Strive Total Wellness — Local services in New York

I’ve been going to Strive Wellness for just under 2 years. I had a fairly serious shoulder injury and to be honest the reason I initially went there was because they took my insurance…I continue to go because the service is outstanding.

I met Dr. Moscati Day One. He examined me, suggested physical therapy and then actually took time to explain the process, what I could expect and what else I could do to help shorten my recovery time. How many doctors do that? Normally you get pawned off on a nurse or the assistant…I thought maybe he only does this on your first visit? Nope!! Each and every time I go to Strive Dr. Moscati stops, says hello, asks how I am feeling? He does this with everyone and I noticed that he knows all of the patients by name and I think that genuine interest in the patients trickles down through the entire Strive Staff.

It starts the second you come through the door and are greeted by Cindy who is the backbone of Strive. Cindy and her smile keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. If there is anything you need help with…she can assist you.

My physical therapist, Krina was amazing she analyzed my situation, created sets of exercises, which were constantly adjusted to how my injury was feeling that day and she also gave me exercises to do at home. She always had a positive attitude which was incredibly helpful on the days I felt defeated. Not only was she intuitive she was warm, friendly and encouraging…I can’t say enough nice things about her. Plus she helped heal my shoulder and it is as good as new now.

Since Strive is a Wellness Center they suggested that I might want to incorporate a few other treatments/techniques to work in conjunction with P/T. All were good, some were totally new to me and after testing a variety of their services we decided the most helpful would be Pilates, Massage Therapy and Strength Training.

Pilates is much more challenging than you would expect and my instructor April, who I adore, is insightful and an exceptional teacher. I warned her that I had absolutely no Pilates knowledge and with her instruction and patience…lots and lots of patience I can honestly say I have come a long way. She is gentle and non-judgmental, coupled with her peaceful presence makes for a wonderful session every time.

As for Massage therapy, I can honestly say that all of the therapists do an unbelievable job. I considered myself to be pretty “knotted up” so a few of the therapist, who I am sure must have extremely tired hands when I leave, have become my personal favorites. If you are like me, I highly recommend Greg, Sarah or Amy but you never have to worry because Cindy will make sure you see someone who is right for you.

Lastly and most challenging for me is strength training. The majority of the time I work with Dana and if he isn’t available I work with Sammy. If you want to train ask for one of them because they are knowledgeable, friendly, passionate about their work and will kick your butt into shape. Dana’s workouts are always challenging and fun at the same time. He is patient, especially when showing me proper technique and correct form. I can be a “Big Spaz” sometimes which makes me feel discouraged and frustrated but Dana has a unique ability that allows you to laugh at yourself for a minute and in the next minute he is encouraging and motivating you to continue your journey and you don’t even realize he is doing it. He tailors the workouts for my ever changing physical levels, pushes me to get the most out of each session, and always mixes it up so it isn’t repetitive. He is definitely helping to guide me down my path to health and wellness.

Everyone at Strive is attentive, friendly, and approachable which makes you feel like you are part of the Strive family.

Thank you Dr. Moscati I am stronger, healthier and happier because of the...

Bottom line:

Go.Here.Yesterday. It's hands down the best.

Long winded review:

I have been seeing a chiropractor since I was an infant. I have scoliosis and a few other complications that involve my back, neck and hips. Since I've been going forever, and because I work as a nurse, I have really high standards for what I want and expect in a practice, especially one in which I'm trusting my spine with.

When I moved to NYC I was really discouraged trying to find a practice that was reputable, didn't push products or services and where I felt confident and comfortable with. I had tried 3 places prior that were busts. One even tried to tell me I needed to undergo surgery and have a series of injections after only 2 visits. (Watch out for places like this).

Fate was on their A-game and I stumbled across Strive Total Wellness and I truly can't say enough positive things about this place. The staff is incredible. They are knowledgeable, kind, flexible, welcoming and always professional. From their front desk staff to their practitioners, even the owner is a stand-up guy - I've met them and would invite them come over for dinner with my mom - they're that good.

I really like that they take such a holistic approach to your health. They are also huge advocates for you with insurance as well. They incorporate a series of options and services based on what you're open to and what you need. The services I utilize are chiropractic, pilates, acupuncture and massage. They offer other services but if I spend anymore time there, they're going to start charging me rent. I always look forward to my appointments.

I see "Dr. T" (Dr. Vincent Tagliaferro) as my chiropractor and Dr. Xing "Johnson" Yang as my acupuncturist. All hail the dream team. I'd be a crippled mess without them. They are both masters of their craft AND personable human beings. Dr. T has a background in sports, training, weight lifting and PT. If he doesn't know it or can't fix it, it doesn't exist. And Johnson doesn't just do acupuncture but cupping, herb healing and about a million other things as well. Both gentlemen are intelligent, professional and exceptional at their jobs.

The folks I see for pilates and massage change depending on what days I book but that's only because I work night and have a ridiculous schedule. (Shout out to the front desk team for making sure I make it to appointments and working with my near impossible schedule - Cindy, Linda, I'm looking at you two). Their massage personnel and pilates instructors are all wonderful. They report enjoying their work and the company they work for.

If you couldn't tell, I have yet to have a negative experience at this establishment and I love every person I see there. If anyone has any questions I'd be happy to answer them from my personal experience. But I'd you're looking for somewhere to go for either body maintenance or a chronic or acute problem, I would recommend them...

Strive Total Wellness is AMAZING!! From the clean facility to the friendly receptionists and staff. Strive Total Wellness is a one-stop-shop that combines all the physical cares you need. They have chiropractors, acupuncturists, masseuses, trainers, nutrition, and physical therapists all in one place at their Midtown East location right out of the 6 train.

I personally have been experiencing some lower back pain for almost a year due to improper postures and prolonged sitting. A family friend (who ran 10+ marathons) recommended Total Strive Wellness and Dr. Tiffany and my experiences so far have nothing but spectacular!

I saw Dr. Tiffany Gunawardena and her colleagues, Dr. Michael Natal, Dr. Xing Zhang (Johnson), and have had massages from Christina and Zach for about two months. During my first session, someone from the front desk explained to me how my insurance works. After that, each session was a combo of chiropractic care with either massage, acupuncture and or PT as I progress in my journey. One thing I notice and appreciate the most is that the doctors have their share of/personal experiences with pain before. This makes them great doctors, as they can understand and sympathize with the patients. Coupled with their experiences and expertise, this makes them so exceptional!

Dr. Tiffany has helped my back tremendously during the last two months. She has provided tips that made my work from home office ergonomic, improved my sleeping environment, recommended supplements, as well as analyzed what sports (and how much) I should and shouldn't do.

Dr. Michael Natal really understands and has had a lot of experiences treating back conditions such as mine. He was able to pinpoint and massaged out my knots and significantly improved my pain, in addition to teaching me the core exercises. After two months, one of the most obnoxious knot that was lingering in my lower right back has dissolved. I woke up this morning feeling like a new person. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this team's care!

To sum: Go see Dr. Tiffany, Dr. Natal, Dr. Zhang and all the masseuses at this place!! Trust this team's evaluations Follow the doctors recommendations, buy their tools and make improvements in your environment Last but not least, trust the process and do every stretch and exercise they tell you to do

Cheers to people...