Dr. Lauren Malachowski is not simply a physical therapist. She will go the extra mile to ensure you…read morehave the motivation needed to achieve your goals. When treating my long-term knee pain, she tailored an achievable step-by-step plan enabling me to return to distance running. She listened through my skepticism, factored in the daily realities of life, and designed a program tailored to my situation. This dynamic, personalized approach to physical therapy was just what I needed. If you're looking for a physical therapist who genuinely cares about you and your recovery, then you are looking in the right place!

Lauren is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING in all aspects. She is incredibly intelligent, super personable and…read morehighly effective in her methodologies, which all sums up into making her the best physical therapist I have ever encountered. I met Lauren in 2015, after I tore my left ACL and had ACL replacement surgery. Prior to seeing Lauren I saw two other physical therapist, which at that time I thought was fine. I showed up, they gave me some exercises, I did them and went on my merry way, not knowing any better, until I had to go and take a functional fitness test and failed miserably. At that time, I was living in SoCal, but luckily for me I took a contract job that took me to the bay area. When I moved, I had to find a new physical therapist and that's when I found Lauren. From my first appointment I knew that she was the perfect therapist for me. I am a very demanding and straight forward person and told her right off the bat what I expected and what outcome I would like to achieve. I knew I needed to pass the functional fitness test, that became my primary goal. However, I've always been an avid runner and a group fitness instructor so improving my running pace and becoming leaner and stronger were my secondary goals. Lauren never hesitated and confidently reassured me that she will get me to where I want to be. In the span of 3 months I went from experiencing knee pain with every movement to being able to lift weights, complete intense plyometric workouts, and running 8min/mile for up to 4 miles. Lauren was able to get me into better shape than before my injury and in the process, I lost 12 lbs without even thinking about it. Lauren goes above and beyond for her patients. She texted and called me regularly to check up on me and ask me for updates on my knee pain. In the 3 months that I worked with Lauren it never ever felt like work. I looked forward to going to my sessions and actually miss it when I am not able to keep my appointments. Lauren not only made a huge impact on my recovery but has also become a huge part of my life and her genuine care for me has turned us into friends. If you want someone who's all in and who takes your recovery as if it's their own, I wouldn't choose any other therapist. I whole heartedly believe that Lauren is the BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST out there hands down. I recently tore my right ACL and ended up having another surgery to replace this one as well. I now live in SoCal again and cannot see Lauren for this recovery. I have Kaiser and am forced to go see Kaiser therapists, and all I have to say is that I've been disappointed with their level of knowledge and expertise, commitment to my recovery and overall effectives in providing me the proper care and treatment. I honestly, wished that I could move back just so that I can see Lauren again because I know that 3 months working with her would be more effective than years with another therapist.

Pilates classes are excellent! Expert instruction. Teachers are trained by Zeina Griffoni who is a…read morephysical therapist as well as Pilates master. Very helpful, detailed instruction and correction of positions and movements. Highly recommend this studio.

I was referred to Synergy+ by my primary care doctor in Marin, who said that Zeina is the best…read morephysical therapist he has encountered in his entire career. He said she has a true talent for understanding the human body and how to heal it. Based on my own experience now, I wholeheartedly agree! Zeina was able to really "see" the problems I was having and get to the root of what was causing them. Through her approach and exercise program, I have made huge improvements - more than I thought possible when I started! I've also taken both group and private Pilates classes at the studio, and the instructors are all excellent. The group classes are small enough that the instructors really pay attention to your form and make corrections as needed. Plus the whole studio has a lovely zen vibe - and beautiful natural light - that makes every visit an energizing experience. Highly recommend!

I cant speak highly enough of this office. Kathleen is so smart in repairing the body- she sees…read moreproblems as more than just an isolated injury and fixes the source so reinjury doesn't occur. I trust her completely with my daughter's rehab for a torn ACL. Her staff is so helpful and they go out of their way to find appointments.

Kathleen is one of those caregivers that you don't encounter very often. She is highly skilled and…read moreeducated in her craft of physical therapy and Pilates and is equally adept in putting you at ease, listening to your needs, and offering a nurturing environment while she is providing excellent care for you. I will never go to another physical therapist because I know that the care I receive from her is unmatched. Also of note is her highly capable and friendly staff. The entire atmosphere is welcoming and professional. If I could give 10 out of 10 stars I would but they only allow 5!

