Active Care Physical Therapy

Fantastic experience: This is the best PT place in the bay area. The trainers are all athletes. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, attentive and effective at getting you back to healthy and active. I highly recommend Active Care.

Fantastic experience: I am extremely grateful for the exceptional care I've received from Colman O’Leary over the past year to address my chronic mid/upper back injury. I have a very rare condition that has troubled me for the last 15 years, with a recent flare-up over a year ago. Several neurosurgeons recommended surgery, cautioning that irreversible nerve damage could occur if I didn't undergo the procedure within the year. Previous physical therapists I consulted had never encountered this condition before, leading them to either exercise excessive caution or inadvertently aggravate my condition. However, Colman's approach was truly impressive. He devised a comprehensive, phased treatment plan and provided invaluable guidance at every stage of my recovery journey. What struck me most was that Colman didn't discourage me from considering surgery; instead, he encouraged me to maintain an ongoing relationship with a surgeon in case it became necessary. He tailored exercises to my evolving progress, and Jeff, my trainer, was incredibly patient, suggesting modifications to the exercises whenever I experienced discomfort. After a year of dedicated care, my surgeon no longer recommends surgery but rather closely monitors the progress of my condition. Thanks to Colman and his team at Active Care, my pain has substantially decreased, and I've even been able to return to sailboat racing in the challenging waters of San Francisco Bay. The entire team at Active Care is truly exceptional, boasting a wealth of experience in managing severe conditions and guiding patients from severe pain to a full return to strenuous sports activities. I cannot speak highly enough of their expertise and dedication.

Fantastic experience: The staff at ActiveCare has been great! Been working with Carolyn, Greg, and Sophia for a little over a year now, with an achilles injury. The workouts to get back to normal were challenging, but they really make sure that you are careful not to overwork the injury. Now, I feel stronger and moving better, and back to playing sports!

Fantastic experience: Went to AC after hospital gave me bacterial infection during a meniscus repair. Needless to say, my knee was a huge mess. There are no words to fully explain and thank the work Colman and Carolyn did bringing the knee back to a really high functional level. HARD work but great results!

Fantastic experience: I can’t say enough good things about my Physical Therapy experience at Active Care PT in City. My assigned PT staff were professional, informed and supportive thru rehab of a shoulder discomfort affecting my quality of life. I was a nurse for over 35 yrs in a major trauma center ( SFGH) and I recommend this PT practice to persons that ask me for a recommendation…

Fantastic experience: Great clinic dedicated to getting folks better. If you're looking for serious Sports Medicine, this is the place for you. If youre looking for easy, generic physical therapy, then I would suggest looking elsewhere. Thanks AC team, yall are the best!

Fantastic experience: I originally found Active Care PT in 2020 based on my ortho doctor’s recommendation after rotator cuff surgery. I liked how my treatment with Actice Care progressed and thought their physical assessment and treatment protocols were spot on. Fast forward 3 years and I had rotator cuff surgery on my other shoulder. I returned to Active Care again for PT treatment. They’ve managed to keep the same culture and individualized treatment standards I remembered. I really feel at home there. All the therapists are professional, knowledgeable, focused, and personable. They all love what they do and it shows in the energy and interactions in their facility. I can’t praise everyone at Active Care enough! For the three years, Active Care has managed to keep their culture and attitude consistent with the excellent work they do.

Fantastic experience: I've been at Active Care for both my neck (a couple years ago) and now recently my shoulder. Coleman is fantastic; deeply knowledgeable, confidence-inspiring, and able to answer any questions I had in depth. His assistants Ian and Brandon were also great, always correcting my form and encouraging me to squeeze out a few more reps. I see other reviews mentioning "overbooking" or being passed off from the primary PT to assistants. In short, I didn't mind this. I felt like I got all the attention I needed, and once I had done an exercise a couple times it would have felt weird/unnecessary to have someone watch my every rep. If I had to wait a minute here or there between exercises to ask about something, that was a welcome break. All in all I will absolutely come back the next time I need PT!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Active PT for the past 4 months after a surgery and can’t say enough good things about my experience. The team is knowledgeable and truly cares about their patients. The team is consistently checking in on my progress and has helped build my strength to get back to my normal activities and more! They are super encouraging and motivating. Active PT was recommended to me by 2 friends and I couldn’t be more happy about my experience.

