After lifting furniture and pulling heavy rugs, I suffered from low back pain, shooting down my leg. For two months, I waited for the problem to dissipate, (unfortunately). Finally i made an appointment with Dr. Aaron Snyder and was very thoroughly evaluated. My recovery was based on strengthening areas of my body which for years even as a yogi were not utilized correctly, and overcompensated for with other areas. It was brought to my attention that my core needed improvement to protect my back. After each session I was provided specific exercises, and these exercises were cumulative and more were added as I progressed. It was also brought to my attention slight changes to my walking style, and the goals established were not just short term recovery, and injury prevention, but also long term body sustainability. It has been six weeks of absolutely no return of any previous issues, and I am continuing the exercise routine at home. This has brought awareness to my areas of weakness, corrected it, and in fact I feel I am stronger. As a middle age person, I feel unconditionally that Dr. Aaron's diagnosis and recommendations will enable me to age better in the future. Anyone who is questioning a functionality with their body would be well advised to consult with Thrive, and determine if the concern can be corrected. read more

Thrive is the first place I recommend to anyone in San Diego looking to recover from an injury or improve their physical health. I've worked with Dr. Aaron over the past two years to recover from ankle issues that doctors and surgeries were unable to help with. Dr. Aaron was able to identify the root of the problem and help me solve it where other doctors, surgeons, and physical therapists were unable. Where I once was unable to walk distances without pain, I am now able to able to return to all my favorite activities like hiking and pick-up basketball. I can't thank the team at Thrive enough. read more

tl;dr Lauren has a way of making potentially uncomfortable things ultimately quite comfortable, often educational, and strangely fun. She's got such a gift, not just in healing injuries and improving function but in relating, communicating, and believing not just in the body's potential but her patient's. So, where to begin? Really it started almost 40 years ago, when I was just a little girl, but most recently the reach of its ripples became clear the day I tried to put a menstrual disc in... I got scared because I wasn't sure how far to put it in, and then I got scared I wouldn't be able to get it out (I'd had some painful battles with menstrual cups before). I know it sounds a little ridiculous but it's real. At that moment, I realized I was kind of scared of my vagina. Early childhood trauma, pelvic floor trigger points causing painful sex, teen and adult sexual trauma all created an environment of fear, anxiety, and pain and I realized in that moment, I had cut off any semblence of a healthy relationship with my vagina. So, naturally, I texted my friend/dance buddy/favorite pelvic floor PT to confess. The morning of our appointment I called one of my best friends, who's also a therapist, for any suggestions for ways to ground myself before going into what I anticipated might be a little traumatic, definitely upsetting, possibly painful. We went through some exercises and I reconfirmed that this was something I wanted to do for myself. Spoiler Alert: the appointment was the exact opposite. It was healing, not traumatizing. It made me laugh and smile, not cry (okay a few happy tears), and perhaps most surprisingly, there was no pain. I feel like I officially graduated today when I successfully put my menstrual disc in AND took it out without any problem . Lauren has a way of making potentially uncomfortable things ultimately quite comfortable, often educational, and strangely fun. She's got such a gift, not just in healing injuries and improving function but in relating, communicating, and believing not just in the body's potential but her patient's. ... I took a class in college called "Psychology of the Body". We had a homework assignment where I was supposed to trace myself on a piece of butcher paper and then fill it in with whatever came up as I did a body scan. You could use magazines, crayons, pictures, paint, literally anything to fill the space. There were a lot of places covered with fire/flames representing the widespread chronic pain I was experiencing, other areas were lighter, 'prettier', but I'll never forget coloring the whole pelvic area black. It was just darkness, I couldn't scan into it, I couldn't see it. It's been 20 years and I feel like this is the first time I see light where there had been so much darkness. Thank you hardly covers it. read more

THRIVE Physical Therapy San Diego - Physical Therapy Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I have worked with every Doctor at Thrive. They are all incredible and the energy in the clinic alone is healing. Dr. Aaron and Dr. Lauren have worked with me on back pain and foot injuries. They took me from believing I would always be in pain to realizing that with some movement correction I could live painlessly. Since I am dancer, I have focused my care with Dr. Julieann. Coming back from a Jones fracture, Dr. Julieann has helped me with both strength and balance to get back to dancing strongly and confidently. She focuses on the strength needed for the demands that are specific for dance. In addition, Dr. Julieann, treats my occasional back pain. I go into my appointment with a lot of pain and leave pain free. It's life changing. read more

