Dr. Minkowsky has been incredibly helpful in my recovery after struggling with sciatica for over a year. Thanks to his care and guidance, I'm finally able to move and return to exercise. He is attentive, knowledgeable, and he cares about his patients. The office staff is also very kind, professional, and efficient! read more

I went to Dr. Minkowsky for a elbow injury - I was told it was tennis elbow but he figured out it's actually the other elbow injury that is common: "golf elbow". The first step to a solution is to identify the problem! Anyway, he was so much more effective than the physical therapist that I have been going to. He did some adjustments and gave me some simple exercises that solved my problem after years of suffering with this elbow injury (that somehow traveled from one elbow to the other). read more

I've been meaning to write this review for several years--I've been seeing Dr. Minkowsky since 2012 and I wish that all my doctors were more like him. I've been dealing with a ruptured disc and other random pain over the years--under Dr. Minkowsky's care, I've been able to avoid surgery and medication (except one dose of steroids)--instead relying on exercises and PT to address my problems. Dr. Minkowsky was even able to diagnose the reason for a cough I had had for 6 months (which was exacerbating my back issues)---I had seen 4 other doctors and none was able to find the issue. Based on Dr. Minkowsky's decades of experience, he was able to diagnose the cough as a symptom of asthma and he prescribed an inhaler--problem solved instantly. I'm bummed that his office no longer takes my insurance, but I don't hesitate to pay out of pocket--it's completely worth it for me. read more

He's the best! Dr Robert Minkowsky is a very genuine human who is a truly gifted doctor.

Dr. Robert Minkowsky is an expert in what he does. He has the heart to care and explain things to his patient in such a way that the patient will understand it. He helped me with my wrist pain that run up to my shoulder. The therapy workout routine that he gave me helped me a lot and after doing it for a few days, the pain was gone. He suggested that I continue doing the exercise routine even if the pain was gone just to make sure it won't happen again. read more

I feel so fortunate to have found Dr. Minkowsky! I saw him probably 12 years ago for back pain, which was so successful that I hadn't needed to go back. But during Covid I pulled my back out and was thankful to see that Dr. Minkowsky was still (very safely!) seeing patients. He treats your back but also teaches you preventatively to care for your back, so you can come back as infrequently as possible. Nice, professional, positive and very knowledgeable! Back pain is tricky and he knows what to do! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Minkowsky for three and a half years and he's been very good at helping me work on my back issues. He prefers to have his patients fix their problems through a daily exercise regime rather than undergo surgery. read more

Summary: Dr. Minkowsky is an expert who can speak in simple terms about complex problems. He gave me practical advice in digestible chunks, tools to avoid future problems, and he has a great sense of humor to boot. More details: I was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease in 2014 and herniated a disk back in 2015. I have had acute issues with other related issues (like sciatica). When I herniated another disk this year (2021), it felt prudent to invest in a good back doctor. The thought was "maybe I can learn enough to prevent this thing from happening again." In our 4 meetings across 2 months, I found Dr. Minkowsky to be both straightforward and empathetic. During my the first visit, I was fairly panicked. Anyone with back pain knows about stress. I didn't know if I was going to need surgery or what. All I knew was that I had felt my back kind of "seize up" while I was washing my hands in the kitchen. Since my injury seemingly came from such a simple activity, and since I don't know anything about how the spine works, my mind was spinning and I felt doomed. The fear I had wasn't rational, but that didn't mean I was able to tune it out. Dr. Minkowsky demonstrated understanding of my situation which helped put me at ease. And he seemed to genuinely care about what I had to say. He showed patience as I rattled off a lot information about a slew of related and unrelated injuries from my past. He took an interest in me as a person, and this developed my trust in him and his opinions. When you speak with a doctor, the common trope is that either they'll talk over your head or avoid telling you "like it is". Dr. Minkowsky was not this way. He gave me a conservative treatment program and told me something to the tune of "93% of people get better X within Y". He also explained how people get this injury, and then their weakened underlying structure makes it easy for the injury to repeat and with each repetition the threshold for future injury is lowered. It may sound harsh, but one of the sayings he oft repeated was "this is a life sentence". It seemed like he really wanted to drive the point home that A) I could improve my default system, and B) it'd take work to keep the future (and improved) default system humming. I found it refreshing that he laid out the reality of the situation in clear terms while also showing a pragmatic way to approach it on my own (so I wouldn't have to be dependent on paying anybody in the future). His approach is both deep and simple. He showed me a chart which I was encouraged to photograph and live by. Each visit ended with a simple game plan. He gave me easy to remember "rules of thumb" about how to take care of my back. I really liked this. He'd inspire me saying things like "4 minutes of X a day and you'll be bulletproof." He was both motivating and supporting. In summary, I showed up injured, scared, and a bit clueless. And I left with enough knowledge to be an "expert level beginner". My injury is healed, I have a course to avoid re-injury, and I feel empowered. What more could you ask for? read more

