Started doing PT here. It's no pressure and lots of good techniques. Highly recommend. Very friendly

I had chronic low back pain for many years. I started going to Pilates the day my daughter started college in 2010. My core got stronger thus my back pain went away. I have been going to 6am weekly Pilates for 14 years. Yes, showing up at 6 am is a difficult. Sometimes I would show up with clothes inside out and half asleep. Little did I know that getting a strong core would help me later. 2 years ago I had bilateral hip replacement surgery. During this difficult time, Ada was most supportive and helpful in giving me modified exercises to help with pre surgery, recovery and getting my hips back to normal. I am most appreciative for the professionalism and care through these difficult times. The office very clean. There is through cleaning after each class. The state of the art air purifiers, wiping down of equipment and UV disinfection of the equipment makes me feel comfortable coming here. read more

I reached out to Ada looking for PT post-rotator cuff surgery. Unfortunately she doesn't accept insurance so I asked her for other recommendations in Alameda. She literally sent me a video from Mexico giving me a couple more places to call and questions to ask to ensure I received the proper care. I'm so impressed with her follow through, her willingness to help, and the personal touch. If she would go to these lengths for a prospective customer, I can only imagine the care you would receive as a customer. read more

I am so thankful to have found Ada and Rian at Probalance. I not only feel better, but I have learned so much as well. Such great bodyworkers and all around group of people who genuinely care about each persons individual constitution and figuring out exactly what is going on in their own body. It's not a one size fits all or a place that will hurt you more. You will literally be transformed. read more

Around 5 months ago I ended up getting a bulging disc in my back with sciatic nerve pain down my left leg. I couldn't walk for days and the pain was very very intense. I went to Kaiser and all they did was give me steroids and they referred me to their physical therapists. I went to Kaiser PT for two weeks and nothing was working which was really worrying. Anyways, my friend in the U.K. said I should look at polestar Pilates and I'll be forever thankful I did. I made an appointment and got paired up with Christine. After the first session I could sit & stand without crying and was pretty shocked at the difference between Kaiser and Probalance as it actually worked!! I've been now going either twice a month or once a month to see Christine and I can't recommend her enough. She's so amazing at what she does. I can now walk without any pain and my home exercises are great too. I'm hoping I'll be able to start running again soon but recovery is best taken as baby steps. If you're in pain or need some help, please just go here. They're very very good. read more

Love, love, love this place! I just wish I had found it sooner! They have helped me heal quicker and regain body alignment better than any PT practice. Thanks Christine and Lindsey. read more

I love this place definitely come here if you need help or are in pain! If you need some energy healing or massage ask for Rian she is amazing too! Thanks Aida and Rian for all your help in the last year! read more

I've been injured several times in my life and been to many, many physical therapists, often without noticeable result. I'd grown resigned to chronic pain and tension. That changed once I met Ada Wells, who possesses a combination of knowledge and intuition about the body and its workings that is magical - and yet so obvious once she explains it. Over the years I've worked with Ada, Marie, Jessica and most recently Christine. Cicely came to my rescue when I had a spontaneous inner ear episode during a workout with Jessica. Lindsey is always willing to weigh in during a session. That's ProBalance for you - everyone cares, everyone excels, everyone pitches in. I've been working with Christine most recently and am blown away by her intuitive approach and her dedication to learning and incorporating new approaches and techniques. The progress I've made with under her care has been remarkable. After a lifetime of being bent from scoliosis, I now stand up straight. I'm rarely in pain and I know what to do about it when I am. The arthritis in my hips is getting better, not worse. The care and expertise I get at ProBalance is not only beyond what I'd come to expect, it's beyond what I dreamed possible read more

This review is specifically for the physical therapist, Lindsey Graham. Despite sharing her name with a certain horrid senator from South Carolina, Lindsey is anything but horrid. She's patient, attentive, and very knowledgeable about the human body. With a background in both PT and pilates, with an interesting mixture of eastern and western medicine, she worked with me for several months to build a stronger core, reduce pain, and learn more about my body's strengths and weaknesses in general. The studio is clean and well equipped. Located near the oakland airport, it has a parking lot, but no easy public transit options. read more

