I had a truly terrible experience with Aretea Podhorodecki and I cannot recommend her less. Please save yourself the time, energy, money and misery of seeing her. I had two appointments with her, neither lasted longer than four minutes, yet she managed to talk over me, belittle me, and attempt to intimidate me in that short time. At no point did she examine me or express interest in my health -- I tried explain my medical history and current symptoms while she talked over me (she offered me "injections" three times despite me consistently declining -- without specifying what kind of injection -- which was strange and frankly creepy.) It seemed like she took a genuine pleasure in talking down to me, and ultimately she told me that she "did not believe" my symptoms or medical history. She is absolutely negligent. For context, I saw her to follow up on a diagnosis I had received after a series of three MRIs (from a different hospital a few years ago in a different state) regarding chronic pain after an accident. She didn't believe that I had received any diagnosis or MRIs at all -- even though I asked her repeatedly to look at both the MRI images and read the MRI report provided by the other hospital. Since she had seen a more recent x-ray and deemed it 'clear' she decided I was making everything up -- however, the reason I had received the past MRIs is because my condition is not detectable via x-ray, and the x-ray was an insurance formality. At best, she's incompetent, at worst, this is intentional negligence and malpractice. I genuinely cannot believe anyone has had a good experience with her. I wish I had listened to the bad reviews, because I essentially paid her to gaslight me and waste my time. Another note is that she was 40 min late for our first appointment and an hour late for our second, and her waiting room was so full of patients waiting to be seen that there were not enough chairs for everyone. read more

The staff on the phone was helpful, but I thought it was weird that even though I had an orthopaedic surgeon recommendation, I still had to do a consultation first before getting an EMG done. I thought the consultation was unnecessary and just a waste of time. The consultation was virtual and though I filled out the questionnaire beforehand, it seems like the consultation was just asking me the exact same questions on the form. I give them place three stars only because when I arrived for the EMG, a person was before me and he was going into this building and due to the pandemic, I waited until he went in and once he was inside, I rang the bell. I rang the bell over 10x and not joking and I basically was just standing outside pressing and pressing the button. Finally on the 12th buzz, they answered and I know their bell wasn't broken, since the man before me got in without an issue. Maybe I got lucky and my bell was interrupting their chit chat. Moving on, then when I got there I was asked to fill out these forms and which I already done online, but I was still instructed to fill them out. Mind you, I am here for an EMG on my hands, so filling out these tedious paperwork just causes more issues. The man that came before me is a chatty fellow, he kept flirting with everyone and mind you he's married, but he was just chatting away, meanwhile I have been waiting here for 45 minutes already. I finally asked them how long and they were like the doctor is finishing up with another patient. They advised me on the phone that this would take up 2 hours, but meanwhile it has already been an hour, so I just think it is a bit ridiculous. I saw the Dr. Podhorodecki come out and basically told the front desk to stop with the socializing and get to work. I am thinking maybe this must be an ongoing issue especially since no one is answering the door bell. Finally after waiting over an hour, I see the nurse and she was also Polish, I forget her name, but she was really nice and I advised her I had another doctor appointment after this and wanted to see if this would really take 2 hours to conduct. She asked where my appointment was and she'll get me out in time enough for me to get there. I think the doctor and the nurse deserves 5 stars because they were both great and efficient. I didn't have a discussion of my results since it was another doctor that requested this EMG test. read more

Been there twice so far plan on going back for physical therapy.. DR. Podhorodecki is very knowledgeable, professional and efficient. The front staff and the medical assistant were great! read more

A Neurologist at Lenox Hill Hospital sent my disabled 96 year old mother there, diagnosed with neurogenic pruritis, which is a nerve-based itch, for an EMG test. We didn't know this Australian doctor. My mother was just sent there for the test thinking it was a testing center. First, when we got there, the assistant told us that she had to have a consultation first and it could have been by telehealth. Then this physiatrist refused to do it, saying something about her 40 years of experience and how the neurologist was probably young and inexperienced and how nothing could be done except palliative measures - she could tell without any tests, at all. She didn't even examine my mother.* - and in front of my mother, who was not out of it, at all, turned her back on my mother and said to me, brutally: "Would you fix an old car?" I was so stunned, I just said, "I disagree, and we left." The neurologist at Northwell who sent my mother there, later said that she was very rude to her, as well. --- read more

