Emeryville Sports Physical Therapy

I have nothing but praise for this company, its owner, and staff.

This is a great physical therapy practice. The staff are all very professional and friendly. Bob Baker is extremely knowledgeable and takes time to educate his clients. He also makes the visits fun, which is especially important when you’re in pain or struggling. I’ve been to many P.T. clinics, and this one is my favorite.

I enjoyed my time with Meghan and the others I worked with at Emeryville Sports PT. I chose this PT office because it has high reviews AND they were willing to offer me a slight discount on the 1^st visit. I was very underemployed and paying out of pocket, so saving even a bit upfront made a difference. I really appreciated that gesture.
I think one obstacle to my treatment was that my primary care doctor readily accepted my self-​diagnosis of sciatica when she recommended going to a PT. She didn’t inquire about what could be causing this symptom — even when I informed her of another recent hip issue. When I found ESPT, I went there not knowing the source of the problem. I’m not sure what they ended up thinking after an initial scan, but sciatica can be caused by all kinds of problems and I don’t think they could ever determine the source. After about 2 month of visits, 2 times per week, I was continuing to go up and down in my levels of pain. Some weeks I came in reporting high levels of pain and in fact felt like it was getting worse at times. At that point it would have been good for someone from the PT office to stop and re-​evaluate my course of treatment. At least from the patient’s perspective, that’s what I would have liked.
Instead, I stopped going ahead of my travel plans to India. On that flight I was in so much pain that I couldn’t walk when I landed. Once I got there, my aunt took me to an orthopedic surgeon who was shocked that no one suggested had I get an MRI. When I told him I have sciatica, he said that didn’t tell him much since it is only a symptom and that we needed to figure out the root of the problem before discussing next steps. The MRI revealed that I had a herniated disc which at that point was highly inflamed and incredibly painful. I eventually got a steroid injection which reduced the swelling, and now I’m in a position to resume some form of treatment.
While I know it’s not the job of at PT to suggest an MRI, I am still (8 months later) upset that I spent all that time (and money!) with no clue or suggestion that I should consider finding out if there was a spinal issue. Especially since the treatment I was undergoing wasn’t consistently improving my pain. In fact, I was encouraged to do yoga and run when possible, which I can’t imagine was good for my then-​undetected herniated disc. Now I am hesitant to see any PT since I can’t afford to spend another $ 1000+ on treatment that I am not confident in.
I want to love this place, because I think Bob is fair and his employees seem really happy to be there. And I know the human body is a mystery and each individual case needs to be evaluated as distinct. But I can’t help but feel dissatisfied about my particular case.

Wow — I could have not been happier. Rob knows his stuff. In my past physical therapy has always been a big waste of money and time, but Rob really got my problems from the first session and slight shifts in what I was doing (how I stretch, how I run etc.) made all the difference. I have been trying to come back from a running injury for 9 years without success, but with Rob’s help over a few months I am about to run a half marathon! Thank you!

The people who work here are AMAZING! I ripped my ACL in February and started going to PT prior to surgery and am so glad I did. Bob took the time to explain my injury to me and describe what the game plan was for before and after surgery (which is more than I can say for my doctor) Bob and Jonathan worked with me to make sure my knee was prepared, strong and ready to go for the surgery; which it was — my recovery has been much faster due to working with them! They take the time to explain each exercise, why you’re doing it and how it’s helping you. Every person that I have come in contact with here has been super helpful and kind — their customer service is outstanding and they make everyone who walks through their door feel welcome. I can not recommend this place enough!!! Also Maricel who works at the front is wonderful and so friendly!

I’m reviewing Bob Baker and Emeryville Sports Physical Therapy not for their PT, but rather for their high ethics and professionalism as a health care provider. I came there with a prescription for PT for my hand. Bob took the time to speak with me, look at the prescription, and recommend that I seek out a Certified Hand Therapist. He gave me referrals to three of them. He also offered to be available by email if I have any questions or would like his opinion about the therapy. He said that, while he could help me, he thought the best thing for me would be the hand specialist. I appreciate the generosity.

Best in town. The people who work here are genuinely great people, with large hearts. Bob and everyone else knows exactly what they’re doing and have all the right equipment/​experience to do it.

Just a great professional place where you can have confidence that you will get expert help. Bob the owner, crackerjack physical therapist, humanist, and humorist, gives you the confidence to get as «well» as you can. Jonathan and Maricel, his assistants and aspiring physical therapists enhance Bobs diagnostics, treatments, and encouragements with exercises that work. Highly recommend this place!

I came to Emeryville Sports Physical Therapy after a horse had fallen on top of me in an accident and I strained my knee. Within less than 15 minutes Bob asked me if I had experienced any other kind of knee pain. I have had unspecific knee pain for about 7 years while running and have seen 3 other physical therapists for that specific issue. Even though I came in to be treated for the knee pain caused by my horse riding accident, Bob was able to pick up on my other knee aliments, explain to me why I was having knee pain while running, and effectively treat me for both. Both he and Jonathan (one of the PT Aides) were fantastic, and this was by far the most positive PT experience I have ever had. As a soon– to– be– graduating kinesiology student who is considering PT as a career choice, this practice and it’s staff definitely demonstrated to me what physical therapy is all about, and have motivated me to want to continue pursuing this career.
Bonus: On Saturday’s Bob bring his adorable corgi to the office. The amount of cute, fluffy, and cuddles made me melt into a puddle.