Love ADA, im probably the youngest person I have seen in the office. I had a not so good accident, and she has helped me a lot. I am better able to do things with making simple little changes. Say BYE BYE to pain and HELLO again normal life. Im still kind of a kid myself so if I have fun anyone else will too. Ada is really cool, and so are the other people. read more

I was suffering from very painful shoulder pain for weeks this summer. I went to Kaiser and they gave me pain medication, which really didn't help. I started to think that I had torn my rotator cuff. It wasn't getting better, so I went to see Ada Wells. She did an examination, and found that the origin of the pain was actually my neck. She referred me to Rian, the massage therapist at ProBalance. I swear Rian gave me my life back. I went from not being able to hardly move, to being able to function again, and out of excruciating pain. Now I am looking into doing the gentle stretch class they have on Saturday mornings. I recommend ProBalance wholeheartedly. Ada and her team are knowledgeable, well trained, and highly intuitive. I trust them implicitly. read more

On March 25, 2005, I had my first visit with Ada Wells. I still remember her intently listening to the different treatments I had tried to find relief from the debilitating pain I had been living with following an exercising over eight years earlier. She designed an exercise program specifically for my situation and abilities. I am stronger and I can function more as a result of her attention. The progress I have made is remarkable!!!! There are no words to describe my heartfelt appreciation I have about her. She is the reason I have resumed my my job as a San Francisco Taxicab driver. She is the best. read more

Ada at ProBalance is an amazing, accomplished, knowledgeable and creative physical therpast. In other words, she's awesome. She knows how to get you out of pain and functioning. My doctor was recommending surgery when I asked if I could try working with Ada first. Luckily for me, he consented. Ada helped me get feeling back from damaged nerves and strengthen muscles that would help get me out of pain. On top of all that, she's a great person. I highly recommend her and her team, and everyone I've referred to ProBalance in the past loves them too. read more

If you want to go to a facility where everybody is excellent, this is the place. All of the physical therapists have been PT's for at least 10 years, and those are the "rookies." There is good communication between the rehab and the fitness side so there's a seamless transition from physical therapy to wellness and fitness. Also, their focus on learning movement (via Pilates, etc) is light years ahead of other physical therapy clinics I have been to where they just give you a sheet of exercises to work on with some unlicensed aide. Warning though...Pilates is addictive. read more

I have been coming here for over a year and finally am feeling stronger doing pilates & core training. No more aching back. Jessica pays attention to your form as you move from the different pieces of equipment. She makes you maximize all your movements and prevent future injures. Ask for Jessica read more

After two knee rehabs and treatment for back pain, I won't go to anyone else. Ada (the owner) has been my primary caregiver, though all of the PTs seem very qualified. She is flexible with scheduling, really listens to what my body is saying, gives clear home exercise drawings (funny stick figures in all sorts of contortions), and has an insightfulness that is uncanny at times. Clearly intelligent and incredibly competent, she also makes the effort to stay up-to-date on the latest treatments. The office is well run (use email for the quickest reply) and exudes a positive energy that can't help but put a smile on your face! read more

I've been a client since 2000. Ada diagnosed a hip condition that literally had me not sleeping at night, she sent me to a doctor at UCSF who invited the Arthroscopic procedure used to improve my condition without major surgery. He said "if Ada Wells says that's what you've got...then that's what it's got to be!" And she was right. She stuck with me through the 6 months of rehab and had me running again by the end! I've watched her business grow and blossom and referred many clients to her practice. It's not wonder she's a PhD now in her field, she has the most practical and accessible approach I've ever seen. 10 Stars wouldn't be enough to express how much our family appreciates Ada Wells and ProBalance Physical Therapy & Pilates read more

