Dr. Arlyn Van Dyke is a true healer. I have been to see eight specialists for my pain and after one session with him where he taught me the proper exercises to do on my face, the pain lessened considerably. Note: I was suffering from facial pain for three solid years and after shelling out thousands of dollars on specialists who just scratched their heads in confusion, Dr. Van Dyke just nods and says, "here's what's happening and this is what you do". I am forever grateful to this man. Sure he is "old school", but mind you, this is the guy who taught all the younger doctors how to do things. Yes, you wait, but once you are in his care, he will spend as much time with you, answering your questions and working on your pain. He falls under the category of "G.O.A.T." - Greatest of All Time. If you or anyone you know is suffering from facial pain, do yourselves a favor and DO NOT go get a dental procedure done right away. Try physical therapy with Dr. Van Dyke and see how that works first. Not invasive and certainly less stressful. Also, folks - check out his bio. He knows what he's doing. He's one of the best PTs left out there. Oh, and if you are going to skip an appointment with him because of rude front office staff (which by the way, was never true in my case), then you are missing out on meeting a doctor who can truly heal you. Thank you so much, Dr. Van Dyke! read more

Good doctor, problem is the front office staff. Rude receptionist, no greeting, didn't ask who we were when we walked into the office, shoved a clipboard at us and turned away. Bizarre. Older woman, cannot identify because she doesn't wear a name tag. Won't answer questions, dismissive, this is by far the worst customer service I've received at a doctor's office period. They don't post business hours anywhere, no website, won't pick up the phone if you try to call during business hours. Extremely unprofessional and overall an unnecessarily unpleasant experience. Too bad because the doctor is excellent. read more

Arlyn is a great P.T. He is old school and gives exercises we can continue to do at home. He has a small office in a beautiful area. Other medical offices next door one is a dental office. Arlyn goes beyond just using machines, he uses hands on therapy and he is the one that diagnosed my neck, and headaches as being jaw related. He suggested I go to UCSF and someone he use to work with was able to help me. I would recommend This therapy office to my friends. the office was a distance for me to drive, but well worth it. read more

I've been seeing Arlyn for the past 10 years for my chronic jaw disorder (TMD). As Terry B. commented, sometimes you do "wait" 20 minutes, but they're not just trying to stall! I've always considered it an intentional time getting heat therapy on my upper back, neck, and face. It instantly soothes my pain, and it's not bad lying there with lights out (they ask you what you prefer) I've always thought of it as my therapeutic adult nap time, and who doesn't want that at the end of the workday?! And besides, I've waited an hour for my doctor on more than one occasion, but if it's a rare health professional who gives you their full attention, explains what's going on, and answers all your questions, IT'S WORTH IT. I consider these fields as those that require us patients to have patience because how can a health professional know EXACTLY how long it will take to assist their patients when many are just getting their diagnosis that day? Anyway, rant over. About Arlyn. He was recommended strongly to me by the UCSF Center for Orofacial Pain. He teaches dental and med students on a regular basis about the intricate, uncharted territory of TMD and TMJ. He worked AT UCSF and was a pioneer of jaw specialty and their Center for Orofacial Pain. He doesn't just have tons of patients because he's been in the area since the 70's as one reviewer suggested. Before starting physical therapy, I was in a horrible amount of pain every day (8 on scale of 1-10), on muscle relaxors and anti-inflammitories. My condition was bad when I started, and now I live most days pain-free, and I rarely take medication. I've learned so much from Arlyn about how to manage and treat my pain disorder that when a flare up starts, I can now treat it on my own. Only when I try and cannot fix it, have I been instructed to schedule an appointment with him. I now only see him about once every three+ months for those rougher flare-ups. The experts on the jaw are few and far between. I am blessed to live in the SF Bay Area where I can get world-class treatment, first from UCSF's Center for Orofacial Pain, and ever since from Arlyn's care and expertise. I'm concerned about what to do when he retires! So really, who cares if the office's decor isn't all crazy modernized!? The treatment is, and if anything the office can be described as "homey", which I'll take any day over cool, sleek, and modern. And to whomever is critical of something as superficial as decor, you don't give a crap about that when you're in real pain, which, thankfully I now rarely have, thanks to the the people at Ygnacio Valley Physical Therapy. OK, patient out! btw, I didn't even plan to write this. I came across his reviews while looking up the fax number, and I had to set everyone straight. :D , read more

