Pasadena Physical Therapy has provided excellent care for me. There are two factors that have made PPT preferable to other physiotherapist centers that I have used. First is the knowledge and approach taken by the physiotherapy staff. The depth of anatomical and broader physiological knowledge supersedes that available elsewhere. Likewise, the depth of experience engenders a sense of trust in the physiotherapist, particularly at the delicate balance between pushing to promote active recovery whilst not causing further harm. The owner, Dr. Rao, has two decades of experience in provision of physiotherapy. He takes a whole-body approach, whereby breathing, diet, posture and other broader factors are considered in determining a suitable course of physiotherapy to be followed. His nuanced selection of the physiotherapy approach to be adopted, his level of focus and attention on correct implementation of that approach, and his careful oversight of the entire recovery process are all disseminated across the entire team. Indeed, the other physiotherapists have chosen to work within this team given the very high level of care that is maintained under his leadership, and many of those other therapists are also trained at doctoral level. The depth and breadth of expertise across the entire team is therefore a key asset of Pasadena Physical Therapy. Second is the integration of pool work into the therapeutic approach. PPT provides physiotherapy at Waterworks Aquatics, a close-by indoor pool in Pasadena. The availability of careful physiotherapy instruction and guidance whilst being supported in warm water has greatly facilitated the early stages of healing, prior to further land-based work at the clinic itself. Consideration of a treatment program considers from the onset whether a complementary pool-based and clinic-based approach would be most beneficial, and if so, how much time should be spent in each setting and how the transition to land-based exercises can be best effected. The care and attention of the administrative staff in providing a welcoming environment, assisting with appointments and billing details has always been appreciated. Another laudable aspect of PPT is the provision of training of interns, which reflects a mandate of Dr. Rao and his team to contribute more broadly to the field as a whole. The nature of the care provided has meant that very few insurance plans are accepted, so that the physical therapists can focus on provision of the care that is actually needed, rather than what insurance companies stipulate in order to maximise their own profitability. The net outcomes have been greater range of motion, reduced pain, and the complete elimination of use of pharmaceuticals. Ultimately, this has allowed me to regain active control over my own health, and this is the most important legacy of Pasadena Physical Therapy. Dr. Rao and his team are to be commended for reminding us of what healthcare provision should truly be about. read more

On August 16th 2014, I tore my ACL and meniscus on my left knee while taking a suspect into custody after a foot pursuit. On September 26th 2014, I had surgery performed by Dr Kharazzi (Kerlan Jobe) in which an Achilles tendon allograft was used for ACL reconstruction and 50% of meniscus was removed. Three weeks after surgery I started physical therapy. Dr Kharazzi referred me to Pasadena PT for my rehabilitation and I have to say I am very thankful for the referral. I first called Pasadena PT to make arrangements for my first appointment. I spoke to Allison and she took care of all paperwork, answered all my initial questions and accommodated me with scheduling. On my first visit I met Kerry Lane and we went over my injury and the expectations. Kerry provided me with a time line of progress and the expectation from each other to make this a successful recovery. We made a commitment to each other to push and work together as a team. I have never experienced a consultation of this nature and I was a bit apprehensive of the expectations. However, Kerry made me feel comfortable and confident in pushing a little more each session. Kerry spoke to me every single time I showed up and varied the exercises to keep me going and improving not only during my visits but on my own time. After six months I was able to return to work and I am very pleased with results from the physical therapy. I am writing this review to express my gratitude towards Kerry for taking the time to listen to me and my body, to push me when I did not think I can push harder and to slowed me down when I wanted to push more than I should. Kerry has a unique way to build my confidence and I strongly believe is because she genuinely cares for her patients. Kerry had me do one of my last PT sessions in full uniform to see how I would perform with the extra weight and the restrictions of the uniform. Later she explained she did that for to know I would be safe doing my job and for me to know how far I can take it in a safe environment. This was great for my mental confidence in knowing that I can trust my knee more than I thought. I have many peers that have gone through surgeries similar to mine but none can say they had the personalized PT that I did. Kelly was a big part of my therapy. She watched me closely as I performed my exercises and corrected me when my form was not proper and keep me true to the exercises. At times she was my cheerleader when my body was getting too exhausted towards the end of the session. So I had no other option but to finish strong every time, or at least tried to. Once again, I want to thank Kerry, Kelly, Allison, Jamie and the rest of the staff for all the help they provided me. I am sure I would not be as good as I am now if it was not for all of them and I will always be grateful for that. read more

