Client Stories
Success stories from Clients Who Visited Marin Peak Physio
Testimonials
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Read What People Just Like You are saying about Us
Ian
I rarely write testimonials, but I felt compelled to recognize David’s exceptional care, which seamlessly blends deep academic knowledge of the human body and injury recovery with an invaluable focus on the patient’s mental well-being. When I first saw David in 2018 with severe, multiple injuries—including a freshly torn quad that made walking excruciating—I was mentally defeated after years of impersonal “factory” clinic experiences. David was immediately different: completely engaged one-on-one, he listened closely, developed a personalized plan of scraping, cupping, stretching, and precise strengthening, and, most importantly, his profoundly positive and infectious mindset instilled in me the firm belief that I would feel normal again. Four months later, I successfully ran a marathon; over the past seven years, David has continued to effectively address every new injury—from my quad and knees to my shoulder and back—always maintaining an informative and hopeful perspective that maximizes my healing and motivation. His holistic approach, which feels like catching up with a positive friend while restoring my body, makes him the single best physical therapist I could endorse.
Brooke
I live in SF and grew up in Southern California, so California through and through (minus a short stint on the east coast for school). I did multiple sports growing up and ran track and field in college, so I am not a stranger to physical therapy. I ended up in the hands of David because I tore my ACL playing volleyball. I did pre surgery physical therapy and post surgery physical therapy for around 8 months. So… that means I spent a TON of time with David. He was encouraging, pushed my limits when I needed it, and a great person to work with. My experience with PT always seemed to be a mixture of too many exercises, unrealistic expectations, and unachievable. With David, he gave me exercises in portions that I was able to digest, and therefore, allowed me to not feel discouraged. You also want a physical therapist that you can have fun with because being injured sucks. Also, I went three times a week for a few months, so you want someone personable to talk with.
It is easy for me to describe David if I were to recommend him to a friend because he has personally seen three of my friends at some point. I can’t recommend David more, truly. I am back to doing all the things I was doing before my surgery, and I couldn’t have done it without him. Best physical therapist I have worked with to date, and that has been a lot. Thank you David!!
Monica
I’m in my early 30s and live in San Francisco, where I spend most of my free time running, hiking, skiing, climbing, and biking. I came to David after hearing amazing things from friends who’d recovered from injuries under his care. I’d been struggling with IT band syndrome since my first marathon, which left me unable to run for months due to severe hip and knee pain. From day one, David’s friendly, approachable demeanor and deep expertise put me at ease. He explained the “why” behind my pain, built a practical and manageable rehab plan, and always tailored his guidance to my goals as a runner. What really sets David apart is how much he personalizes his care—he understands what matters most to you and works with you to get there, even through setbacks like my recent ankle sprain. Thanks to David, I’ve not only returned to running stronger but also learned how to take better care of my body, incorporating stretching and smart recovery into my routine. I even ran Hood to Coast and shaved eight minutes off my marathon time while staying healthy. If you’re looking for a PT who’s knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely invested in your progress, David is the one to see.
Matt
As a 27-year-old San Franciscan who loves skiing, hiking, and anything outdoors, I came to David after my second ACL surgery, struggling with stiffness, weakness, and uncertainty about returning to the sports I love after tearing my ACL playing basketball. David provided a truly smart and structured approach, but what made the difference was how engaging he made the process: he tailored everything to my specific goals, explained the “why” behind every exercise, and created an upbeat environment that made me actually look forward to showing up. As a result of working with David, my knee now feels strong and stable, and I achieved my goal of being cleared to ski at just nine months post-surgery, beating my doctor’s expectations. I would highly recommend David to any friend dealing with injuries, describing him as one of those rare physical therapists who is both technically sharp and genuinely enjoyable to work with—serious about recovery while keeping the process fun and encouraging.
Bailey
I live in SF and grew up in Southern California, so California through and through (minus a short stint on the east coast for school). I did multiple sports growing up and ran track and field in college, so I am not a stranger to physical therapy. I ended up in the hands of David because I tore my ACL playing volleyball. I did pre surgery physical therapy and post surgery physical therapy for around 8 months. So… that means I spent a TON of time with David. He was encouraging, pushed my limits when I needed it, and a great person to work with. My experience with PT always seemed to be a mixture of too many exercises, unrealistic expectations, and unachievable. With David, he gave me exercises in portions that I was able to digest, and therefore, allowed me to not feel discouraged. You also want a physical therapist that you can have fun with because being injured sucks. Also, I went three times a week for a few months, so you want someone personable to talk with.
It is easy for me to describe David if I were to recommend him to a friend because he has personally seen three of my friends at some point. I can’t recommend David more, truly. I am back to doing all the things I was doing before my surgery, and I couldn’t have done it without him. Best physical therapist I have worked with to date, and that has been a lot. Thank you David!!
