Spear Physical Therapy — Local services in New York

Updated Review – 9/11/25

I’ve now been in physical therapy for nearly a year and a half after breaking my leg in three places — a rod, a screw in my hip, a plate on my right knee, and nine pins later. The “Road to Recovery” has been long and winding, but it’s led to measurable progress and a genuine return of hope.

Samantha Meyer, PT, DPT was the first therapist I saw here, and she set a precise, caring standard from day one. Gwen Gifford, PT, DPT, the Clinical Director, reinforces that standard across the clinic, ensuring the care is not only consistent but purposeful. Early on I identified Max Rebhun as the right provider for me, and I’ve worked with him exclusively ever since — with Gwen, Alyssa Carbonell, PT, DPT, and Mendel Romanenko, PT, DPT stepping in seamlessly when needed. Every Thursday with Max is not just another appointment; it’s the reset that allows me to function and actually enjoy the weekend.

The outcomes speak for themselves: today I hit a major milestone by rejoining CitiBike after more than two years — something I once considered out of reach. Golf remains on hold, but for the first time I believe it’s not a question of if but when I’ll step back onto a course. Progress isn’t hypothetical here; it’s observable, tangible, and cumulative.

This is my second PT experience since the accident (the first was solid), but the difference Spear has made is distinct. If a friend asked me where to go, the answer would be immediate: here.

(That’s Max in the photo — the wizard of physical therapy, with a whole team of everyday magicians behind the curtain. And that’s me on the table: not a theory, not a chart, not a prognosis — but proof that consistent care and skilled hands turn recovery from abstraction into reality.)

MAY 2025 I have been in Physical Therapy now for over a year and a quarter due to breaking my leg. While both physical therapy facilities I’ve been to have been very professional spear has provided one of the best therapist I have ever experienced.

Max Rebhun is a true Master...

Spear has been an extremely rewarding and well-worth it experience, particularly at Times Square/Ctr for Performing Arts. All the staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming (I was genuinely happy to go every time and sad when I finished treatment), and the care was high-quality.

My first PT, Jason Kang (14th street), was the first person who was ever actually able to explain why I had chronic back pain, and set me up with long-term treatment/prevention that truly helped; my back pain is next to non-existent, for the first time in 10 years, and i'm grateful every day.

My second PT, Gwen Giffard (times square), was a real MVP for several months, through several different treatment cases. She is an excellent clinician, very thorough and also excellent at explaining the causes/remedies of the different injuries I was working through. Not-for-nothing, she's also formerly a competitive Irish step dancer (yes, like Riverdance) -- which as an active irish dancer myself was EXTREMELY helpful and allowed her to give more bespoke/effective care -- and for those not in the know, competitive Irish dance is some for-real crazy stuff and so Gwen knows how to effectively engage with athletes and performers who are consistently pushing their bodies to the max. She's dedicated and tireless and committed and and an all around superstar.

Would highly recommend these locations, PTs, and Spear overall to anyone who's looking. If you're concerned about this being a big corporate patient mill, it's not -- it's full of real people who really care and it's great. Could not have been happier. Thanks,...

I had to come back to update my review (May 2024) because I worked with yet another wonderful physical therapist at the new Times Square location. Ninia was out on leave and kindly recommended that I work with Edwin, who ended up being the most amazing fit because of his martial arts and dance background. I started Taekwondo right before the pandemic and have had a few minor injuries but recently had a larger one - small tears in my hip and at the top of my hamstring that were giving me a lot of pain and weakness. Ed was amazing and helped me for months so that I could return to the New York State competition this spring and take home the Gold medal. Now I'm heading to Nationals and I'm so grateful for all of Ed's expertise to help me stay on track while I'm out of town this summer. His strengthening exercises have helped me with strength and balance and honestly, I should hire him as my Taekwondo conditioner because he puts me through my paces and really ups my game. Everyone at Spear is lovely and I've always had the best care at their facilities.

SPEAR Physical Therapy is awesome. Ninia has helped me so much over the years. Several years ago she got my shoulder back in working order and recently she's helped me over telehealth to work on some achilles issues I've been experiencing during the pandemic. She is kind and responsive and great at her job. Everyone at Spear has always been friendly and caring - when I went in person everyone knew my name and made me feel welcome. I highly recommend Ninia...