SPEAR Physical Therapy

I had been struggling with sciatic pain in my right leg because of a bulging disc for about 4 years and given that in the past I didn’t have insurance I didn’t address the problem thinking that it would go away on it’s own… it didn’t. I went to a couple of chiropractors and that didn’t do much either. This year I finally got health insurance and my brother, giving that he works in physical therapy as well, told me to give PT a serious try before I consider anything else such as surgery.
That’s when I started looking up PT centers in Manhattan and one of the places I researched most was, you guessed it, Unilocal.
That’s where I found Lisa Yirce at SPEAR Physical Therapy with all the awesome reviews so I decided to look no further and give it a try.
We started working together in mid September 2015 up until beginning December 2015, roughly 3 months. I am still amazed at how quickly things turned around and how much better I am feeling. My sciatic pain is completely gone but even better yet I am confident that I’ve built a foundation for the right exercises that I should be doing going forward in order to continue feeling good.
Everyone there is very knowledgeable and professional and genuinely invested in getting people back on their feet as quickly as possible.
Hopefully I won’t have to go back for my back or anything else but if I need PT again at least I won’t look anymore.
Thank you Lisa!

My mom, all of sudden had this sharp pain on her pelvis. City MD recommended her to get a physical therapy.
I chose Sphere first since the receptionist was so kind and well mannered. And I picked «Jason Kang «since he speaks korean as well as his review is excellent. He is very thorough, knowledgeable, and patient. He explained how she got the pain and how to exercise in house also at home. My mom feels much better after a few sessions and is very thankful for him.

Five stars all the way. Customer service all around is superb from the front desk to the therapists. They really help you get where you need to be. They push you a bit and it’s not always fun and painless, but they only push as far as they know you can go. They listen, a rare talent these days. Highly recommended. Great space too – clean and welcoming. Special props to Mike V. You’re awesome, dude! Thank you!

I went to SPEAR a few months after getting into Crossfit when I realized I had some serious right rotator cuff issues. Initially, I was pretty upset because I loved seeing the improvements I was making at the gym, and I was worried I was going to have to call it quits after having only been going a few months. It was essentially to the point that picking up any weight (even something like a water bottle) with my right arm left it in pretty bad pain for an extended period, and I knew I had to do something.
I started seeing Rena at SPEAR twice a week, and she invested so much time in getting my shoulder stronger than it had ever been. She basically helped me reeducate all the muscles to function the way they’re SUPPOSED to. Another thing that was so valuable was that she is an experienced Crossfitter and was incredibly helpful in showing me how to scale things at the gym, so I didn’t feel like I had to give it up altogether. It’s been a little over a month since I stopped going, and I have felt zero pain in my right shoulder since. I have to constantly remind myself to take it very gradually at the gym, but it has paid off big time. I’d recommend Rena (and SPEAR) to anyone looking for a good PT, regardless of their injury.
Also, they always let me ice my shoulder EVERY session (even when I was no longer in pain), simply because I really enjoyed it.

Came here because of some pretty bad issues from a recent car accident. I’m still going through treatment but so far this place is great. I feel like a patient whore though because I’ve literally been treated by almost all of them at least once by now BUT I’ve really been able to experience how each one of them operates so it’s cool (Alissa is still my day1 though). They’re all very knowledgeable and pay close attention to form. If an exercise is too much they take one step back until you’re ready. Convenient location, friendly/​professional front desk and therapists, overall 5 stars.

The staff here is amazing. They do great work and are extremely friendly /​accommodating. Rena is an amazing therapist and helped me get through one of the roughest periods in my life. Surgery recover is not fun. Scheduling was a breeze and they were even nice when I canceled (multiple times) at the last minute or showed up a bit late. I highly recommend Spear especially the Chelsea location!