Ezra
David and Tim are in a league of their own. They are exceptional clinicians and, just as importantly, truly wonderful humans. Their wealth of knowledge and experience – combined with a creative and personalized approach – makes them outstanding physical therapists. Over the years I have received top notch care from both David and Tim for a few different injuries, and what truly sets them apart is their empathy and contagious positive mindset.
You can count on these guys to find the right exercises to build strength and range of motion, incorporate precisely targeted deep tissue massage where appropriate, and help you get back to fully living your life or playing your favorite sport. To sum it up, you’re not just getting a physical therapist with these two – you are gaining a partner in your recovery. To anyone in need, you’re not going to find a better physical therapy option in the Bay Area.
Lauren
I just finished my third day of skiing this season, and I’m thrilled to report that I’m back at the top of the mountain! My knee feels absolutely great. I truly could not have reached this point in my recovery without Adrian’s help. If you are looking to get back to the activities you love, I highly recommend him.
Matthew
I came to David in 2023 after nearly two years of chronic knee pain that had taken me away from running and the outdoor activities that defined my life. As a longtime distance runner and ultramarathoner, I had gone from racing 50Ks to being unable to run a single block, and even walking or cycling became painful despite extensive physical therapy and medical care.
What immediately set David apart was his thoughtful, one-on-one, highly individualized approach. He took the time to truly listen, clearly explained what my body was telling me, and helped me understand what to expect at every stage of recovery. When it became clear that surgery was the best path forward, David was instrumental in helping me navigate the process and work effectively with my surgeon before and after the procedure.
Seven months after a patellar MACI surgery, I am now running pain-free for the first time in years. I genuinely don’t think I would have pursued — or successfully recovered from — surgery without David’s guidance, honesty, and support. He is an exceptionally knowledgeable, attentive, and trustworthy physical therapist, and I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone dealing with a complex or persistent injury.
Malaika
My lower back has always been “bad”, but post partum it kept seizing up and made it very difficult to take care of my newborn as bending over was causing immense pain. David’s approach of starting slow by introducing small movements and exercises, and doing a lot of body work was perfect for me. I also had a rotator cuff injury he helped with, and in my sessions he was able to treat both which greatly helped. I was able to make it through another pregnancy and post-partum without my back seizing up again, which is incredible! David is excellent at what he does- he is very knowledgeable. Whenever I have a random ache or pain he almost always knows where it is coming from, and if not has many ideas for how to figure it out and treat it. He is great at doing body work, and applies a lot of different techniques. Not only is he knowledgeable, but he is also very fun and friendly to work with! The only reason I stopped going to him is because I moved away, but I definitely miss our sessions!
Priyanta
I came to David after multiple surgeries, including ACL reconstructions in both knees and a painful shoulder injury. Referred by my orthopedic surgeon, I was struggling to stay active after years of injuries that had limited everything from sports to daily comfort.
David’s rehab approach was structured, precise, and highly individualized. He carefully measured progress, adjusted treatment as needed, and provided clear guidance and effective exercises between sessions. Just as importantly, he helped pace my recovery so I could heal fully without rushing the process.
Today, I’m back to an active life. After my most recent ACL surgery, I returned to long, pain-free rides in the Marin Headlands, with scuba diving next on the list. I recommend David without hesitation—he’s an exceptionally skilled, detail-oriented physical therapist who consistently delivers outstanding results.
Stephen
My name is Stephen, and I’m based in San Francisco. I love hiking and traveling, and I’ve worked with Tim Drobnick for over 10 years for both pre-hab and post-hab care, including two meniscus surgeries and a total knee replacement. Tim also guided my recovery after a whiplash injury from a rear-end collision on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tim is an exceptional physical therapist with an incredible understanding of the human body. His passion for his work truly shows, and his care has been instrumental in keeping me active over the years. I highly recommend Tim for anyone seeking knowledgeable, dedicated physical therapy.
Josh
As a competitive runner, staying healthy is essential, and Tim has played a key role in helping me do that. He’s helped me recover from chronic overuse injuries, including Achilles tendinitis and long-standing hip issues. What sets Tim apart is his ability to look beyond the symptoms and address the underlying imbalances that caused the injuries in the first place.
As a runner himself, Tim understands both the sport and the mindset of wanting to return strong and quickly. He strikes the perfect balance between recovery and performance, and I always feel supported in pursuing my goals. Thanks to Tim, I’m not only running injury-free again, but I’ve also become a stronger, more resilient runner. He’s always my first recommendation for physical therapy.