Dr Minkowski's works magic on my back and joints. He's given me useful exercises to strengthen my back in order to avoid issues

This review is long overdue. I have been seeing Dr. Robert Minkowsky for over two years now. I have scoliosis in my thoracic spine that has been the source of ongoing difficulty for years. I saw chiropractors and did yoga and nothing helped in the long run - I would hit a plateau and not move beyond it. I have been amazed at how Dr. Minkowsky has helped improve function. I was able to start running again after three year within a few months of starting treatment. The "skin rolling" while not pleasant has broken up the adhesions that were the cause of so much of my problems. Rather than making me more dependent on treatment (chiropractors) he has worked to get me into PT to build strength and to reduce my need for ongoing care. The only reason I am still a regular after almost 2 years is that just as I was going less often I was in a head on car collision and suffered soft tissue damage that set me back to worse than my first visit in 2009 - BUT after just 6 months of weekly treatment and PT I am MUCH better and starting to return to regular activity levels. Beyond the physical help - both doctors have amazing bedside manner and are dedicated to patient care. My husband saw Dr. Minkowsky following being hit by a car and would not be walking today if not for the ongoing support and treatment he has had there. I cannot recommend them highly enough for back and orthopedic issues. My husband had a massive infection in the spine and was told he would likely never function as he did before - he was even told walking would always be painful - Dr. Minkowsky took a different view and worked with my husband to build a path to recovery. There is still a ways to go (body against car is hardly a fair contest) but the progress has been beyond what other doctors told us was possible and the care has been positive and supportive. I would give 10 stars if I could! read more

Excellent, compassionate, caring physician. Helped me tremendously with my chronic back condition.

Note to self: lifting a 19" flight case rack is not good. Even if it's only for a few seconds and you put it down from a sound stage and the heavy amps are in another one and this only has some wireless receivers and EQs. Enough technobabble - two days after that, my back started to hurt really, really bad. After almost two weeks of self medication - hey, gotta use that leftover Vicodin - and 4, 5 hour nights that had me waking up hours before my alarm leaving me unable to sleep any longer, just to sit and walk, I found myself in a constant state of mental fog. Not really great if you pay the bills through writing witty and intelligent magazine articles. A good friend recommended Dr. Minkowsky who shares an office with his wife Irene. Got an appointment the day after I called in, the friendly staff made room in his schedule for me which was really great. And what can I say - this man is the best back specialist I've ever been to. Besides being a Ortopedic doctor, he is also an Osteopath*. Dr. Minkowsky took some time to get all the details of what happened and he examined me meticulously. He then did some realignment moves which required little work on my end and sent me off home with an anti inflammatory pill. That night, I slept an hour longer, the next one I was up with my alarm. The following two I had to fight the snooze monster again. I've been back to his office twice to let him check on my mobility and some more realignment work - should be good with another visit. No X-rays and no heavy meds needed as Dr. Minkowsky says that he likes to give the body a push in the right direction so it can heal itself. Good stuff. Your insurance likes to hear that, too. * from Wikipedia: Osteopathy emphasizes a holistic approach and the skilled use of a range of manual and physical therapies (Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, or OMM in the United States) in the prevention and treatment of disease, particularly, but not solely, joint, muscle and nerve problems, such as back, neck and head pain. Osteopaths [or Osteopathic Physcians or Doctors of Osteopathy DO in the US] often see their role as facilitating the body's own recuperative powers by treating musculoskeletal or somatic dysfunction. read more

