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San Francisco Sport And Spine Physical Therapy
Category: Health and Medical Physical Therapy Physical Therapy [Edit]
2191 Market StSte C
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Castro
(415) 861-1856
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
About This Business:
We guarantee a perfectly customized treatment plan to alleviate your pain, restore motion, increase strength, and regain the function that is important… read more »
33 reviews for San Francisco Sport And Spine Physical Therapy
33 reviews in English
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Review from Dee M.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012
This place is fantastic. I am, by necessity, a very loyal customer: I have a pretty serious, ongoing issue from an accident. I have been coming here for almost a year and doubt I'll stop anytime soon.
Lindsay Haas is amazing, plain and simple. She's great about gently pushing me in the right direction. My physical therapy appointments never leave me feeling sore or burned out, but she doesn't let me rest on my laurels, either. And I've seen some of the other therapists and they are splendid as well.
But the therapy is only the beginning of what makes being a patient here great. The administrative staff is wonderful. I miss the previous office administrator (I hope that's the right title! She's definitely way more than just a secretary or receptionist), but the new one is just as great. They explain, on your very first visit, what your benefits are and how PT will be covered AS A MATTER OF POLICY. No "call your insurance and find out what your benefits are" nonsense. They advised me about changes to my insurance that would affect my PT coverage. They've been very helpful and patient, in every way, at every turn, and I'll be honest, I'm pretty high maintenance.
They've also been wonderful about helping fit my schedule. My schedule has been a little, oh, let's say, sporadic over the past few months, and they have been way beyond accommodating. I feel bad taking some of Lindsay's high-demand, evening appointments because I know how much at a premium they are, but it's been absolutely wonderful to be able to come in after work rather than trying to finagle a way to come in during the day.
Overall, while I wish I didn't have to be in physical therapy at all, coming in is a pleasure. I can't recommend San Francisco Sport and Spine highly enough. -
Review from Max O.
Richmond, CA
10/28/2011
Good therapy; really decent from a medical standpoint; no problems there. What isn't good at all is the billing system...
On my first series of visits I was charged a $20 co-pay fee...which I kept asking about because I thought I wasn't supposed to be charged (because I had met my out-of-pocket annual max.)...but they were firm, bordering on aggressive about collecting so I paid it for a while. Later I checked with Blue Shield, and sure enough, they weren't supposed to be collecting anything from me. When I explained all this to the billing department, they immediately agreed that it was an over-charge, but refused to refund the $420, "until Blue Shield has finished processing all the Explanation of Benefits" forms. Which is crap, because all that is between SS Spine and Blue Shield and has nothing to do with the over-payment I made in cash. And Blue Shield has done all the paperwork anyway...but still, 2 months later I am waiting for my refund.
I think it all a matter of collecting interest on the overpayment funds, and if I could figure out where to report this very questionable "policy" that they operate under, I'd definitely report them.
Another Yelper ha\d a similar experience, and had to take it all the way to the CEO...Hope I don't have to go there. -
Review from Michael W.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2011
I came down with serious cervical and thoracic issues in 2007. Since then, I've tried traditional medicine like cortizone injections and meds, acupuncture, cranial sacral, rolfing, chiropractic, anti-depressents and a 4-5 physical therapists. The most effective treatments were cortizone, pain meds and acupuncture. These treatments combined kept my pain levels at around 3-4 on a scale of 1-10. It was fine and I was managing.
Then, one day, I was walking down Market and noticed SF Sport & Spine Phys Therapy. I figured, "What the hell." Maybe they would think of something others hadn't thought of yet.
I've seen Elyse Tomasello about 5-6 times now. The simple exercises and manual manipulation she does has helped TREMEDOUSLY! My pain is not at around 1-2. It's been great. I'm a little frustrated with the medical community as a whole; for no one else looked at my body as a whole and talked about reconditioning my "kinetic chain." Elyse was the first to do this and approach my ailments from this angle (It's funny how a tight muslce in your hip can cause stiffness in your middle back! ).
