I have lymphedema and have had the good fortune to be referred to Ida at Physical Therapy Specialties. Unfortunately, as I understand it, there is no cure for lymphedema, but Ida has been able to teach me management techniques which have been so helpful. One of these is wrapping my legs for compression to reduce the edema. The staff have also been very helpful in scheduling appointments. While I have had no other therapy here, the therapist I observed are knowledgeable and I would highly recommend them. I have had a knee replacement and lumbar issues so am very familiar with therapists and the equipment used. In my case and other cases it is not the equipment used but a persons dedication to restoring their own health. It has been my experience that so much of a persons physical improvement resides in their own attitude and following instructions from the therapist. The therapists are not magicians. read more

I had Bilateral TKR done about 7 years ago and have had issues with ROM and pain since. I've gone to numerous other physical therapy places and have done all the things I've been told to do to help. Nothing ever helped. We'll let me tell you, Ning at the physical therapy specialties is seriously an Angel and so knowledgeable and a talented therapist. I go twice a week for pool and land therapy and she's always very professional, on time, and genuinely cares about all her patients. It's been a great experience and it's been very helpful. The facility is clean and well run. You never have to wait more than 5 mins once you check in for appointments. They have a heated pool for pool therapy which is always clean and private. It's the best experience I've had with physical therapy and I'm so happy I was referred here through VA. All the techs are professional and helpful. They answer any questions you have and always ensure privacy and dignity. If you need physical therapy, this place is it. read more

I was given Physical therapy Specialities on a list of physical therapists to help me with a tear in my right gluteus minimus muscle. i've been struggling for months with this injury. I was very excited to hopefully get some exercises and treatment for this injury. I was brought into a room and met with a therapist for an initial eval. That went very well and I was excited to get started. Before leaving and making an appointment, the front desk asked me if they had told me about the "membership". I was given no information about a membership. He explained to me that there is a membership fee to receive treatment at a cost of at least $100 a month. I was absolutely shocked that this charge was added into the fee for therapy. I am extremely disappointed in the fact that they couldn't mention this up front before I drove all the way to Pleasanton to meet with a therapist. I feel like I was roped into treatment and then once they got my interest, I was told there was another fee on top of my payment. Please be honest upfront!!!!! I'm SMH....... read more

I am so grateful that Workers Comp sent me here after my 3rd shoulder work injury in as many years. This is the 1st physical therapist I've been to, for work related or personal issues, that treat not just the acute issue but look for the cause to treat it. I've seen 2 therapists here, Ning and Matt/Mike (? Only saw him once when subbed for my regular therapist, Ning) and both were intuitive and thorough - truly amazing experience. I'm disappointed that Worker's Comp only allows a total of 12 visits per injury and that Kaiser doesn't use them for physical therapy as this is the 1st time I feel true progress is being made with physical therapy and that positive healing is possible. read more

With Plantar Fasciitis pain and knee pain, I was referred to Physical Therapy Specialties by my Pleasanton-based Internal Medicine doctor. From the moment I stepped into the office, the patient care was fantastic! Everyone, from the receptionist to each therapist and aide, was attentive and personable. The overall value was excellent as well! After 10 visits, my feet felt better as well as my knee! The exercises I should be doing on my own, have helped to relieve the initial pain I was experiencing. I would highly recommend Physical Therapy Specialties. True professionals and wonderful practitioners! read more

Ida Hirst and her staff are miracle workers !! I had a lumbar fusion for my L4-5 About five years ago . I had screws and plates put in. The pain I was in forced me to get an operation. Something I don't regret because it stopped the excruciating pain I was in. After the surgery Dr Grant sent me to see them for rehabilitation. I wore a full brace for 3 months and had to watch my posture and my movements. They are the reason I healed so well - they are kind knowledgeable-and professional. I learned gentle exercises with Dina and Sharin that helped strengthen my core, and ultimately heal my back. I have gone to other PTs but none came close to PTS. Even tho it's 30 min from my house I go there without hesitation. I don't know what the other negative reviews are about. I've never been overcharged or had to wait to be seen. They see me for the full hour - I get the stretches, the Tens machine , the ice or heat therapy and hands on massage. The place is meticulous and staff is very friendly. I recommend them to everyone I know - really they're that good! read more