I couldn't agree more with what everyone has written about this practice & Dr Robert in particular. I had scoliosis as a child, was in a bad car accident in college and have since been diagnosed as having several herniated & bulging discs, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis....basically, one of the worst backs you can have! I have been to every single kind of doctor you can imagine - many who took years to figure my back out - and Dr M 'got' it on first visit and provided relief. He is very very very knowledgeable! read more

I love Dr Minkowski - he is the epitome of optimism, something anyone dealing with back issues needs in massive doses. His program of care for my back helped me progress from regular, debilitating spasms to a stable platform upon which I could build. Over the course of a year+ he helped me identify all of the behaviors I had that would put my back at peril. He helped alter my awareness of body so that I could head off potentially destructive behavior before it did serious damage. I'm stubborn, and used to healing quickly. Dr Minkowski helped me negotiate a long-term injury that has been as stubborn as I am. If you have a recent back injury or a chronic back injury, Dr Minkowski can help you get on the road to recovery. Provided you are willing to put in the work. read more

Robert Minkowsky helped me with a neck pain. During the visit I felt I was well being taken care of and that I could trust his expertise. I would highly recommend him. read more

Didn't help with pain, out door in less than 10 minutes. What a waste of money do not recommend

I was referred to Dr. Minkowsky by my primary care doctor after a cycling incident that left me with a very sore tailbone. I was in a ton of pain when I first arrived. Could barely walk or even sit down. But immediately he knew exactly what needed to be done and week by week began to move me back in the right direction. After a handful of appointments I'm now pain free and much more flexible. I've adopted a whole new lifestyle that involves dietary improvements as well as a simple (but very effective) stretching routine I do every single day. I can't thank him enough for helping showing me the life changes that I needed to make and more importantly for getting me back on my bike! read more

I love to see Dr. Minkowsky- a very nice doctor and my pain lessened just after the first visit. Highly recommended to everyone suffering from pain. read more

I found Dr. Minkowsky on Yelp; going to see him inspired me to write my first Yelp review. I was seen immediately, Dr. Minkowsky took time to understand all my issues (hurt knee & shoulder), performed a thorough examination, and was very helpful in recommending treatments and exercises to avoid future issues. He was patient, thoughtful, and friendly. Highly recommended! read more

I saw this doctor many years ago for a painful neck injury. Unlike the other doctors I had seen previously Dr. Robert Minkowsky actually helped me quite a bit and I made some good progress under his care. The problem? I was a personal Injury case, and the insurance carrier was being so unreasonable that my attorney and I were planning to go to trial. While all three of us were on the phone together, my attorney told Dr. Minkowsky that we would need him to testify for me, since he was my treating doctor. His response was that he wouldn't do it, and that if we forced him to do so, he would tell the court that there was "nothing wrong" with me. I think if you hate testifying in court that much, then as a doctor you should be ethically bound to refuse personal injury and/or worker's comp patients, or at least inform them that they cannot count on you to back them up if they need you in court. As I said this all took place many years ago, but if anyone reading this is in a legal situation, you would be well advised to verify whether Dr. Minkowsky has changed his position on courtroom appearances. read more

If you have a back problem go to see this man. I have had a continues problem with my mid back for 15 years this man did more for me in forty minutes than all the other doctors l have seen. If you follow his advice you will not regret it. read more

