Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy

I almost never write reviews here. I’m doing this not only out of gratitude, but also in the hopes that if even one person reads this and is persuaded, their condition will improve as mine has. I have some very extensive and complicated back/​hip issues that have become quite debilitating in terms of giving out while walking or standing. I’m not a candidate for arthroscopic surgery, and don’t want to rely on pain killers or injections until such time as hip replacement may be necessary. I am very active, and a firm believer in helping the body to help itself in every way possible. I was determined to find an expert who would understand my goal and have the advanced knowledge, skill and experience to customize a treatment program for me that might allow me to get my life back. My very well known and respected doctor made one recommendation — Coury & Buehler. Rich Coury did a thorough consultation and examination on my first visit. Based upon the questions asked, the detailed information offered, and his straightforward attitude, I knew I was in the right place. He let me know that there was in fact hope, but that I would have to show up for my appointments, and also do my exercises at home if I wanted to improve. This may not be what some would consider the easiest type of treatment, but it is absolutely the healthiest and most effective. It’s only been two weeks, and I’m both stunned and delighted with my progress. I firmly believe this is the result of the expert treatment and advice I’ve been given. Although I do work with other therapists and assistants during my visits, I’ve personally heard Rich explain to them what he would like for me to do at each visit. It is specific, detailed, and customized to my own issues and rate of progress. There’s no dispassionate one size fits all treatment here. My experience with the staff is that they’re dedicated, pleasant, knowledgeable and also observant. If I’m doing an exercise wrong, I’m corrected. I believe that’s critical to success. If you’re someone who takes a pro-​active approach to life, and you’re not discouraged by a little work, this is quite likely the path you’re looking for. Thank you Coury & Buehler!

I was referred to this physical therapy location for my low back pain because I work in South Orange County. Having gone to another smaller clinic in the past, I was hesitant to try a different clinic… especially one with multiple locations. I was scared they would have a feel of a «chain» and I would be just «another number.» BOY WAS I WRONG! From the moment I called to make an appointment, they were very nice and took my insurance information so they could verify my benefits asap. As I walked in for my first visit, the girls at the front greeted me right away (who does that anymore??), and I was given a tour of the facility before they brought me into an exam room.
My therapist was very thorough and seemed to genuinely care about me and my goals. After the first treatment, I FELT IMMEDIATE IMPROVEMENTS which really gave me hope. He gave me a specific plan of care and told me what to expect. I was also taught exercises by the aides, which was extremely helpful because they really took time to watch me do them correctly and gave me pictures so I can do them at home.
This place was great… and sorry to say, was even better then the smaller clinic I used to go to! They seem to have found the magic formula of maintaining quality of care and customer service despite having multiple locations (think Nordstroms!). I have only been here for a week and I already feel better and am a fan of this physical therapy clinic!
I really can’t fathom some of the other reviews here which talked about «bad» exercises or even «insurance scams!!!» I saw these before which made me a little scared… but now I know to definitely try places and not believe random bad reviews!

When I scheduled my initial evaluation appointment I specifically asked about Saturday appointments and I was assured there were Saturdays for all visits except the first visit. I took the morning off, went to my visit and when I tried ro schedule for a Saturday then I was told only their Brea office is open on Saturdays! I would never have gone if I was given correct info. I called and left a message for their manager but she never returned my call. Crappy customer service to say the least.

I worked with Rich and Armia last summer after my second knee surgery (first was an acl reconstruction. Second was a meniscectomy). I’ve been to five or six different physical therapy locations and this one was the best. They are extremely thorough and caring-​I wasn’t just a patient, I felt like I joined the CBPT family. I moved overseas but every time I’m back in town I go back to work with them because I always feel better and have way less pain when I go to them. Thank you so much for a wonderful pt experience!