The therapists especially Jenn Freitas are very good. They listen to what's bothering you and prescribe a set of exercises that works for you to help you heal. read more

This place is pretty legit. I like that it isn't crazy expensive ($25 copay for me), and that it isn't overly pretentious. That said, if you're looking for a super clean, comfy, clutter-free place, this probably isn't your digs. I came here after suffering migraines induced by night grinding (thank you, TMJ). My dentist had recommend "a place in Pleasanton", and upon Google searches, I found this place. (Still not sure if this is where he intended me to go.) ::MAKING AN APPOINTMENT:: I booked an appointment within two weeks of my initial phone call, during which they verified they accepted my insurance and emailed me paperwork to fill out ahead of time. ::WAITING:: Seriously, I've never stood around for more than 5-10 minutes. ::FIRST APPOINTMENT:: My initial appointment was about an hour and a half long. I had about 45 minutes for an evaluation and consultation with Jordan (PT) and then was seen by an aide for 20 minutes or so of initial exercises. I was sent home with papers describing exercises to do. ::FOLLOW-UPS:: These lasted about an hour, which doesn't include the time to check in and pay. Jordan spent a half hour re-evaluating and fixing. The aide came by for 15 minutes of stretching, and then 15 minutes with a TENS unit and icing or heat. (This TENS unit is AMAZING. Don't miss out!) ::THINGS I OBSERVED BUT DIDN'T EXPERIENCE:: I personally have always been seen in private rooms, but there is a general exercise floor with machines, balls, and stretch bands ("land") as well as a swimming pool ("pool"). TMJ didn't really require that, so hey, I never had to do any of it. All-in-all, they are professional and efficient at an economical price. I enjoyed coming here, and I'd recommend them. read more

(Edited January 11, 2018) You have to be very very careful at this place. This shop is a big machine, which you can get ground up in. I was assigned to a therapist ("there were better people for you, but she's the one who had time" was what the scheduler told me) without regard to what I really needed. This therapist was completely incompetent. (This might be why she had time!) She didn't listen. She even recommended exercises that could have injured me. There doesn't seem to be any supervision of young new hires. They are also very very busy. I think this place is set up to maximize income, without much regard for patient outcome. The facility is way overcrowded. It is almost impossible to get an opportunity for any quiet. Finally, after two attempts, I got someone who is very competent. She is also very very hurried, and does not have time for anything but the most mechanical treatment. Then the owner, Ida Hirst (who seems like a nice person), showed up this week to tell me that I should leave. The reason? Mostly, she was unhappy with this review, and one I wrote elsewhere. She explained the financial needs of the organization. There isn't time or money to do thorough PT here, according to what she said. She's probably right about me leaving. I have a somewhat unusual case, a serious injury, and this isn't the place for individual needs. I stayed around too long. I was too hopeful. If I had it to do over I wouldn't go here in the first place. A lot of people get competent care here, apparently. I think It helps to have a very straightforward case. It also helps to be lucky, since when you walk in you might be assigned someone competent, or you might be assigned someone who is completely incompetent, depending on who "has time" and the other needs of the organization. Your welfare is NOT their first priority. *** I have edited this review to make it shorter, and to downgrade my initial three stars to two. Sorry to still go on and on. I am trying to be fair. A lot of people have been very happy with this place. You can get a good result here, apparently. But be careful. read more

The facility is run down. One of the pieces of equipment I used was ancient and creaky. The yellow pillow cases here are dingy and look like they are 20 years old (the pillow cases should be white and crisp). The therapist to whom I was assigned was capable but gruff and always rushed through the sessions. Actually, the therapist had a student take care of me for several sessions. I will not return to this facility if further p.t. is needed. read more

Wow! I love this place! I called in to schedule after my doctor referred me, greeted by a happy helpful person. They made sure I was contracted with my insurance and let me know what my responsibilities were. Their rates are comparable to all others in the area. I have no idea what these 1 star people are talking about. I saw a therapist for my low back evaluation, I felt I was listened to and sincerely concerned about. I was there for almost an hour and fifteen minutes. I was taught exercises by some fun knowledgeable Aides. My follow up visits were with a PT assistant, Jacob, who really knows his stuff. I felt cared for in a "homey" atmosphere. I've had 4 visits now and I'm feeling improvement. Thanks you all!! read more

