Albany PT has THE BEST physical therapists. I've been going there for years, and they've fixed my knee, ankle, and wrist. That said, they've joined with a new group and you must keep your receipts and check your bills carefully! Despite paying my copays at every visit, such that I had a 0 balance, Albany PT sent me a bill. When I called to inquire, I was told that my insurance company had tripled the required copay on one specific date, causing me to have a balance due. When I called the insurance company to find out about my changed copay, they had no record of a copay change, or any amount due. Insurance had fully paid their part and I had fully paid my part. The billing contractor for Albany PT was insistent that the EOB showed a required triple copay for one specific date -- but she was unwilling to share the EOB with me! Something sketchy going on in the billing department... read more

I'm disappointed by my experience here. Took a while to get an appointment, but that's to be expected as a new patient. Once there, I really liked my PT - Eric. He was kind, seemed to know what he was doing, felt he could help me with my chronic low back pain and elbow tendonitis. I was feeling hopeful when I left. He said he'd like to see me twice/week if possible. Went straight to book the appts at the front desk, but was told they couldn't get me on the books with him again for three weeks. Not great for continuity or knowing whether I was doing the exercises correctly, but I figured it would get easier with time, so I made two appointments, three and four weeks, respectively from the first. After patiently waiting the three weeks, unsure if the exercises were helping or making things worse, it was the day before my 2nd appt with Eric, which I was very much looking forward to, and I got a confirmation text saying I had an appt the next day with "Nia." I looked on the website and she is a PT assistant. And, more importantly, not Eric, who I had the appointment with. That I waited three weeks for. I called to explain this and was told that they don't have enough PTs and that's part of the deal that you'll be seeing PT assistants. No one explained this from the beginning or even mentioned it when I was told by the front desk person I had two appts booked with Eric. This is not the way to treat patients. Eric might have been great and helped me with my pain. I'll never know. I won't be going back. read more

Ann Michelle is a hero! When we walked in my son could barely walk with a walker. He had fractured his tibial tubercle and avulced his patella tendon two months earlier, and had been bedridden for two months. Almost immediately upon beginning treatment with Ann Michelle, my son finally started to regain mobility. She was fiercely dedicated to getting him back up on his feet walking, and even back to snowboarding again eventually. Her deep knowledge of the body and how it heals was stunning. Her cheerful demeanor was as healing as her massage and strengthening work. My son is devoted to her and we are all deeply grateful. We also had a good experience with the front desk staff and scheduling has been smooth and easy (once we got in). read more

Friendly staff and they always do their best to get you in. The therapist are very experienced and with a lot of knowledge and patience. They are thorough with their explanation of things and helpful to help you understand how to continue to get better. read more

I had a disappointing customer experience. The staff member I interacted with was rude and impolite, which made the visit uncomfortable. Due to this, I will not be returning to this location. read more

A friend of mine recommended Albany Physical Therapy so I was looking forward to going here. However, I was extremely disappointed with the service I got here and discontinued my sessions. To begin with, getting my first initial consultation appointment was very difficult. I had to wait almost a month to get my first appointment that was with a physical therapist. I would say that session got a 5/10 because i didn't really get a sense this person really cared about my discomfort. Then, getting the next appointments was crazy. The front desk staff couldn't even tell you when your next appointments could be. Even when they had availabilities they made you feel like you had to take what they had and your own personal calendar was unimportant. I got 2 appointments but then had to wait an entire month to get a 3rd. A appointment. All of the sessions except for the first one was with assistants, not a PT, who did the exact same thing each time in very robotic ways. The front desk people seemed disconnected and unconcerned about not being able to get me sessions consecutively within reasonable weeks. I really felt like the people here did not care about your discomfort, trying to help you get better or attempting to get you consistent therapy. The indifference and lack of concern from all the staff made it feel like people were just going through the motions to get their paychecks. I didn't go for the complete number of sessions my doctor prescribed. I really wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Ariel is the best PT I've ever had! I would highly recommend her to anyone. She is kind and really knows her stuff. All I had to do was describe some pain in my hip or leg and she would come up with ways to test my strength in the area then give me exercises that strengthened those specific muscles. I was always so impressed with how quickly she could assess and find solutions. On top of that, she is super kind and encouraging, so when I was feeling discouraged about maybe never going backpacking again, she explained to me that if I did the assigned exercises there was no reason why I couldn't go again. About a year later, I did go backpacking and had no trouble with my hip or back. You'd be lucky to get appointments with Ariel - she's always pretty booked but well worth the wait! read more