I worked with Zia on a painful hip problem. Zia is an intuitive, hands on physical therapist. She…read morecreated a routine for me that was focused on strengthening and stretching particular muscles. In just a few weeks, my pain had gone away. I have been to Renew before, and I appreciate that their therapists spend the entire time with patients, rather than handing you off to a student to do your exercises. It takes a trained PT, I believe, to ensure that exercises are performed correctly for maximum benefit.

Overall, I was disappointed. When I booked my first appointment, two months out, I requested to…read moreschedule my whole series at that time, but was told that this was not necessary; I was assured that once I started the other appointments would be easy to arrange. Then after I paid a non-insurance covered $99 annual fee (which no other PT asked for), I wasn't able to get another appointment for more than a month. The therapist, who I saw only a few times, did little to evaluate my body, and instead gave me generic exercises which in hindsight aggravated my condition.

When someone asks me if I know of a good PT, I always recommend Tanya. She is not only extremely…read moreknowledgable in assessing the root cause, she is very attentive, kind, and encouraging. I have worked with different PTs in the past-- Tanya stands out because she stays with you through the session and makes the time to get to know you and fully understand what may be causing or aggravating an issue. What I also love is that she is an athlete herself so understands the desire to "get back out soon." I most recently went to see her for a foot injury and she left no stone unturned in understanding the cause vs treating the symptoms. She prescribed a reasonable yet effective treatment plan that had me seeing improvement very quickly. The office is very clean and quiet--I love how it is mostly private, the visit is largely relaxing.

Cynthia is absolutely incredible! She has so much experience and knowledgable with upper body…read morepathologies and just an overall WONDERFUL physical therapist. She is an equal part in my condition as my ortho surgeon!!! She is also very kind and listens. After months of shoulder/neck pain, she's giving me hope that I may really resolve this issue with her!!!

Major continuity of care problem, please call your insurance if you are having problems with Active…read moreMarin PT switching out insurance rapidly at the end of 2025 or billing you a ton for appointments you booked before 12/28/25. I learned this behavior is not allowed and violates both patient notice requirements as well as Continuity of Care laws and No Surprise laws in the state of California. Forcing a post-surgical patient in severe pain to make a rushed financial decision at the front desk is considered administrative coercion and poor medical ethics. I had foot surgery in mid November and was referred for post-surgical PT for hip and low back at my 12/22/25 follow up with my surgeon, due to issues that developed from an uneven gait in the walking boot. I contacted my insurance for referrals and was referred to Active Marin PT as well as a few others that were IN NETWORK. I was in pain and not sleeping well, so when I called Active Marin PT on 12/23/25, and was booked in for eight appointments beginning 12/29/25, I was very relieved. In my booking call, I provided my insurance information and Active Marin PT confirmed they were IN NETWORK. I showed up, in pain, on 12/29/25 and was told verbally that Active Marin PT had ended their contract with my insurance the day before, 12/28/25, but Active Marin PT would file something called a "gap form" on my behalf to bring their services back IN NETWORK. I was very confused as I had been booked for eight (8) appointments before they ended their contract on 12/28/25, and because PT was part of my post-surgical care. And I had made sure with Active Marin PT that I was IN NETWORK. I was induced to continue with care because Active Marin PT stated a plan (the "gap form") to deal with their contractual changes so my services would be covered In Network. Importantly, no one from Active Marin PT contacted me BEFORE of my appointment to explain they had cancelled their office's contract with my insurance (Blue Shield of CA, not a small provider) and obtain my consent to different charges or give me alternative options. I was instructed to keep my three appointments that week and wait out the gap form, and frankly I was in terrible pain that was making it hard to walk, and needed help at that point. I have since learned that the medical provider must give written notice to all patients when a master insurance plan is changed. I also learned that the Continuity of Care doctrine means my care continues for a period of time at In Network rates due to the booking date of 12/23/25, and I learned about the Post Surgical Care laws. Both laws disallow Balance Billing, or upcharging the patient to enrich the medical practice above what insurance allows. I followed up daily on the "gap form" both with my insurance and with Active Marin PT; after the first week (3 appointments) I became concerned about the lack of progress and I cancelled the rest of my appointments. The reception did not seem to have a handle on when or how the gap form might be resolved. I also asked how billing was going to be handled and no one seemed to know. I moved on to an In Network PT who is great, but I had to wait a while to get in for care. Active Marin's behavior cost me additional time in pain. Flash forward - not only did Active Marin PT NOT bill for the three visits at In Network rates ($15 per visit for me, total $45), they Balance Billed a total of $590 for three appointments. Before I knew the laws, I offered to negotiate the bill. Per my insurance, these appointments would have cost me $15 per, or $45 total. I offered $250 (5X what my bill would have been to try and be fair) in resolution. While I understand business contracts can change, Active Marin PT owed me full and complete disclosure of this change BEFORE booking me in for 8 appointments, taking me on an emotional roller coaster while in pain, confusing me with insurance jargon, and forcing me to start my care over, all while Balance Billing and violating California Continuity of Care Laws and California Post-Surgical Care Laws. Active Marin PT refused to even discuss the problem or work out a solution with me, instead inserting their billing coordinator into a quasi-lawyer position to go back and forth with me. It is important for the community to take extra steps with this business and triple check insurance contracts have not changed before each appointment or risk expensive and fake Balance Bills and a dismissive and rude attitude. If this happened to you, please file a complaint with your insurance company so you do not pay false and expensive Balance Bills like I did. I am out $590 and a lot of headache due to this bad behavior.