I have been going to this place for almost ten years now. Quality for the therapists has gone down significantly. I had a recent horrible experience, and I am never going back again. read more

My doctor recommend for me. After just my first appointment there with shahrin I felt amazing! I have shoulder injury on December 2018. Shahrin is very knowledgable and I am hoping I will get rid off my pain. Staff is very friendly. read more

The front desk people are super friendly. If they say they will call you back, they will! My therapist is wonderful and has become a true friend. The whole facility is well kept, clean and welcoming. My therapist really, really want to help me with my They also have a warm pool for water therapy if needed. I highly recommend this caring facility. read more

I was so lucky to meet Jen Freitas and the staff at PTS! Jen is an incredibly skilled, highly experienced and empathetic physical therapist. For the first time in 5 years, Jen was able to relieve my hip/leg nerve pain and give me hope. I am now able to do normal things like sit, walk and carry groceries with much less pain. I had both pool and land therapy, and was amazed at how helpful both were. Jen listened attentively, clearly explained what she was doing and why, patiently encouraged me and made sure I knew how to continue exercises/stretches at home. It's especially amazing that Jen could help me improve so much, as I had no clear diagnosis as to what was causing the nerve pain. I was specifically sent to PTS by my neurologist, after 5 frustrating years of inaccurate diagnoses and unsuccessful treatments/injections by numerous specialists. I've been to other physical therapy clinics and PTS is by far the most professional and efficient, yet warm and welcoming. I cannot recommend Jen Freitas highly enough and will not hesitate to make the drive from Walnut Creek to Pleasanton when I need her help again. read more

I have been attending PTS since late November or early December 2011. I originally had 6 weeks of therapy at a facility in Livermore that did absolutely nothing for me but send me home with exercises - virtually no hands on. My therapist, Melissa has been absolutely amazing. From day one, initial eval to present - she is totally hands-on, listens, advises and has brought me from excruciating pain in my hip/low back/groin and down the leg which would light up in less than five minutes to where I can actually stand and/or walk for at least 30+ minutes with no pain most days. I still have a ways to go but feel we are progressing all the time. PTS is quite accommodating, friendly, punctual and I would HIGHLY recommend this therapy center to anyone needing physical therapy. They are all very conscientious, concerned about your well being and assisting you to getting well. I do not have great insurance (having to meet a high deductible) yet they are very willing to work with me on payments so I can attend. I honestly cannot say enough to justify how wonderful this facility is. If you have the need, please call them. I do not believe you will be disappointed. read more

I have been here for two treatment sessions, different knees. I had two different therapists and they were both awesome! I'm much better!! I compete in karate again and became the 2014 National Champion in one division. I looked into about 4 other places, started at one place and then didn't return after my experience, Here, totally different, proactive staff, knowledgeable and you feel you are taken care of as well as challenged (depending on your therapy). Don't look twice, this is where everyone should go! read more

These guys do a super job. They're always on time with the appointments and listen to my needs. I recommend them to anyone!

I've been experiencing excruciating pain in my sit bones & feet. Something the Dr.'s can't figure out. They sent me to physical therapy and I thought "How am I going to do this??" I can't put pressure on my feet & do exercises? I didn't have to worry because my therapist introduced me to Jen. Jen works in the "warm" pool & boy is she knowledgeable. She & Kyle have shown me so many exercises & if I have a day like yesterday ( where the pain is so bad I didn't think I could make it to the pool) they adjust my workout & do what's best to get my body ....moving. Ive joined open pool (which is great to practice what I've learned in class.). It's been a great experience & I plan to continue. Everyone is great from Missy at the front entrance to the fantastic owner Ida Hirst. She has tried to help me & continues to. This is a great place for Physical Therapy read more

Very professional, prompt, and friendly associates. From the front desk to the therapists, I felt completely confident in the detailed and personal care I received. read more

I was very put off by their front office and never even bothered to book an appointment. I called because their name was on the referral from my doctor. Kept on asking me to go on hold for few minutes. I mentioned that my PT was due to car accident and that the other party's insurance had already accepted responsibility for all medical cost. But they kept asking if I was ensured and if I had PPO. Yes and Yes. After asking for complete details of my insurance numbers, my birthdate, primary ensured birthdate, primary ensured etc., they then proceeded to ask for my credit card number. Really to book an appointment? I refused even though I have flex plan and HSA credit card. It's definitely a shop that cares more about profit than patients. I've never been to ANY medical facility that refuses to book an appointment unless you give them your credit card. Insurance sure - my credit card, no way - you get paid AFTER I receive treatment but not before. read more