Its hit or miss with the therapists: I had one who was great, and then when she left the practice my new therapist didn't seem to give a - she was more focused on doing work on her computer, as far as I could tell. WARNING: You will be denied your session and still charged if you arrive more than 10 minutes late. On the other hand, you may be kept waiting more than 10 minutes in the waiting room and that doesn't seem to be a problem for anyone. read more

I saw Jessica primarily. I had scene a prior PT who works solo in Piedmont. 1st name starts with a D. She pushed me to do an action that hurt my back while treating tennis elbow. My back relaxed, and I should have waited for an opening at Albany. Two PT's worked on me at Albany. They were professional, on point, sharp in a good way, and kind. I resisted stopping weight training and then heeded Jessica's advice. Why seek consult and not take it. I think APT is great! I would not hesitate to send a family member to APT. read more

I suffered extensive physical injuries two years ago. After time in the hospital and in both in patient and outpatient rehab I was able to function well enough to meet the daily tasks that fill our lives. And I had little energy, a great deal of pain, and limited mobility. I started seeing Michell Akazawa at Albany Physical Therapy a few months ago. Michelle is FANTASTIC!!! She is incredibly gifted at identifying where the pain, stiffness and fatigue originates in your body, and finding/devising the exercises and approaches to make you feel better. I have seen more doctors than I could possible count over the last two years, and Michelle has made the most difference and improved my day to day life far more than anyone else! If you are in pain, put your time and energy into getting an appointment at Albany PT. read more

This was a very bad experience and polar opposite of experiences I have had at previous physical therapy practices. It is very difficult to schedule visits, long waiting list, front desk makes mistakes when you finally do schedule a visit, and therapy not consistent. I do not recommend this practice. read more

Worst front desk staff. They will repeatedly hang up on you and when you finally get through they're mumbling so bad you don't even know what they're saying. read more

Have had care for multiple probllems, shoulder, knee, IT band. The two therapists I have seen over a period of many years have both been highly qualified and pleasant. Everyone on the desk is so friendly and relaxed, and Marilyn, who has returned by popular demand, remembers your name years later. read more

I've been seeing Ariel Gross for well over a year first for back and now for what was severe hip pain and she has been amazing! She is the most professional and knowledgeable PT I've ever worked with, well also deeply caring, a great listener, and with a good sense of humor. The improvement has been remarkable, and I am no longer thinking about hip surgery as a result. I highly recommend her!! read more

Arielle is a great pt. I went in with some minor tears in my glute medius and groin with a limp. A few weeks later after working with her I was 95% better and back to regular activities. read more

This place DOES NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS. No one is answering the phone. On May 6rd, 2021, left a message and requested to have someone call me back regarding needed services. A week, and one day later, still no return phone call. Phoned again on May 14, 2021 left a second message, as no one is answering the phone at this place. Requested a return phone call. This place came highly recommended. So what's going on? Don't want to deal with specific needs? Was specific, in my message, requested a certain PT who came highly recommended, so what's going on? read more

Albany PT is the absolute best physical therapy practice in the East Bay, possibly in northern California. I had long spine surgery at UCSF in 2021 and after trying therapy at other practices and being disappointed (they had no idea how to treat me), I wound up here. They have the only therapists who are actually experienced with complex spine rehab. So if you went to UCSF Spine Center for complex spine surgery, you will want to come here, even if you have to drive a distance. The office is clean, the staff friendly and highly professional, the therapists exceptional. I primarily saw therapist Susan Freightman, who is incredible. read more

Dr. Akazawa is an amazing healer! She was thorough and quickly determined exactly what the issues were. After sessions with Dr.Akazawa, I had significantly increased function and could do things I had not been able to for two years. She is also kind and a pleasure to work with. I has a wonderful and easy experience all around with Albany Physical Therapy - scheduling was easy and the staff was great! I highly recommend them. read more

"It's a long road a winding to the land of my dreams..." I've been around the 'hood a time or two. Fourteen months, to be exact. I've had hospital physical therapy. outpatient physical therapy, occupational physical therapy, speech therapy and neuropsychiatric therapy. Through out the SFBay Area. I know whereof I speak... These people are good. Mean really good. They are all well-trained, patient, kind, flexible, and most of all professional. Right now we are working on walking without a cane...I would not have thought this possible six months ago. We are working on flexing the left hand and arm, a personal goal since I am a dyed-in-the-wool leftie. Left dominant, that is. (My political persuasions I prefer to keep to myself and the voting booth.) So, when I had to leave my beloved PT therapist, Leia, who had been with me forever, I was just a trifle nervous. The place looked like a clean gym and Marilyn, the office staff, was friendly, so I decided to give it a go. Kristen, my first therapist, quickly passed me to Liz. Not because Iwas being obstreperous, but because she thought Liz could get me up and running. And she has. Not exactly running, mind you. But definitely improving...walking with a regular wooden cane. (Think of Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey) and now, aiming to throw the cane away. Or at least use it as a eccentric prop. Great place. Clean. Friendly. Professional. In an era which no longer repeats this mantra, Albany Physical Therapy still should use the slogan "yes, we can." Because trust me on this... They can get you walking. Really. read more