If you have chronic problems and haven't found anyone who could help, try this place. They really know what they're doing! -
Review from David N.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2011
I came in with some pretty bad lower back pain. I've been to a chiropractor multiple times and no relief.
The therapist who helped me was Ali (alley?). She was absolutely terrific. Professional and really friendly. I would highly recommend anyone here. -
Review from Jenna Q.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2011
I was in a bicycle accident and severely broke both my right hip and pelvis. I was non-weightbearing for 10 weeks, where I saw an in-home PT through the hospital.
When I got the OK from my surgeon to start to walk again, I started seeing physical therapists here. It's only been 5 weeks since I started to re-learn to walk, but I got the approval from my surgeon that I'm walking so well that I can return to my job as a hospital floor nurse next week!
I wouldn't be where I am today without my physical therapists at Sport and Spine. They have a holistic approach to their therapy that includes exercises, range of motion and flexibility. I didn't get all this from my previous PT. I always feel like I'm making progress at every appointment and overall have only seen success with the way they've handled my case and got me moving again. They are also very easy and flexible to schedule with and all the staff members know your name when you walk in the door and are so friendly.
I hope to have no more major injuries, but I would definitely go here for my PT!! -
Review from tim d.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2011
Elyse is amazing. She worked on my knee for over a year until I was fully recovered and I would recommend her to anyone. She is tough but compassionate and always all about you and your recovery.
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Review from Danielle G.
San Francisco, CA
5/17/2011
After a bad experience with a different PT, I made an appointment with Elyse, whom my boyfriend saw for a nasty back injury with great success. She rocks. She's great to be around, and clearly is very into her work. I feel like she has my goals in mind, and really wants to be thorough and help me get better. Highly recommended.
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Review from Marianne R.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
I was referred here by an orthopedic specialist from UCSF after I had dislocated my knee cap back in November. She claimed it was her favorite place for physical therapy in the city. Fortunately for me it was located very close and easy to get to.
I worked with Elyse and I highly recommend her. Always very positive and has a very realistic attitude about recovery plans, process and future goals that people have set for themselves. Even when it came to equipment that I did not have at home, she was creative in finding other things that I have in my house that would work for exercises.
Even though I only worked with Elyse, their work atmosphere was always very positive and relaxing, which is key to a successful recovery. I have and will continue to recommend anyone to come here. -
Review from enmi k.
Seattle, WA
4/28/2010
I have seen a LOT of physios in my day, and NO ONE has given me the close care and individual attention that Lowen Cattalico has. Lowen is a great combo of expertise, tons of functional knowledge, and positive 'can do' attitude -- which I think is so key to healing patients with long-term injuries. I went in with a non-obvious running injury and she really spent so much time closely going through a ton of diagnostics to get to the root cause. She's an athlete herself, so understands the mindset of even recreational athletes and respects how important it is to get back out there for one's sanity and happiness... And she even followed up with me by email a few days later to ask how things were progressing: who else does this?! Not your typical PT, not your doctor, sometimes not even your spouse!! Amazing, amazing.
Only downside: they're out of network for my insurance (Aetna) so had to pay significant out-of-pocket. But was worth it! -
Review from alli and sky p.
Oakland, CA
9/26/2008
It is all. about. Leigh.
I was having chronic back pain, to the point where I'd be out having fun with my friends and my back would just ruin my whole time. I'd get grouchy and just want to go home so I could lay down.
Leigh did this crazy investigative work and figured out because of my posture I only used a small part of my back. She helped me loosen up my spine notch by notch, and had me feeling a thousand times better within a couple months. I still do her exercises and stretches to this day, and don't see myself ever stopping.
Also, she cracked me up and was a blast to hang out with. I actually looked forward to each session.