If you'd like to waste your time and money elsewhere have at it; when you then come to Lisa I'll…read morepromise not to say I told you so. Well, that's if you can actually get in. Some practitioners are learned and quite skilled and some are smart AND intuitive; Lisa is that. Yes years of experience but she can also source a whole other level of understanding by her sense of who you are, yes, you particularly. That makes her approach more complete. I've been to many with my bad back and my latest torn elbow surgery rehab. There's a marked difference in her approach, her understanding and implementation of protocol. From San Francisco to Marin, the physicians and surgeons recommend her first. Easy to understand why she's so well-regarded. I do recognize that it was hard before to get on her schedule and that me writing this might make it even more challenging, but it's important to share with your community even if... And? She's super super nice :-)

So glad that I was referred to Lisa and her new business. I…read morewent to have her see what she could do to help me with a very sore Achilles tendon. Lisa has a great personality, very knowledgeable and you can tell her main goal in business is to take her time and give her patients, great service. After one visit my injury is much better. I highly recommend her!

Hi Folxs, I really appreciate working with the Sport &…read moreSpine center in San Anselmo. The staff really are 1st rate. Lisa Story is my main person, I work with and she is so friendly, caring, kind, thorough, and up on so much health stuff. She sincerely believes in connecting with her clients and I have seen her friendliness with all her clients, not just me. She's also in tip top shape, but can relate to climbing out of an injury hole, as she has had to recover from various injuries herself. The whole staff is vary caring, kind and accommodating. They are all good listeners & without trying in some contrived way, get you to laugh and feel hopeful. I really recommend Sport & Spine wholeheartedly.

I have been seeing PT Mike Mottola at Sport & Spine Therapy of Marin, doing rehab for total reverse…read moreshoulder replacement surgery. Thanks to Mike's expert treatment, my shoulder is progressing well. What sets Mike apart in the PT arena is his combination of technical skill and genuine caring for his patients' recovery. From our first session, it was clear that he has extensive knowledge of anatomy and rehabilitation techniques, and is able to explain them so that I can understand what to do and, importantly, what not to do. He masterfully developed a personalized treatment plan that managed to tailor the PT regimen so that I can strengthen my shoulder without aggravating my degenerative spine condition. At each session, Mike begins with soft tissue mobilization to reduce the scar tissue in my shoulder, and as a result, my post-surgery range of motion is now excellent, with an absolute minimum of scar tissue impeding movement. Even though the Sport and Spine facility is quite understaffed at the moment and he's got to juggle 2-3 patients at a time, Mike carefully monitors my exercises and makes adjustments as needed, ensuring that I am achieving the proper positioning so as not to risk further injury. One of their PTs just left, and I understand that it's not easy to fill her spot. I do hope he gets another certified PT in soon though, because it's otherwise an excellent facility, and Mike's overload of patients is far from an optimal set up. Meanwhile, he maintains both good humor and really superb care. In sum, thanks to Mike's care and the thoughtfully tailored PT program he devised, I've seen significant improvement in my mobility and pain levels, and my strength is finally returning. My shoulder surgeon is pleased with the progress, and I am eagerly looking forward to resuming normal activities. Mike's expertise and dedication to his patients are top of the charts. 5 stars and huge applause for Mike Mottola!