My MD referred me to Albany Physical. I called and recorded a message requesting an appointment. No return call. Did the same again. And again, with identical results. Finally gave up. I feel very disappointed because I was truly looking forward to working with them. read more

I am so relieved to have found Albany Physical Therapy. I've never before been to a physical therapist, and, after experiencing tendinitis in my upper quadricep, did not know what to expect. I was treated by Liz Jennings, who is thoroughly professional, knowledgeable, and personable. She gave me exercises to do that are more gentle than the ones I'd been attempting (so much for self-prescribing) and she listened carefully to my description of the location and sensation of discomfort. The front desk people were also congenial, which helps greatly when you're in pain or nervous. Five stars. read more

I had my first scheduled visit today.... I was so impressed with the efficiency and seamless process to get my projected 6 week therapy started. Everyone I dealt with was so nice and any prior nervousness left me . By the time I got home Tamara the p/t had already sent me a plan that included a visual aid to the therapy that we had talked about ! read more

I could not be happier with my physical therapy experience at Albany PT. I had weekly sessions with Laurie Hettinga for about 3 months due to grade 1 spondylolisthesis, disc bulging and stenosis. When I started, I had a good amount of pain shooting through my hips and legs that was preventing me from sitting down, running, bending, twisting and doing many basic daily activities and any sports. Laurie was extremely thorough and considerate in assigning to me properly regressed exercises to slowly strengthen the muscles necessary to stabilize my spine. Over the three months, my condition improved substantially and that's 100% due to Lauries knowledge and help in finding just the right exercises and progressions. I have received PT for a knee surgery in the past and the help I got at Albany PT was far more personalized and thoughtful. 6 out 5, would recommend. read more

This isn't my first experience with Physical Therapy, so I do know how much good it can do to help heal the body. I've had mostly good experience with PT, as long as it was through private insurance. PT through the county isn't worth the time or effort. So, as for Albany PT...again I'm impressed with the investment my therapist has made in me. She is concerned, listens, takes copious notes and makes me go through the motions. Adds more exercises as time goes by or if I let her know that I experienced a lot of pain after exercising, then she decides how much to dial it back. There's hope here and a lot of it. Always should be the first alternative to surgery if at all possible. Albany Physical is dedicated to getting you strong for life. Also, free use of their exercise room space for patients. You can come here to do your exercises if that's more convenient. I highly recommend Albany Physical Therapy. read more

I am a 73-year-old man with lower back and hip pain. I recently completed 3 sessions at Albany PT with therapist Susan Freightman. I give Susan a 5-star rating as a therapist and want to make clear that I think highly of Albany PT as a PT organization. But I'm giving it a 3-star rating because of the terrible parking situation at their location. Albany PT is located in a small shopping plaza with a small parking lot relative to the number of businesses. The lot used to be an 'open' lot in which any customer of any business could park in any parking space. The lot has recently changed into designated-parking- spaces-only for designated businesses, with a warning sign above every space stating that your car can be towed if you are parking in a spot for a business which you are not patronizing. Albany PT is located next to a hair salon and laundromat. There simply are not enough designated parking spaces to support the continual traffic to these three businesses. In my last visit to Albany PT I arrived 10m before my appt. But I walked into the facility 5m late because I circled around in the parking lot until an Albany PT parking space became vacant. I live in a single-car household and cannot afford to have my car towed. Nor is there parking available on San Pablo Ave, and the nearest neighborhood (in the block behind Albany PT) would be a 15m walk for me, which I physically cannot do. The designated-parking-space arrangement at this plaza is a terrible idea. It can literally allow 50% of the parking spaces to be vacant at any one time, and yet you cannot find a vacant space for your desired business. If the owners would change this restriction I would use Albany PT again, in the meantime I am looking for another physical therapy site. -- CJ read more

Very professional place. Good equipment. My experience with my therapist has been excellent. He has devised exercises that are well-focused on my problems. I've been treated twice before by physical therapist in different practices. This is by far the best. read more

Two weeks ago I began my physical therapy sessions with this establishment. My PT "Tenzin Wangdu" is phenomenal. I highly recommend this facility of talented professionals. read more