Michelle
After years of unresolved pain from old injuries, autoimmunity, and repetitive computer work, my quality of life had severely declined. I worked with many physical therapists and chiropractors, but real relief didn’t begin until I started seeing Tim Drobnick.
Tim stood out for his persistence, adaptability, and genuine care. He listened closely, adjusted treatment when needed, and explored multiple approaches until we saw meaningful improvement—never giving up when others might have. His commitment to continued learning and his positive presence made a real difference.
Today, I’m able to work, exercise, and live far more comfortably than before. On top of that, he’s engaging, easy to talk to, and even has great music taste. I recommend Tim without hesitation.
Anna
I’m Anna Tait, a former University of San Francisco track and cross-country athlete originally from Scotland. After college, while continuing to compete in the Bay Area, I developed persistent left-sided groin and adductor issues that ultimately led to a stress fracture.
Having worked with many physical therapists and physicians, Tim stands out as one of the best problem-solvers I’ve encountered. He uses a thoughtful, evidence-based approach and from day one provided a clear, structured plan that included strength training, cross-training, and a safe return-to-running progression.
Thanks to Tim’s guidance, I was able to return to training and racing with Peninsula Distance Club and enjoy a successful year of competition. I now feel far better equipped to manage and prevent future injuries. As a former athlete himself, Tim truly understands what it takes to get back to high-level sport and I highly recommend him.
Fred
I came to Tim Drobnick for post-operative rehab after a complete pec tendon rupture that required reconstructive surgery. Referred by my surgeon, I initially hoped only to regain basic mobility, as my right arm was essentially unusable after surgery. Tim, however, believed I could achieve far more.
With a clear, disciplined plan and honest guidance, Tim progressed my rehab from restoring basic mobility to rebuilding strength and confidence—eventually returning me to exercises I never thought I’d do again. He consistently adapted my program based on my feedback and focused on addressing weaknesses to get me fully recovered.
Today, I’m back to full strength and lifting at or above my pre-injury level. Tim also helped me develop a smarter, more sustainable approach to training that continues to protect me years later. I recommend Tim and his team without hesitation, and have even trusted him with my own daughter’s recovery.
Harry
I came to Tim for chronic knee issues that I’d assumed would never fully resolve after previous rounds of PT. In my twenties and passionate about cycling, I decided to give it one last try after a friend’s recommendation.
Tim’s approach immediately stood out. He was honest, clear, and collaborative—never overpromising, but explaining his reasoning and working with me to find what actually helped. The program was simple, realistic, and tailored to fit into daily life. The improvements have lasted, and I’ve felt significantly better for over a year.
I still use the exercises Tim taught me and recommend him very highly to anyone dealing with persistent injuries.
John
Tim was referred to me by a medical professional after I developed tendonitis from running too many miles. He was able to quickly diagnose the injury and create a comprehensive recovery plan that allowed me to return to running in a short period of time. His professional curiosity also drove him to dig deeper into the root cause of the injury; he then uncovered several muscle imbalances in my lower torso that could potentially lead to issues and armed me with wellness exercises that will reduce the likelihood of my getting injured again. Tim’s guidance got me back to participating in the sport I have great passion for and has given me confidence to train at increased levels while avoiding getting hurt. I am grateful for his expertise.
Mirna
After being diagnosed with multiple bulging discs and spinal stenosis, I was in constant, debilitating pain and facing the possibility of surgery. I could barely walk, sit, or sleep, and felt like my life had come to a halt.
Working with Tim on a carefully guided exercise program changed everything. Progress wasn’t always easy, but Tim tailored each session to my needs, kept me motivated, and helped me rebuild strength and confidence step by step.
Today, I’m walking, sleeping through the night, hiking, and living a full, active life again. If you’re in pain and feel like there’s no way forward, I can say from experience—healing is possible.
Jackson
A few months after my 40th birthday, I snapped my Achilles on the basketball court. Suddenly I was staring down the dark tunnel of a 12-month recovery. It might have broken me if Tim hadn’t been ready to help immediately.
Tim had already helped me rebuild strength, stability, and range of motion after a few smaller sports injuries, and this time he sprang into action with a clear plan from day one. He does his homework, communicates clearly, and is always reliable. He’s great at keeping you on track and making sure you actually do the exercises that drive recovery.
What really stands out is how well Tim explains the “why”—how to improve strength, stability, and muscle control so you don’t end up right back where you started. I’ve recommended him to a bunch of friends in San Francisco, and they thank me for it. Tim is the best of the best.
John
Tim is an exceptional clinician—smart, steady, and fully engaged. He listens closely, communicates clearly, and meets you exactly where you are. He’s endlessly resourceful, always finding a way forward. He’s helped me through challenges I didn’t think I could overcome, always with clarity, humor, and genuine caring. I rely on him completely!