I was diagnosed with TOS (thoracic outlet syndrome) about 12 months ago. I had seen countless doctors and therapists. All made slight improvements though with no lasting impact. I then met Dr Minkowsky. I had high hopes he could help me though was also cautious. He took a very gentle and common sense approach. He was well encouraging of alternative therapists to help (and which to avoid). His approach has finally made consistant improvements. He is a great doctor. read more

Went to see Dr. Minkowsky a couple years ago with lower back problems. He did an excellent job of diagnosis and gave me exercises to do, which have helped me enough that I haven't been back to see him again. That's the best recommendation I can think of! His staff was very nice and helpful with a strange insurance problem. read more

-1 They don't accept debit or credit cards. Seriously, the world has passed this guy's business by, it's 2014, no excuses anymore not to accept electronic payment or have some communications over email. Find a better back doctor, don't waste your time. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Robert Minkowsky for almost 22 years. I have degenerative disk disease and spinal stenosis and he has kept me moving, functioning and able to live a relatively normal life. I used to see him every 6 mos to 1 year but have been stable for a bit and haven't seen him for more than 2 years until today and he took almost an hour with me. I was reminded once again what an excellent and compassionate physician he is. He's patient, caring, gentle, persistent and dedicated. His multi-discipline approach tackles spine problems from all angles. He's open to trying numerous approaches-he's very "hands on" and will only result to recommending surgery when all else fails. He works with you as a partner and helps empower you to take responsibility and work hard with home exercise, PT and other therapies. He is a true healer and I'd literally walk the 20 miles from my house to SF to see him if necessary. I just cannot say enough positive things about this wonderful man --I've never encountered another physician like him in my 60+ years. I've also seen his wife, Irene, on a few occasions and she's every bit as wonderful as he as are their efficient, compassionate and caring staff. I cannot recommend their practice highly enough! DH read more

I appreciate and have benefited from Dr. Minkowsky's systems approach to his medical practice. I have been a patient of his for 4 years and have made dramatic improvement to my overall health by following his advice and guidance. I seeked his help for osteoarthritis of both shoulders and lower back problems. Note, he does expect you to take responsibility for turning medical advise into action. read more

Dr. Minkowsky is the best doctor I have ever been to. I had hurt my shoulder, neck and wrists by typing for 8-12 hours a day. I was at the point where I could not even lift a glass of water. Through physical rehabilitation and empowerment, he was able to get me to a point where I can function perfectly well. He also fixed a random stiffness caused by an injury I received 20 years ago! All it took was a little manipulation, and I could move my wrist freely! There's something to be said for doing the work to help heal your body without drugs and surgeries. It takes a little work, but with the right guide, the results are amazing. I am so thankful I went to Dr. Minkowsky. read more

I am a medical professional and have seen a number of patients who were treated by Robert. They all liked his "out of the box" thinking, and without doubt i recommend my patients his services. Thank you for helping my patients. read more

