SPEAR Physical Therapy

Kasey Johnson at SPEAR PT has been my physical therapist for four years — she’s excellent! She helped me with anything from training for and recovering from the NYC Marathon to managing a chronic back condition but her help was most profound during my pregnancy. At the beginning of the second trimester my lower back flared up but was quickly resolved with Kasey’s help. From then on, I had the most comfortable pregnancy anyone could wish for: no back pain, sciatica, pelvic pain, calf cramps or any other «classic» pregnancy ailment. I kept my flexibility (I was able to tie my shoes until the day I went in labor — if you’ve been there, you know it’s a HUGE thing!) and stamina (I went on long walks without waddling) thanks to Kasey’s care, exercises and lifestyle advice. And thanks to her additional training in pelvic health and rehab, she was able to evaluate my pelvic anatomy and even advise on labor positions!
My labor was fast an easy: I went from 0 to 8 cms at home, quickly and without any pain medication.
Kasey reached out to me a few days after my daughter’s birth and advised on appropriate exercises. Hadn’t it been for Kasey, I would have had no idea on postpartum rehabilitation as no one else (OB, midwife, nurses, doula, etc.) covered this area.
Again, thanks to Kasey, my recovery was fast and easy: my belly was gone 2 weeks postpartum, I fit in my pre-​pregnancy skinny jeans in 4 weeks pp, but most importantly I don’t suffer from postpartum incontinence or diastasis recti that even my yoga instructor had said was inevitable!
As you can imagine, I’m forever grateful for Kasey’s help and will definitely be seeing her again if I’m ever blessed with a second baby.
During my pregnancy, I was also seeing the massage therapist, Sophie, regularly who is also excellent.

I highly recommend SPEAR, especially David Block. Thanks to Dave, I am pain-​free after injuring my neck while working out. His balance of unguarded enthusiasm and expertise had me looking forward to my sessions. Everyone at SPEAR showed kindness from the first phone call. The staff at the front desk is especially friendly, and the assisting aids are very helpful and always at your side for anything you might need. I especially appreciate that SPEAR handled all the communication with my insurance company. All I had to do was give them my policy information, and they did the rest — a huge plus. David Block worked my tushie off twice a week for three months. It wasn’t easy, and it was totally worth it. If my neck pain returns at all, I will not hesitate to go back to SPEAR. I have 100% confidence in them.

David Block at Spear PT literally put me back on my feet again. After a devastating knee injury (patella broken into 6 pieces) I was understandably fearful of anyone trying to get me moving. David’s professionalism, knowledge, and compassionate care put me at ease. After 14 weeks of therapy I was able to do squats, ride the stationary bike, and walk at my nyc pace. David and the Spear staff were with me through every step and cheered each milestone. While the facility was sometimes crowded, depending on the time of day, I always received personal attention. The staff at the front desk was helpful and friendly, and the facility was always clean and organized. David reached out to me after my last appt and assured me he’d be available if I needed further PT or had any concerns or questions. I’m SO grateful to David and everyone at Spear for helping me through my recovery!

This place is great and all the staff are very professional. David Block is my physical therapist — I’ve seen him twice a week since July and I must say, he’s outstanding. David is very accommodating and it’s obvious he’s very committed to his work. He encourages me to ask questions about my treatment and explains all his techniques clearly. He is dedicated to continuing education and this is reflected in his evidence based medicine and practice. Working with him has been phenomenal and I’ve seen a significant amount of improvement. It’s unfortunate I can’t go to physical therapy forever =)

I went there for a tough ankle sprained and was seen by David Block. I immediately received a much better explanation of my sprain than my orthopedist had bothered to give. He created a plan for recovery, answered all of my questions, and slowly but surely, I saw improvement.
From the receptionists to the assistants, everyone is super attentive and thorough. Definitely made for a great first physical therapy experience!

I have had PT at numerous NYC locations and Spear is by far the best experience. The facility is small so you get personalized attention from your therapist vs. many other locations where you are left to do exercises on your own and potentially with the wrong form.
More importantly, the therapists here are knowledgeable and actually care about their patients. In just 1 session with my PT, Dave Block, I went from coming in almost in tears because of my back pain to leaving with a smile because I was able to walk, bend and move around 10x better than when i came in. I continue to see progress with every session. I HIGHLY recommend Spear if you are looking to make progress with your treatment, in a positive, upbeat environment with therapists who are friendly, supporting, and most of all, knowledgeable.

