few months and was quite disappointed when Richard initiated the discussion that my son no longer needed treatment. We highly recommend him! read more