i was for 1 st visit on 1/9/17, with Dr Minkowsky. this is my second experience with american osteopath, i have been: with British Osteopaths(London and Oxford) and Canadians(Montreal) , i have been with: one neuro chiropractor, in Pleasant Hill , CA: Dr Thomas Richmond, for more then 8 years, and try another neuro chiropractor, in San Francisco, Dr Dale Mortenson DC, 12 visit., both of them have 30 years exspirience , i did try another american osteopath on 2nd floor located,i do not remember his name in the same building(Russian Hill Chiroparctic/ with , Dr Dale Mortenson! i have treatments with the famous PT in San Francisco, that is why i can see the difference between: - PT and osteopath and chiropractors. Ok , what is the difference , what i get, for my trust and my money? 1 :Neuro chiro i got: history, diagnose and treatment in the 1st visit, my shoulder pain was gone 50% after 1st visit.... the ribs was adjust correctly, 2 : Dr Minkowsky, there were history questions about my problem area, testing, and some kind of palpation ,what Dr Minkowosky claim that is kind of visceral techniques.. and he confirmed that i have problems areas...what i already knew! .He also give me some exercise, what i believe is more like PT staff! Thank you for that, i do appreciate it , even my visit was for Osteopath not for PT. Ok .After the session i have the same problems,that i have it before my appointment, no difference, no changes , after friendly smiling conversation for 360 dollars. Compare him,with previous USA osteopath who i did try is the same building, (with Dr Dale neurologist chiropractor) at least he give me/ he work with: positional facilitated release for trigger point and strain-counter strain techniques......whatever at least in the 1st visit, his treatment make me feel better after his visit for 2 hours later... Probably Dr Minkovsky is great MD and Osteopath , i do not know , but i do not have time to wait another 1 mount, end not going to risk another: 300 dollars just for another maybe, friendly PT conversation. and exercises .. .im in osteopath office not in PT office ! if Dr Minkowsky was trying at least for 5min to release at least one of my problems area,,,with his osteopathic techniques,my review will be different now.!... i did need his help , and knowledge from the Osteopathy University : for what manual therapy title stay: Osteopaths... Most common Osteopath techiques are: Still techniques, MET, strain- counterstrain ,positional facilitated release techniques...and many more nothing of them was trying on me, even for 5min to feel how good osteopathy is compare with chiropractor,because personally i do believed from my experiences, that osteopathy 100 times more safe then chiropractic adjustments with HVT. Honestly i did choose him ,because of Osteopathy ,not because doctor title , i expect much more from : MD and Osteopath, with so much experience......and education , and this only for: 360 dollars( usually is 410$) , Dr Minkowsky give me discount !!!!!!!! Thank you! i was very lucky in this visit , because i didn't have actual pain before appointment , i have some tension and i was going to him to balance me , like Osteopath! Today i went to neurochiropractor in East Bay, and spend additional money: my sacrum was rotated, and he fix it for 10 min for 80 dollars! The reason , why i am writing this review: if you have a pain now, probably you need somebody to work with you , immediately ,not 1 mount after your appointment, and try fix it, or to make you feel little bit better, that is why find person who do practice every day : Manual therapy: Chiropractor or Osteopath ,PT... Everything is about HOPE, when you do not want to go to hospital and get tablets and surgery, this is the reason why people go to : Osteopaths and Chiropractors... Now small example: if you go to grocery store, for 200 dollars, you get something, if you go to hairdresser you get something for the money, if you go to movie and pay dollars, you see something.. . Here in Osteopath office what do you get for your pain , trust and money? Smiling conversation with exercise! NOW, It is you to choose : where to put your Money and trust! Good luck! Antoniy G read more

Doctors Robert and Irene Minkowsky helped me recover quickly from an Achilles injury using the cold laser treatment therapy in their office. I was in a dire situation -- I'm an ultrarunner and Achilles problems are a common overuse injury in my sport. My big race was 3 weeks away and I was not able to walk on my left foot. They saw me 2-3 times a week for two weeks, and with a series of painless cold-laser treatments and mildly-uncomfortable-but-not-unbearable massages, the problem went away immediately -- and, most importantly, has not returned. They even gave me a book called "Peak Performance" and some helpful articles! My race went great and the Achilles has not given me any problems since. These doctors are now part of my expert team of medical advisors. I am fortunate to have met them. They are 100% committed to my running, winning, and living a long and healthy life with all my limbs intact. read more