Fantastic experience: Colman and Chaz were both fantastic. They were attentive, kind and encouraging as we worked through my rehab programming. Ian also went out of his way to answer my questions even though he wasn't directly connected to my case. Alyssa at the front desk was always caring and helpful. 10/10 would recommend their office!

Fantastic experience: Active Care was recommended to me by my orthopedist after an acromioclavicular repair, and did not disappoint. I received outstanding care and instruction from Coleman, Chris, and Lane. Beyond that, Coleman’s passion for the work and people’s small and big successes along the way, his warm greetings and knowing everyone’s name brings an effervescence to the experience, and makes the place feel a bit like the bar from Cheers, with a healthier social focus.

Fantastic experience: Active Care is great. You should know what you're getting going in. My previous PT was a short appointment with dedicated attention, to show me the exercises. At Active Care it's a longer appointment (I'm there 1.5 hrs + sometimes, though they work with my availability when I have less free time) where they are working with multiple people at once. The benefit of this is you come away with a more substantial workout than typical PT appointments. I much prefer Active Care's way of doing it. At the end of the day you are going to need to do the exercises on your own, so a more substantial workout with checkins is more helpful for me. However if you are looking for an appointment where you get dedicated attention the entire time or just want to get in and out, it's probably not a good fit. I've found Lisa and her team to be very friendly, warm, and empathetic.

Fantastic experience: I visited ActiveCare for more than a month after a complex surgery. I had huge difficulties with walking without an assisting device in the very beginning, but now thanks to Jeff and Coleman I walk just fine. I think there are a few major reasons why these guys are successful: 1. They listen (let us admit, not too many health professionals do these days) 2. They understand what's going on 3. They use their extensive knowledge and experience to create a plan that works 4. They have empathy for their patients and want them to succeed On top of that ActiveCare takes all major insurances, which is not the case with many other PT's

Fantastic experience: I could not recommend Active Care more, especially for athletic injuries. I went to another PT before switching to Active Care and there’s no comparison. The Active Care team is knowledgeable, engaged, and caring. They helped me through a particularly rough ACL tear, which required both pre- and post-op PT. Carolyn and Coleman were there for me through the whole journey, helping me to get back on my feet and get my confidence back.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Active Care for 20+ years - as needed for post-surgery rehab, injuries, and various orthopedic health issues. Colman, Lisa, and the staff, particularly trainers, Carolyn (who keeps the place running, as well) & Daniel, have never failed me. Active Care has a very different philosophy than any other Physical Therapists that I have been to. You are initially seen by a licensed therapist and evaluated, then prescribed treatment and exercises (adding more in following sessions, as you progress). The most important aspect of your treatment is that each patient gets an individualized therapy routine. It is not a cookie-cutter shop: you have a painful knee or back, so here’s a piece of paper with the exercises to do. You are supervised with a trainer through the prescribed exercises, as needed, for each session. You are not left alone to flounder and try to remember how to do things. Someone is watching you and assisting for correct form and to be sure you don’t further injure yourself. Active Care has patients of all ages and needs, but particularly rehabs to get people back to the exercise and lifestyle that they desire, treating athletes, dancers, kids, exercise health nuts of all ages, non-exercisers, as well as the over 65’ers. You’re not on the clock at Active Care; you have the time and oversight necessary to rehab correctly. You’ll have the full commitment from the staff and the more committed you are and the harder you’re willing to work the better and quicker your progress and results will be.

Fantastic experience: 18 months ago I went to ActiveCare to do some prep work before I had a knee repalcement (old ACL injury) Colman and his crew diagnosed that I needed to strengthen and ignite the muscles around the knee and I might not need the surgery. We worked agressively for a few months and then I was back playing tennis and street hockey and haven't had any pain since. Just turned 60! Highly recommend them for all PT issues. I first went there 10 years ago for a separate leg injury. Great team and facility.