Go see Leigh! She'll fix ya right up. -
Review from Lauren L.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2008
First things first: I am a runner. Running is in my soul, in my blood, without it I'd probably be rocking in the corner mumbling gibberish. And after an overuse injury, I almost got to that point. I tried two other physical therapists and even a sports medicine doctor and saw no results. My injury was not straightforward and it seemed like no one could tell me what exactly was wrong or how to fix it.
Finally I decided to try SF Sport and Spine PT -- and thanks to Leigh Allen, I am a functioning human being who, most importantly, can run again! Leigh never gave up on my seemingly mysterious injury and each session she tried so many different things and assigned me new exercises to keep trying. When your PT says things like "I pondered your injury over a glass of wine last night", you know she cares. Within a few sessions I finally started seeing results and within a few weeks I was able to run again. Not only am I healed, but I'm stronger and the chances of a re-injury are much slimmer.
In a nutshell, if you have an injury of any sort, go see Leigh Allen. She will figure you out, explain things clearly, work with you to see results and get you back to doing what you want to do. -
Review from Amy C.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2008
Really good, very helpful and supportive. I've been working with Lowen for a foot and ankle injury and she has been great.
It seems silly at first when someone gets so excited that you can wiggle your toes again but then suddenly you're proud of that minor accomplishment. And try to wiggle even more.
Small office and very personalized one on one attention. I've been to PT before when the doctor gives you an exercise for a few minutes and then works in another patient. Here it is all about you and there is a genuine interest in your healing.
So if you unfortunately have to go for PT, go here. -
Review from Fromage S.
San Francisco, CA
12/4/2007
PT Lowen Cattolico is an excellent physical therapist who got me back on my feet (literally) in five weeks after falling off a MUNI bus and tearing my calf muscle badly.
She is friendly, thoughtful, and extremely knowledgeable about ways to isolate and exercise the injured muscle back to full recovery. She was very patient with my questions and helped me to understand the functions of balance and proprioception.
I experienced excellent return to physical function through my work with Lowen. I cannot recommend her highly enough. -
Review from J. K.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2010
Yikes did my knees hurt.
Walking up and down steps was painful. The pain did the unthinkable kept me from going out at night.
A friend suggested I try physical therapy. I read reviews on Yelp. I decided on SF Sport and Spine Physical Therapy because it was highly-rated and in my neighborhood. Elyse, one of the Physical Therapists there, became my PTer. She was great. The result? Over the course of four months, starting twice weekly and now going as-needed, I have full use and essentially no pain. I've gone from hobbling to running. Literally. I ran this morning.
To say that Elyse's work was awesome would be just about right.
Got a movement or joint-pain issue? Check out SF Sport and Spine out. -
Review from Dan S.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2011
This is the worst physical therapy place i have ever been to. My condition requires a specific type of tissue treatment to resolve - the therapist they gave me was not trained in this. They did not have heat to place on muscles . They were not trained in massage. The physical therapists here are not properly trained, and they do not have the proper equipment to treat all conditions.
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Review from J O.
Washington, DC
3/23/2007
I have to agree with the other reviewer that PT Jerry Durham is great! He is very friendly and tremendously knowledgeable about sport related injuries. I am particularly impressed by his whole body approach and knowledge of the nervous system. I experienced immediate, dramatic improvement after beginning work with Jerry.
PS This practice is great at working with insurance companies, and doesn't encourage you to get more therapy than you need, just to get more business! When I was feeling good, I was basically told, 'ok, done for now...' That's definitely how it should be! -
Review from Seth B.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2008
Went to SFSSPT because it was the top result in yelp's search engine, was a short bike ride (source of my problem) from my house, and had all 5 starts so far. Easy!
Once again, yelp was spot on and I'm glad to add my 5 stars. I went in for a nagging knee injury that was intermittently crippling me and keeping me off my beloved bike (my new car). Leigh was great. She spent a lot of time working with me to analyze the source of my problem and gave me exercises that started to make an improvement right away. Then, when I started to plateau after a few weeks she brought in Jerry, SFSSPT's resident bike guru, because my biggest problem was aggravating my injury through excessive biking. Jerry's adjustments to my bike and shoe suggestions were a big help and now I'm back to biking as much as I want. Also, as others have mentioned, they were good about ending treatment when it made sense. -
Review from Aaron A.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2009
Here is the deal.