I had a case of challenging acute Achilles tendonitis and had the luck of being assigned to Melissa, who was amazing. My symptoms are gone, she was so helpful and kind, and I could not be more grateful. read more

I didn't have the best experience here. Therapists are friendly.. Sessions are only one hour and they only spend 45 min with you addressing your needs and then they switch you over to an aid who is completely useless imo. I guess I am the patient they are the doctor, I still have a hamstring injury. These people were a waste of time. Also they charged me for a band used for stretching. How many other things are you guys going to charge me? Isn't my session enough money for you guys? read more

I have to be honest and say I was never a fan of PT, but after a bad ankle sprain that never really healed, I was referred here. I started working with Jordan, and after several weeks, I was extremely pleased with the turnout. My ankle no longer swells after running, and I finally reached my personal goal of a sub 7 minute mile during a 5K. Six months ago, I was running at a 9 minute mile pace in pain. I highly recommend asking for Jordan if you are referred here. He has innovative workouts that keep PT fun and interesting. read more

First impression - dirty and run down facility nothing like the picture- (I saw a crumbling wall in the corner and a sign with the no poo emogie on bathroom ___thought to myself - hope they are fixing that wall and ewe for sign on bathroom door) but willing to live with if pt person can help me although in the back of my mind wondering if water could be dirty (okay---- just keep my head above water I thought to myself) Second -staff doesn't care to ensure customers are taken care of _they are snide and rude and treat you like they are doing you a favor - issues with scheduling, billing and especially billing. Nothing is closed loop (for example ensuring they received referral from doctor and following up with patient_ I am not confident that they even tried to call/follow up when my doctor did not send referral ) (btw- I did call Stanford to send to this pt place) ( I did my part) I feel like a huge risk every time I have worked with one of thease departments and if these departments are bad - what kind of risks would they be putting my body through. Here's a couple of other points I don't think the staff cares enough to do the right thing or even the basics of the job. You can't get appointments- I had to assert myself to even get appointment in a consistent weekly manner. They charge and tell you you have to have an evaluation and then you find out afterwards how unhelpful and uncaring they are to getting a consistent schedule for treatment ensuring billing issue cleared up before appointment Yet another example of medical businesses not doing the right thing to help patients get better. I stopped my other pt center since the Drive was far _ but going back to Redwood City since this place is so bad. I do agree that the therapist are friendly but after the evaluation- the movement he had me do - triggered a migraine read more

I highly recommend Physical Therapy Specialties, as they are simply the best in many cases. Though I have fairly good P.T. where I live, I still drive the 30 minutes or more to them in order to get some long standing issues resolved. Their strengths are: 1) They really want you to get well, permanently well, even if that takes a while especially with issues that have become chronic. Whereas some other P.T. offices just want you to be done as quickly as possible, they stick with you. Joints that have not been functioning properly for years, muscles that have lost all strength, that takes many months to rebuild the strength and make sure it holds without sliding back within months after finishing P.T. 2) They do hands-on work. Not everything can be resolved by just a few exercises. There are so many different tools and approaches for treatment, but it needs a P.T. who is knowledgeable and willing to work on your body. 3) One session normally is half an hour with the P.T., and then more time with an aid for doing exercises, applying stimulation or heat, and so on. 4) If it does not work out they do not blame the patient but help you to figure out the next step. They also refer you to their colleagues, or to treatment outside. My only regret? I wished I would have found them years earlier. read more

I was Refered to PTS by my pain management Dr Susan Gutierrez for my severe stenosis on L4/L5, severe low back pain, and after having two spinal epidural injections. Ida Hirst upon initial examination explained and targeted my problem areas. I have been to many other PT facilities and no one gave the care, attention ,and course of treatment as well as she did! Friendly , caring staff, for patients who need the best treatment ! And not looking for a Four Season hotel decoration! Ida Hirst is the most knowledgeable, caring, and professional therapist that I have met in the past 38 years of living in Danville. read more