Judith
Tim is the best! In my younger years, tennis, hiking, and backpacking led to knee and back issues, and Tim always pinpointed the problem and designed exercises that allowed me to stay active without pain.
Now at 88, age-related issues like arthritis and reduced mobility require creative solutions, and Tim consistently adapts exercises in innovative ways that work for my body. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, thorough, and also a pleasure to work with. Following his guidance has made a real difference in staying active and healthy.
Nate
I had been dealing with chronic hip, back, shoulder, and calf pain for decades, which finally came to a head when my back went into severe spasm while playing with my 2-year-old. I was struggling with sleep, daily activities, and staying active. A friend referred me to Tim, and it was immediately clear he was different from other PTs I’d seen.
Tim quickly reduced my pain and then took a holistic approach, analyzing past injuries, exercise habits, and movement patterns. He helped me build strength, set realistic goals, and pivoted whenever new issues arose. His analytical, persistent approach has allowed me to stay active and continue progressing.
At 45, I’m stronger than ever. I keep up with my kids, play sports, hike, ski, swim, and backpack—activities I once thought I’d have to limit. Tim is the best PT I’ve worked with, and I highly recommend him for anyone committed to improving their strength, mobility, and overall function.
Nancy
I like to be active and I don’t like to be sidelined by an injury. Physical therapy is the minimally invasive road back to doing what I love. I trust the process so I will always choose PT over painkillers, surgery, or doing nothing and becoming sedentary.
I consider myself lucky that when I needed PT recently for pain in my shoulder, I landed in Tim Drobnick’s office. Here is what I like about Tim’s approach:
He is client-centered. I am a partner in the healing process. He chooses from a range of skills and props to address the problem. He is optimistic. He is persistent and patient. He stays the course until I reach 100%.
Ramona Doyle MD
I have been quite physically active throughout my life (open water swimming, biking, hiking, adventure travel) and I have endured a number of orthopedic injuries and procedures as a woman in my 60s. I have had excellent surgical outcomes (an ACL repair and two hip replacements) but I am on a constant quest to find a healthy balance between my desired level of activity and function and minimizing pain or future injury.
While other providers often had little to offer me in terms of a path forward to improving my pain and limitations (other than stop all activities!) Tim provided a path forward. He performed a thorough exam and he quickly understood my biomechanics. With his knowledge and his holistic approach he quickly developed a plan on how to improve my situation. We implemented this plan, worked on it together, and we got results. Tim understood my goals from our initial meeting and did not give me the perfunctory “little old lady” treatment women of a certain age often experience. Tim is an expert in his field, always kind and clear as a communicator, supportive and encouraging. He was ambitious and optimistic for me in the most positive way and we worked well together.
I encourage others to take control of their physical challenges through better understanding and work with someone like Tim. It is hard to overstate how beneficial my work with Tim has been, and continues to be, for me.
Linda
I’m a senior who’s stayed physically active through mountain biking, hiking, and adventure travel, despite advanced osteoarthritis and multiple orthopedic injuries. While other providers offered little beyond stopping activity, Tim gave me a clear path forward.
He performed a thorough exam, identified my biomechanics, and even noticed back stiffness contributing to my hip pain—something most PTs would have missed. His holistic, individualized approach delivered real results.
Tim is kind, empathetic, and an excellent communicator, always respectful and encouraging. He makes every session valuable and helps me stay active while minimizing pain. I consider Tim the best physical therapist I’ve ever had and recommend him wholeheartedly.
Albers
I was referred to Tim Drobnick by a top San Francisco orthopedic surgeon for a meniscus and MCL injury from running, and surgery was a real possibility. Tim immediately identified key areas to strengthen and created a tailored rehab plan. Within weeks, my pain improved dramatically, surgery was avoided, and my running and recovery got even better.
Tim also gave me ongoing exercises to stay injury-free, which I still use today. He is extremely knowledgeable, highly experienced, and truly cares about helping his clients achieve their goals. I recommend him without hesitation.
Lorna
After ACI knee surgery, I worked with Tim through a long and challenging recovery that included three surgeries. From the very beginning, he guided me with skill, patience, and unwavering encouragement, helping me rebuild my strength, mobility, and confidence step by step.
Before working with Tim, everyday movements were difficult and returning to running felt impossible. He took the time to truly understand where I was in my recovery, tailoring each session and knowing exactly when to push and when to pull back. His belief in my ability to heal helped me trust my knee again and believe in my body.
Thanks to Tim’s expertise and personalised care, I not only regained full mobility but became stronger than ever. At age 62, I ran a half marathon, something I never thought would be possible after surgery. I am deeply grateful for his knowledge, compassion, and dedication. Tim is an exceptional physical therapist and a true partner in recovery.