Fantastic experience: I could not love Active Care any more! I had a severe ankle injury (talus fracture in 6 places with “significant displacement,” plus 5 months in a non-weight-bearing walking boot). I had many doctors in San Francisco and Los Angeles worried about my long-term recovery; they’d tell me to lower my expectations and murmur things about fusion surgeries and cartridge replacement. I showed up to Active Care on day 1 very nervous about my long term outlook. Colman and Ian quickly eased those nerves. They very attentively listened to my situation and developed a plan. I visited Active Care twice a week for a few months, and each time they’d ask specific questions about my pain and flexibility to further tailor my treatment. I was consistently impressed with their depth of experience and knowledge.(I was also amazed at how well everyone on their team is able to give every client such personalized care. Even on a busy day, it feels as though you’re the only client they have.) Their administrative staff is also top-notch. Out of every medical office I’ve worked with during this ankle injury + rehabilitation, the team at Active Care is by FAR the most flexible, communicative, and on-the-ball. Months later, I’m pleased to report that my ankle has recovered better than anyone expected, and I’m on the road to a full recovery. Most of that credit goes to the people at Active Care - they’ve completely changed my life. These people are the best!!

Fantastic experience: I wholeheartedly recommend Active Care. I herniated a few discs and needed PT a few months ago. I never expected to enjoy the PT and get such compassionate, expert, wonderful care. My Active Care sessions quickly became a highlight for me and every time I worked with Colman, Izzy and Carolyn I felt stronger and better - physically and mentally. No one wants to get hurt but if you do, this is the place to go. Plus, Colman is such an expert that he helped diagnose my 80+ year old Dad via zoom when doctors in NM couldn't figure out the source of his back and hip pain. Colman's ability to work with patients and meet them where they are is astounding and something I'll always appreciate. Thanks for my whole family!

Fantastic experience: Huge shout out to Colman, Carolyn, Izzy, and the Active Care team - they are awesome physical therapists and awesome people providing tailored care in a personalized manner - truly taking the time to get to know the physical issue and person with the issue. I have been to three other physical therapists over the years, and Colman/the Active Care team are the best!

Fantastic experience: They worked me very hard for a torn hamstring, but they achieved what felt like a miracle to me relative to relieving my pain within two or three sessions. Despite the hard work, I always looked forward to my next session as the staff were all clearly knowledgeable, engaged with us patients and super-competent. They also made the workouts as fun as possible. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I didn’t want to have knee surgery so I decided with my orthopedic surgeon to try PT first - and a friend recommended Active Care. They are the real deal. Colman and Liam worked with me and gave me a set of exercises to determine if PT would work; I did the exercises. I worked with them. My knee is better. The part I appreciated most is that they are realistic - our approach was always “let’s try this to see if surgery is necessary”. PT worked for me, but I felt equally confident that if it wasn’t working they would say so. It’s rare to find a group of people so committed to the well-being of their patients - I feel lucky to have found this place.

Fantastic experience: Coleman, Jeff and the whole team fixed my knee and got me back to normal. I highly recommend Active Care.

Fantastic experience: Lisa Giannone literally changed my life. I'm a 49 year old life-long athlete and am still extremely active. After my third rotator cuff tear on the same shoulder I was told by my Orthopedic surgeon that it couldn't be repaired with a typical surgery. I was referred for a new procedure called a lower trapezius transfer. And that this would be particularly good for those who need to continue to have strength in the joint for working out. After surgery, I was referred to Lisa Giannone by my Stanford surgeon's office. And it was the best referral I think I've ever received. I have had over 15 surgeries and seen over 10 Physical Therapists over the years (so I'm very calibrated on the quality of PTs). Lisa is best in class. She has worked with professional athletes and professional dancers and has seen so many examples of injuries and treatments that she can tailor the therapy to each client. Since I started with Lisa my progress has been rapid and my mobility and strength have come back faster than I could have hoped. I can't recommend Lisa and Active Care enough for those who are in need of an excellent Physical Therapy practice.

