Symbio Physical Therapy is a different kind of physical therapy practice. Rather than one therapist working with several people at the same time, each person is assigned to a physical therapist one on one for a full 45 minutes. It makes a huge difference. I have a grade 1 spondylolisthesis, a herniated lumbar disc and five herniated cervical discs. These conditions cause pain on a regular basis, but it's usually manageable through stretching and exercise. After experiencing more persistent pain than usual, including difficulty sleeping on my side, I was afraid that my vertebrate slippage had increased. I knew I had to find someone who could help determine why my back had taken a turn for the worse. I had read some excellent reviews of Symbio Physical Therapy on Yelp, so I made an appointment and began working with Adam Gvili. I explained when and how I experienced pain and Adam assessed the problem through muscle testing, range of motion exercise, postural evaluation and strength assessment. The verdict was an anterior pelvic tilt and a forward head and neck position. I had been spending so much time hunched over a computer that my scapula had rotated forward as well. Adam explained that these muscle imbalances can be just as painful as an actual slippage. Most importantly, balanced muscle strength would help prevent further slips. Following an intense session that stretched my psoas as well as some super tight muscles around my neck and shoulders, I felt enormous relief. From my very first visit I was able to understand which postural abnormalities were exacerbating my pain as well as what I could do to fix the situation. One of the best things about working with Adam is that he's a great listener and an even better teacher. He's happy to answer questions and to puzzle out why certain types of movements cause pain. Every visit is different. I had been warned by other doctors and physical therapists not to lift weights, use a rowing machine or hang from a chin-up bar due to my back condition. Basically, I lived in constant fear that the bones in my back would shift and I would be forced to endure a painful spinal fusion operation. Yet, the less I did, they weaker I got and the more pain I felt. Adam questioned these unnecessary limitations and stressed that most activities were fine, as long as I was strong and flexible enough to do them. The most important thing was to have good body awareness and posture, and not to exceed my individual limits. Generally, when I've gone to physical therapists they've ask me to do a series of exercises to strengthen targeted muscles. Then I'm hooked up to heat or a tens unit for the rest of the session. I would always get stronger, and pain would be relieved to a certain point, but it would come right back again. Not this time. Now I realize that the quality of my movements, whether during exercise or during the activities of daily life, all add up. I feel like I have better insight into my back condition and now I have the tools to remedy the situation in the future. Best of all, I know that I'm not bound to a life of painful inactivity. I would highly recommend Adam Gvili as a physical therapist! read more

When my chronic pelvic pain progressively worsened, I thought all hope was lost. I was anxiously searching online to find a "cure" since doctors couldn't help. The mixed experiences people had with this condition left me more confused and devastated than ever. I stumbled upon a post on a forum recommending Adam at Symbio who has healed many people with pelvic pain. I took a leap of faith and begin my healing journey with him... Adam is incredibly skillful with his hands. He educated me that my symptoms were mainly due to tight pelvic floor muscles. My long-term habit of clenching my butt and locking my jaw created muscle tension that was not released properly. When he did internal massage to release my trigger points, he was gentle with the pressure yet precise and effective. I found great relief after each session with him. Moreover, Adam spent the first few sessions truly getting to know me (my family dynamic, social circle, cultural values, etc). It was therapeutic that he showed genuine interests in my personal stories and unique life experiences. As a former sufferer of pelvic pain himself, Adam demonstrates high levels of patience, compassion, and empathy - traits that health care professionals require to treat patients. If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms in your pelvic area and have been told by doctors that "your urinalysis is negative" or "the pain is all in your head," you need to look elsewhere for recovery. Your best chance of healing is to visit a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. The stigma towards male chronic pain is still well and alive out there. The only way to address it is to be vocal and proactive about it. Take the driver's seat and steer your health to the direction you want. From my experience, I highly recommend Adam who will do whatever he can to accompany you through the journey. Having chronic pelvic pain is by no means a death sentence. You don't have to (and not going to) live like this for the rest of your life. You will get better! read more

I have been suffering on and off with chronic pelvic floor pain for over twenty years. It has at times been diagnosed as non-bacterial prostatitis, but no urologist has ever been able to help relieve the pain I've experienced over the years, and I've been to many. Luckily, my current urologist prescribed physical therapy with Symbio, and I have had the incredible good fortune of meeting Dr. Adam Gvili, and now I honestly can't imagine life without him. He is kind, caring, and compassionate, and most importantly, as someone who has experienced chronic pelvic floor pain himself, he LISTENS, and UNDERSTANDS. Through a combination of breathing and stretching exercises, and external massage and internal pelvic floor work, my symptoms have greatly improved. Adam is incredibly skillful with his hands, and the internal work he does to release my trigger points, along with exercises and external muscle work, has had lasting effects that have helped to improve sexual function and urinary flow. Finding him has truly been life-changing. If you are suffering with pelvic pain, or have any other ailments or injuries that require PT, get to Adam as soon as possible. He truly is a God-send. read more

