C.O.R.E Physical Therapy

I was told to email Mr. Matthew Reekstin, MPT, MBA, and Mrs. Monica Alvarez, Office Administrator, Director of Marketing regarding my experience at this office. Sadly, I never received a call back.
During my assessment, the evaluator seemed somewhat curt and dismissive. I gave this little consideration as we all can have bad days and, as I am unfamiliar with the gentleman, thought that it may just be his normal demeanor. As I lay on the table and he did my assessment, he would make comments such as «I think we can do better than that.» While measuring my range of motion and then repeat the motion despite me expressing how uncomfortable it was. He would complain that I was guarded. Well,… Pain makes people guarded. He would ask me to relax my shoulder while laying on the table. I would tell him that to me; I felt my shoulder was relaxed. To which he stated, No. I can tell.
After he had walked out of the room, I heard this gentleman state «I am so sick of these workers’ comp cases!» Another female, presumably one of the two receptionist up from stated «Preach it!» as laughter from more than two voices ensued, I can’t even begin to eloquently explain to you the sheer anger and frustration I experienced. It is abundantly clear that your staff at the Orange location have a very negative and preconceived notion of individuals who report that they had been injured while on duty. When I walked up to the front desk, and one of the two receptionists tried to schedule my appointment, I took note of several patients in your waiting room. I thought to myself,
1. If I was in an assessment room in the middle of your small facility and I heard all of the freely expressed derision about workers’ compensation cases, what other patients could have also heard this?
2. How many other patients were engaging in physical therapy or, in the waiting room at that moment who also overheard this conversation?
3. How many of those people are now or, have in the past, been on workers’ comp?
4. How many of them know a friend or family member right now who is struggling with a work related injury?
5. This is the lack of dignity, integrity, professionalism and compassion that these patients are being treated with?
After leaving, I called your Orange location back. I then stated to her that, as this office was so overwhelmed with workers’ compensation cases that I felt it was best if I schedule my appointment with another location. She asked me what I meant. It was at this time that I explained to her that I had overheard the entire conversation. I pointed out that this conversation was so loud that if I could hear it than all of the patients’ in the waiting room were certainly able to hear it as well. I expressed how rude and inconsiderate I felt the conversation was. I informed the receptionist that I would be sending an e-​mail to document the experience and then hung up. Again, the two people whom were supposed to acknowledged this email never did. This is why I am posting this here. It would seem that this lack of dignity, integrity, professionalism and compassion is a C.O.R.E. value of the owners as well.
BTW. The assessor missed a glaringly obvious problem with my joint that was almost immediately identified by my current provider. Do not allow your loved ones to be treated at this location. If an insurance case manager set you up at this location. Be Aware and search alternatives.

Workers and therapists are nice and experienced and seem to know what they’re doing, some ladies in the front desk could be less rude and should be taught how to deal and talk with clients.

I have been going to Core PT, Chapman Location. I am forever grateful for the work they do from the time I come in until I leave every single time. They are all very caring and go out of their way to help you out. My over-​all health has improved so much and my attitude towards staying well is up. I love coming to this place. Thank you Core PT Staff!

I’ve had multiple visits, and the entire staff is always professional and friendly. I’ve seen a few of their therapist and they are all great, but Taylor is the best! He has healing hands! I highly recommend this place.

I want you to know that when I first came to CORE Orange Clinic I was a PT virgin and a skeptic. Just to give you some background on me and my experience: First of all, I have never heard anyone say they received any good results by going to physical therapy and that it would only be a waste of time. But my doctor insisted that I go and I always do what my doctor tells me to do. Therefore I picked your facility (only because it was close to my house) and began my first experience with Physical Therapy.
During this time I became acquainted with Jon, Mike, and Jacob in the gym area. I watch them with other clients while I am doing my exercises and am amazed at what a wonderful team they are. They work like a well oiled machine, making sure the clients never have to wait, always listening to the clients and are fabulously demonstrating each exercise when asked. Each of them always smile at you even if you are grumpy or whiney. I actually look forward to coming to PT just to be around them (imagine that). You can tell they love what they do. You can’t help but want to do what they ask and sometimes a little more to surprise them!
CORE’s front desk staff are amazing as well. When I come in they know me on sight, they help me when paying my copay, not making me have to stand, they come to me in the chair. When making appointments, same thing, they let me sit so I am comfortable and bring me the print out showing me the scheduled dates. They always greet me with a smile, hold the door for me, etc. When you are in pain this type of service is a godsend.
Amber is a Physical Therapist who could tell I was still in a great deal of pain and since having her work on me I have been in less pain as well as be able to see progress in my recovery and even more surprising to me, I have begun to see hope that I will be able to recover which I haven’t had since I hurt myself. Amber is a gifted Physical Therapist and I am so grateful she is working with me. I must admit that with Jon and Amber I know I will recover. Jon makes sure I don’t slack off and always makes me smile through the pain. Amber listens to me and knows how to make it better!
I wanted everyone to know how special CORE’s staff is and how grateful I am to them for helping me recover! I believe CORE’s clinical staff can help anyone who really wants to get better!