In short, Loc Rao is a wizard, and PPT was worth every penny. Dr. Rao has a long history in healing people, and his breadth of knowledge is extensive and deep. I found him on Instagram looking for a Functional Range Release practitioner, as my 'normal' PT resources were not doing anything for my injuries. Loc is an FR practitioner, as well as educated in DNS, PRI, and a host of other mindblowing anatomical systems that fix people at the source of the problem. I came in with 0° dorsiflexion in my left ankle, left kneecap pain resurgence after 'fixing' my chondromalacia patellae a year a go, a burning right hip, footstriking and putting all my weight on my right leg, and a spinal/back issue that was 8 years in the making (an ortho had told me it was permanent). I did 4 total sessions with Loc over 5.5 weeks. After the assessment session, he restored 90% of my dorsiflexion in one treatment, fixed most of my right hip pain in another, improved my back issue by 50% approx. in the 3rd, and gave me the movements necessary to get back to footstriking evenly. My range-of-motion in my hips, shoulders and ankles was stunningly improved, and my body feels better than it has since I was a child. Loc is worth every dollar I gave him - in the 5 weeks I saw him, the man went to 3 different weekend seminars to learn new skillsets. He's been studying for 15+ years and voraciously adding to his skillset. I emailed with him frequently throughout our time, and have been in touch with him after my sessions ended. He asked me to follow up whenever I can to let him know how I'm doing, gave me resources and other practitioners to reach out to and train with, and provided fun, stimulating lessons during my sessions. Get to his clinic immediately. The other doctors there seem great from what I saw of them, but you want Loc treating you. Really nice facility, fantastic range of equipment, nice staff, easy location. Will probably treat myself to 'tune-up' sessions frequently, even without anything specifically wrong. He's that good, and I feel that incredible after treatment. read more

I had an amazing experience this morning. Currently, I go to Pasadena PT once a week. Working on strengthening my legs after recovering from a bad break. As well as working on my right shoulder from over use. One of the many things that I like about this place is, how thorough they are. In addition to helping me, they are educating me along the way. Earlier today, while observing me in a motion that has been aggravating my right shoulder, "Loc", (Dr Locatelli Rao, PT, DPT, OCS) noticed the position of my left hand. He asked if I would mind looking at that. Of course I didn't mind. After he looked at it, did some work on it (passive and active stretching, cupping and what I could only describe as tendon-specific massage) I am correctly moving my left had with more range of motion and ease, than I have been able to in the last 22 years! (yes, you read that right! Since 1995) He explained to me how the information and education has grown and evolved in the many years since my hand was effected. I already was a huge fan of Pasadena PT. Now, I am in awe and eternally grateful. Thank you Loc! See you at our next session. read more

I really like this PT. They really do things in a state of the art way, considering how to properly rehab injuries and the individual needs of the patient and really do heal injuries in a way you can maintain after leaving. I came to Elizabeth with multiple areas having been injured and I had emotional trauma and PTSD which left me with a fear of undergoing the physical therapy I needed. She was professional yet friendly, understanding, respectful, and kind, and helped me work around the issues I had to help get my body back in order. Only complaint is they could keep the temp a little cooler for the people working out, and the place is a little crowded, but they make the most of it and I'm amazed how well they work with the layout, getting you to the exercises/equipment you need. I never had to sit and wait for anything. You always get the individual attention you need and are not just sent off to do a program without supervision. Liz anyhow is a stickler for form, which I appreciate! Finally, the interns are all very nice and Alison at the front desk is very sweet and a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend Pasadena PT! read more

I have severe arthritis which is relieved with aquatic therapy. I've been in many pools in southern California over the last 20 years, ranging from hospital settings, to private PT pools, and I've had many many pool therapists. I was looking for a setting which was cheerful, bright, and clean, but expected the usual PT who sat dressed in street clothes on the side of the pool and gave me range-of-motion exercises. What a wonderful surprise Kerry is! She's in the water with me, judging each and every exercise. She immediately corrects what's not working or painful, and substitutes another exercise. This is the first time I've ever had a real aquatic therapist who pays attention and knows what works. The Waterworks pool is also really nice. It is such a pleasure to be in an enclosed setting yet still have windows and sunlight. and what fun it is to see all the babies with their moms and dads. I'm having a therapy pool built in my backyard, but I will continue to work with Kerry because I feel she holds the key to better mobility for me. It's so nice to have a kind, encouraging, and knowledgeable therapist! read more