She spent 5 minutes with me .I asked her if my issue could be related to something that I asked her to look at. she would not and was dismissive . tried to get me to do physical therapy there , gave me printouts and sent me for x rays which went into my portal but never got a follow up about what the c rays meant . avoid this impersonal, unprofessional place read more

Rude and nasty office staff. So short, Unwelcoming and not interested in being helpful.

From the moment I called to schedule my first appt the admin staff was a bit short with me and not so friendly. In person similar experience very unfriendly, no eye contact etc but my evaluation was great actually. Then I went for a couple visits with the actual floor staff and the low energy and lack of quality treatment or care was quickly evident. Having done PT for other sports injuries over the years this was definitely the worst. After a 3rd PT visit where the two ladies at the front were just short with me for no reason and super unfriendly that was enough for me. Found another PT closer to union sq with excellent care and friendly upbeat attitude - a feeling that they actually care about getting patients better and are kind. read more

Knowledgeable, competent compassionate and welcoming. This is how medicine should be.

Dr. Podhorodecki was arrogant and dismissive. She didn't even examine me. She told me one of my symptoms was psychosomatic, which it clearly is not. Spent very little time with me. Terrible experience and total waste of my time. Plus I had to wait for a while in a closed room without ventilation which is not exactly cool during a pandemic. read more

Avoid at all cost. Came here for hand therapy. Had the shortest doctor appointment in history. She literally spoke to me in 1-2 minutes to tell me a problem I know I have already. Being that I've had the medical condition for 2-3 years. First time, I've seen a doctor not in their white lab coat. She was in an evening gown already on her way out to a personal event. Assistant was even worse. After her boss left, I've never seen an employee dash out that quick. Oh yea and it's cash only. I had a $50 copay for a doctor's visit that I wouldn't even consider professional or ethical. Emailed the office to come to a resolution, no answer. Very outdated office, everything is done by paper, no technology. Employees are all unhappy and were complaining in front of customers. read more

I been experiencing a lot of unusual facial tension pain for about 3 years before realizing its stiff neck and trigger points related. I worked with two PTs at the office: Sandra and Billy. Both are amazing and very knowledgeable. Slowly my pain alleviated and now I follow their proper posture guidelines to prevent such future conditions. And it's working. I strongly recommend this place. Appointments happen and finish on the dot as scheduled, which essential to the busy life we lead. read more

she did not listen to my sudden acute pain but insisted on just saying I was an orthopedic mess. I do have alignment issues but I have been very functional and pain free so I came about acute episodes of pain. Her office must have hired one of those consultants who say no more than 8 minutes with a patient. Because we did not communicate. My referring physician said she had helped many of his patients so I am sticking with her for now and hope that she just has a brusk manner with me....apparently from reviews not with everyone. read more

I found Dr. Podhorodecki to be a professional and knowledgable doctor, and the PT I saw, Lolene, was great. This negative review is of the disorganization of her office staff, and of one rude receptionist (I didn't catch her name, but she was the woman with short, blonde hair). A few days ago, I rode my bike all the way from Brooklyn for my PT appointment. When I arrived, I realized my fiance had borrowed the key to my bike lock without telling me, so I couldn't lock my bike. I called the front desk while standing outside with my bike and asked if I could bring my bike inside to the front hallway or lobby. I was simply told, "No", with no apology or consideration. I explained that I really had no choice, it was either that or miss my appointment, and she insisted that I could not bring my bike in because there were construction workers coming in and out. The hallway is very long and wide, and I could have easily put my bike there with room for the workers to pass. Their office is also huge, and the waiting room is always empty. They could have found a way to accommodate me, or at least have been nicer about it, but they did not. Two days later, I came back for an 11:30 appointment with Lolene. When I arrived I was told that my appointment was with a different therapist, and that Lolene only works in the afternoons. However, when I made the appointment, I'd specifically requested an afternoon appointment but was told Lolene was all booked EXCEPT for the 11:30 slot. I was given no apology and was only told I could switch to the afternoon appointment if I wanted. After leaving the office once again having gone there for nothing, I decided it wasn't worth the hassle. Especially at a rehab center, where most patients come several times a week to receive therapy, it is important for the office staff to be helpful, professional and well-organized. It is hard enough to schedule so many PT appointments without having to be treated rudely and have my time and schedule disregarded. I will not be returning. read more