I am no stranger to physical therapy. I used to get treated a couple years ago after my chiropractor told me I needed a different type of treatment for an old shoulder injury. I wasn’t really impressed because my therapist would teach me an exercise and then leave the room immediately after to tend to another patient. With no supervision, wasn’t really sure if I did anything right.
I have been to Coury and Buehler Physical Therapy in Irvine a couple times and have received treatment from both Armia and Sherwin. I was shocked at how much they explained to me what was going on, why they were working on certain areas, and what I would need to do that would help me prevent pain in the future. I never felt that I was being rushed through my treatment and I always felt genuine care from both of them. They both are amazing PTs with their own techniques and ideas on how to get me pain free.
It amazes me how intelligent they are because they don’t just treat you and tell you what to do, they ask what kinds of activity you do and tell you how to properly do exercises. For me, I have a lot of trouble with my weight lifting form. Sherwin is constantly working out in a weight lifting setting, so he has offered so much feedback on how to get me through a work out and what to watch out for. Needless to say, I haven’t been getting injured. I am very happy I came to this clinic and would HIGHLY suggest coming if you need help!

There are so many great things to say about this place I don’t know where to begin. Laura was my PT and she was excellent. Very professional and was receptive to my pain and progression with my injury but still pushed me further. Go see Laura, she takes her time with you on the table and makes sure you are comfortable with her treatment plan!
As for the office staff and the aides. The front desk ladies are so kind and always great patients with a smile. Very easy to work with and make the experience even better. All of the aides that I worked with were awesome and very positive and enthusiastic. They make doing the exercises fun while making sure you are being pushed and doing the exercises correctly.
Being an athlete it was important that I received the proper treatment to get back on the field and I definitely received that here. Thank you C&B Irvine! :)

Working with a very kind and knowledgable therapist. The rest of the staff is very friendly.

I went here for several months, and here’s the good and the bad:
The people who work here are very kind and friendly. Every one of them. They were also very accommodating of my need to be scheduled early in the morning.
Over the course of my treatment at C and B, I saw several PTs. I know one woman whom I saw is no longer working there, and I think another may be on maternity leave now. I also saw a guy whose name I don’t recall, but Armia was my main PT. The reason I had to see other PTs is that I need to be seen before 9 am, and Armia doesn’t come in that early.
I was and am diligent about exercising and stretching. The problem with Armia’s treatment is that he’s overly reliant on these hip matrix moves, and they’re worthless. Even when you do them properly they are a time suck and not as effective as other moves. I had a lot more success with a regimen from a PT I used to go to, so I switched back to that and the pain in my hip became a lot more manageable.
The real problem with this place, and why I don’t think it deserves high marks, is that the PTs were terrible at adjusting my hip. In fact, one time a guy adjusted my hip in THE WRONG DIRECTION. Again, nicest guy, but that is unacceptable. I had difficulty walking for days and had to go back to have it readjusted. (I believe they even charged me for the visit to fix it…) This was never a problem at my previous PT.
My previous PT still practices in Newport Beach, which is a bit far for me, but I’m considering going back because C and B did not deliver results I can live with.
I do believe life is better pain free, I just couldn’t achieve that result here.

I have suffered from low back pain for sometime. Since PT, I have been living Pain Free. I have also started my own workout routine at home and that is credited to the Irvine staff. I would not be where I’m at without all of their help and hard work. I can say that CBPT is the BEST in PT out there. The entire staff is professional, friendly and very supportive in your PT goals. I would highly recommend CBPT.

I’ve been going to Coury and Buehler for some time now and I love going there. The Physical therapist are great. They really care about how you feel and want you to recover well from whatever your injury is. They make time to listen to your thoughts and try to help you move through any concerns you may have. I really appreciate the help and care I’ve been given. Each improvement is a milestone and they are right there with you. I couldn’t be happier. Have never had a bad experience.

Great friendly physical therapists with advanced degrees and certifications so they are able to provide education while they work on you. Lots of therapeutic equipment and a comfortable environment too. The receptionists are super friendly and made appointment setting easy.
Bonus: Lots of parking, free t-​shirt at 6^th visits, and there’s always coffee, water, and tea available.