After completely ignoring signs that my muscles were becoming irritated with all of the strange positions that I would sit in for hours as I worked towards completing my graduate program, my psoas finally gave out on me. I didn't realize it was a muscular issue at first; the muscle is so deep and large that I thought the problem was something internal - a female or digestive issue. Shortly after seeing a doctor because this problem became chronic and painful, I was diagnosed with it being related to a muscular problem, but didn't receive any specific advice about it. After explaining the pain to my chiropractor, he told me it was likely my psoas. Not long after that, the muscle went into spasm. Let me tell you, I have NEVER experienced pain like this before. I have a very high tolerance for pain, but this literally brought me to my knees. I went into absolute panic, especially because only high doses of NSAIDs, which totally upset my stomach, or prescription painkillers seemed to relieve the pain. Late one Friday night I was in tears and desperate for relief and for a remedy that didn't entail taking pills every day. I remembered how much PT Specialties had helped me out years ago and emailed Ida. She responded to me over the weekend! She was her usual kind, comforting self; she told me that she would help me and suggested the therapists that she felt would be a good fit for me. Not only did she recall my history and how it might be related to my current condition, she knew which therapists would have an approach that would fit my sensibilities. Glen, her Office Manager, called me first thing Monday morning to set up an appointment. He moved the therapist's schedule around just to get me in right away because I was in spasm. Anyone who has ever been in this kind of pain knows what a huge relief it is to have a PT office who is sincerely concerned with your well-being and wants to provide relief for you ASAP. On to my actual therapy - Giorgia is the therapist that I saw twice a week and I started to feel better immediately. She is very kind and gentle, and she has such a clear way of explaining exercises and stretches to you so that you know exactly what muscles to engage or how to perform the exercises. She is amazing! Plus, she would perform a relaxation technique on me that worked so well. Her treatment was very subtle, yet so effective! The only problem was that I was useless the rest of the day - whatever she did would literally send me home in a stupor and I would pass out for hours. She helped me so much, not only with the techniques that she performed on me, but by teaching me how to perform optimally in my everyday activities. She listened to all of my concerns and targeted her therapy plan in a way that addressed what my goals were as well as taking into account the type of lifestyle that I currently live (studying for hours on end and lugging large textbooks around). I cannot rave about this place enough. Everyone here is absolutely wonderful and very caring. They have lots of therapists, so patients can try a couple out in order to find the right fit for them, or just ask for Ida or Glen's advice when choosing a therapist. I'm really grateful to know that whenever my body falls apart on me, I can make a phone call and Ida's team will be at the ready to get me back in shape! read more

I really like Physical Therapy Specialties. With back and knee problems, i've been to several PT places. First off, they have a pool! I started off doing PT in the pool with Steven and learned a lot. It really helped! I'm able to continue working out in the pool on my own with their open pool program! Love it...one of the few places that allows open pool. Second the PT on land is really good too. I also had Caitlin Cooper as the PT and she's great! Third it is a well run/organized team. Ida runs a good organization. The PT assistants are awesome too...personable, friendly, and most importantly helpful! Charissa, Ryan, Natalie, Jeff....all great read more

My physical therapist was Caitlin Cooper, and she was great. She was attentive to details, gave me the right treatment and was right on the mark with the treatments she provided. The pain that I suffered for 14 months was significantly reduced in just 4 sessions with her. I would recommend her with confidence!! Ida Hirst the owner of this place is also very compassionate, pays attention to details and takes the extra time to make sure her clients are taken care of. Look no further Physical therapy specialties is the place to go for all your physical therapy needs. DF read more

I have a chronic neck spasm and had been going to another PT practice in Pleasanton, which I didn't like. I started going to Physical Therapy Specialities based on its glowing reviews in Yelp. I have to agree with previous reviews, as PTS is a much better practice for all of the reasons cited by Maria B. I use two therapists: Gayle is very gentle and a good teacher as she instructs me how to improve my posture during movement; Cherie works me a little more aggressively, which feels great and provides a nice balance to Gayle's approach. The practice gives me hope that my spasm will go away. read more

What I like about this practice: --The therapists are knowledgeable, friendly and professional --There is a plan of care which the therapists update and follow --They listen carefully to your input, and encourage you to progress --The availability of aquatic therapy is a big advantage to the patient and they offer open pool time for a minimal fee --The treatments/exercises don't stay the same but are changed per the patient's status --They use the therapists and the assistants optimally so that your treatment time is the full hour This therapy group is just outstanding. read more

