Testimonials - Montclair Physical Therapy

Simon & Ginny have seriously SAVED me!

I had major rotator cuff surgery. I had no idea what the recovery process would be like nor did I have any clue how much pain this surgery would cause?!

OMG ~ not sure if you heard me O-M-G ~ I was soo out of it (drugged and in sooo much pain) when I stumbled in with my ‘frozen arm’ & glazed drugged up eyes. Simon (owner & PT) greeted me and from the start was tough on me & I say “tough” I mean that in the most “positive way” ~ I appreciated his direct (tell it like it is) approach ~ his goal is to see you get better ~ he has amazing motivating energy. Simon knows all of his clients (not just his personal PT clients but all the clients) by name and speaks to everyone with sincerity! I was in really bad shape my first few weeks (in tears) and I really needed some serious TLC and feel so blessed that I found Montclair Physical Therapy.

OK ~ there really are NOT enough words that I can say to express my absolute respect that I have for Ginny (PT) she is an absolute ANGEL! Seriously, no joke she is an ANGEL! She is sooo focused, compassionate, and extremely supportive with you (the client & all the assistant aides in the office). She recently earned her doctorate degree, she is intuitive and thoughtful regarding all her clients injuries ~ she truly is a healer. I trust Ginny with everything regarding my recovery!

This is a “wellness center” truly ~ all of the employees’ goals are to see their clients returning back to good health.

My shoulder recovery takes work (from me) & I think some clients assume that by just going to PT that the physical therapist will “cure” you ~ it is a partnership! After having surgery or even recovering from an injury ~ we all (the client) should 1st really reflect on the current condition of our body *prior to setting that 1st appointment (physically & mentally) which has nothing to do with the PT office *1st examine your own diet, exercise level, stress, sleep conditions, (the list can go on and on) all of which we (clients) bring into our appointments regardless of our injury!

Thank you Simon and Ginny * I’ve got some serious LOVE for ya’ll!

Jen M.
Solana Beach, CA

– Nice, knowledgable physical therapy aides
– Nice, knowledgable phyiscal therapists

‘ve had a really positive experience with the people here. They are always super pumped and positive and provide me with exercises and guidance. It was really helpful having guidelines while recovering from AT surgery.

Andrew S.
Emeryville, CA

After a horrible experience with Berkeley PT, I was willing to travel anywhere to get quality therapy. I am not sure what happened and why they moved but I am happy that I get the benefit of Montclair PT moving within a few blocks of my house. Simon is great. Not only did he learn my name in the first visit, he has a habit of introducing all his clients to each other. My knee gets massaged and I get a good work out every session. (At the last PT place I went to the therapist would at times not even look at or touch my knee.)

On the con side, the place is a little cramped and at times there tends to be too many clients in a small space. Also there are stairs so it’s not accessible to everyone. I think I heard they were getting a lift, but for now you need to be able to make it up 1/2 a flight of stairs.

Gabby F.
Oakland, CA

I have been a member of the gym here for a couple of years. I love it. It is a great neighborhood place dedicated to the community members it serves.

Simon has assembled a talented staff to help people recover from trauma in addition to getting and staying in shape.

Over the years, he has grown his business from a small physical therapy location to a decked out pilates studio, workout room and physical therapy recovery destination.

Simon and his team are dedicated to helping people of all ages and all shapes achieve their goals. Just ask for some advice and you will get helpful tips and professional instruction.

Last year, I implemented a program at work where everyone on our team gets a company match for their monthly workout fees here. They pay half and the company pays half. I figure this is a good way to support our team… and to help each of us stay healthy.

And every time I go to the gym here, I feel there is a team of professionals here to support me and to help me reach my goals. The facility is very clean and the machines are maintained well.

I am so happy that there is a place like this in Montclair. Thank you Simon … you and your team do a great job.

Lee R.
Oakland, CA

Come here for transcendence.

Started out doing Physical Therapy with Carrie for a torn ACL and eventually took advantage of the gym too. All the facilities still have that new equipment smell and yet the staff seems like they’ve been there and working together for a hundred thousand years! This “gym” creates an experience of strengthening of the “whole self”. Their PT team is truly practicing at the forefront of physical rehabilitation methods. 1. They do a ton of massage. 2. They work WITH you on developing a plan of recovery. Being looked in the eye and asked about my knee was worth a million bucks, but instead of charging an arm and a leg (ahem ahem, like other places) they offered me affordable personal care that you JUST DON’T FIND anywhere else.