I guess I’m pretty lucky, I’ve had pretty good experience with a few PT’s but CBPT is on a slighly different level IMO when it comes to service & expertise. My PT was Angelo, super nice & knowledgeable. What I was most impressed with that he not only wanted me to get over my present pain BUT get me to a point where I wouldn’t hurt myself again doing the normal life activities I was used to.
Of course at first I’m thinking, «Okay that’s a sales pitch to keep me on the hook for a while». I went with it because I was hurting & I just wanted to start the therapy. He got me back to normal within 2 ½ weeks so I was pretty impressed with that.
Another small thing. They remember your name! From the receptionist to the other staff members, they all take the time to remember who you are. Not a big deal to a lot of people but that’s big to me.
If I had to have ANY gripe whatsoever, it would be that they try to cram too many patients into a medium sized office. They really do need a larger facility, maybe a stand alone building to themselves.
My advice to anyone going to them. Make sure and DO THE EXERCISES! If you’re not willing to put in your own time to get better then if you’re not getting better its partly your fault.

I came in here expecting some decent input on my condition. After some time and feedback we finally were able to come up with a plan for treating my condition as much as PT can.

I have gone to other PT offices where I literally met with the PT ONCE and then was sent off to do random exercises for a little bit and then sent off on my merry way. I really thought that THAT was all PT was good for. HOWEVER, from the first time I walked into Coury and Buehler PT, I was met with the most friendly and professional office staff: from the reception to the PT assistants to the most thorough, caring, efficient Physical Therapist I have ever met. Heather Haworth listened carefully to my problems with my left shoulder. As a teacher, there is a myriad of ways that I could’ve strained it or hurt it. She took the TIME to apply the right therapy which I honestly have NEVER had done before in other PT offices (others were in Irvine as well). And, every session after that, she along with the rest of the staff, KNEW my name, remembered details of not only my injury, but what I shared about my life, AND took the time to OVERSEE each exercise that I did in order to make sure I did them correctly and safely. Heather met with me EVERY SESSION. She went over my current status, applied therapy, and took the time to really make sure I felt some improvement. Coury and Buehler really has the most amazing staff that is genuinely attentive to the needs of their client/​patient and is personable at the same time. I ACTUALLY looked forward to going each time!!! THANK YOU Heather and staff for taking such good care of me. I wear the «Feels Good Pain Free» T-​shirt with PRIDE. I have NO MORE PAIN!!!

I came in to Courey and Buehler as a self referral patient suffering from two degenerated discs in the lumbar spine (L4-​L5, S1). This is an ongoing condition that cannot be ‘fixed” with a few visits and can require periodic upkeep to avoid surgery.
The front desk staff are amazing, the therapists are great and the entire experience is very positive. I enjoyed every trip to the location and I feel they really helped me recover from a pretty nasty condition. For the staff, and treatment I rate them 5 STARS!
However, here’s where it gets interesting. The billing department has a policy that limits patients visits regardless of insurance plan. In the past they have been burned by Insurance Companies refusing to pay after a certain point. Which is understandable. I made sure to get a referral after 11 visits because according to California regulations, after 12 visits without a referral they must seek a referral from a primary care physician. I also had my insurance company (with me on the phone) call Courey and Buehler to guarantee they would cover my visits an unlimited amount of times. However, Courey and Buehler would not budge.
I am sad to say that I was forced to move my physical therapy to another business. I really enjoyed Courey and Buehler as a patient but their company policies are ridiculous and I want to be sure I can receive therapy as much as I need it. Not as much as some bean counter is willing to bill it. I would still be a patient if their policies weren’t so rigid and ridiculous. They quite literally refused to take me in.
For treatment and customer service in office: 5 STARS!!!
For Courey and Buehler as a company: 2 Stars.

I came across Coury & Buehler through Unilocal.I had been having hip pain for quite awhile and it was getting worse as time when on. I knew I needed to do something but I wasn’t about to go to a regular doctor as I lean towards alternative medicine and I strongly believe that the body has the power to heal itself.
My first impression of C & B was positive. Everyone was warm, friendly and accommodating. They make you feel at ease which is important when you are struggling with pain. Sherwin was great. He listened to my weekly struggles and gave insightful feedback that I could apply and use to improve.
I bought their 6 pack of sessions and my progress varied from week to week. Some weeks were really hard, there were tears and smiles. At the end though i can honestly say that i feel awesome! I have the tools to keep me progress going and C & B’s number if I ever need to go back. If you are living in pain and want to be pain free, give them a try.