I've been lucky to work extensively with both Dr. Lauren (for pelvic floor postpartum) and Dr. Aaron (my the myriad of chronic pain issues I have, jaw, neck, shoulders, ribs). They have both helped me immensely for the past 10 months or so - they bring extensive knowledge, honesty, genuine care, and joy to every session and their practice. They're both extremely skilled at what they do and provide so much 1:1 attention unlike many other PT clinics. I love that Dr. Lauren makes it so comfortable to talk about all things pelvic floor, vulvas, overall and sexual health. I love that Dr. Aaron is so deeply passionate about helping his patients as well as educating them along the way, he also has the coveted CFMT (Certified Functional Manual Therapy) background which is hands down the most effective, relieving, PT approach I have come across. Jori who runs the office and front desk is also fantastic - she is so responsive, organized, and friendly. It's a great practice! My partner also started going there as well :) read more

I'm a salsa dancer and had a big event coming up for the weekend but my lower left leg was in a lot of pain. It felt inflamed and wasn't able to comfortably walk on it. I contacted Dr Julieann and she was able to accommodate me into her schedule the next day due to the urgency of the issue. She is so kind and has such a bright energy that made me feel very comfortable. They assessed my issue, massaged it out and taught me some exercises to help as well as stretches. They also taped up my leg and gave me tips on what to do before my performance. I haven't had a flare up since then but know now where to go for any future concerns. Thank you Thrive! read more

"After suddenly becoming quite disabled by spasms of acute lower back pain I urgently sought help from Dr Sean at Thrive. Unlike the urgent care doctor I saw beforehand, who merely suggested Tylenol or Ibuprofen that did little good, Dr Sean approached my problem as a whole-body issue. He explained and demonstrated that back pain is a complex issue needing several physical therapy approaches. Thanks to his care and his very helpful personality I recovered in just six weeks and am currently free of all back pain. Not everyone can afford private physical therapy that is not covered by insurance, but I am very happy I chose Thrive and Dr Sean." read more

I have been working with the Thrive team since about about 4 week postpartum. My first interaction was a virtual consultation with Dr. Lauren and I was blown away by how effective she was, even over video - Dr. Lauren watched my breathing and assessed my core *through video* and was able to recommend next steps. Since then I have been meeting with Dr. Julieann on a biweekly basis and she is fantastic. I was nervous (an understatement) about jumping back into exercise and understanding my body's limits after 40 weeks of pregnancy and a long labor and Dr. Julieann has been with me ever step of the way. I was able to start biking, and now running, with the confidence that I was rebuilding my mind-body connection in the right way. Dr. Julieann has also helped me treat the new aches and pains that come with motherhood (a sore shoulder from carrying the baby, posture corrections) and always thoughtfully listens to me and collaborates with me on a treatment plan. I can't recommend this team enough, working with Dr. Julieann and Thrive was the best decision I could have made for myself postpartum. I'll be back for baby #2. read more

Can't say enough good things about Dr Lauren. As a perinatal nurse I knew the importance of pelvic floor rehab post baby but didn't really understand just how important it is until I became a new mommy myself. Feeling like there was still something "wrong" (ie different) with me 5.5 months postpartum took a huge toll on me mentally and on my confidence. Everyone tells you it just takes time and I'm sure that's the case but I wanted to be proactive about it too. Which is how I ended up at Thrive. Yep. It can be awkward but I felt very comfortable right away with Dr Lauren and decided to do whatever she suggested to feel better. I followed her advice and 3 sessions total I was back to feeling like me. No exaggeration. As I had had a c section we also worked on my scar and she showed me how to massage it on my own to break up the scar tissue. Mommies, trust and believe that you can and do deserve to have a healthy pelvic floor after baby. All the stories we're told to normalize the changes (peeing yourself with daily activities, pain with sex, anorgasmia, etc) don't mean that they are symptoms you should have to grin and bear. If my husband and I were to have another baby I would plan on coming back to Thrive as part of my planned postpartum care. read more

I have been working with Dr. Julieann for three sessions thus far. She has been not only professional but validating and comforting in regards to my pelvic pain. The facility is clean and very professionally kept. I've already noticed a big difference in my pain level as well on my mind body control. Based on the cues she has given me, I've noticed I have been having better workouts and recovering better. Simply moving through life is easier now too. Jori, at the front, is wonderful as well as. She's such a bright face to see when you first walk in. Highly highly recommend! read more

Dr. Lauren is an amazing pelvic floor physical therapist! I saw her in hopes of gaining some insight into the "frozen pelvis" situation that my endometriosis has landed me in. I was blown away with her depth and breadth of knowledge on the female anatomy and how it is all interconnected. Our visit consisted of discussing my concerns, a physical exam where she evaluated the mechanics of what was going on, and exercises to help me start to correct things. I found Lauren very easy to talk to, and she explained what she was doing with each exercise to help me understand it. She also sent me home with a great summary of recommendations and exercises that were clear and easy to understand. I highly recommend Thrive PT for pelvic floor health! read more