Can I give -1 instead. I just moved to the area from WA and got an appointment to this place. The staff is friendly but lo behold, Pt was double booked for that slot. after making me wait for 5 mins, they said that they can accommodate me but I wasn't happy. I rescheduled my PT appointment to a later day and then called again to cancel it. Places like this don't deserve my business. I had read their yelp reviews before making the appointment since Yelp reviews are big in CA. Initially I thought that multiple reviews with scheduling issues might be a conspiracy by their rivals and unfortunately that's not the case. read more

I have gone here off and on for years and having been to other PT places. I would recommend PTS highly. I have not had any scheduling issues. The receptionists are friendly and professional. Stephen is very professional and one can tell that he is very dedicated and very knowledgeable. The staff are friendly and helpful. The facilities are clean, well equipt and spacious. The setting is quite conducive to healing. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend PTS. read more

I had aqua therapy at this facility and I'm very impressed with this place. The staff is very professional. My Therapist was a Ph.D and very knowledgeable about my condition and the pool exercises were very helpful. I highly recommend this place mainly due to the professional staff they carry. I want to try PTS for their Land therapy next. read more

I love this place! I came to Physical Therapy Specialties and got the best possible care. On my first visit Ida met with me for a long time, asked me questions and was an excellent listener. I have scoliosis so my needs are unique. Ida helped me with a number of exercises especially designed for me. Everyone who works there are the kind, sincere, loving type. I am feeling so much better and stronger - thanks to Physical Therapy Specialties! read more

These guys are the gold standard. Trust me. I had similar when I lived in L.A. and never thought I'd find it up here. Thank God I was wrong. The entire staff does a great job. I think I've been seen by every therapist, aide and even receptionist in this place (partly because I like to "sample" different people's bedside manner, and partly because I re-injured myself just before being discharged, so I've been coming here since August of 2017). And while everyone has personal favorites in any situation, I know that each and every one of these folks really knows his/her job and the role they play in the bigger picture. I seriously cannot imagine coming here, trying every single therapist and still not finding at least one you felt was outstanding and who you "clicked" with. I couldn't be more pleased. read more

I'm a BIG fan of PT Specialties - I started there in Sept 2016 for 2 lower back bulged discs (L4/L5) and was totally pain free and playing golf and singles tennis again in Mar 2017. My PT was Caitlin - who is amazing! She had reasons/solutions for all my pains/issues - we worked together every week on that week's rehab plan depending on the pain/issue. I give Caitlin 5+ stars and the facility 4 stars due to bit crowded rehab room, mostly working traction table and older equipment. It's definitely not state of the art there BUT I was doing my exercises at home since we didn't feel I needed the supervision of a PT aide and my time spent there was reviewing my exercise forms, adding new ones, removing some, getting an ultrasound and on the traction table. Excellent customer service at the front desk and billing dept. I highly recommend PT Specialties! read more

I have never had physical therapy before and was anxious as to what it would be like. Jordan was excellent! He explained everything he was doing and checked in frequently to see if I had any questions or concerns. Scheduling was easy and all my appointments were on time. Definitely would go back. read more

First time in my life, I needed a physical therapy to treat my hip pain from an inflamed tendon. I searched on the internet and found Physical Therapy Specialties on Valley Ave. in Pleasanton. When I walked in the office first time, my impression was that the receptionist was very polite and friendly. After taking care of the necessary paper work, I met my Physical Therapist, Jane Eversole. Under Jane's careful treatment for the passed two months, I have completely recovered. From the first session, Jane gave me the full confidence that I will be fine under her care. She is calm, soft spoken, knowledgable and most of all, she pays attention to my up-to-date condition. She was happy when I told her that I felt improvement, and she was not discouraged when I told her that I didn't feel any changes. Either way, she will try to find the best way to make my condition better. Surely, her efforts have made me a happy person again. Maddy is a postdoctoral trainee from East Coast working with Jane. Together with Jane, Maddy has also treated me in almost every session. She is also a very nice person to treat my disease and to take good care of me. All of the supporting staffs who provided to me the heating ultrason are also very friendly and gentle. I want to thank them for their help. I am happy that I came to Physical Therapy Specialties in Pleasanton. read more