Just wanted to update my review to include Ann, the owner and also a PT at Balance in Motion. Ann is a wonderful soul, super caring, very patient, and incredibly thorough. She works on fascia (connective tissue in your body - a newer aspect of physical therapy. I can't explain it as well as she can!) so I get a different perspective on my aches and pains. She's continuously educating herself by going to conferences and classes to learn more about treating the fascia. She's also constantly teaching me (more ergonomic computer set up, how to sit better, how to bike better), as lifestyle makes a big difference and she can only do so much even if you're seeing her twice a week. And when I run late or when she ends up spending time teaching me something new, she always spends extra time to work on my sore spots (definitely more time than I'm scheduled for!). Plus, Ann (and Jane!) is just a fun person to get to know. I always look forward to our appointments together! read more

Ann helped me with a shoulder impingement. After our first session I felt immediate relief and a few weeks later nearly back to 100%. Ann is a great listener and adapted my care as we went along, employing different strategies to improve my condition, and never seemed rushed -- you can tell she really cares about getting you well. Would definitely recommend! read more

I was recommended to Jane Galvan for pre-ACL surgery advice and preparation, and ended up staying with her for a full year after the accident. Aside from being the best health-care experience I've had - it was just a great example of professional and personal service. Jane is a true partner through the whole journey, and a joy to work with during every session. I can't recommend her enough. In the pre-surgery phase, Jane played a crucial role in demystifying and detailing the process. I immediately felt that she was making a purposeful survey of my needs, fears and goals. In many respects her advice was the most reassuring thing I heard before going under. Having never had general anesthetic, or a surgery of this type - that understanding and empathy was crucial. Post-surgery - Jane was an active and diligent partner during the entire, multi-stage recovery. She made a real effort to understand the demands of my sport (surfing), and I never felt like I was getting generic advice. Each progression was intentional, and well monitored. The exercises and manipulations were challenging, well-explained and clear to perform on my own. The difficulty levels were increased at the right time, and it was always a dialogue that carefully monitored my experience. She also made sure to take diligent notes and cross check surgeon visits and milestones. To be honest, when Jane said "you're done!" and we'd reached a place where I could properly return to sport - I really felt a sense of regret that the sessions were over. I definitely miss that focused, informative and good humored hour each week! Writing this review reminds me that PT isn't just for when you are injured, it can be part of whole body health and improving performance in a purposeful way. Finally - the environment that Jane and Anne create in their practice is full of empathy and laughter, and I could see this in all their interactions with other patients. It's happy place to be, that feels like a genuine and valued part of the community of 24th Street, and the City. read more

Ann does such a great job! I tore my ACL 5 years ago and did not make much progress with healing. In the last year with Ann I have been able to regain my hamstring curl! She does counterstrain, which involves her poking my head to see where it's sore then mapping that part to somewhere on my body. She then holds that part of my body for 30 seconds to release the facia and it is incredibly effective. read more

I first went to BalinMo several years ago after I met Ann at a networking event. She was talking about old injuries that people end up just dealing with and how she could fix it. I had exactly that type of situation. I really funky ankle situation that I'd had so long I couldn't even remember how or when it happened. It could be best described as a dull pulling pain. had learned to just accept and live with it but after meeting Ann, I thought I would give it a shot. All I can say is WOW! Ann is so passionate about helping people and finding out the right modality in which to do that. She is constantly going to conferences and learning new techniques so consequently, no 2 sessions with her are ever the same. My ankle issue has been a thing of the past for over 3 years! I recently revisited BalinMo at the new 24th Street location for a shoulder strain, the result of working out a little too hard. Not only is the new location GORGEOUS (and a quick 10 minute stroll from my place) Ann now has the addition of Jane who I have nicknamed "The Shoulder Whisperer!!" Being in care with both of these amazing and gifted women is beyond words! In less than 5 weeks, my shoulder is feeling normal again and I avoided drugs and the "S" word (surgery). I highly recommend Balance in Motion, Ann and Jane! You will never be in better hands! read more

I've benefited from physical therapy with Ann Bulkin for the past 4 years on and off, ever since Balance in Motion was located at 20th & Shotwell. My main issue has been chronic sciatica, causing inflammation and pain in my lower back, radiating up my back and down my leg on bad days. It's a daily nuisance to say the least. Ann's approach to the body is specialized to each patient, and she takes the time to find what works best for the individual. I've especially appreciated her extra classes/certifications in strain/counter-strain technique, as it has helped me IMMENSELY. Every time I see her, she's got some new knowledge or trick up her sleeve to apply to my condition and I leave feeling like much more of a whole person with a functioning body. I'm so thankful to have found Ann. Even though I live on the opposite coast now, I still make a point of seeing her when I'm in San Francisco to see family and friends. Great opportunity for me to realign my body and get it feeling good again! read more