After suffering an acute herniation of a lumbar disc I was referred to Dr. Minkowsky following a nightmarish experience at my (now former) internist's office. Dr. Minkowsky is a wonderful doctor and a compassionate man. He immediately made me feel comfortable, physically and emotionally and treated me with respect and dignity and has been providing me with the highest quality of care. He takes his time to explain all the options, answers questions thoroughly and never makes me feel that I am wasting his time or keeping him from other patients, paperwork etc. I'm only 30 and wish that I was not having back problems at all, but since I have no control over that I am at least glad that it's still possible to get truly compassionate and responsible care from a physician and I am incredibly grateful to Dr. MInkowsky. And as if it wasn't enough that he is a wonderful man and competent doctor, his office is also well-run, ON TIME!! and adorable. And his wife is in the practice as well providing physical therapy so it could be one stop medical shopping if that's what you need. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Minkowsky... read more

I went to Irene, his wife and she was fabulous! I heard from other patients that Robert is just as wonderful. I was in so much pain and nothing seemed to work. I went here and my pain lessened so much. I highly recommend this office and wish I still lived in good old SF. read more

I came to see Irene after hearing good things. Instead I got Bob, who misdiagnosed me and sent me on a wild goose chase. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail; when all you have is a physiatry background, even straighforward tendinitis in the hands must look like a complex musculo-skeletal issue. An expensive, useless course of PT and excercises could have been avoided if I'd gone on WebMD and looked at my symptoms. A colossal failure for Mr. Minkowsky and a real let-down; I thought doctors were scientists. This could have only happened if this man has some gross inaccuracies about how the human body works, and he doesn't know enough to ask. Nice enough guy but FAIL. read more

DR. Minkowsy is the kind of Dr; i didn't think existed any more. He helped me avoid unnecessary spinal surgery. I'm 88 and am able to walk up 64 steps & walk on the treadmill. I am extremely grateful for his expertise, kindness and care. He is my favorite Doctor. read more

First off, let me say that I've spent the past four years studying allopathic medicine. And I have a terrific back specialist and wonderful PT to boot. I've been in totally competent hands, able to maintain minimum day to day function with 2 PT visits a week and the occasional epidural. But unable to extricate myself from some oppressive back pain that prevented me from doing almost anything fun or productive for over a year. I couldn't sit, couldn't lift, couldn't swim.....The back surgeon was telling me I could never go backpacking again and shouldn't get pregnant or might be faced with months of intense pain. Read degenerative disk disease, multiple previous blown disks, bone spurs and joint space narrowing. All that. Then I saw Dr. Minkowsky. 3 visits later, I was virtually all better. His techniques were able to do what multiple therapists, doctors, surgeons, and drugs had not. And in about 15 minutes. And covered by my insurance. Sure, I have to keep doing the exercises and not have crappy posture or poor lifting technique. But so glad I found this great practitioner before turning to surgery or more medications. So worth the drive to SF from the East Bay. And there is street parking. And they are nice and on time every time. And I went on an 8 day backpack trip this past summer. I do miss my PT's entertaining stories... but not that much. read more

Dr. Minkowski is a wonderful man and superb physician. It has been a number of years since I have been under his regular care but I have been meaning to write a review for some time. His compassion, dedication, and medical expertise most certainly changed the trajectory of my life. When I first went to see him with a severe bilateral repetitive strain injury, frozen shoulder, and lower back issue, I was completely immobilized and unable to work. Despite seeing a number of doctors and rehabilitation practitioners, I was making little progress and was told I may never heal beyond where I was. Luckily, I was referred to Dr. Minkowski and my life changed. He offered an amazing balance between (incredibly powerful) hands on therapy and patient education. He taught me the exercises I needed to strengthen my body in a holistic way. He understands that many injuries do not respond, heal, and sustain from the "quick fix". He spent the time necessary to teach me how to take responsibility for creating healthy patterns that support the body to heal and strengthen. Years later, I am still guided and benefiting from his advice and expertise. He is respectful, kind and compassionate, has a wonderful sense of humor, and is wonderfully positive. He believes in the ability of the body to heal given the right modalities and personal commitment. It is rare to come across a doctor who is so knowledgeable, so kind, and so committed to his patients. He truly, truly cares. He was a gift to my life. read more