I made an appointment with Pro-Balance for some pain I was having as a result of some strenuous X-fit. Easy process lead me to a convenient meeting with Ada. She was very kind, detailed and obviously skilled at her trade. After quickly identifying a myriad of body part issues all connected to why I was having pain, she began teaching me how to improve them. I will definitely be back and would highly recommend this place. She taped my knee cap wrote detailed notes for me to take home and I already feel much better as a result. Thanks Ada! read more

Marie so me so much about my own movement in one session, it was like having an owners manual for my movement. I am so grateful for this place and I am looking forward to a life time of Pilates. Thank you for such a therapeutic session! read more

Probalance is the most professional yet casual place for Pilates and physical therapy that I have ever been to. Ada is so knowledgeable in her field that not only is she an amazing therapist but an educator. Taking the time to have students in her studio benefits so many. I have so many friends that also have received great care and love Probalance! You will not be disappointed. read more

Ada and her staff are all wonderful. Ada has been my PT now for over a year. My body Is strong, feels better, and I have made a great friend at the same time. It took me two years to find someone like Ada. I now know what good care really is all about. read more

Ada is very knowledgeable and very helpful with her suggestions for workouts at home. The treatments are great and the questions she asks during the sessions are very good. I have been following her advice on working out regularly at home. It has been very helpful. read more

Ada Wells ROCKS! She is thorough, thoughtful and takes her time to understand your needs. It's clear that her goal is to get you better and help you sustain your gains, not to make you dependent upon her. After having a baby and moving (boxes) into our new home, I developed back pain that was frankly debilitating for me. I had always been an athlete and had to stop running, as well as gardening and picking up my child, because of the cascade of problems (back and hip pain, tight hamstrings, achilles pain, etc). This was totally depressing to me. I had seen a few other PTs, but little changed until I went to Ada. After a year and a half of PT and pilates work with Ada, I'm back in such great shape that I just completed the Alcatraz Triathlon! I credit Ada hugely in making this possible. I'm not 100% pain-free and maybe never will be, but 90-95% better. Thank you, Ada! read more

We are very proud to say that we have been going to Probalance Pilates for four years. I had gotten my friend interested after expressing concern to her regarding her back. She agreed and we began pilates. From a personal point of view I have watched the amazing transformation in my friend's back and the degree to which pilates changed her ability to now stretch into different positions with ease. I had previously taken pilates privately for approximately one year, but the difference with Probalance pilates instructors who are physical therapists cannot be matched. Along the way we have had the opportunity to work with almost everyone on staff (we are not sure if we should take this personally, but we refuse to leave). Special thanks to Una, Suzanne, Marie, Rian, and Jessica who have incredible ability to put up with us, but at the same time having us perform some of the higher level exercises because of their knowledge and abiity to take us where we dared not go! We both have also had injuries (not from pilates) during our tenure at Probalance and they have always found a way to keep us active and motivated during our recovery period. We cannot say enough about Probalance and the wonderful staff who work there, and the fact that we both have kept exercising for such a long stint for this prolonged timeframe. Teri and Gloria read more

I recently had knee replacement surgery and have been to several physical therapists trying to get normal knee function back. Christine at ProBalance is so much better than anybody else I have seen. She takes a wholistic approach to restoring my knee to normal function. The progress is faster and far less painful than other therapists I have seen. I would recommend ProBalance and Christine to anybody in need of a good physical therapist. read more