Elizabeth was excellent and I would see her again but 1 less star for the crowded facility. The most crowded p.t. facility I've ever visited with people avoiding bumping into each other. They are super busy and not so easy to get appointments at times you need. read more

I am thankful everyday that I decided to go here for pt. Dan is very kind and knowledgeable - after a few visits I am feeling so much better. read more

Very fortunate to have stumbled into this PT clinic - and even more fortunate to have landed Dan A. as my Physical Therapist (though when others stepped in to help cover when he was on vacation, they were equally thorough and effective). Learned about using a Bodyblade for shoulder surgery recovery exercises which has been essential to a rapid return to long distance running, strength training (at Equinox) and stiff-man yoga. And....insurance coverage and billing was super smooth, unlike two other local PT clinics with theoretically equivalent insurance coverage. And...easy parking. Who could ask for anything more! read more

Can't say enough about how great this practice is. Office is very friendly and efficient. You get the full time and attention of PT's, not assistants. Owner Liz is very knowledgeable, informative, helpful, kind...and she listens. Highly recommend. read more

Just finished another series of appointments at Albany Physical Therapy. The first was several years ago. Was happy to be able to have sessions with Tamara, the same therapist I had worked with before. Now, just as experienced previously, the facility was clean, not crowded, on time appointments, efficient office staff, and a lovely therapist who worked with me at my speed, with gentle encouragement, and great listening skills. APT has worked well for me, and I recommend it without hesitation. BTW all COVID safety protocols were followed, so no worries there. read more

I've been to many Physical Therapy businesses trying to take care of multiple problems and I found them to be excellent. I would recommend them to anyone. read more

I just returned after a session with Liz and am writing my first yelp review. A tendonitis leading to nerve damage caused by the surgical boot left me on crutches and clueless. I have had ten weeks and four doctors dealing with each incident as it arose. She has been the first to see the whole picture. Her professional approach and plan of care has given me much needed hope and support. read more

I have nothing but praise for the skills and knowledge of Kristin at Albany Physical Therapy. Problems with a foot got so bad I could barely walk. I saw a podiatrist who gave me exercises and inserts, and I did improve, but VERY slowly, so after 6 weeks I asked for a referral to physical therapy. I have now had about 5 physical therapy sessions with Kristin, and my improvement is remarkable! Kristin has treated me with massage and ultrasound to diminish the inflammation I had. Amazingly, one of my leg tendons connected at the back of my knee was also inflamed, but she knew to check for this and to treat it. Kristin also gave me exercises, made sure I knew how to do them properly, then monitored the progress and progressively added variations as I was ready for them. Last Saturday I hiked in Tilden for three hours! I am not back to 100% function yet, but I am well on my way to a full recovery. Thank you, Kristin! read more

It's frightening to have a bad injury and wonder if you'll be able to walk again, much less walk correctly. Tenzin was extremely calm, supportive and encouraging. He had many creative exercises to help me learn to stretch my foot and calf. I greatly appreciate the entire team at Albany PT. Oh, I'm walking now with no boot and no cane. read more

Great place to relax bones. I had back pains and the lady I had was great, she showed me how to stand properly, taught me some exercises and tips. I can't remember her name, but she's a big soccer fan, which enhanced the experience. read more

I've been at Albany PT for several issues: knees, feet, shoulders and back and the treatment has been the best. I especially recommend Kristen. They don't have a pool, but their gym is a great place to start working on getting better. All the staff are well trained and up-to-date in their knowledge. This place is better than any other I've been to in the East Bay! read more

I was referred to Albany Physical Therapy by my sports medicine doc in February, while training for the Oakland Marathon, after I started experiencing pain along the outside of my knee, what I figured was IT band syndrome. I saw Susan and after just a couple of sessions and a handful of recommended strengthening exercises, I bounced back incredibly quickly and managed to get right back on track with training in time to complete the marathon! My time was slower than hoped since I'd missed a few weeks of training and in the end I tweaked a tendon in my foot! But my knees gave me no problems. Not only did Susan help get me back up and running, her thorough examination of the problem (more neuromuscular than true muscle weakness in the stabilizing muscles around my problem knee) and recommendations will help me be a better runner long after my goal event, which I was able to finish with her help. The staff is very friendly and helpful, over the phone and in person, and getting to (just a short drive off I-80) and parking (free lot - always a space or two open) at APT was a breeze. Highly recommended! read more

The Physical Therapy Team is friendly and welcoming. Most importantly they really listen and are skilled at what they do. I received a excellent assessment of my shoulder problem and good relief. Excellent! read more