Fantastic experience: AC is the perfect place for my rehab. PT staff is a dedicated team of professionals with a ton of experience and drive for excellence. Workout equipment is diverse and kept in excellent and sanitized conditions. Overall EXCELLENT.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Active Care to rehab injuries (3 surgeries, knee/shoulder/ankle/Achilles/wrist) for well over a decade. Colman and Lisa are legends in the industry, but the talent pool there is deep. They work closely with referring orthopedic doctors. If you want to get back on the court or the field, no one will do a better job of getting you in the condition to compete and prevent re-injury. I’ve transitioned more to a maintenance phase of life and the rehab I get there now is geared appropriately to keeping me uninjured and able to work out and stay in shape. I think a smart approach to rehab is to work with someone that will,1) tailor it to what your goals and what your doctor prescribes, and 2) be highly attentive to you. It helps that they are good folks and it’s a fun atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: Greg is the man! Got me back on track after 5+ years of neglecting my foot post-Lisfranc surgery. After a few weeks of PT I'm now pain free.

Fantastic experience: This place has truly changed my wife's life so much for the better, which has in turn greatly improved our family's life. My wife had dealt with a neck/shoulder injury for several years and could not get any real help. Kaiser was worthless and did essentially nothing for her. She was in so much pain she had a hard time sleeping and could not carry a purse or pick up the smallest object. It was incredibly hard on her. After a few weeks with Active Care she was improving to an extent I could not believe. After a few months, we see a normal life being possible when before I felt like this would be her life permanently. We almost sold her bike as we could not see her riding it again, but now we are keeping it on the expectation she can. I really cannot say move positive things about our experience here as it has been life changing. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: Active Care is the best place you can possibly go for physical therapy in San Francisco! Active Care's philosophy and approach has yielded ideal outcomes for me-- better than any other PT I have seen. Having suffered multiple injuries, I always come back to Active Care to get back to health. Colman, Carolyn, Lisa and their trainers not only know exactly how to get you better and stronger... but I have found they very much care too. Moreover, I have felt supported and motivated during my healing process because of Active Care.. which has meant the world to me.

Fantastic experience: I'm not even sure how to convey the gratitude I have for Colman, Greg, Ian, Izzy, Brandi, Anette and the entire Active Care team. They are AMAZING! I have been in chronic pain for the past 3 years and have tried a variety of approaches at Kaiser: MRI, Prednizone, other failed medications, Cortizone shots, PT, acupuncture and finally the 'chronic pain class'. I got to the point after three years where I had really limited mobility in my neck, arm and shoulder and the pain was debilitating and preventing me from enjoying and living life. I could not do simple things like go grocery shopping or carry a bin of laundry, or sleep comfortably at night. I would say I had a pretty severe and chronic situation happening and I felt I could not live with it anymore. And, the chronic pain class, and all the therapies at Kaiser left me in pain and with few answers, but a huge accompanying MRI bill, plus more costs. I was wondering how I would enjoy the rest of my life with this chronic pain. Luckily a friend recommended Colman and I made the call. ENTER Colman, Greg, Ian, Izzy and Anette. I am at a loss for how much they have helped me just in the 4 weeks I have been seeing them. Right from the start, Colman used his knowledge and expertise to gauge how to treat me in the most effective way. The team has slowly increased my exercises in conjunction with the traction and more Colman is doing on my neck, in the most helpful way. My neck and arm feel longer, stronger, in much less pain, and overall I honestly have hope for the first time in many years. I could cry out of gratitude! My body has really benefitted from getting to work with an amazing PT and also an equally amazing trainer. Right away I had home stretches that were far more effective then any previous, and I go in twice a week, which has also proven extremely helpful. When you are there, plan to exercise as well as see a PT. If you are in pain, and feeling like you can't get the help you need, do yourself a favor and~ RUN, DON'T WALK TO ACTIVE CARE! You all are THE VERY BEST! Thank you so much.

Fantastic experience: Greg's a great physical therapist! I've had a stubborn ankle/foot injury for over a year that made me unable to run. In the span of a little over a month of working with him on various exercises, and trying some new shoes he recommended, I'm back out there running again. I had just about given up hope prior to coming in. He's good at challenging you with a mix of different exercises, subtly changing them up or adding to them so you make a little more progress each session. He's very knowledgeable, and has an encouraging and calm temperament. It's also great working with a fellow native San Franciscan!

