ProBalance Physical Therapy & Pilates

This review is for Cicely Hart and the physical therapy side of things.
I’ve had physical therapy a few times before, and it’s always been in half hour sessions. At Probalance, the sessions are one hour, which makes all the difference. Well, that and Cicely.
Probalance doesn’t bill insurance directly. I originally thought of this as a negative (and almost passed them by), but it’s actually a positive in disguise. Instead of spending time billing your insurance, Probalance spends that time giving you more PT. This is why most places only have half hour sessions. I haven’t had any problems billing my insurance provider and have been covered at 100%, but your mileage may vary. But enough about insurance, which is really a dull topic.
The physical therapy that I’ve had in the past has been okay, but at Probalance it’s a step above. To hazard a guess, I’m thinking that the one hour sessions attract better therapists who don’t want to work in the confines of a half hour, where you can’t really get much done. But I tend to be bad at guessing. That thing where you try to guess how many gum balls are in the container, I suck at that.
At any rate, Cicely is amazing. If I had to describe her in one word that’s not a superfluous adjective like «amazing», it would be «engaged». If I could sneak in another word (which I can), it would be «personable». She’s actively trying to figure out my body, how my body works and what works for my body. I never feel like she’s just walking me through the same old exercises that I could have done at home, boringly counting to 20. She’s always bringing something new to the table (sometimes literally, if those Pilate things are called tables). I’ve learned a lot about my body and things that I can continue with after PT. She knows a lot and (more importantly) imparts that knowledge in ways that I can connect with. She’s really sort of a body geek, if that’s a thing. I would previously never have associated the word «fun» with PT, but I look forward to my time, even if it is just a measly hour.
Also, Nancy the receptionist is super nice.

Probalance is the most professional yet casual place for Pilates and physical therapy that I have ever been to. Ada is so knowledgeable in her field that not only is she an amazing therapist but an educator. Taking the time to have students in her studio benefits so many. I have so many friends that also have received great care and love Probalance! You will not be disappointed.

Marie so me so much about my own movement in one session, it was like having an owners manual for my movement. I am so grateful for this place and I am looking forward to a life time of Pilates. Thank you for such a therapeutic session!

I have been to this clinic at least 2 dozen times over the past few years for Physical Therapy and Pilates workouts. I have had issues with my hip, foot, and shoulder. All of them have been unrelated. My first attempt was to visit a specialist for each of these issues. I even went to the best-​UCSF as well as a local podiatrist. They offered cortisone injections for the hip (which was painful) and had zero effect on my overall pain level. For my foot, they put a soft cast on and said I needed orthotics. Again, not helpful at all. All of the specialists also said rest would help. Taking me away from working out was stressful for me. I love crossfit and needed to get back in the game as soon as I could. I decided to seek PT help at probalance based on a friend’s recommendation. I was amazed at how even a single visit could be so effective. For each ailment, I needed only 2 – 4 visits to completely rid my body of pain. The PT taught me how to tweak very basic functional movements (PT and Pilates related) and my pain dissipated to nothing. I wouldn’t have believed it myself if it didn’t happen to me. I was back to working out in no time at all! Their attention to detail is unheard of. I have been elsewhere for PT, so I can compare my experience to others. Most places give you a list of 3 – 4 exercises to practice at home. Old School! Probalance is exceptional and definitely cutting edge with their therapy technique! They deserve 6 stars.
I have also taken Pilates classes here and loved them. I had no experience and the teachers were patient, welcoming, and kind. They were amazing at explaining movements exactly so I got the most out of my workout. The entire facility is super clean. Love all of that!
I also think it’s important to mention that my insurance did not cover the PT or Pilates. I don’t care. It is worth every penny! Normally, I care.

I came to Pro Balance on the recommendation of my spine specialist. He said they were worth it, even though they don’t take insurance and you have to pay everything out of pocket. He was right! The therapists here are really a cut above anything I’ve experienced elsewhere. I’ve worked with Cicely Hart, who is a doctor of PT. She has worked patiently, insightfully, and creatively with me for about a year to help me eliminate back pain. For the most part, it has worked!

ProBalance is off the scale when it comes to being exceptional. I went to ProBalance after I shattered my pelvis in an accident. Picture your femur acting as a battering ram and hitting your pelvis so hard that it explodes. The surgeon that put me back together questioned whether I would even walk correctly again. ProBalance was up to the challenge, Cicely and Ada are the reason I am able to walk again today. I began my treatment with Ada and then Cicely took over due to my schedule. The attention to detail was absolutely superlative. The handoff from Ada to Cicely was flawless, Cicely jumped right and was immediately effective. She noticed everything I did (or didn’t do) in therapy and explained what was happening, what we were going to do to address the problem and how we were going to do it. I always received Cicely’s full attention at every session and she taught me a lot during my recovery. Cicely literally taught me how to walk again, she was even able to help give me relief from nerve pain that the doctors couldn’t. Cicely was always optimistic, her remarkable ability to diagnose and treat all of the other issues that came up during my complex and lengthy recovery was stellar. Working with Cicely and Ada is the best medical experience I’ve ever had, their depth and breadth of knowledge is very impressive. Thanks to ProBalance I was able to walk and complete a 13 mile walk on last year, even while going through treatment for stage three cancer that I am now battling. My doctors indicated that my level of physical activity has strongly contributed to my ability to go through cancer treatment while still maintaining good energy levels. So not only did Cicely teach me to walk again and give me back my life, by being physically active she also gave me the gift to fight cancer. Cicely, I am forever in your debt, a huge thanks to both you and Ada. It doesn’t get any better than ProBalance.

