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After serious knee problems (two surgeries) and seemingly intractable back pain, Robin Tobias has given me the strength, flexibility and absence of pain that let me enjoy golf, swimming, biking and daily activities that I feared might be gone forever. Her thorough diagnoses, based on years of thoughtful experience, are more accurate, I believe, than those of highly trained physicians. The stretches she used on me in her office and the exercises she recommended for my use at home have been highly effective. Robin inspired immediate confidence in her abilities and, importantly, in the ultimate resolution of my problems. I strongly recommend Robin and her hand-picked staff to my friends and to anyone suffering from muscle or joint pain.
Joan
Stanford MBA, retired
Date of Posting: 25 October 2017
Posted By: Joan Haynes
Atherton
I am in my 70's and have been using the services of Tobias P.T. for about twenty years. Over that time I had been referred to many therapists. Have you had the experience of being at the physical therapist who after talking to you for a few minutes, then spends a few minutes with you and then you wind up being delegated to the exercise machines with periodic check-ins? Each time I have had that experience, I run for the hills or in this case to Menlo Park. At Tobias, I know that I will get care that is designed for just me. I know I will have a true hands on experience.
Date of Posting: 25 July 2017
Posted By: Jerry Spector
Palo Alto
Through the years I’ve had chronic back pain with periodic unbearable back spasms. I tried physical therapy multiple times, acupuncture, spine injections, yoga, and even had to have a microdiscectomy three years ago when I lost some of the use of my right leg and big toe from sciatica after a ski accident. I often tried home exercises, but they always seemed to make my back worse until my internist convinced me to try Tobias Physical Therapy. I worked with Robin Tobias and cannot recommend her highly enough! For the first time I have a program that I can do at home that is tailored specifically for my body that helps me strengthen my back rather than further injure it. I have just been dismissed from therapy, but Robin cares enough about my progress that she has encouraged me to continue to contact her if I ever have any questions. During my physical therapy sessions she not only gave me progressive home exercises specifically designed for my situation (hand drawn and created during the session), but she taught me how to move my body during everyday activities. I now walk, bend and sit differently thanks to her tutelage. I cannot emphasize enough how knowledgeable Robin is about the body and how it works. During therapy sessions she listens and observes intensely and invites and gives feedback in a very warm and caring way. Her knowledge, honest desire to help, ability to listen and ability to communicate how to change are a winning combination. Although I have confidence that I will continue to improve on my own, it’s comforting to know that Robin Tobias is available to help me if I ever need her. I cannot thank her enough. Thanks to her my back no longer rules my life!
Date of Posting: 28 January 2013
Posted By: Susan Thomsen
Palo Alto
I am an orthopaedic surgeon who performs hip and knee replacement exclusively. Robin has been restoring my patients to normal function after joint replacement surgery for many years. Her personal, compassionate and comprehensive approach helps her develop the rapport with her patients required to achieve superior results. She has put together a team of therapists who share her philosophy, allowing continuity with qualified PTs rather than PT aides or assistants. This level of staffing is unique. Among the excellent choices for physical therapy on the Peninsula, her program is at the top.
Date of Posting: 01 October 2011
Posted By: John T. Dearborn, MD
Palo Alto and Fremont
I am a Medical Exercise Specialist and own a Personal Training Business. I've worked closely with many physical therapists over my 23 years in business, and Valerie Bartlett, MPT, of Tobias Physical Therapy, is the only PT I feel 100% confident referring my clients to.
Valerie has worked with many clients of mine with various issues from back pain to shoulder pain to knee pain, over more than a decade. Valerie consistently works miracles! Valerie listens carefully, educates clearly, has an intuitive gentle (or firm if needed ;-)) touch, works well with other health professionals, draws the most beautiful graphics for you to follow your homework, and is simply one of the most compassionate and caring people I know. I can't recommend her highly enough!
Date of Posting: 09 August 2011
Posted By: Maren Sederquist
Palo Alto & San Jose
Robin Tobias saved my life. After several shoulder and nerve surgeries, I was in constant pain. The physical therapists to which I was referred aggravated my condition. Soon I was caught in a vicious cycle of tests and interventions that only made things worse. Muscles continued to atrophy and I lost most of the function in my right arm. Then, someone told me about Robin Tobias.
Robin listened carefully and worked with me to create an individualized program, always educating me along the way. In time, I regained the function in my arm; thanks to her compassion and humor, I actually had fun doing it. Now, if I have pain, I know how to get back on track. She artfully guided my recovery after breast-cancer surgery as well.
Robin possesses that rare combination of technical mastery plus deep respect and compassion for the individual. It is a privilege to have worked with her in my recoveries. Thanks to Robin, my life is not about pain, it's about LIVING!
Date of Posting: 01 July 2011
Posted By: Nancy
San Mateo
Tobias Physical Therapy is simply beyond compare. They are extraordinary at listening carefully to the client and tailoring an approach to fit that person’s particular body, psychology, and life style. Over the years, Tobias therapists have helped heal so many of our family members, from grandparents in their 80s to middle-aged desk jockeys to teenage athletes. They were fabulous with everyone, and I cannot thank them enough.
Date of Posting: 07 June 2011
Posted By: Robin F.
Professor of Law, UCSF Law School
I have known Robin Tobias for many years professionally and personally. She embodies all that is essential in a superb healer and health care provider. Robin is an excellent diagnostician, without the need for complex medical testing. She uses her careful history and exam to guide her therapeutic approach. Robin cares deeply about her clients and has been providing personalized care long before that term became a buzz word. She doesn’t believe in “one-size-fits-all”. Robin also has a passion for improving wellness and preventing injury rather than just treating it after the fact.
In addition to any technical abilities, Robin remains a warm and intensely giving individual, who transmits her positive energy to the holistic healing of those who seek her out. Any time with Robin is time well spent; one leaves the better for the interaction.
Date of Posting: 28 April 2011
Posted By: Michael A. Nierenberg, M.D.
Adjunct Clinical Professor of Medicine, Emeritus, Stanford University
As a wellness coach I have my own challenges in staying well and maintaining optimum physical, mental and emotional balance. Add to that mix an accident and things become a bit more challenging. After a few half-hearted attempts with other physical therapists, I found Tobias. I experienced a staff that is attentive, thoughtful and intelligent. My therapist has given me consistent guidance and customized suggestions. She has helped provide a path for me to find my way back to wellness. In the process, I have learned so much about the mechanics of my body, and my own human nature and ability to make changes. These are concepts and habits I hope to keep with me the rest of my life. I have deep appreciation and gratitude for the service and work Tobias provides to the community. Thank you Tobias. Adrienne B
Date of Posting: 22 March 2011
Posted By: Adrienne B.
Corporate and University Healthy Lifestyle Coach
I forgot to mention that Robin has worked on my back, neck, hands, shoulders, essentially every part of my body. Every doctor that prescribes PT for me has her pad for the RX in his office. Tobias Physical Therapy is the only PT that has ever been recommended to me - that really says something. I think the reputation speaks for itself. Judith
Date of Posting: 20 March 2011
Posted By: Judith Marx Golub
Los Altos