Fantastic experience: Caring and knowledgeable staff, good facilities. The therapists are personable and pay close attention to your personal needs. Would highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: 5 + Stars After my successful bilateral knee surgery, my skilled surgeon told me that his work as the “rough carpenter” was done and that I must take the next step of treatment by a good physical therapist to complete the “finish carpenter” work on both of my new knees. I have been extremely fortunate to have an excellent physical therapist, Colman O’Leary, do the “finish carpentry” work on my knees. Colman and his staff of trainers have comprehensively, conscientiously and consistently pushed me through their series of exercises and treatments to have my newly strengthened knees (and supporting quads, hamstrings and calves) working pain-free (which prior to my surgery and PT, I could not navigate going down the stairs and walking the golf course without constant knee pain, which I had come to accept and just live with). Colman and his trainers have put me well ahead of my surgeon’s suggested schedule for obtaining mobility, pain reduction and range of motion, especially through Colman’s expert work, which has included his “bending” treatment on my knees which conclude each session. I have returned to playing golf (which was my primary athletic goal for having the surgery on both knees) sooner than I could have imagined, considering that when I signed up for my surgery I was looking at being debilitated for a much longer period. As I continue my PT with Colman and his trainers, I am progressing each day as I am getting more comfortable and confident with my new knees. When my wife underwent her own more recent hip replacement surgery following mine, I wholeheartedly recommended Colman for her physical therapy and she has likewise flourished. I have further recommended Colman to other family members and friends, and I enthusiastically recommend Colman and his Active Care team to anyone needing physical therapy for either pre-, post-, or alternatives to surgery!

Fantastic experience: I've been going to Active Care for several years for a couple of running related issues, most recently post surgery rehab and strengthening. Colman and the team have been awesome! Their knowledge, care and genuine interest in my well being have made all the difference in my recovery and quality of life. It's clear they have the right formula!

Fantastic experience: Greg is my therapist. I have nothing but positive things to say about him and the Active Care. Greg is knowledgeable and understands the body mechanics very well. My injuries are probably caused by some chronic conditions and not easy to treat, but he is patient and accommodating. Other therapists at Active Care seem to be very active and attentive, too. The receptionists are responsive, and it is easy to make appointments. I also like that the office has good pandemic practices; temperature scan at the entrance, mask requirement, disinfectants and wipes are available. Especially, if you are an athlete, go there with confidence.

Fantastic experience: ActiveCare was specifically recommended to me by a UCSF orthopedic surgeon and I can see why. I have had 3 knee operations over the past 15 years and different PT experiences each time. ActiveCare stands out. The attention paid to the patients, the comraderie among staff and the care itself were the major highlights for me. They focused on teaching me how to isolate muscle activity which has proved to be most helpful in my recovery. They are also proactive about making this a COVID safe space to rehab.

Fantastic experience: My spot for almost 20 years, bringing me successfully through a wide range of sports injuries and orthopedic surgeries. Unparalleled expertise in a warm, caring, fun environment.

Fantastic experience: Physical therapy is not something that I used to look forward to... It can be painful and difficult. I had 3 surgeries in 2 months (paired with a diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) and PT is not easy. The employees here really care - not only about recovery, but getting you stronger than you thought you could be (big shoutout to Greg Ohanessian). The energy at Active Care is amazing and I really do look forward to my appointments. They work together as a team to make sure everyone is taken care of.

Fantastic experience: Great experience! Helped me heal and learn to manage my disc herniation. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, great equipment, and they work you HARD! Manual adjustments and mobilization techniques really helped too. Definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: I have suffered from chronic knee pain/ runner's knee for years and have worked with countless physical therapists in hopes of resolving this issue. It wasn't until I found Active Care that I was finally able to see results, build strength and work with a therapist that I truly felt cared about ME and my healing process. Josh is hands down the BEST Physical Therapist I've ever worked with. From day 1, Josh was incredibly thorough in determining the source of my knee pain and built a personalized program specific to my needs. He is incredibly knowledgable and gave 100% of his time and effort in each session with me. Josh would even check in with me between sessions to see how I was feeling and was so encouraging of the progress I was making. I am finally at a place where I feel strong and pain free. I owe my recovery to Josh and Active Care! This was by far the best experience I've had with physical therapy. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: Leada, bring Cali back!