I was 5 months pregnant when I got hit by a car as a pedestrian. I was scared to death as to how I was going to mend my sore body until I stared seeing Jane at balance in motion. I was very active before my accident and my mobility was definitely compromised due to massive hip discomfort from where I was hit by the car and landed in the concrete. Jane checked my progress an worke with me at the office. She gave me exercises to do at home and massaged my effective areas at every visit to the degree I needed. After just a month of treatment I felt golden. I thought it would take forever but she noticed the difference and said I was good. Thanks so much for putting this soon to be first time mom at ease. I will definitely return and recommend your services to anyone in need. read more

I saw Ann for over a year to deal with a pretty serious SI issue and to address general instability/hypermobility that was impacting my yoga practice and daily life. Working with Ann changed my approach to movement and my mindset about being "injured." She is incredibly knowledgable, curious, and attentive to detail. Each visit, I left feeling notably better (she has really cool hands-on techniques that she is always fine tuning), but also equipped with practical ways to continue my healing process and get stronger between sessions. Most importantly, I also always left feeling motivated and encouraged during what could have been an incredibly frustrating time. I learned so much from Ann about how to approach injury, movement, and the body. I am incredibly grateful and cannot recommend Balance in Motion highly enough! read more

Seemingly out of the blue, I had severe hip pain that was making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or even sleep. My MD prescribed PT and lucky for me, I found Balance in Motion on Yelp. They promptly returned my call and were able to get me in quickly. Jane was very professional, patient, and caring. She assessed my issues quickly and set to work resolving them with strengthening exercises and massage, which gave almost immediate relief. Within 5 sessions I felt well enough (and had learned enough) to feel complete, at least on this issue. I am so grateful to Jane for her help and encouragement. I had always heard that Physical therapists were miracle workers. Now I see it to be true. read more

I have chronic pain in my left shoulder and Jayne has worked diligently with me to eliminate same.

Ann is amazing! I first went to her when I was at the end of my rope with a persistent back problem. I had tried chiropractors, various other PTs, and then I came to Ann and she did a few manipulations, worked with me to develop a series of light, then gradually increasing exercises and pretty soon I was walking pain-free again! She's great. Lately, I've gone back to her with a separate problem in my Achilles and she has been great with that too, using a new tool of strain/counterstrain that takes away pain and swelling quickly. Can't say enough good about Ann. She also did some amazing work on my 80-yr-old father's lower back while he was in town visiting for a month. Go see her! read more

Thanks the goddesses for Ann! Ann is the only PT who could get me back on my feet and running. I'd worked with several well-known therapists in the area. Nothing seemed to improve my stubborn hip and leg pain. Like others have mentioned, Ann is a joy to see every week. At that point I believed nothing could relax my stupid hips. Ann was so understanding! She gradually introduced exercises that helped break me out of my self-defeating mental loop. Before meeting Ann, I was convinced pain = gain. I was very happily surprised how effective Ann's gentle manipulations were. She took a forgiving and kind approach towards my body. It definitely changed how I treat myself now; I no longer try to beat unhappy muscles into submission. Something I really appreciate about Ann is how she's continuously expanding her knowledge. She always seemed to be just back from a conference where she learned some cool new technique. I loved volunteering as guinea pig, because whatever it was usually released tension I wasn't even aware of! The only upside to getting injured again would be to go back to BalinMo. Definitely see Ann if you're in pain! read more

I've been seeing Ann for a while...on and off since 2011. I have really painful and very active arthritis. I first visited her before and after my knee replacement operations. Her help was beyond my words. Hands on she obviously cared. The heavy onset of arthritis has seen me back with her and the care she has been giving is always a wonderful thing. My primary care physician is always encouraging of my visits and working with Balance in Motion . Ann is a great helper in fixing what's wrong. read more

I have been to several physical therapists over the years on both coasts and I must say that Jane is Tops! Jane is excellent at explaining how my various impairments impact other parts of my body and why specific exercises are important. She really knows her stuff! Check out Balance in Motion, you will be glad you did! read more

I came to Anne at Balance in Motion after a really bad foot dislocation. From the start Anne made me feel comfortable and supported. She was a great coach and truly cared about my recovery. She even opened early every week to see me, so I could come in before work. Without her I wouldn't be where I am and back to my normal physical activity(I couldn't even walk before her). Thank you Anne for all your help, positivity and kindness throughout this process. I am so grateful to you! read more

Jane has been great and answered all of my questions. She explains everything well and checks and monitors my progress. The entire staff is very friendly and inviting. There is no sense of you just being there to see one or another Therapist, they are all attentive to your needs. read more

I met Ann in 2009 when I could hardly walk due to a personal injury. My whole lower extremities were on the "wtf" way of being (hips, legs, knees, ankles, feet, achilles tendon) . Working with Ann for a few months ignited the parts of me that needed igniting. Different therapies and exercises got me mindful again of my patterns and the things that needed to change in how i was doing my life and treating my body. She is a bold, intelligent persistent, honest, raw body worker who is passionate of the mechanics in the body. If you want to get down to "it" and change what's been going on, I refer to Ann. read more

Not only is Jane the loveliest lady and coach, but she is truly an expert in the field. I've gone to her for two separate injuries and not only does she get me back in action quickly, but has helped me improve my posture. It's such a joy to see Jane and I recommend her (and Ann) to everyone and anyone who needs TLC. read more