Never have been to a physical therapist before and this was a good first experience.
I got a back injury running and the PT gave me a full evaluation. She provided me with some knowledge of my injury, thoroughly explained how to limit the pain, as well as taught me some back and posture exercises that should send me on the road to recovery.
The place is clean, the people who work there are professional and friendly.
You've just been yelped in. -
Review from Jo M.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2011
I sustained a shoulder injury playing ice hockey that required surgery and a course of several months of PT before and after my surgery.
I received the best care from my physical therapist, Lindsay Haas and I am now almost fully recovered from my injury. Lindsay was not only thorough and exacting in her methods and routine working my shoulder through the injury but also supportive of the emotional drain that the injury caused. In short, Lindsay helped me in every way to recover from my injury and I would recommend her care to anyone in need of physical therapy. -
Review from Alisha B.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2009
Dwayne is the manager upfront at the Commercial Dr. & Soma locations and he is extremely helpful and polite. It is really refreshing. He calls your insurance company FOR YOU to let you know if your deductible is met and how much your co-pays will be. This place was out of my insurance network but by the time I located an in-network location, I didn't want to change therapists because I liked mine so much. (it would have been a 20$ difference to go elsewhere) Also, they are extremely flexible with payment. They let me have my mom call in her credit card # over the phone every 2-3 appointments!!
The therapist I have been seeing is Ali and she is very friendly yet professional. I had surgery for AVN on my shoulder and she helped me through my recovery. She is tender and really knows what she is doing. -
Review from Liz S.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2010
Honestly, the quality of service was fine but their business practice is horrible. They filed paperwork wrong with not just me but 35 other patients and now the insurance won't cover it. On top of that, they're requiring patients to flip the full bill now even though it was their mistake. You might get decent care, but watch out, you might have to pay for it all out of POCKET even if it's in your network!
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Review from Matt K.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2008
I have worked with Lowen at SF Sport and Spine for several years now on the various injuries that arise for weekend warrior / mid-week sports league type guys like myself. I'm talking ankles, shoulder, neck, hip flexor, etc. Lowen is the only PT that I will go to when I get injured because she understands that I have been injured off and on all of my life, that I will continue to get injured for the foreseeable future, and that I don't want to be treated like a delicate flower. She knows getting better fast is my top goal and that I want to get down to business as soon as I walk through her door. She also knows the kind of motion and use I need for my various sports, and therefore knows how to cater her treatment methods and my rehab homework assignments to my particular needs.
I have also seen Lowen interact with patients unlike myself who require a different kind of attention, and I know from speaking with her that she spends a lot of her weekend time treating the elderly and kids with developmental problems. In other words, she caters her treatment style to the patient. Coupled with her comprehensive knowledge and experience, that makes her a very good PT.
I would recommend Lowen to atheletes and former atheletes who have been to the trainer before and want their PT to understand their lifestyle and their need to get back on the mounain / field / court quickly. I would also recommend her to others based on her knowledge and experience alone (even if you don't want to get down to business right when you walk in the door).
By the way, a friend of mine tore his Achilles tendon on Sunday, got into surgery today (3 days later - I have no idea how he pulled that off), and his surgeon recommended SF Sport and Spine for rehab. Get better soon Keith. -
Review from Samy A.
Berkeley, CA
9/10/2008
I went to SF Sport and Spine for physical therapy for a fractured vertebrae. After just a couple sessions I learned valuable tools to help correct my poor posture which was contributing to my back pain.
After 3 sessions i changed insurance carriers and my new insurance didn't cover PT. I called to cancel my next appointment because I couldn't afford to pay out of pocket and the man who helped me there didn't just cancel the appointment, but asked me about my situation, decided he didn't feel comfortable letting my just go without one more session, and so made an appointment for me to come in the next day for free to give me final tips and exersises. I have never felt like a company cared as much for their clients as that day.
