Spine & Sport Physical Therapy - Hillcrest, 5th Ave.

Spine & Sport Physical Therapy on 5th Avenue in Hillcrest delivers comprehensive physical therapy for orthopedic injuries, post-surgical care, and chronic pain management. Our licensed therapists design individualized programs focused on restoring mobility and improving everyday performance. Serving the Hillcrest community, we combine manual therapy with progressive exercise to help patients return to work, recreation, and daily life. Our clinic emphasizes functional movement and sustainable recovery. If you’re looking for physical therapy in Hillcrest, Spine & Sport provides compassionate, goal-oriented care.

  • Location & Hours
  • Services
  • Our Team

Spine & Sport Physical Therapy - Hillcrest, 5th Ave.

3975 5th Ave.
Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92103
Directions Directions

Hours

  • Monday 6:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.
  • Tuesday 7:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.
  • Wednesday 6:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.
  • Thursday 7:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.
  • Friday 6:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
  • Saturday 8:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.
  • Sunday Closed

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Google Reviews

4.7
90 Reviews
Stacie Skinker
Stacie Skinker gave this location a rating of 5
3 months ago

Gary is highly personable and customizes daily sessions based on your needs. He’s not afraid to challenge you in a good way and makes you believe change and improvement is possible. Really grateful for practitioners like him!

Bannar
Bannar gave this location a rating of 5
4 months ago

The whole office has a fairly relaxed vibe. It feels like you're visiting family who is working with you more than just being a cog in the machine. However, Gary D. is the best! His warm and welcoming demeanor helps keep my spirits up when its a particularly hard PT session (I struggle emotionally with PT a lot of the time) even when I'm not his patient, he adds levity to the atmosphere. Ask about cupping too! I had amazing results after trying it with him!

Oudone A
Oudone A gave this location a rating of 5
4 months ago

I can’t say enough great things about my experience with Brenda Chilazi. She is incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely invested time during my session. What stood out most was her encouragement and positive attitude—it made a huge difference in staying motivated throughout the process! I’m beyond grateful and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of top-quality care! Looking forward to the next one!

Brad Touhey
Brad Touhey gave this location a rating of 5
4 months ago

I’ve been going to Spine & Sport for a month and have seen significant improvement. The team is fun and welcoming. Gary D continually comes up with new exercises and movements to further my progress. He genuinely cares about his patients.

Tarsia Conway
Tarsia Conway gave this location a rating of 5
3 months ago

Best Physical Therapy spot in SD. Everyone is very professional and knowledgeable. But special shout out to Gary D. He is always going above and beyond for his clients. His sessions always leave me in a great mood and feeling confident in my healing process. Thank you for all you do Gary.

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Commonly Asked Questions & What to Expect During Your PT Treatment

Do I need to see a doctor first?

Thanks to direct access, we can see any patient without a referral from a doctor for an initial evaluation. If our therapists believe that physical therapy is a good option for your needs, we can work with you and your physician to obtain a prescription for continued care. If your diagnosis requires additional expertise, we can also refer you to a specialist to handle your care.

What do I need to bring to my first visit?

For your first visit, be sure to bring the following items:

  • Prescription for physical therapy from your referring physician (if applicable)
  • Government issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license)
  • Insurance card(s)
  • Patient forms, which can be downloaded from this site in PDF format. Print and fill out the forms completely and bring them during your first visit.
  • Patients who are minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for their first visit.

What should I wear to physical therapy?

Please wear or bring comfortable athletic/workout clothing to change into. This includes shorts or sweatpants, a t-shirt and sneakers. Your attire should also allow easy access to your injured area for treatment by your physical therapist.

What can I expect during my first visit?

During your first visit, your therapist will perform a thorough examination, in which he or she will review your physician’s recommendations, examine the problem area, ask questions about your injury or pain, develop an effective treatment plan for rehabilitation, discuss their findings with you and answer any questions you may have. Your treatment plan may include hands-on, manual therapy, a customized exercise program, stretching and physical agents such as heat, ice, ultrasound and electrical stimulation. Your physical therapist may also recommend a home program to further assist in your treatment.

How long will my appointment take?

Your first appointment will typically last from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on your injury. Following appointments usually last between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the treatment. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your appointment for check-in and paperwork. You can also download our patient forms, which can be filled out beforehand and brought with to your appointment.

How often will I need to come?

The frequency of your treatment will depend on your physician’s prescription and the plan of care developed by your physical therapist. Most patients require treatment two to three times per week. The duration of treatment will depend on your injury and personal progress. Your physical therapist will discuss this with you following your initial exam and subsequently as you progress.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

If you are unable to attend an appointment, we require at least 24 hours' notice. However, we do understand than an occasional emergency or illness may arise, in which case you may have to cancel your appointment closer to your scheduled time.

Do you accept insurances? Will insurance cover my therapy?

We accept most major insurances including Medicare, Tricare and workers’ compensation plans. Before your initial visit, we will verify in and out of network benefits with your insurance company. The cost of therapy is determined by the benefits of your insurance plan, including the deductible and co-pay, or patient percentage. We are happy to check with your insurance company to determine the terms of your coverage. Payment for patient responsibility is due at the time of service.

Schedule an AppointmentFill out the form below or call (619) 238-4318

 

Strategic Partnerships

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