I’ve been coming to Ada, the owner, and ProBalance for about 10 years, every time something pops up physically that needs attention. I don’t live in Alameda, so it’s not convenient for me, but when I really need an amazing physical therapist or a really skilled Pilates class, I make the drive. The studio is great… clean, well-​equipped and really bright, updated space. They take their Pilates and their therapists seriously and they don’t turn you over to low-​skilled or inexperienced assistants after a short visit with the lead PT like other places I’ve experienced. I Love this place and am grateful for the times they’ve cured a problem (knee, back, shoulder) when other places closer to home in Oakland couldn’t get me beyond the physical challenges I faced. They don’t submit to insurance directly, so that’s a downside, but truthfully, the extra hassle of filing on my own is worth it. Thank you ProBalance!

I made an appointment with Pro-​Balance for some pain I was having as a result of some strenuous X-​fit. Easy process lead me to a convenient meeting with Ada. She was very kind, detailed and obviously skilled at her trade. After quickly identifying a myriad of body part issues all connected to why I was having pain, she began teaching me how to improve them. I will definitely be back and would highly recommend this place. She taped my knee cap wrote detailed notes for me to take home and I already feel much better as a result. Thanks Ada!

Ada is amazing!!! No need to look any further!

If you want to go to a facility where everybody is excellent, this is the place. All of the physical therapists have been PT’s for at least 10 years, and those are the «rookies.» There is good communication between the rehab and the fitness side so there’s a seamless transition from physical therapy to wellness and fitness. Also, their focus on learning movement (via Pilates, etc) is light years ahead of other physical therapy clinics I have been to where they just give you a sheet of exercises to work on with some unlicensed aide. Warning though… Pilates is addictive.

I’ve been going to Ada for more than two years. My goal is to be a stronger golfer. Thus far I have lowered my score by 7 strokes and have had no injuries. I highly recommend her.

I have been coming here for over a year and finally am feeling stronger doing pilates & core training. No more aching back. Jessica pays attention to your form as you move from the different pieces of equipment. She makes you maximize all your movements and prevent future injures. Ask for Jessica

I love this place definitely come here if you need help or are in pain! If you need some energy healing or massage ask for Rian she is amazing too!
Thanks Aida and Rian for all your help in the last year!

We are very proud to say that we have been going to Probalance Pilates for four years. I had gotten my friend interested after expressing concern to her regarding her back. She agreed and we began pilates. From a personal point of view I have watched the amazing transformation in my friend’s back and the degree to which pilates changed her ability to now stretch into different positions with ease. I had previously taken pilates privately for approximately one year, but the difference with Probalance pilates instructors who are physical therapists cannot be matched.
Along the way we have had the opportunity to work with almost everyone on staff (we are not sure if we should take this personally, but we refuse to leave). Special thanks to Una, Suzanne, Marie, Rian, and Jessica who have incredible ability to put up with us, but at the same time having us perform some of the higher level exercises because of their knowledge and abiity to take us where we dared not go! We both have also had injuries (not from pilates) during our tenure at Probalance and they have always found a way to keep us active and motivated during our recovery period.
We cannot say enough about Probalance and the wonderful staff who work there, and the fact that we both have kept exercising for such a long stint for this prolonged timeframe.
Teri and Gloria

Love ADA, im probably the youngest person I have seen in the office. I had a not so good accident, and she has helped me a lot. I am better able to do things with making simple little changes. Say BYE BYE to pain and HELLO again normal life. Im still kind of a kid myself so if I have fun anyone else will too.
Ada is really cool, and so are the other people.

Ada Wells ROCKS! She is thorough, thoughtful and takes her time to understand your needs. It’s clear that her goal is to get you better and help you sustain your gains, not to make you dependent upon her.
After having a baby and moving (boxes) into our new home, I developed back pain that was frankly debilitating for me. I had always been an athlete and had to stop running, as well as gardening and picking up my child, because of the cascade of problems (back and hip pain, tight hamstrings, achilles pain, etc). This was totally depressing to me. I had seen a few other PTs, but little changed until I went to Ada. After a year and a half of PT and pilates work with Ada, I’m back in such great shape that I just completed the Alcatraz Triathlon! I credit Ada hugely in making this possible. I’m not 100% pain-​free and maybe never will be, but 90−95% better. Thank you, Ada!

Ada at ProBalance is an amazing, accomplished, knowledgeable and creative physical therpast. In other words, she’s awesome. She knows how to get you out of pain and functioning.
My doctor was recommending surgery when I asked if I could try working with Ada first. Luckily for me, he consented. Ada helped me get feeling back from damaged nerves and strengthen muscles that would help get me out of pain. On top of all that, she’s a great person.
I highly recommend her and her team, and everyone I’ve referred to ProBalance in the past loves them too.

Ada is very knowledgeable and very helpful with her suggestions for workouts at home. The treatments are great and the questions she asks during the sessions are very good. I have been following her advice on working out regularly at home. It has been very helpful.

Ada and her staff are all wonderful. Ada has been my PT now for over a year. My body Is strong, feels better, and I have made a great friend at the same time.
It took me two years to find someone like Ada. I now know what good care really is all about.

After two knee rehabs and treatment for back pain, I won’t go to anyone else. Ada (the owner) has been my primary caregiver, though all of the PTs seem very qualified. She is flexible with scheduling, really listens to what my body is saying, gives clear home exercise drawings (funny stick figures in all sorts of contortions), and has an insightfulness that is uncanny at times. Clearly intelligent and incredibly competent, she also makes the effort to stay up-​to-​date on the latest treatments. The office is well run (use email for the quickest reply) and exudes a positive energy that can’t help but put a smile on your face!