I have been a client at Pro Balance for over 2 years and words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards the amazing PTs I have worked with. I have had the pleasure of working with Cicely and Ada, and both have shown extraordinary skill, unbelievable generosity (this is an understatement) and genuine, very deep and sincere caring. I had severe, life altering injury about 5 years ago, changing from a healthy active woman, to someone who could barely move ....even with the help of a walker. I was incapable of even standing upright on my own. After a year and a half of conventional PT (I got nowhere), I was somewhat helped by an independent Pilates trainer ...this pointed me in the direction of Pilates Physical Therapy as a modality that could help retrain my body to function...and to Pro Balance. I first worked with Cicely Hart. She truly has a heart of gold. I made slow and steady progress with Cicely, and always felt that she had my back every step of the way. She even helped me choose a Pilates reformer for my home, researching models and sizes that would best meet my needs. Cicely still follows my progress even though she is no longer the PT I am working with.....I catch her glancing quickly over while she is working with other clients to see how I am doing. It touches me that she cares so deeply....that she still keeps tracking my progress. I am currently working with Ada Wells. She is also beyond amazing in every way!!! When I first started working with Ada I had to take Uber to Pro Balance because I could not drive to her studio (it is 5 minutes from my home). Thanks to Ada's hard work, extreme dedication, and thoughtfulness every step of the way about what would help me best....I can now drive all over town....and very recently very far distances (just shared driving with my husband on a trip up to Eureka). I also could barely walk out the door and into the parking lot of Pro Balance a year ago. I can now run my own errands, can lift and transport my twin toddler daughters by myself, and am slowly but surely making my way towards being able to walk farther and farther distances. These changes have been huge in my life, but it is clear to me that seeing me get stronger and stronger means as much to Ada as it does to me. Ada has gone so above and beyond your usual PT. When I first started working with her, she emailed me from a family vacation in Iceland when I had a question (she seriously used props she had with her and her daughter to help demonstrate) and sent me a video demonstration of what I could do to help myself. She has come to my house on multiple occasions to help me work on my own equipment, and with very thoughtful techniques, makes sure that each PT session is recorded in a way that allows me to work at home independently. Going from completely able bodied and active to unable to walk or function is harder than I can put words to. Finding PTs like Cicely and Ada has been the silver lining. Not only have they gone above and beyond to help me get my life back, ability to function, enjoy and care for my daughters and family ....but they have also taught me that with the right guidance and skill I can take control of my own injury, and help myself....that my own hard work will be rewarded when combined with the right guidance. Also I would like to note that I know just about every staff member at Pro Balance, and all have treated me with the type of kindness, warmth and generosity that keeps you going with an injury like this. Thank you Ada, Cicely, Nancy....everyone at Pro Balance. I will have a career again, I will be able to go out for long walks with my husband, I will run.....Your kindness, generosity, caring and skill have given me faith to believe I will get all the way there. Wondering why I gave Pro Balance 5 stars? read more

I have been to this clinic at least 2 dozen times over the past few years for Physical Therapy and Pilates workouts. I have had issues with my hip, foot, and shoulder. All of them have been unrelated. My first attempt was to visit a specialist for each of these issues. I even went to the best-UCSF as well as a local podiatrist. They offered cortisone injections for the hip (which was painful) and had zero effect on my overall pain level. For my foot, they put a soft cast on and said I needed orthotics. Again, not helpful at all. All of the specialists also said rest would help. Taking me away from working out was stressful for me. I love crossfit and needed to get back in the game as soon as I could. I decided to seek PT help at probalance based on a friend's recommendation. I was amazed at how even a single visit could be so effective. For each ailment, I needed only 2-4 visits to completely rid my body of pain. The PT taught me how to tweak very basic functional movements (PT and Pilates related) and my pain dissipated to nothing. I wouldn't have believed it myself if it didn't happen to me. I was back to working out in no time at all! Their attention to detail is unheard of. I have been elsewhere for PT, so I can compare my experience to others. Most places give you a list of 3-4 exercises to practice at home. Old School!! Probalance is exceptional and definitely cutting edge with their therapy technique! They deserve 6 stars. I have also taken Pilates classes here and loved them. I had no experience and the teachers were patient, welcoming, and kind. They were amazing at explaining movements exactly so I got the most out of my workout. The entire facility is super clean. Love all of that! I also think it's important to mention that my insurance did not cover the PT or Pilates. I don't care. It is worth every penny! Normally, I care. read more

I herniated two discs in my lumbar spine. I ended up at ProBalance after an unsuccessful PT experience with my HMO. I began working with Christine and she has been amazing to say the least. I began to feel improvement almost immediately. We worked twice monthly on strengthening and proper posture. Christine pays close attention to detail and provides skillful instruction. I've regained my ability to bike and hike and am very grateful for Christine's patience and care. read more