I went to see Dr. Lauren because I was diagnosed with endometriosis a couple of years back and someone from my support group had suggested their facility to help with the chronic pain I was still experiencing. Such a stark contrast to the horrible and frustrating experiences I've had with traditional hospitals where I'd too often leave an appointment confused and feeling completely unheard. They were in the process of moving but even just upon entering their temporary space, the facility and the people working there give off such a welcoming vibe! Dr. Lauren really made me feel heard. She took the time to listen to my medical history and concerns, explain to me more about my female anatomy than I've ever learned from sex ed or other doctors, and you gave me helpful homework to work on to help with some of the issues I was experiencing. I LOVE that she has you record a video of her instructions too because I'd hate going into other doctor appointments where they either don't tell you anything about the next steps moving forward or they shoot off a list of things and then I'd leave not remembering any of it. You can just tell her and the people that work there really care about their patients and want to work together with you to make sure you receive the best care possible, which is honestly how you should feel about all medical professionals you go to when you're seeking help but honestly isn't usually the case. Can't say enough good things about this place. read more

I *LOVE* this woman. After a uterine rupture and diastasis with my 3rd baby, I didn't know where to turn. I suffered, mostly alone, for 4 months. (It's such a rare occurrence, even the OB and midwives didn't have much advice!) After a late night rabbit-hole search, I found my answer: Lauren! She's Western medicine trained. But she GETS energy work. She GETS being a dancer, and how painful it is to feel divorced from your body. And her new office is filled with joy, nothing like the PT-factory feelings and smells I've experienced. Our 2 sessions together have done so much good. My body somehow came alive, and though I am nowhere near 100% yet, my muscles woke up and have started functioning. I'm connected to my core again, I can imagine doing yoga and pilates soon; I am on the path! And the ancillary benefits are perhaps the best part! She did some magical work on my organs. After the c-section, it felt like everything was out of place. No more. They've found their way home. Lauren also taught me how to effectively massage my scar tissue - beyond the normal "just rub it with oil" that I've heard in the past. Now even scar tissue from 18 years ago is starting to shift! My body is starting to feel like ME again. If you are on the fence about spending the money, I get it. It took me 4 months to confront the fact that I needed assistance in order to heal. But give it a try - you won't regret it. Your health is the most worthy investment of your time, energy, and funds. *And a word of wisdom: the healing may not be instant. The day after our 1st session, my body and brain were working so hard, just walking half a mile completely knocked me out! Drink water, eat well, rest up. Let the kids watch tv. :D Be prepared. Love yourself up! * read more

Dr. Julieann has been incredibly helpful to me over the past month in dealing with SI dysfunction and sciatic pain. I was in debilitating pain when I first went in and had a 75% reduction in pain after the first treatment and have continued to improve each week. She's able to offer holistic recommendations that work with my lifestyle and is also helping me achieve proper alignment while weight training. I can't recommend her or Thrive enough. read more

Thrive Physical Therapy saved the day after one visit. Dr Aaron Snyder is extremely professional and informative. I highly recommend this office to anyone with back pain or any pain at all! read more

Six months later and I have to give an update! If you are pregnant, WALK YOURSELF OVER TO THE WEBSITE AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. LAUREN. Do it now, and then come back to read the amazing reviews. Let's recap. Twenty-nine weeks in and I can't walk. After two appointments, I was moving without pain. After two weeks, I was back at work and back to exercising. At 39 weeks, my water broke and we were off to the races! However, when we made it to the hospital I accidently checked myself in at the ER instead of the L&D entrance. They wanted to wheel me over because L&D is like 12 miles from the ER (okay, closer to 1/4 of a mile), but I insisted on walking. The orderly actually followed me with a wheelchair, convinced I wouldn't make it. Spoiler alert: I made it! I had a relatively short labor and when my family came to visit us, the L&D nurses all said, "Oh! You're with the Walker!" Before I met Dr. Lauren, I couldn't walk to my kitchen without crying. Because of her care and dedication, I was able to walk across a hospital within hours of giving birth. I cannot begin to say how much Dr. Lauren helped me. Not only did she provide the tools and instruction to fix my pain, but she made sure that I understood what was happening with my body. After my lower back pain resolved, I kept setting up appointments to help with the minor discomforts of the third trimester. In my last appointment, we talked about perineal massage, pelvic floor health, and postpartum. She directed me to some great books on postpartum care that really set me up for success. I am super happy with the expanse of knowledge and quality of practice at Thrive PT. Just do yourself a favor and set up an appointment. ! read more