I have had a long-term back problem, and have had injections, PT, chiropractic work, massage, and…read morefinally 2 discectomies and 4 decompressions surgically. Bloody thing reconciled to the fact that this was my life until I finally gave in to the nagging of a work friend, and called Derek at Norcal Muscle. Honestly, I expected no improvement or benefit - I was just going to shut my friend up. Derek and Laura are both Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) specialists, which I knew absolutely nothing about. The focus of MAT is to analyze and correct muscular weakness, along with stabilizing balance and joints. This is accomplished by constantly testing the strength of individual muscles/groups and the practitioner then sort of "jump-starting" the muscles by applying pressure where the joints/tendons/ligaments and muscles all come together. I'm not great at explaining it, but I can tell you it has been a life-changing experience for me. Anyone who is in constant pain will understand what a radical concept it would be to be able to sit, stand, walk and lie down pain free. It's not immediate or sudden, because you are reactivating and strengthening muscles that you might not have used for some time. I was limping, so half of my leg muscles were very weak, and my back was trying to compensate for it. By making my legs and back stronger, my body doesn't have to keep doing a half-assed job at compensation, but can actually function like it's supposed to. My back surgeon has been sufficiently impressed by my progress under Derek's care that he has asked for Norcal's phone number for referral purposes. I use Derek, but both he and Laura are highly competent, kind, nice and empathetic. They explain the science of what is going on. I really appreciate that, as I'm not one for wanting to hear about my "energy" and chakras being aligned and flowing. That's fine if you're into that, but I want the actual mechanics made understandable, which they do. I wish I could give them 6 stars.

Since 2001 I have been diagnosed as having multiple cervical & lumbar herniated disks of varying…read moredegrees, mid-back compression fracture, multiple reverse curvatures of the spine, scoliosis (read in my spine looks more like a spiral staircase when x-rayed ;) extensive nerve damage and the list goes on... Doctors told me I would be on medications for the rest of my life but none of their heavy-duty pain meds ever helped me... I was still in extreme pain AND the meds just made me foggy-headed, nauseated and dizzy all of the time. I've been on a quest for natural, non-invasive, non-medicated ways to help me feel better. When my boyfriend suggested I go see Derek and Laura at NorCal Muscle Clinic in January 2011, I made an appointment. They answered all of my questions thoroughly and very knowledgeably as they tested and activated my various muscles. The real WOW came when I got off the table... I felt significantly better than I had in years! That alone was miraculous for me! In about 90 minutes time; they did more for me, in the way of getting me mobile with less pain, than all of the scores of medical specialists, chiropractors and massage therapists had ever been able to do in over a decade! It has been truly amazing and a relatively FAST journey for me from someone who could hardly move without grimacing in extreme pain to someone who is enjoying to go camping with my 10 year-old son, hike, jump on a trampoline and work out for the first time in years! I can't say enough great things about Derek and Laura of NorCal Muscle Clinic! Go see them for yourself, you will be VERY glad you did!!! Whether you are seriously injured as I have been or an athlete wanting to recover from or prevent one of those nagging sports injuries, NorCal Muscle Clinic can help! These days I still see Derek or Laura for a tune-up every month or two and without any medications they keep me moving so much better than I had long thought remotely possible! They have significantly changed the quality of my life through their work at NorCal Muscle Clinic. My son has a more active and happy mom because of them and he's let me know he likes it... also, I now enjoy doing more active things with my boyfriend... I am forever grateful. Thank you NorCal Muscle Clinic! Barbie B. Redding, California