Also, Jerry was really great. -
Review from Jason P.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2011
my experience here mirrors others - the quality of therapy is definitely up there, and the staff are very pleasant to deal with, but the billing is all over the place and bordering on a scam.
the problem in my case was that the actual cost of a visit was never made clear, so i was charged $125 initially then $100 per visit which i thought was reasonable. but when the bill finally arrived the actual cost was twice that. i'm still within deductible so i had to pay the lot.
and like others, i'm not convinced they don't add charges retroactively.
verdict: come here for therapy but ensure you have the FULL picture regarding billing. otherwise you might get a nasty surprise. -
Review from Richard S.
San Mateo, CA
Updated - 6/13/2011
It took a few months - but I finally received a refund check for my overcharge. I had to take my issue up with the CEO, who seems to be an honorable individual. Definitely not worth the hassle for me to receive their therapy.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/6/2011
Scam.
These people are not to be trusted. Look at the other low-star reviews - I am not the only one… Read more »
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Review from Wendy K.
Corte Madera, CA
3/28/2007
Jerry Durham is great! After seeing other physical therapists, I found him to be the most knowledgable and personable PT yet.
My podiatrist, Dr. Jenny Sanders (who is also great) recommended him to me as I had some shoulder/neck pain resulting from years of bad alignment. He does a very thorough evaluation and tests and retests you to see if his treatment is working. He gives you practical and simple exercises to do to help you get out of a chronic cycle of pain.
What's best is that he is also a cyclist and knows what athletes go through. -
Review from Meia M.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2009
I went here for an initial evaluation for a strained hamstring. The therapist appeared to know what she was doing and I trusted her ideas for stretches.
Unfortunately, she gave me stretches that promoted more pain and not much healing. I showed the routine to professionals outside of this office and they agreed that her treatment was inappropriate. I will give them 3 stars b/c they followed up to try to make things better. -
Review from Larissa W.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2008
I had a bad accident this summer-- fractured tibia and broken tibial plateau that required ACL surgery to reattach the ligament. Luckily my ACL was not torn. My ortho surgeon recommended Lowen Cattolico to help me rehab. She is wonderful! Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. She answers all my questions, encourages me, and is really understanding when things get tough. I'm only 4 weeks into my regimen and I'm very impressed with my progress. Lowen is great!
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Review from m w.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2009
Yahoo Sturdy, Lowen and Leigh!
I have had tons of physical therapy at SF Sport & Spine. I began about 10 years in the old Castro office with Sturdy McKee, 'the' man who got the whole thing going. I followed him to the Marina (far from my hood). I now go to the Castro office. I have seen Lowen Cattolico for years, and I have also seen Leigh Allen. I have something to say about all three of these great healers.
Sturdy McKee: I started working with Sturdy to fix 'this and that' running injuries. Once I hit my head on a pole that had been put up overnight on Bernal Hill, where I used to run daily. Another time I overstretched my Achilles heel: Don't do those curbs stretches where you drop your heel, said Sturdy, so I stopped. That bad stretch was 9 years ago, and I was so afraid I had ruined my tendon that I ran to a Pilates studio in the Mission (I'll Yelp on that later) in fear I would not run again. But I did, and I thank Sturdy (and myself) for that. Sturdy was spectacular.
Lowen Cattolico: In 2004 I had an odd surgery for a congenitive birth defect that wrecked my pelvic floor. It was then that I began to see Lowen. I saw her a LOT and the work I did with her - and she with me -- was great. I have seen her for many years on a near-weekly basis, with only a month here and there off. Lowen got me running again. My next significant injury was about 3 years ago. It was an L3 injury that came when I rescued a young boy in Yosemite one summer by dragging him to safety in 100-degree weather for about 3 miles. [That's its own story, and despite the injury I am very glad I did it.] Lowen helped me so much with my spine, and my core is now strong and better than ever. I really like Lowen, and I have great respect her. She's been gentle when I need it, and firm when I ask for more. I am one of those 'more is better' types and Lowen has been able to rail me in when I needed that, and let me 'run' free when I was ready. She helped me push through the mess in my body and gave me what I needed to heal.