Symbio is absolutely amazing! I've been to a few PT facilities over the years but none that left such a positive impression. On my first visit I met Lisa who made me feel so welcome and was always so thorough in all my communications with her. I was assigned to Stavros who was a gem. It only took a few sessions before I was back to myself. I was aware of the benefits of manual techniques but knew most PT places don't provide that service. At Symbio, the personal, hands on, patient centered approach there is top notch, providing you with 45 minutes of personal attention in helping you achieve your goals to better health. Both manual techniques coupled with strengthening exercises helped me achieve pain free mobility and I am most grateful to Stav for helping me get there so quickly. Stav was very friendly and personable and always gave me reason to laugh, which makes getting better so much more pleasant and endurable. Symbio has a very innovative approach to the health and well-being of the patient and I would highly recommend their facility without hesitation. Wishing you all the best! read more

I started working with Veronica in the spring of 2017 to strengthen the muscles in my back and improve my posture and also to reduce the residual upper back & biceps pain, which I suffered after treatment for a torn tendon in my right shoulder. In the 4 months or so I have been working with her, I have seen noticeable improvement in my posture and the curve in my back, which I could not believe was possible! Veronica was also able to diagnosis the source of my upper back pain (she figured out it was coming from my neck & the way I sleep and prescribed appropriate exercises to cure it. I've been to several other physical therapy treatment centers and must say that Symbio has really proven to be the best. Veronica gives me and my body the time and attention we both need. She is always caring, skillful and knowledgeable in working with me. I appreciate that. The entire staff is friendly, helpful and easy to talk to and I am planning to work with Jackie soon. I recommend Symbio wiithout reservation. Alice W. read more

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's, have spinal stenosis with bulging and herniated discs in my back. I was a mess to say the least. I wasn't able to walk alone, bathe, walk down the stairs or just function. Then I was introduced to Dr. Vouyiouklis. There isn't enough kind words to explain what this man has done for me. He gave me back my life. He's a miracle worker. His patience and dedication has allowed me the ability to walk on my own, to go up and down the stairs, to function like everyone else. He doesn't treat you as if you are broken or incapable of doing things. What he does do is encourage you and shows you that you are able to do things if you try. Yes, it's difficult, but in the end you feel great! Stavros now has me lifting weights, boxing and accomplishing things I once was afraid to do because of my disability. If you need a physical therapist call Stavros at Symbio. He's not only great at what he does, he's good eye candy. read more

I had shoulder surgery and Neil was my PT, I can't say enough about the professionalism of this group. During the course of my PT I had to see two other PT's in this group that fit into my schedule better. They all knew the background and took the time to make the best of my session. This office is much different than many of the other PT offices that cycle people through, You are with your PT the entire 45 minutes, no aids that do the exercises with you. They work the injured area, and help you deal with the painful recovery. Back to Neil, he pushed me at the same time made sure I did not push to much. He is extremely knowledgeable, and understand the anatomy of the body. He was open to some of the eastern medicine concepts and Yoga that I wanted to incorporate into my recovery. And the front desk is so easy to deal with, such a pleasant experience. Alan read more

I was referred to Symbio Physiotherapy by a specialist who had diagnosed me with a few hip conditions that resulted from improper posture while running and working out. I am so grateful to Veronica for her expertise, attention and care in response to my needs. Over the course of about two months, the benefits of the in-house support that Veronica provided and the at-home exercises she outlined made a HUGE difference in my daily life and physical well being. My levels of pain and discomfort reduced greatly as a result of Veronica's ability to fine-tune each stretch and exercise each week in order to best suit my body's needs and limitations. I strongly recommend Symbio Physiotherapy for anyone who is experiencing pain or discomfort and is willing to put in the effort to make long-term changes to the way they move and feel. read more

I always look forward to my sessions at Symbio! The team is super friendly and great company, and the space is always clean and tidy. The folks at the front desk are helpful in-person and by phone. This was my first PT experience and I went in with a running injury as a result of overtraining. I worked with Karan who guided me through the recovery process with great skill, attention, patience and kindness. He carefully assessed my symptoms each session and identified the root cause of my pain. From there, he built a well-rounded plan for strengthening, stability and prevention. After four months, he graduated me with an at-home program to continue the progress we made together. Karan was a real pleasure to work with - his positivity and sense of humor did not make it feel like work! read more