This year marks my 4^th time for Shoulder Surgery (bicep & rotator cuff) as well as 3 knee surgeries and a few other odds and ends. I have been assigned to C.O.R.E. physical therapy several times and each time found it immensely helpful given the quality and energy of the staff.
The most current round has introduced me to Geena DiFatta, D.P.T. who is a five star therapist… intelligent with a great attitude, very good with assessing and assigning a program that is rigorous but appropriate for the level needed to move on the healing path. She also has a great personality and manages to keep a great sense of humor; a really good balance of personable professionalism. I would expect that she will have a very long and rewarding career in the P.T. field.
The entire current staff at the San Rafael C.O.R.E. office is professional yet very enjoyable. Their personality makes going there a pleasure because of the welcoming environment they provide to their clients.
I would recommend them to anyone and also the painful process of returning to good health can be assured by Miss DiFatta’s program and care.
Brian Auger

A friend suggested this place after I broke my foot. She said it was better than H&D. Since we really don’t get much say with insurance any more, this just happened to be the place my insurance company approved. I had my reservations at first because of the building. It’s definitely old. But, the people there are first class. Everyone who worked with me was very professional and focused on my treatment plan. They answered all my questions and made alternate suggestions when necessary. The only reason I don’t give this business 5 stars is the building. The therapists there are the best!

I tried this business for physical therapy because of the many favorable reviews on Unilocal; unfortunately, I’m bursting the bubble. The office staff simply didn’t seem to know what to do or didn’t care. Following my evaluation session, the staff scheduled me for 4 aquatic therapy sessions at the Fullerton YMCA at 1:45 pm, a 36 mile round trip from my home with the YMCA hidden and almost impossible to find for a first timer, Arriving on time I was informed that the session began at 1 pm, and had ended, that they all begin at 1 pm. Having lost confidence with C.O.R.E, I called the front office to cancel my association with them. Three days later they called me to remind me that I had an appointment at the same «Y» at 1:45 pm, duplicating their first error. They just don’t seem to get it!

Jennifer A.
I would highly recommend anyone to CORE!!! All the staff is professional, caring and highly knowledgeable. Dr. Samantha Walz is the absolute best. Jessica, Lisa and Brad have all taken care of me for the extended time I have been a patient and done an excellent job. In addition to them, the other staff have all been patient, professional, caring and very kind. The office is organized, appointments are on time and their new offices are user friendly and esthetically pleasing. They know what they are doing and professional and well trained.
I would recommend CORE to anyone looking for physical therapy services. They are the best!

Great place for physical therapy! Staff is very caring, professional and thorough. They definitely have there act together! Would highly recommend.

When I utilize C.O.R.E. Physical Therapy, the staff was friendly the first time I walked into the facility, but after that they were nothing, but friendly. They were not professional, nor were they nice to me. The owner Matt Reekstin put conditions on me in order for my to receive treatment from his facility. Even if I met those conditions, he changed his mind and decided that I would not be welcome to receive therapy from either of his locations. He considers himself a Christian, however he was not very Christ-​like with me, nor was his staff. Apparently, he only wants those who do not have other health and medical to receive treatment or use his services at either one of his facilities. I would not now utilize his facilities, if his were the only ones in Orange County. As far as, I am concern, I would not recommend C.O.R.E. to anyone no matter what other services he offers in addition to therapy.
Matt Reekstin is not a friendly or a nice person and neither is his staff.
He does not treat people with decency and respect. He has his own agenda on what people he will have to receive therapy or use either his Fullerton facility or the one in Orange. As far as I am concern he is not good at what he does.
Like I said I will not recommend anyone to receive therapy or to utilize his other services to anyone.
If I see brochures in a doctor’s offices, I will throw the away.
He is the last person that is ever going to control my life with conditions.
He is all about money and not about care and helping people.
I do not care how many 5 star reviews he receives, I am only giving him a 1 star. That is all I think he is worth from me.

One word about this place is attitude. Everyone here is so personable, nice, knowledgeable and professional. Just great overall attitude!
I had my reservations because I didn’t see anyone older than maybe mid 30’s but hey I’ve gone to establishment full of older supposedly more professional people and it sucked!
Don’t judge, this place is a great!

I previously reviewed Core PT and want to add more information. I have been fortunate to have 3 rounds of PT approved due to extensive scoliosis, kyphosis and having a back fusion from S1 to T2. I also had alot of shoulder issues due to scoliosis.
In the 18 week period I have been with Core PT, my shoulder issues have greatly diminished, and my thoracic spine and cervical spine have shown great improvement in range of motion, and improved posture. This is all due to the expertise of James Goode and Matt Szkalak. They have spent the majority of my sessions doing hands-​on manipulation of my shoulders and spine. They always explain what they are doing with regards to strength and stretching. They let me know what I can expect in terms of continued success if I do the exercise and massage regimen they have suggested. They are realistic, yet extremely positive. They both communicate well with their clients and are able to multitask, with the help of Thea who also pays close attention to the exercise part of the session and always makes corrections as needed.
I have been to at least 9 different PT offices over the years and never have seen the improvement and success that I am having now. Although I am in a pain management program, the work done at Core PT has increased my «active hours» throughout the day by an incredible amount. I’m just sayin’ !!!

Matt and his staff were personable, very knowledgeable and supportive. Therapy was appropriate, progressively challenging and completely effective to get me back on my feet after surgery to repair a compression fracture of my tibia. I highly recommend this new CORE office.