Leigh Allen: After a horrible staph infection gone wild and undiagnosed for almost 9 months in my bones, I started seeing a doctor who refers clients to Leigh. My time with Leigh at this writing has been relatively short in my 10-year stint at SF Sport and Spine, but I already concur 100% with the rave reviews of her that I have read on this site. I am now working out the injury I explain in my 'Dr. Jennifer Ross' post, and Leigh has helped me a lot. I heal well and I do the work. I am getting better again, and for now, and maybe forever, walking (for miles and miles every morning - while slower than running - is pretty damn good on the hill. -
Review from gary S.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2009
I would not hesitate to recommend anybody to San Francisco Sport and Spine. 5 years ago I was in an auto accident. My car was totalled. I was lucky enough to walk away with back and neck injuries. Lowen was recommended by my doctor's office and her attentive and informed PT helped me to a full recovery.
I was so impressed with the quality of care she provided that it stuck with me years later. After sustaining an ankle injury this April I contacted SF Sport and Spine again. Along with their PT evaluations, treatments, and excercise regimens, Nicole Reiss and Lowen Catolico have been providing great support and informed encouragement through an injury that is slow to heal by it's very nature. They're both responsive to the feedback I provide, available by phone or email, and quick to adjust any parts of my regimen if I'm feeling any pain or stiffness in a given week so that I can continue to promote my healing process. -
Review from Niels T.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2009
I broke my elbow and had some serious things go wrong in my wrist. I was flabbergasted with my arm's response: it went completely numb and I had no strength left. It was a very disturbing experience that was new for me. One visit with Lowen Cattolico made me feel completely confident that I would heal and heal well. Indeed, a few weeks later, I made so much progress that I can complete the healing on my own. I feel great. Lowen was superb and great to work with. Always with solid advise. But it was that sense of confidence I got from her that I loved the most. That is what really started my healing.
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Review from Holly S.
San Francisco, CA
2/16/2011
This review has little to do with the physical therapists here, in fact the quality of care here is probably worth closer to 4 stars, but the business side of this practice is deplorable. I was told that the care I was receiving was in my insurance network so I proceeded with a couple of appointments for a painful shoulder. On my third appointment I asked an insurance question and was then informed that I was now NOT in their network!!! This is after being told I would be paying in network prices for two appointments! I walked out and did not go back. Tried to settle it with the 'higher' up people in the company (whatever that means) but no one was able to cop to the fact that the receptionist had been deceitful about their insurance coverage, even when they were in network when I called my insurance company. It looks like someone else on here had a similar experience. Steer Clear unless you're hoping to pay a ton of money for PT and be lied to by staff.
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Review from sara p.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2009
Whatever you do, I urge you not to go to SF Sport and Spine. This has nothing to do with the practitioners themselves - I liked Leigh and thought she did a good job. That said, the billing service for SF Sport and Spine is unlike anything I have ever encountered. I have a great insurance plan and simply paid a $10 copay every time I saw Leigh. Even though SF S+S was automatically billing my insurance company for the rest, they would send an additional bill to me, too. I would ignore, knowing my insurance company was paying, which they always did. After I finished treatment with Leigh in November, I continued to receive outstanding invoices for $10 copays (even though I had also paid them in person every time). I should have refused to pay them, but it never seemed worth arguing over $10. Except that I'm still paying them! 5 months after my last treatment, I continue to get $10 invoices. Again, I've paid them every time and have even sent notes twice saying this is the last time I pay you. But the bills keep coming. It's almost comical. This time, I refuse. And I will report them to the BBB. But if you don't have to go through this, I suggest you don't. There are plenty of good physical therapists in the city who won't wreck billing havoc on your life.