I have been going to SPEAR for just over 3 months now, and I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without everyone there, especially my Physical Therapist David Block.
My case is quite unique, and I am not sure there are many physical therapists or PT places out there that would have put in the amount of time and effort to make sure that I meet my goals and get back to doing the things I was doing prior to PT.
I was pregnant and due at the end of the July, but my daughter decided that she would rather not wait so long, and I gave birth 3 months early at the end of April instead. The day I delivered I noticed a small bump on my right thigh, no bigger than a pimple, and it was very sore when I touched it. The doctors gave me antibiotics and told me it would be fine. Once discharged from the hospital, I went home, and started spiking fevers of 104 and then becoming so cold that I would be shaking o my bed even under 5 or 6 thick blankets. I went back to the emergency room and this little pimple-​sized bump had become the size of a grapefruit. In the ER they cut it open to drain it, and I was still not getting any better even after the pus was out.
VERY long story short, I ended up having 4 surgeries (including a skin graft) on that right thigh. In the 2 months that I was in the hospital, however, I was told to basically keep my leg up on the bed, and straight, not to bend it much, not to move it much, and even if I could have, I didn’t because the pain was more than excruciating. I ended up with a small dinner plate size open wound that had every layer of my skin all the way down to my muscles scooped out of my leg.
After all the surgeries and the graft, I was on bed rest for a total of 2 months, and was not able to stand up, let alone walk to the bathroom. I was resigned to thinking that my leg function might never come back, let alone any time soon. The amount of tissue that was taken out, and the amount of nerves that were severed and damaged, had left with me a swollen yet numb right thigh.
From day one at SPEAR, however, David Block made my program so personal and, frankly, so much fun that PT was the best part of my week. I went him and showed him my leg, and being a classical Indian dancer, my legs are my everything. I asked him to get me back to my dancing — I had a show to perform at on September 12^th. Rather than say no or say let’s see, David said, «Let’s get to work.» Within 2 months, I have regained almost my entire range of motion and functionality back in my leg, and not only can I take care of my newborn daughter, but I have ditched my walker (which I had day one) and can literally do jumps and agility drills better than I could ever before. I would recommend that anyone who ever needs physical therapy, go to SPEAR and work with any of the therapists there, and the rest of the staff (Jo, Alex, Sylvia, Lauren) are amazing and supportive, rooting for you to make it to your goals every day! I swear by SPEAR so much that I commute in from Westchester twice a week just to go there, rather than find any place near my home.
David has brought me back from a life with potentially one leg (had I not gone to the ER when I did) to one where I can accomplish any goal with his support, guidance, and program.
Going to physical therapy is still the best part of my week!

I had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee the end of July. My surgeon gave me a few different locations to choose from for physical therapy, but I decided to go to Spear due to its convenient location and rave reviews.
I called and made an appointment with ease. I was told my Physical Therapist would be David Block. On my first visit, I met with David and we discussed why I had the surgery and my goals for therapy. From day one, David was knowledgeable with my rare case and designed a plan with different strength and muscle training exercises to help restore my range of motion.
There are a number of Physical Therapists at Spear. Each Physical Therapist works with a patient the duration of the visit. Everyone is friendly and helpful. It’s a great, positive environment to recover in.
I’ve now finished week six of my therapy. I feel much stronger and confident that David and everyone at Spear helped me reach my goals for therapy. I highly recommend this facility and David as a Physical Therapist.

I’ve been attending PT sessions at the East 56^th street SPEAR location for almost four months. I’ve had knee and hamstring issues on both legs, but I thankfully found the perfect spot and lucked out with an awesome Therapist. The reception staff is always super friendly and accommodating. The aids that assist are always awesome.
My therapist, Dave Block (or Dr. Dave) remembers all of my injuries, active/​sports history and goals. He has also gotten to know me and knows how to push me. David treats the full patient and not just the injury. I play touch football, softball and take rowing classes, which I did not want to stop doing and didn’t have to. Dave knows more about my weekly activity routine than I do sometimes and really takes the time to explain to me what I am doing with each new exercise and why it’s necessary to do certain exercises.
Since working with Dave, I’ve definitely seen great improvement with my leg/​hip strength and far less knee pain. As an added bonus I hear his voice nagging in the back of my brain when I realize I’ve been sitting down at my desk for too long or when I realize I’m slouching at my desk and I correct my terrible posture/​sit up straight.
I can’t believe I am actually typing this, but I have FUN when I go to physical therapy. What a strange sentence? Dave’s a great therapist with a good sense of humor. Looking forward to running a half marathon this weekend pain free and reporting back to him when it’s over!

I first went to Spear in 2000 with an injury from training for my first marathon. 15 years later I needed PT for a back problem. My orthopedist sent me to a large PT chain. It was terrible. Then, I remembered how much I had gotten to know and liked Dave, and looked up Spear. There are 7 locations now, but Dave still treats patients. I very easily made an appointment to see him and immediately I felt so much better. Dave knew exactly what was wrong with my back, and I got in to see him 2x a week. All of the therapists there are fantastic, and my back problem healed up much quicker than expected. I am actually pretty sad that I don’t need to go for PT anymore, I miss talking to all the therapists. Spear is a very special place, and I highly recommend going there if you need PT.