I scheduled an appointment at Pasadena Physical Therapy following an injury in the hip-groin area during a Pilates/BarWorks class back in December I thought would have healed by now. I'm new to physical therapy. Kerry and her helpful aide were very thorough, friendly and professional. They also answered a few dumb questions I had early on about what to expect during my physical therapy session. They carefully tested the range of motion through various stretches on both my left and right sides to help pinpoint the problem. They also explained a 10-10-10 routine they suggested I do twice a day at home. Ten minutes of ice pack on injury. Ten minutes of stretches. Ten minutes of heat pack. Afterward, they asked me to lay on a bed there while a different aide brought me an ice pack to ice my injury before I left. Kerry checked on me one last time before I left. She was smart, sweet and I have already noticed an improvement in my injury. I give Kerry and Pasadena Physical Therapy my highest recommendation. read more

In January of 2016 I fell down a flight of stairs at work, I injured multiple parts of my body. I was going to another facility but did not feel I was getting the proper treatment. I then transferred to Pasadena Physical Therapy I was assigned to Dr.Chase Bauer, I am so thankful that Chase came into my life he is a excellent therapist. Chase goes that extra mile for his patients to make sure they are getting the help that they need. I would go in there feeling broken and come out feeling repaired, recently I was denied by Workman's Comp for more treatments and have had to appeal their decision. I feel confident that Chase will be able to help the pain in my neck, shoulder blade, and lower back get back on track once I return. The staff is also amazing they treat you like family instead of a number, I urge anyone who is need of good therapist to try this facility. My grade for Pasadena Physical Therapy is A++... read more

I just finished another visit with Dr. Rao. I now live about 2hrs away but still come back for treatment in Pasadena. I have occasional lower back pain but this time it took hold for nearly 4 weeks - ouch! I finally called Dr. Rao and setup an appointment. He opened my eyes and clearly explained the source of my backpain. He explained it in such a way that made sense to me (i.e. crumpled beer can example!). As part of my treatment, I had difficulty engaging tired muscles in my hips, these small muscles I didn't even know I had to be honest, but after working with Dr. Rao i'm now aware of how to rehab myself at home when i'm at the clinic but more importantly I'm aware of the source of my backpain which actually stems from an old lingering injury I had more than 10yrs ago. SUPER HELPFUL but more importantly I'm on my way back to an active lifestyle. read more

I am not one to write reviews but after having an extensive knee surgery and not being able to fully bent my knee and bear weight on my right foot for about 8 weeks,I am more than thankful that I found Pasadena Physical Therapy. Jordan Perry was my physical therapist and he has been very understanding of the level of limitation and lack of strength that I was experiencing but yet he has been "tough" and encouraging in getting my quads muscles and glute muscles stronger and my knee fully bending again! Not only did he go through the usual exercises for my knee recovery but he is always giving me more tips and recommendations in how to improve my walking. The whole team at Pasadena Physical Therapy are professional, friendly,knowledgeable and experienced. I strongly recommend this place to anyone who needs PT in order to get their lives back! read more

After 5 years of neck pain, spasms, inability to do what I wanted to do anymore like play volleyball or sit at the piano bench, and 8 other specialists who gave me answers like "it looks good on the x-ray," I found Dr. Rao. I talked to a former patient of his, followed his progress, saw results, and got HOPEFUL that this would be a source of some answers. I flew from NJ all the way to CA to see him, and it was worth it. Not only did I feel heard and seen, but he was able to offer me information on the origin of my neck issues (TMJ hello!) and gave me specific homework so I can actively heal myself. He is knowledgable, yes, but beyond that, he knows how to convey that knowledge in a way that actually helps make a difference in his patients lives. I highly recommend a visit to see him. read more