Symbio provides a personal, professional and comfortable atmosphere and I had a fantastic experience here. After attending a different clinic in the city and having a negative experience, I came to Symbio in desperate need of a professional who I felt comfortable working with. As I recovered from an ACL tear, I attended Symbio almost weekly for roughly 5 months and I enjoyed each visit and the friendly staff. My therapist, Chad, was incredibly respectful and always made sure any questions were answered and that I fully understood the recovery process we were working through. I am now back in action after my 5 months of sessions and my leg feels great thanks to Symbio! They truly care about their patients and I highly recommend them to anyone. read more

Everyone in the office is warm, welcoming and overall very nice. They genuinely seem like they love what they do and love coming to work every day. I have been seeing Veronica and she is amazing! She listens to all my concerns/fears/problems and "attacks" them. Explaining what she is doing and why she is doing it. My doctor told me I would probably need surgery but working with Veronica I have never felt better - no surgery or pricey orthotics necessary. Going to Symbio means you aren't just another patient or another name on the page. They greet you, often times, by name. I've never experienced so many people so invested in my recovery than everyone here - especially Veronica. read more

These guys are incredible. I see Stan, who has been fantastic. I've had issues with my knee and a ton of pain walking. After my very first appointment I was feeling better and able to walk much farther than I had been for weeks. The approach is stellar- rather than focusing on the single location of injury, Stan has taken a holistic approach and continued to work with me to ensure I can do everything I could do before PT even better than before. I've also had other health issues and he's helped me think through the right conversations to have with doctors to ensure I'm getting holistic treatment everywhere I go. Nice space and great front desk staff as well. read more

Chad is an awesome PT. I have seen a number of highly regarded PTs before for issue related to a broken ankle. None were able to address my issues, except Chad. Not only is Chad excellent from a technical (knowledge base) perspective, he applies his knowledge and leaning in a patient-focused manner. That is, Chad really takes into account what his patient wants to achieve functionally and then finds realistic and personalized ways of achieving the goal. For example, the exercises he has given me are focused on functional use of my ankle and not just strengthening the ankle using an appropriate, but not functional exercise. I highly recommend Chad. read more

Chad has been training me for about 5 years. I was 65. My main concerns were balance, stamina and flexibility. My functional fitness and health has improved each year. Sure, a problem here and there but Chad recognized problems, treated my injuries and encouraged me through physical therapy. I completed several 300 mile bike tours, centuries, bike vacations, swim vacations, three triathlons, and several runs. I am training for my first half marathon. I actually have a race calendar for 2016.My last race pre-Chad was in the 9th grade. I am fit, flexible and having the time of my life as I look forward to my 70th birthday in November. read more

It's hard to come across a physical therapist who dedicates all of his or her time evaluating, assessing the patient and really implementing treatment plans for the future. Dr. Mike changed how I view physical therapy (which I thought was really 15 minutes of actual treatment and 30 minutes of weird uncomfortable electric currents running throughout my body). Not only did he explain thoroughly what wasn't working properly but also how to improve its function, little by little, step by step. If my friends and family members needed physical therapy I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dr. Mike and the other PTs at Symbio. read more

I had a crippling pinched nerve in my lower back - I could barely limp around my apartment. My orthopedist prescribed physical therapy, and I was lucky enough to find Perry Tang at the Chelsea location of Symbio Physiotherapy. He carefully evaluated my condition, performed therapeutic massage that gave me real relief, and, over a month and a half of sessions, led me through a progression of stretches and exercises that got me pain-free and fully functional again. Mr. Tang is cheerful, smart, and really a great physical therapist! read more

Chad is a patient, thoughtful and thorough physical therapist. He's incredibly qualified and helped relieve my knee pain due to a poor workplace set up. His treatment included deep tissue fascia massage, walking me through several exercises to balance out the muscles that were weak due to a previous injury, and also provided recommendations on fixes at my workplace to prevent further injury or pain. I'd highly recommend Symbio and Chad for all level of athletes, from competitive to leisure, for any of their PT needs. read more

I can't say enough about what an incredible place Symbio Physiotherapy is. I've been to PT for numerous issues over the years, but I have never been in a more professional, caring, and thoughtful environment. My therapist, Karan Data, considered all aspects of my condition, and helped me get to a place of true healing, something that was missing from every other PT experience I have had in the past. Scheduling appointments was easy and flexible, and the support staff was kind and communicative. read more

I can't recommend these guys enough. I was really bummed being sidelined from running with knee pain, and Chad not only expertly diagnosed and treated the condition, but he got me back within two weeks! (I feel I need to write a disclaimer that "results are not typical" but to me it sure felt like I was with a bunch of miracle workers.) I VERY highly recommend Symbio to any other runners. It's great to work with someone who really "gets" us. Thank you, Symbio!!!!! read more