I love coming to Spear! It is such a great environment with amazing therapists, techs and staff. I have been working with Kirsten for a few weeks now and progressing well. I enjoy her energy, positivity and am in awe of her vast knowledge and determination! She’s the best! The techs are also awesome! I have worked with Margarita, Lauren and Alex and they are incredibly supportive and all around amazing. I haven’t worked with many of the other therapists and techs but overall this is just a great center with great teamwork. I am a huge fan and highly recommend Spear!!!

Was referred to Spear by my doctor for a tendinitis problem in both arms, particularly the right arm.
Was introduced to my physical therapist, Kirsten, who has been outstanding.
She not only had an immediate understanding of my ailment, but began treating me with an obvious level of expertise which impressed me! Treatment included: electrical stimulation flowed by massage. then on to a variety of progressively more difficult exercises targeted to strengthen the forearms, wrists, shoulders etc.
After three weeks, my tendinitis has vastly improved!
Should be wrapping up my treatment soon.
Kirsten offers the highest level of professionalism and expertise.
Spear is the best!

Been working with Amir for four months now and absolutely love coming to Spear. He’s been very helpful and all the staff are really great and friendly all around. Highly recommend this place for anyone needing PT!

I was treated at Spear for several months for a back injury, and had an excellent experience. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and willing to answer any questions that you have. Lots of personal attention and detail from both physical therapist and assistants. I worked with Amir who was excellent. Would highly recommend.

I tore my labrum in my right shoulder, had surgery, and spent 3 months post-​op at SPEAR with Amir (before having to move to SF). In that time frame, I got back 90% range of motion, and am well on my way to a full recovery. Amir and the other therapists are attentive, knowledgeable, and understanding of everyone’s individual situation. The exercises and equipment are top-​notch, and the best part was chatting/​making friends with other people there. I highly recommend bringing any issue, large or small, to the people at SPEAR.

While the therapists here are all first rate, the issue I have is with the management.
BEWARE if you are on Medicare !!! They are supposed to let you know when you are reaching your maximum for the year. They did not, despite my asking on a number of occasions to be alerted when I was near my limit.
I only found out when I went to another facility in another area a few months later, and was told I had used up all my sessions.
While Medicare will allow you to go over your yearly limit with proper documentation, that is not the issue. The issue is they had a responsibility to alert me and let me make the decision to continue or not.
Management never followed up in contacting me after I brought this to their attention.
So be forewarned to ask when your limit is coming near.

To say that I trust Abby DeAngelis with my life would be an understatement. When I first went to see Abby at Spear it was because I was having severe issues with my knee. Abby’s technique is about the full patient — not just the ailment or issue. She takes it all into consideration and guides you into recovery — always going above and beyond with her patients making sure that the healing process is as pain-​free as possible. Once I had my meniscus repair surgery Abby was there every step of the way pre-​and-​post-​surgery to ensure that I recouped and regained full capacity. A year later after a black ice incident which resulted in a combination of a fractured shoulder, torn rotator cuff and broken arm she assessed the long and painful road to recovery and eased me into it, through it and again, to full capacity and recovery. She is amazing.

I highly recommend Spear at 56^th St for physical therapy. After months of intense pain and dwindling flexibility, I came to Spear for help addressing labral tears in both hips. Since working with Abby, I no longer have pain, have increased my strength and flexibility, avoided surgery, and can participate in all the athletic endeavors I enjoyed prior to my injury. I’ve found all the therapists here to be smart and friendly, and Abby in particular, has a deep practical knowledge, is patient and radiates positivity.

I’ve worked with several therapists here and mainly with Amir. He treated my shoulder/​rotator cuff and now I’m 100% recovered. He is very knowledgable and takes the time to explain every detail or questions you may have.
The staff, facility, and atmosphere at Spear is excellent. I would definitely recommend.

This review is long overdue. Back in February I slipped on a patch of ice and dislocated my shoulder. It was pretty bad. I came to Spear as it was close to work and I could leave on my lunch hour. I loved every single visit to Spear and my therapist Kasey was amazing to work with. I like to do Trapeze as a hobby and was worried I’d never be able to do it again. Kasey assured me that we’d work together to make it happen. After months of hard work, I was back swinging in no time. The best thing about Kasey was that she got to know all of her clients. I felt like I was hanging out with a friend after a while and actually looked forward to going to therapy! I’d definitely recommend Spear and definitely recommend Kasey, but the entire staff was amazing, too.