Jane is a great physical therapist. I was getting pretty worried before I started seeing her for an injury I had had for months, but she diagnosed my problem very quickly, which my doctor wasn't able to do, despite practicing sports medicine. After only several days I was finally seeing good results. Jane was always polite, and very kind. I'm quite glad to have found a good physical therapist here in SF, and if I ever need to go back, or recommend a PT for a family member, I won't have to hesitate. Thanks again Jane. read more

Jane was thorough and caring in her examination and treatment of my upper back pain. Instead of only giving attention to the epicenter of my pain, she considered my entire body system. Jane put me at ease, focused on fostering independence and self-care and explained each action in full. Thank you Jane for my most positive PT experience yet (and I've had a few). read more

Ann is a godsend. I've been struggling with chronic pain, particularly in shoulders and neck for over 10years since a bad soccer injury. I started seeing Ann for strain-counter strain treatment a little over a year ago and my day to day pain has decreased from a 5-6 to a 2-3. She is incredibly talented and intuitive and continuously attends workshops to expand her knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't cover her services so I pay out of pocket. With that said, I make it work so that I can see her at least a couple times a month, if not more. And I certainly don't bring in a hefty income (less than $50,000/year) Her cash rates are VERY reasonable for her expertise and for me, it's totally worth the difference. I couldn't recommend her enough. Especially if you struggle with chronic pain. She's also quite the character and a joy to interact with. read more

I came to Jane at Balance In Motion after shattering my shoulder in a bike accident. Post surgery I was in pain and couldn't use my arm. Now I'm pain free, drug free and my shoulder works great. Funny, but serious and resolutely punctual, Jane put me back together. If you're looking for someone in The Mission with a ton of academic and clinical experience with post-op ortho PT, you've found her. Five stars. read more

I went to the BIM post ACL surgery; very nice staff my PT was very sweet. But they lack experience and depth in post surgery rehab (especially knee/ ACL), hence didn't feel comfortable continuing. Heard they are really good at pain management. read more

I saw (and am still seeing) Jane post ACL and meniscus surgery. Jane is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and attentive. She has helped me work towards getting back to the activities I was doing before and even came up with some golf specific workouts. I highly recommend BIM for post-op rehab. read more

Balance in Motion, and Jane Galvan specifically, made what I thought would be impossible truly possible. I enlisted Jane's expertise following a Total Shoulder Replacement in my favored right arm. I have just graduated from PT with a fully usable arm again. Jane, who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, truly knows her specialty. She worked with me for the entire length of my 45 minute appointments, leading me in a changing variety of exercises, she herself working/stretching my arm, overseeing a list of exercises I did at home, and regularly measuring my progress. Not only did Jane restore the use of my arm, she is very personable, with a wonderful sense of humor, with continuous great interest in progress. She made my recovery fun, and I looked forward to each and every one of my sessions. I cannot compliment Jane more, nor recommend Balance in Motion any more highly. Choose Jane and Balance in Motion, and you will be in the best possible hands. read more

Ann is a very experienced PT who is learning and expanding her knowledge of the human body and mind every single day. She has been carefully and thorough evaluated me and worked together with me to improve my symptoms. She prevented me from having Lymphedema after a big surgery. She is an amazing person and was very important in my healing process. I am highly recommending her. read more

I have seen many PTs through the years and Balance in Motion is the best that I've been to. The PTs, Ann and Jane, at Balance in Motion spend the entire session with you. They don't send you to some assistants to instruct or watch you do exercise. They do it themselves. They watch you exercise with their professional eyes to observe what subtle difficulty you may have, in order to further identify your issue and adjust treatment. I've never been to a PT with this level of details, commitment, and hands on involvement. Both Ann and Jane are passionate in treating patients. They love their work, they care about their patients, and they have good technique in treating patients. There are so many PTs out there that spend no more than 10 minutes with you at each session. Not here. I have been seeing Ann for a number of issues. She's great. Very personable, patient, and professional. At times, I've also seen Jane when Ann was not available. So, I've been treated by both and can whole heartedly recommend both Ann and Jane. In addition, the clinic is a comfortable space, clean, quiet, equipment well maintained. And the front desk is always polite and professional. read more

Jane and Ann are two of the nicest, most positive people who clearly enjoy helping others. They run a very smooth, professional practice, and their front desk staff if courteous and reliable. Jane was my physical therapist for 4 months, helping me before and after my knee surgery (meniscus repair). Her and I developed a great bond - I always enjoyed going to physical therapy. She's extremely easy to talk to and very knowledgeable about physical therapy, patient care, massage, etc. She not only helped me heal to 100% in a short time, but she also taught me a lot about my knee, always explaining what was happening. She helped me heal quickly, and I am forever grateful!! I would HIGHLY recommend Balance in Motion - the 45 minute sessions are one-on-one with Jane or Ann. (I never had an issue finding parking a few streets over on York Street.) read more