After seeing several several highly referred physical therapists and getting no results, I found ProBalance. I can't thank my PT enough for improving my pain and strength. Now, I just go for Pilates and I continue to improve and also have fun! Thanks! read more

I came to Pro Balance on the recommendation of my spine specialist. He said they were worth it, even though they don't take insurance and you have to pay everything out of pocket. He was right! The therapists here are really a cut above anything I've experienced elsewhere. I've worked with Cicely Hart, who is a doctor of PT. She has worked patiently, insightfully, and creatively with me for about a year to help me eliminate back pain. For the most part, it has worked! read more

ProBalance is off the scale when it comes to being exceptional. I went to ProBalance after I shattered my pelvis in an accident. Picture your femur acting as a battering ram and hitting your pelvis so hard that it explodes. The surgeon that put me back together questioned whether I would even walk correctly again. ProBalance was up to the challenge, Cicely and Ada are the reason I am able to walk again today. I began my treatment with Ada and then Cicely took over due to my schedule. The attention to detail was absolutely superlative. The handoff from Ada to Cicely was flawless, Cicely jumped right and was immediately effective. She noticed everything I did (or didn't do) in therapy and explained what was happening, what we were going to do to address the problem and how we were going to do it. I always received Cicely's full attention at every session and she taught me a lot during my recovery. Cicely literally taught me how to walk again, she was even able to help give me relief from nerve pain that the doctors couldn't. Cicely was always optimistic, her remarkable ability to diagnose and treat all of the other issues that came up during my complex and lengthy recovery was stellar. Working with Cicely and Ada is the best medical experience I've ever had, their depth and breadth of knowledge is very impressive. Thanks to ProBalance I was able to walk and complete a 13 mile walk on last year, even while going through treatment for stage three cancer that I am now battling. My doctors indicated that my level of physical activity has strongly contributed to my ability to go through cancer treatment while still maintaining good energy levels. So not only did Cicely teach me to walk again and give me back my life, by being physically active she also gave me the gift to fight cancer. Cicely, I am forever in your debt, a huge thanks to both you and Ada. It doesn't get any better than ProBalance. read more

I've been going to Ada for more than two years. My goal is to be a stronger golfer. Thus far I have lowered my score by 7 strokes and have had no injuries. I highly recommend her. read more

I've been coming to Ada, the owner, and ProBalance for about 10 years, every time something pops up physically that needs attention. I don't live in Alameda, so it's not convenient for me, but when I really need an amazing physical therapist or a really skilled Pilates class, I make the drive. The studio is great...clean, well-equipped and really bright, updated space. They take their Pilates and their therapists seriously and they don't turn you over to low-skilled or inexperienced assistants after a short visit with the lead PT like other places I've experienced. I Love this place and am grateful for the times they've cured a problem (knee, back, shoulder) when other places closer to home in Oakland couldn't get me beyond the physical challenges I faced. They don't submit to insurance directly, so that's a downside, but truthfully, the extra hassle of filing on my own is worth it. Thank you ProBalance! read more

I agree that Ada and team are wonderful. I have worked with both Ada and Lindsay, and both are talented, insightful professionals, fully committed to helping their clients. One of the things I love about my treatments here is that sessions are always mixed with education--I learn new things about my body each time I go and, as another reviewer stated, I always leave armed with exercise diagrams and instructions so that I can continue the work at home. Ada even put together a video (posted to youtube on the probalancept channel) illustrating a particular technique, when I asked her for a refresher! They have expanded their hours, which makes it easier to come in before or after work. Everyone I've met here has been friendly and helpful. I highly recommend them. read more

Ada is gifted healer and a talented teacher. I have a very physical job and I simply could not do it without Ada's hands-on therapy and exercise guidance to keep my body in working order. I have been to dozens of body experts over the years and nobody has a "tool kit" as big and diverse as Ada's. She knows how to get you out of pain and even better she can teach you to stay out of pain if you're willing to do some basic self-care. I can't thank her enough for all she has done for me and my husband. Quite simply: she rocks! read more