Went there for my second broken hip I had related to marathon and half marathon training in 2 years. Dr. Loc was able to identify the muscle imbalances that had been causing the problem. In the past, I had been to another PT and they had never really identified these muscle imbalances that have probably been with me for many, many years. So grateful for his insight, care and attention to detail. I should also mention that Dr.Loc's personal attention was amazing - I've been to other therapy shops and usually the PT spends 5 minutes with me and then sends me off with one of the junior folks. At Pasadena Physical Therapy, Dr Loc was monitoring my progress and form for each and every session. Can't say enough great things. I would highly recommend Pasadena PT! read more

I visited this office after enduring a sport's injury that was just not healing over time. I met with Dr. Bauer who helped to get me back on the road to recovery. He is an exceptionally knowledgeable and caring person who took time to really listen to what I was going through as well as sharing his expert feedback. I started feeling better right after the first session and then continued to do the exercises he prescribed at home. He was just an email away when I had questions in between visits. The staff at Pasadena PT was friendly and efficient, the facility was clean and well equipped, but most importantly the therapy I received from Dr. Bauer was top notch. Thank you so much! read more

Loc is attentive, thorough, and quite knowledgeable. He can be quite motivating in helping you to work your way through pain; he has many different techniques to choose from. I would say that the center (and my experience of physical therapy in general) would probably be better for those dealing with conditions that are not chronic in nature- they seem geared toward direct injuries, rather than chronic pain. At the same time, all the staff are all very friendly and competent, and offer helpful advice. If I had a sports injury, disc problem, or muscle strain, I would go to Loc in heartbeat. He is up on his literature, and creative in dealing with roadblocks to recovery in PT. read more

I've been working with Locatelli Rao and Kerry Lane at Pasadena Physical Therapy for almost 2 months, twice a week. I have a lot of joint pain and arthritis. They have helped me to strengthen the muscles in my legs in order to decrease pain in my right knee. We also work on strengthening the core and lots of stretching. To build aerobic strength, I work out on the elliptical, practice basic walking and the stationary bike. When I began, I was pretty weak, but I feel stronger and able to tolerate more exercise. The staff is helpful, professional, caring and attentive. Loc's new center is full of state-of-the-art equipment. Highly recommended! read more

Loc and his crew at Pasadena Physical Therapy are an impressive team...now in an impressive space on California (below the post office). I learned a lot from Loc about how to relieve back and neck pain.. how to improve my balance (which is way off)... and how to stay pain reduced or pain free once I'm on my own... without his guidance. His colleagues seem to really get down to business and be super helpful, too. Loc is to the point, yet gentle and fun to talk to. I'll likely go back for tune ups when needed. But as of now... am back to myself (after a pretty bad car accident)... thanks in a great part to the help of this talented PT, Loc. read more

I came to Loc and his team after surgery on a torn quadriceps tendon and meniscus. I paid out of pocket because i wanted to work with them and my insurance didn't cover me here. Loc gave me a great deal. I walked in without any range of motion in my right knee, no notes from the surgeon and a little depressed from laying in bed for 6 weeks. It was a slow, painful and somewhat tedious process but Justin's easygoing demeanour, patience, personality, knowledge and expert care made it a whole lot easier. 7 months later and i'm back riding motorcycles and jogging. Amazing. Thanks again guys, i'll stop by with some honey on the next harvest. read more

This is the place to go if you need professional physical therapy services. I had the pleasure of working with Lory Yeh, PT. She was nothing short of amazing. Very easy to work with and a very knowledgeable therapist. Prior to coming to here, I had experienced severe pain to my right leg. She was able to pinpoint the areas that needed work and over a period of 8 sessions, with stretching and strengthening exercises, my pain diminished greatly. Lory is a true professional. She not only met my expectations, but exceeded them. I am now able to perform my normal daily work and home routine and I owe it all to Lory. Job well done. read more

I have been going to Pasadena Physical Therapy for a couple of months now - after a knee operation in December. I have worked primarily with Roc, Kerry, and Kelly and they are all absolutely great. They know their stuff and they CARE. Had I known about Pasadena Physical Therapy, and particularly these people, before my operation I think they could have possibly fixed me without the operation. I highly recommend PPT. If you have something that physical therapy might help, go see them. They can assess your situation and let you know if they might be able to help. All the people that work there are wonderful. Check it out. read more