The Dr, was straight forward, explained things clearly, and was responsive to questions. I have a complex medical situation. I had submitted a full medical history before my going in for the appointment and unlike many doctors she had read it and was able to focus on my exam. I am very pleased with the services provided and am finding the direction and treatment I have been given is working. I highly recommend Dr. Podhorodecki. read more

I've known Dr. Podhorodecki (or Dr. Pod as many people call her) since 1986, when she oversaw my father's physical rehabilitation after a major head injury. Her attention to his abilities and weaknesses enabled her to create a plan that made it possible for him to walk again. At the time, I thought she was amazing. Over the years, my admiration for Dr. Podhorodecki has only grown. She is always up on the latest research, which she shares with her patients as part of discussing treatment plans. I know this from personal experience because in 2003, I had a severe neck injury (herniation of multiple discs) and turned to Dr. Podhorodecki for help. Working with my requests and concerns, and coordinating with the spinal surgeon she recommended, a treatment plan was created. I worked with the highly skilled physical therapists at her practice, St. Mark's Rehabilitation, and was able to avoid surgery all together. I have excellent range of motion in my neck, and full feeling in my hands (both of which I did not have before working with Dr. Pod and her staff!) I am currently working with the physical therapists in her practice for a shoulder injury and am continually impressed by their knowledge and professionalism. One of the things I love about Dr. Podhorodecki's center is that most of the PTs who work there are long-term employees who are in constant communication with Dr. Podhorodecki. They are as dedicated to wellness as Dr. Podhorodecki is. I highly recommend Dr. Podhorodecki to friends with any type of physical injury because Dr. Pod knows her stuff! She is highly professional, deeply compassionate, and an incredible doctor. read more

Great place with very personalized service. The physical therapist are all excellent they help guide you through your injury or through your surgical recovery and teach you to do the exercises and treatments on your own at home. I myself in the physician and use only this place whenever I need physical therapy. Another good point is that Dr. Podhorodecki, M.D. is right in the same building. So she can examine you and evaluate you and decide what treatment you need and the physical therapist are right there. In most other places the physician sees you and then writes a physical therapy prescription which might not always be followed correctly and which might be confusing for the physical therapist. read more

I would give Dr. Podhorodecki and St. Mark's Rehab 10 stars if I could. A little over a year ago, I suffered from migraines that were completely debilitating for days. I also began dialysis treatments 3 times a week and the treatments were also bringing on migraines. My neurologist suggested I see Dr. Podhorodecki for botox injections. I was willing to try it if it would help even the slightest bit. I was a little nervous about getting all of the injections even I had been thru the ringer in the last 6 months, medical speaking. Dr. Podhorodecki was comforting, professional and gentle. My first treatment was almost a year ago and I'm happy to say I haven't had a migraine since. I've had minor headaches here and there, but nothing like I used to suffer. Without exaggeration, Dr. Podhorodecki truly changed my life. read more