After slipping on a mud run and getting a small labral tear in my shoulder, I had to get PT to stabilize and strengthen the joint and correct my movement patterns to avoid further injury. I worked with several of the therapists here, all of whom were thoroughly competent. I ended up working primarily with Rena Eleazar, who like me does Olympic weightlifting and gymnastics. She was able to prescribe a variety of exercises and advice specific to the kind of physical activities in which I participate, which has helped me to get back in the game as pain-​free as I can be and with minimal risk of further injury.

I am (sadly) somewhat of a PT professional, so, having lots of experience, I know good PT when I see it. Everyone at Spear is awesome starting with the front desk staff, to the techs, and the PTs themselves. I worked with Lisa primarily who helped me through some lingering knee and leg pain. She’s amazing, very knowledgeable and understanding. The appointments are 60 minutes long, with some warm-​up, an initial evaluation and massage, exercises and icing. The PT will develop a routine for you, and the PT and PT techs will oversee the exercises to make sure you’re doing it right. Sayah and Anne-​Marie were great, fixing my mistakes and providing encouragement. The location is convenient, and the facility is clean and beautiful. I have truly no complaints about Spear. It sucks getting injured, but it’s great to have quality people helping you get better.

Can’t say enough good things about SPEAR and Mike who helped rehab me after shoulder surgery. I came into SPEAR with the fear that my shoulder would never be the same and throughout my entire 8 week experience, Mike assured me we would slowly, but surely, get my shoulder to where it would be functioning the same (if not better) than it had before.
Needless to say, after completing my stint at SPEAR, my range of motion is fantastic, my strength is back along with my confidence that my shoulder is operating properly.
Every session was filled with attentive, challenging workouts and proper direction to ensure I was doing each exercise properly.
If I ever am injured or need a tune up (which hopefully neither), I won’t hesitate to return to SPEAR for the best PT in town. Thanks Mike and company!

I had a bulging disc in my back for something like 6 months before I finally got a referral to SPEAR from my doctor. Mike was my PT, and my only regret is having waited so long. Over the course of a few months, I went from pretty bad lower back pain and sciatica to experiencing almost zero pain. In the month since my PT wrapped up I’m not experiencing any residual pain at all, have noticeably increased flexibility and strength, and have resumed all the activities I used to do.
Mike truly cared about how I was doing on a daily and weekly basis, tailored sessions to my specific goals (weightlifting), and maintained excellent communication over email whenever I needed it. I asked about a million questions and got answers to all of them, even if they didn’t directly have to do with my injury. The rest of the staff was great too — everyone I interacted with made me think this is how a physical therapists office should be run.
Bottom line: my back is better, it was a great experience, and I know enough not to re-​injure it. Also you get a sweet t-​shirt. Not much more you can ask for.

Top notch experience from the front desk staff, to the physical therapist, to the (optional and supplementary) massage therapist.
No scrimping on time. You get full 60-​minute sessions, plus ice/​heat afterward if you like.
You are treated by a primary/​senior physical therapist. Junior therapists only step in to help with non-​essential tasks or guide you with tasks that you’ve done multiple times before with the senior PT.
They are well-​booked but not over-​booked. Good management of their staff schedules.
Would return again if injured. Would recommend to others who live or work in the area.

I received 8 weeks of Physical Therpy on both my knees. The therapists were professional, knowledgeable and engaged with their patients. They allowed flexibility with my appointment times. The initial process of signing up was easy thanks to their website.
If you are considering physical therapy, I recommend you checking out Spears PT.
I currently continue my therapy at Spears

Went here after I injured my shoulder. My lovely insurance wouldn’t cover it, so they gave me a great discount! The staff are all super friendly and knowledgeable and it’s a nice space, I would definitely recommend!

I came to Spear after I injured my knees running — I couldn’t even make it half a mile due to the pain. I worked with Rena Eleazar who helped me get back on my feet and running within 3 months. Rena was encouraging, patient, and thorough, taking into account all aspects of my fitness level in creating exercises that would keep me healthy and strong. I can’t thank Spear enough!