On April 12, I was in a paceline crash on my bicycle at mile 142 of the Hemet Double Century. I fractured my left Scapula in multiple places … an unusual bone to break. The 3-​D CatScan showed the Scapula from all angles and it was not pretty. My upper left arm was all messed up and I had a ton of road rash on my hips, elbows, and knees. I was lucky to find out about Coury & Buehler from looking at the Physical Therapists recommended by my Orthopedic Doc and seeing your great reviews on Unilocal.
From the moment I stepped into the Coury & Buehler office in Irvine, I knew there was hope in sight that my shoulder would be on the mend before I knew it. My Physical Therapist was Dr. Ruth Meltzer who was the just the best. She was kind but always extremely positive and incredibly knowledgeable about what I was going through. It was not easy … nothing good ever is. But your Irvine Office was an extremely positive environment for healing: each time I went to C&B, I left being lifted up after being surrounded by super positive people. The 19 sessions I completed with Dr. Ruth took my left arm from being totally wiped out to it being 99% recovered today!
With her help and the help of the entire Coury & Buehler team, my shoulder and arm responded super well to the exercises which I did morning, afternoon, and night and continue to do at home.
My passion is long distance cycling. I am the Executive Director of the California Triple Crown at

I was even able to complete a 200 Mile Bike Ride in July, just 3 months after this horrible crash! Yes, PAIN FREE!
How cool is that?
I’d say MIGHTY COOL and I couldn’t be happier with my recovery at age 63.
I’m a big fan of Coury & Buehler and would highly recommend your team to anyone.

I have been working with this clinic for almost 2 years and I can’t say enough good things! The facility is clean and space is well managed. The front end staff is always helpful and greets you by name every time you are in. All the physical therapist are knowledgable and kind! Even the exercise specialist really know there stuff. Great company, so happy I found this clinic.
Life feels good pain free!

Ok so I got old and blew my knee out. Torn ACL and partial meniscus tear. I love basketball and I want to get back on the court. This place is the place in the OC for injuries especially sports related. They are personable positive and know their craft very well.
i got Jill as a PT. How good is she? Let me count the ways. She will push you and has had injuries herself so very good. Constantly taking continuous education classes to improve. They are genius about figuring out what’s going on.
All the gear is top notch. Also I’ve had every PT in there and they are All excellent. CBPT won the national award for PT practice of the year NATIONALLY. Why? Cuz their complete bad assess and professionals. From the time you are greeted until cool down all the staff is very well trained and positive without being annoying or unprofessional.
Lastly I get an email reminder for all my appointments. Very cool. To a point I don’t even have to worry about forgetting.
I would suggest giving them your credit card or the benefits card to do deductions to save time if you go often and get a foam roller for home. You won’t regret it.
Lastly and unrelated everyone is attractive. I don’t just mean good looks but they have winsome personalities but yeah they all hella good looking too and fit. It doesn’t hurt when when your wincing in pain

Okay. I admit. I tend to write more negative reviews than positive ones. Why? Because as a business owner and service provider myself ‘compliments’ are just end results of quality service I signed-​up for when I opened my business — i.e. customers and clients are supposed to be satisfied at all times without any expectation of them complimenting me for doing my job.
My problem with C&B is that they have grown too fast and that their quality control is out-​of-​control. It took me two weeks just to get an answer on my insurance co-​pay and another 30 mins just to check-​in. Although courteous, staff were busy joking about their dates and how crappy their lunch meals were than to promptly attend to the needs of their clients.
As a disclaimer, many of the clients seemed happy indeed — and this review is solely based on my experience. To C&B’s credit, its mgmt. has done all the right things to follow-​up with me and to try to mend the problems (hence the two stars). But the fact that they have neglected my needs cannot be forgotten. That they never sent me a follow-​up, @ home stretching-​workout routine email (after several requests) as promised kind of sucks. That they call me almost every day to schedule next appointments but never return my calls on co-​pay issues (citing that all mgmt. personnel are busy) blows.
I am in pain now and all I wanted from C&B is to help me treat my health issues. But instead, they have left me with a bad after taste.
FYI, I’ve found many other PT offices with incredible service and attentive staff. Do your research. They are everywhere in your town. Don’t just go by these stellar reviews. Experience them yourself — just like I did. It’s your body. Treat it with best of care.
Good luck to you all with your recovery.