I first came to Dr. Podhorodecki in the fall of 2015 with knee and hip complaints. I was seen by the doctor who was friendly, efficient, attentive and caring. She suggested a PT program to start immediately that week. My therapist was Patricia, who I adore. I went about 10 times and my problems resolved themselves thanks to the excellent adapted care. The treatments changed as I was making progress, always delivered in a cheerful and effective manner. Everyone in the staff from the receptionists to the therapists are friendly and caring. The place is clean and well maintained, you never feel like you are using previously used implements. I have returned a few days ago, in an emergency, after contracting Lyme disease and being in serious, debilitating pain that no prescription medication was taming. I called in the morning and was seen that afternoon. Dr. P examined me, called a fellow pain specialist for advice, and prescribed a combination of drugs that made the pain practically disappear overnight, and most importantly, let me sleep through the night for the first time in days. I am forever grateful. I will recommend Dr, Pto anyone with the highest praise. I feel very fortunate to know Dr. P and her team, as they are always ready and happy to help. read more

I have been a patient of Dr Podhorodecki, since 2011 off an on for different orthopedic injury i have encountered. She always gets to the root cause, She is an expert in her field. She thoroughly explains everything and answers all your questions, she has an excellent bedside manner, and her office is run very smoothly. I love that it is one stop shopping if you need PT she has that right in the back part of her office. I have gone to PT there also, and the therapist are well seasoned , expert therapists. Oh and if it is somthing that she feels you need to see another Dr, she gladly says so and referrs you to seasoned specialist. You can't go wrong with Dr. Podhorodecki as a Doctor!! read more

Dr. Areta and team were both warm and professional from start to finish! I felt comfortable with the her from the onset. She looked at the complete picture and gave me confidence that she could reduce my pain and discomfort. The office was very clean and tidy, but also had a friendly, non-corporate vibe that I appreciated. I can't wait to go back - and who says that about the doctor?! read more

I was experiencing pain in my hands. Through an EMG she diagnosed me and sent me to a surgeon for Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Very happy with the Dr and her office staff. I definitely recommend this Dr. Very professional. read more

I injured my knee earlier this year and was referred here. Dr. Podhorodecki immediately diagnosed me and I started physical therapy the same week. The doctor's reception/office staff were quick, efficient and professional. They made it easy to schedule appointments. The physical therapists were awesome. I saw Patricia, Lolene and mostly Sandra. They were knowledgeable, thorough and personable. The therapists are collaborative and together create a friendly, inviting and almost relaxing environment (including Billy who I never saw). They are flexible and adjust your treatment based on how you are feeling and the feedback that you provide them; adding and changing exercises and treatment accordingly. I was super impressed with the thoughtful, personal care that they provided not only me, but my fellow patients that were there at the same time. I began to tell my friends that I was going to the "knee spa", instead of PT. Although my knee has healed, I will miss my visits to the office and would recommend this office to anyone. Thank you! read more

I recently moved to NYC and was referred to Dr. Podhorodecki for a persistent IT band problem. Dr. Podhorodecki and her ENTIRE staff, including all of the thoughtful, kind, and skilled physical therapists and the wonderful front office staff are first rate! I come from a family of physicians, and it is extremely rare in this day and age to find an office that is so highly personalized and attentive. While I wish I didn't have a problem with my IT band, I honestly look forward to my physical therapy each week! Additionally, during my annual physical (with an internist) an unrelated abnormal lab was discovered. I went to two internists to discuss the result and they both dismissed an out-of-range lab value and told me "not to worry about it." Needless to say, I was concerned! As I'm new to NYC and don't have an established medical network, I discussed the issue with Dr. Podhorodecki at a follow up visit. She agreed that I should have it looked into. Dr. Podhorodecki then contacted a number of her colleagues and identified an appropriate specialist to investigate the problem. She made a referral and followed up with me within hours to let me know. Dr. Podhorodecki and her entire staff are absolute gems in what can often be a hard to navigate modern medical system! read more

I have been coming to Dr. Podhorodecki and her physical therapist, Patricia, since Sept, 2015. They are caring and patient. The staff, the office and the results are all 5 stars! The office is patient oriented, competent and friendly. They fill out insurance forms and referral nonsense without a word of complaint! I will recommend Dr. P. and her group to anyone who wants personalized, professional care. read more