I came to Spear because I injured my knee during a cycling class in December. I walked around with this injury for more than a month before the pain was too much to deal with. I knew nothing about physical therapy except that it in my mind it’s like going to the doctor all of the time until they tell you to stop. Crazy thinking I know… Anyway, my first day at Spear was great! Every one was welcoming from the receptionist all the way to the many therapists that were already assisting other clients. Everyone said hello as you walked! It felt like I was being greeted by family.
Lisa and Siah made therapy fun and painful at times. They were both very knowledgeable and understanding of my injury. I wanted to to Run the Brooklyn Half Marathon this year and I was afraid that I would not be ale to but with Lisa and Siahs help they got me there!
This place rocks and the staff is top notch. No matter who you are assigned to they will get you up and moving in no time!
I can not thank them enough for what they have done!

I originally chose Spear because it was convenient for my commute after work. An added bonus is that you’re likely arriving here via the 8^th ave station which has elevators. This was incredibly helpful due to my fractured knee injury.
I worked with Kellen who was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He and the rest of the staff worked with me over 5 months to get me back to cycling and living my in a more or less normal manner (damn you walk-​up and subway stairs!). Even after my new insurance from a job change wasn’t accepted in-​network, the office team worked with me to keep the visits very affordable so that I wouldn’t have to find a new facility with a new therapist.
I hope to never again need physical therapy, but if I do, I’ll definitely look at coming here first.

SPEAR Physical Therapy is wonderful. I suffered from plantar fasciitis for six months prior to beginning treatments at SPEAR. Mike was my therapist and took a full assessment of my injury and devised a treatment plan which I followed closely for three months. Mike was highly knowledgeable about my injury and monitored and encouraged my progress throughout my course of therapy, while providing me with exercises to complete even when I traveled for work. Mike has a very pleasant and cheerful demeanor with all of his clients and coworkers and most importantly helped my recovery.
Overall, I would highly recommend Mike and the entire SPEAR staff as I encountered a very positive first-​time physical therapy experience with this group from start to finish.

I came to Spear after herniating my c6-​c7 disc. I spoke with surgeons who seemed hell bent on operating ASAP. I thought I’d try a more conservative approach with physical therapy first as I honestly didn’t trust the doctors.
One session with Jason I was feeling infinitely better. Half a dozen sessions later and I was back to normal.
Long story short, I ended up not having surgery, and have been able to resume my full running routine, all due to having worked with Jason who designed a routine that safely strengthened the right muscles and also taught me about proper posture and how to avoid injury again.
I recently completed a 200 mile Ragnar relay race and am registered for the NYC Marathon later this year. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without their help.
Thanks again to everyone there for making the experience so fantastic.

The team at this 16^th street location in the heart of Chelsea is simply wonderful.
I tore my ACL in school and a month later I came in for my first session/​eval with Michael Virgil. Within a few moments of meting him, I knew I was in capable and good hands. Besides being familiar with my injury, I got a sense that he was passionate about his line of work and wanted to be on my team to cheer me on an progress thorough out my recovery.
Overall the entire team and the 4 therapists that I worked with over a the last few months are total rockstars! Believe it or not I looked forward to go to PT 2 – 3 times a week because everyone is so fabulous. So thank you to all of you that made me laugh and feel supported everyday I set foot in spear physical therapy!

Great space, wonderful physical therapists and staff. Kellen is a joy to work with because he takes the time to listen to you and adjust your treatment as needed, even when it’s busy. I never felt rushed or like he wasn’t paying attention. He explains everything thoroughly and gives you the tools to move on pain free. If I screw up my shoulders again (or anything else) while in NYC, I’ll be back. On top of all of that, he’s hilarious, so if you’re having a crap day and you’re in pain, you’ll feel loads better after a physical therapy session.
In general, therapists at this location are attentive, professional, and friendly, even if you’re not their direct patient. Billing/​administrative staff are polite and made certain I was square with my insurance so I didn’t have any surprises. Come in ready to learn and work hard to be pain free, and you will not be disappointed.