So I ran into a wall in a parking lot and injured my foot. Seen a half-​dozen people for this injury and I don’t know why I didn’t go to a Physiotherapist first! Stubborn. I’m a body worker and I think I can figure it out myself. So I dropped a little knowledge on Bob at Emeryville sports and Physiotherapy, and he proceeded to totally blow my mind with talk of insertions, origins, attachments, ligaments, loadbearing, fluid distribution etc. Geeky in a cool friendly way– has good props too– used a bendy wire to show me the curvature in my spine and how my head juts forward. The exercises I’ve been given seem to make a lot of sense. Looking forward to feeling bettah…

I just wrote a long review for these guys and it vanished, not uncommon with my minimal internet skills, but they are so good I felt I had to write it again (whoops, just saw the «save now»). So back to ESPT. Fabulous, wonderful, brilliant, caring, expert, professional (I am running out of words of praise). I have been seeing physical therapists for my bad back, four surgeries, since I was 20 years old. I’m 76 now. When my surgeon, after the last surgery, wrote an Rx for physical therapy I almost blew it off since I have had such bad experiences with PT historically. But they are literally one block from my apartment so I figured, why not. I sure am glad I did. Bob Baker and his crew are incredible. They will work with you,. initially following your doctor’s recommendations, but if that’s not working Bob will continue to analyze what else might help. Now to say I am cured after 56 years of pain would not be truthful, BUT I have never felt better. Initially I walked in there bent at a 30 degree angle. It was horrible. After perhaps 20 visits I can now walk absolutely straight. And I owe thanks not only to Bob who is a genius at what he does, but also to Jonathan who works very hard following Bob’s game plan. Anyhow, there are not enough good things to say about these guys. If you have been disappointed by PT in the past, give it one more shot. These guys are worth it.
I just noticed the review where this person was complaining that the office smelled like pizza. I never noticed that smell but I love pizza and would have welcome it.
Dennis Roberts

No wonder it’s all five stars, it is just pure pleasure – well, tiny bit of pain, but good pain – to be at ESPT in the hands of Bob Baker and Jonathan. First time in a long time I could imagine a solution to the ankle problem that have been having!

I had surgery to repair a broken foot, and my surgeon had recommended Bob for my physical therapy treatment. Bob and his staff are great! They really care about your well-​being and make sure you are always comfortable. Every one there is very personable and knowledgeable. I’m not completely done with my rehab, but so far I have made a lot of progress with my treatment and really owe it to Bob and his staff for helping me get back on track. Would definitely recommend this place to others who are in need of physical therapy.

When I approached Bob I was in considerable pain and unease due to my back problem from two misaligned discs on my spinal chord. I was debating between physical therapy vs a back surgery. After two months of weekly therapy in his facility I felt lot better. Bob and his staffs are very friendly and knowledgeable. Bob took time to explain the procedures and how it heals. As a whole it was an excellent experience and I will highly encourage others to avail if they are in need of such therapy.

The definition of five stars is Woohoo! As good as it gets and when you are dealing with Physical Therapy thats pretty unheard of. Not here at Emeryville Sports Physical Therapy. Bob and his entire team are all about YOUR health and getting you out of pain and back on the road to recovery. They are not just kind but incredibly knowledgable and will really get the core of what your issue/​issues are so they can work on each.
I have been in pain for so long I forgot what its like to end a day and not hurt (back L4/​L5 is main issue but several others). They even work late several nights a week to accomodate those that cant work in appts during business day. I recommend the entire team Jonathan, Robin, Bob are all fantastic.

I finally made a PT appointment after weeks, even months, of my shouldering bothering me. I’m a rock climber and was nervous that the PT would tell me I shouldn’t be climbing anymore, at least while I rehabbed my shoulder.
I came to ESPT because it’s convenient to my office and is in network for my insurance. They randomly assigned me to Robin, who is super sweet and diagnosed by shoulder ailment correctly right away. In fact, after just one appointment in which she did some massage, stretching, and taught me a couple of exercises my should started feeling SO much better!
The PT aides and admin staff are also really sweet and helpful. Maricel was great in making sure that my insurance would cover the appointments.
Thanks!

As a former professional dancer and current owner of a Pilates’ studio I feel highly confident in recommending Bob Baker and his team at Emeryville Sports Physical Therapy. Bob is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the moving body. He has the unique ability to assess your issues, articulate the situation and provide you with a realistic plan to move forward.
There are numerous unique components of Bob’s team, a few of which I will highlight here. First is the positive learning experience they create for their clients. Staff members are there to assist in the execution of the exercises, develop the proper technique and willing to devote the necessary time needed to fully understand the «why» behind each exercise.
Second, they want you to improve. It is not often that physical therapists or other medical professions look towards the long term. Bob and his team make sure you are improving, constantly reassess and seek your input on the process.
Third, Bob is continually learning and innovating. He challenges himself in research and is abreast of the latest developments in the industry. Bob’s enthusiasm to learn and share his experiences is reflected in the spirit of the team at ESPT.
Bottom line is this is a total class act and a real treasure for Emeryville.

My first visit to ESPT was so tremendously helpful. I went to my appt with my general dislike of those in the medical field due to repeated mishaps and let downs. Bob and his staff restored my faith and put my mind at ease. My previous PT ran me through exercises and pushed me out the door. Bob takes the time to explain what each exercise is for, how it will help long term and does it all with a patient, pleasant disposition. I already have greatly improved my flexibility in my knee injury and am walking a straighter line. Looking forward to my next visit.

Really liked the PT and staff here. I had good results and and will continue to see them as much as I can.
The only issue is they are above a pizza place, and the whole office smells like pizza!

Thought of these guys the other day when I ran. Which, by the way, is not the way I like to get my heart rate up. But it’s good to be able to do if you need to get away from a tiger.
When I paid my first visit I was sure running might be a thing of my past. That I’d have to get a sidearm for the tigers. Looks like that won’t be necessary.
Thanks again ESPT!