I love coming here. If I lived in the area, I would be here everyday. Until then, I will AC trans-it from Alameda, and it will be worth it every time!

P.S., the ladies locker room has a sauna that is pimp! All facilities are wheelchair accessible and crutches friendly (though you can’t say the same for the actual neighborhood as it is literally in the hills).

Amy M.
Tours, France

I first went to Montclair Physical Therapy after I had been hit by a car while on my bike. Already, I was very fortunate to be in one piece, but was even more fortunate that my medical group’s orthopedist happened to recommend Montclair Physical Therapy… They were AMAZING! I went from not being able to sit for more than 5 minutes to feeling very strong and active again. They were personable, professional and even more importantly, genuinely cared about my well-being and didn’t make me feel like a cog in the medical wheel.

Now, they even have a whole gym and Pilates — I only took one Pilates class (not my thing, but the instructors were great, not to mention cute), and have definitely gone for their strengthening seminars (some of them are even FREE!) and use the gym on the weekends.

All in all, over the years, they have grown but never lost their ability to make everyone who walks in the door feel special. And everyone in the Montclair and Piedmont areas (keepin it real in 94611) who go to Montclair Village know these men and women — always a smile and a wave. I would still happily recommend Montclair Physical Therapy and Wellness to anyone who asked.

D.R.
Oakland, CA

OK. I came to this gym when a family member joined, after she had great physical therapy. It is super convenient, AND on my way home from work, which is important to a procrastinating slacker like me. And I got a nice discount for joining with a family member. The staff are great. Simon is amazing… a gift to the Bay Area. The equipment is hydraulic, which really helps me with the workout. Amanda was a fantastic personal trainer. The place is very clean, the women’s rest room is spa like. But, there are no real classes, no yoga or zumba or whatever. I realize this is a plus for some of you… but not for me.

And, if you ever need physical therapy, it is a 5 star awesome experience.

Audie B.
Oakland, CA

I heart Simon. I may be biased, because he’s a Kiwi (and my mom’s a Kiwi; it makes you feel warm and fuzzy when your PT has the same accent as your momma).

It seems like the negative reviews here are based on volume/inattention. Okay, MPT is awesome. Everyone loves them. Which means sometimes they have bad, overbooked days. It happens. Cut them some slack, and try to book early in the morning on a weekday that’s not one of their busy ones. I seem to remember Tuesdays and Thursdays were good.

Because it’s worth it. Simon and and all the therapists are funny, engaging, and professional. They got my knee back in shape, and if I could afford it, I’d still be going to the gym there, just to hang out with them. He’s the kind of guy that not only remembers your name even if he hasn’t seen you for months (and I’m sure he’s like that with hundreds of his clients), but remembers to mock you mercilessly for spelling it wrong.

Bethany H.
Oakland, CA

I am so happy that I had a chance to work with Simon Gibson at Montclair Physical Therapy. Actually I would also recommend Kris, another PT at the practice, who helped me with some back strengthening suggestions a few years ago. But I adore Simon.

Reasons:

Simon listens, feels, looks and gets to the root of the matter. Then he fixes it. With me it was a foot. I saw (and talked to) a lot of people with knees there, too, and shoulders, and backs. So while my recommendation is based on my foot, I would go back in a heartbeat for anything else.
They have a busy, cheerful, friendly practice that is tied in with the gym so there is a lot of equipment available for therapy-related exercises.
Simon’s a New Zealander with a wry & dry sense of humor. I love having something to laugh about when I’m doing something boring like sitting with ice & stim on my foot.
Efficient administrative crowd. Scheduling, insurance, payments, etc. are straightforward and done right.
They have early hours (like 7am) which means you can be in and out and make it to work.

I had tried many other things to solve a persistent inflammation and pain in the foot, and in a matter of weeks I was well on my way with Simon & the gang at Montclair PT. I’m VERY glad my foot doctor recommended them, my insurance covered them and best of all – my foot got better under their care. Woo-hoo Simon & gang!

Nancy L.