Arlen Van Dyke was reccomended to me by my mother in law and my chiropractor Dr Lee in San Ramon. Arlen has been practicing a long time and knows his stuff. I have tried going to a big pyhsical therapy place and they didn't get what was wrong I was afraid they would hurt me more then I already was. Arlen spent 2 hours with me for my first visit. I was impressed. My 2nd session was was an hour. When I arrived each time the front desk assistant setup a room with hot packs for me to lay down on while I waited. That was great since I was in such pain. Thanks Arlen. read more

The facility is old and outdated - there is one small window in the (tiny) waiting room, which looks out into a covered area/no real sunlight. I saw Van Dyke - my appointment started 60 minutes later than scheduled. The exam room was very small, and only 1/3 of the lights were on - with no window in the room, it was quite dark and a little creepy. As a younger female (who came alone to the appointment), I felt uncomfortable and asked for the door to remain all the way open. He seemed quite knowledgeable, and tried to joke around, but his joking made me feel uncomfortable. At the end of the appointment when he reviewed the exercises I need to do at home, he sat next to me on the exam table which seemed unnecessary (he wasn't demonstrating the exercises, simply reading a piece of paper) and intrusive of my personal space. He appears to know his stuff, and he has a good reputation (his appointment book is packed - but this might be due to the fact he's been in practice since ~1970, and most of his patients are referrals from friends of his in the medical field), but I felt way too uncomfortable to return. I only agreed to the appointment as he was referred by my dentist, I was in severe pain, and he could see me immediately. I will not attend my follow-up and will instead look elsewhere for more modern, professional, and comfortable care. Edited to add: He recommended a follow-up visit for additional treatment that would help me further. The first follow-up they had was a month away! He wanted me to continue suffering/not receive maximum relief for another whole month? Ridiculous. Thankfully I found a great PT at another practice, who instantly set me up with an appointment that week, then booked me additional appointments twice a week for the next month! read more

My husband went for his second appt. to see Arlyn Van Dyke, RPT. The appt was at 2pm. He was placed in a room on a narrow exam table which had a heat pack for his back. At 2:26 he had still not been seen and he got up, said t the receptionist that he did not want to wait any longer. She said "That's up to you." He left. At the first appt with Mr. Van Dyke, the same thing happened, but he waited for 1/2 an hour before being seen. No actual therapy was ever done. Go elsewhere. there are many fine PT offices that do not make their patients wait in pain. read more

Arlyn is a true healer in all the senses. He might just be the last truly great physical therapist left in the US. He takes into consideration all aspects of ones daily routines and chronic stressors and teaches you how to treat yourself. He has helped me cure chronic issues with my sacrum after the birth of my daughter and he has taught me how to self-treat my chronic tension in my jaw that had life altering effects. Other physical therapist just send you through a standard robotic list of exercises that they learned at PT school that do nothing to the underlying cause. He goes to the core and helps you truly get back to feeling good. But as the patient you MUST commit to doing the self-care he suggests. read more

Arlyn is excellent at what he does! He takes the time to talk to his patients and work on getting them pain free. I have had horrible TMJ and Arlyn helped me pre and post surgery to reduce my pain and improve the function of my jaw. I highly recommend Arlyn to anyone suffering from jaw pain. read more

Arlyn Van Dyke is an amazingly gifted physical therapist. He listens closely to everything you and your body say and this guides the therapy sessions. He is highly respected in the medical community and is a kind and caring professional. Because of his expertise and experience, I trust him to guide my recovery. He has taught me exercises and techniques for self care that I use at home, lessening my dependency on his services. I am grateful I was referred to Arlyn. read more

Aryln VanDyke has made me very comfortable in his approach to therapy. I find him honest, caring, and very intererested in aiding me in my recovery from a severe injury caused by an auto accident where my husband and I were hit from behind @ 65 miles per hour. He is conscientious, intelligent and his staff gentle and caring. Sometimes there's a wait, but mostly not. He and his staff have been patient with my having to cancel; knowing full well that there are so many waiting to get into this busy practice. Knowledge alone isn't what makes a good p.t. But lack of knowledge makes for a lessor p.t. Arlyn has knowledge, know-how and cares. What more can I say. He's given me the tools to put to use the little things that make a difference in my daily living. I have a long way to go; but that's because I'm a bit stubborn and just hate that I have limitations. I'm learning new ways of doing things and having to listen to such little hints as: "I know you love gardening and trimming you 15 foot trees...." ..."maybe a 4' bonzi bush would be fun too." I'm thinking about it, truly, Arlyn. Hard to give up what you love, but Arlyn finds alternative ideas to help you heal. Thank you. Carol L. Gardiner read more