I've been working with Aaron Snyder on a right shoulder torn rotator cuff and right knee meniscus tear. The personal care I am getting is helping me beyond what I could have imagined. Every session I get Aaron's 100 per cent attention as his passion easily fuels mine. I've gone from contemplating surgery to feeling strength and no pain in both areas. I find my daily exercises thrilling because of how wonderful my body and mind are feeling. After so many failed physical therapy experiences, I've finally connected with the right practice. I am so grateful to Aaron and Thrive Physical Therapy that the fun of moving freely is once again back in my life. read more

After having two kids 13 months apart, I was having some incontinence and pelvic floor issues postpartum. Although I thought it was "normal", I went to see Dr. Lauren about it because I'm very active and it was becoming a big nuisance for me - not to mention, I was quite embarrassed. Dr. Lauren informed me that although incontinence is extremely common it is actually not "normal". Knowing this is a very sensitive topic, Dr. Lauren was sweet, professional, and beyond knowledgable at every appointment. With a few weeks of appointments and staying consistent with my at home exercises, I am now able to workout pee-free! :-) A few months after visiting her, I then tore my ACL and of course immediately called her for pre-hab before surgery and rehab for after. I fully attribute my quick healing and smooth recovery to Dr. Lauren's experience and amazing knowledge. From the moment you walk in, she greets you with a contagious smile and shows true interest and concern for your well-being. She is a one of a kind and I am forever grateful to have found her. If you are looking for a doctor of physical therapy, than Dr. Lauren Mallari-Snyder is 100% the one! read more

Aaron is by far the best physical therapist I have ever dealt with! Five years ago I tore my Achilles training. I'm a 400 hurdler, who is working towards making an Olympic team. For three years I tried different therapists who couldn't help me. After three sessions with Aaron I was able to run again without pain. He has been my therapist for 2 years now and I see him for any issue that is keeping me from running. I will follow him to the end of the earth. He is my physical therapist for life! If you're an athlete or just someone dealing with any type of chronic pain, then you found the right person for the job! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Aaron at Thrive for a number of months to help me with a variety of back issues. I'd give 6 stars if I could. I've been blown away by his knowledge of the human body and his ability to make me feel noticeably better after each visit. He isn't the kind of PT who will just assign you exercises to do on your own during your visit. Instead he will carefully evaluate your individual condition and use a wide range of modalities (e.g. massage, manual manipulation, graston technique, etc.) to help get your body back into a healthy place. He's a fantastic listener and communicator who invests time in understanding your situation and your concerns and explains everything he's doing at the appropriate level of detail. Apart from Aaron, visiting Thrive feels like a treat. Jori, the office manager, is the best - joyful, caring, attentive, responsive, and thoughtful. Parking is easy. The office is clean and well designed. Give your body a gift and make an appointment with Thrive! read more

The entire team at Thrive are wonderful to work with. I went to Dr. Mallari-Synder for both pregnancy and postpartum care and got so much value out of my visits. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking PT care! read more

Dr. Lauren is an angel and a must for women postpartum (and frankly in pregnancy... wish I would have known her then!). I went to see Lauren after feeling like my 6-week checkup was too brief and didn't really address the pain in my tailbone and low back. I was feeling like I didn't know my body anymore, I was worried about getting back to exercise safely, and I felt like I didn't really get a thorough exam after birth. Lauren took her time getting to know me and my birth story. She asked thoughtful questions and could describe my symptoms in a way that felt like she was reading my mind! It felt so incredible to be heard and helped rather than hearing, "you're still early postpartum this is just normal pain." Not only did Lauren fix my low back pain, she helped me with scar tissue from my tear, upper back pain from nursing, and so much more. The best part about her is that she teaches you what's really going on in your body so it's not some scary mystery after birth. Now when I have pain or discomfort, I know what's up and what exercises I can do to make it feel better. Lauren has me feeling like myself again and I couldn't be more thankful. She's so good that I don't have to see her anymore, but I'll miss my visits! read more

I've been going to Thrive and working with Lauren since I was pregnant, as I wanted to avoid diastesis recti and pelvic floor issues. I had no clue that pelvic floor PTs excised or even how important it is for pregnant and post partum women to get an assessment. I am also an athlete and while seeing Lauren, we corrected lots of poor movement patterns, and posture, which inevitably are ALL connected or the pelvic floor. Weight training is moving in this direction as the body is all connected. I went in recently for neck pain and she not only had me feeling 99% better after one visit but also helped me correct some posture issues. Lauren is EXTREMELY knowledgeable and I highly recommend her. read more

Lauren Mallari-Snyder is/was amazing to work with. Her breadth of knowledge, understanding, compassion and awareness is unmatched. She helped me so much within the month of working with her that I wish I would have gone to her so much earlier. I can't recommend her enough for all things women related, postpartum, diastasis recti, athletes, etc. read more