For over 30 years, Scarpelli & Associates, formally Scarpelli & Kakehashi, offers expertise in orthopedic manual physical therapy in San Francisco's Castro District. With the retirement of my partner, Lisa Kakehashi, came the loss of an incredible business partner; however, this has also become an exciting opportunity to bring in a group of eager practioners who are dedicated to helping you reach vibrant, long-lasting health.
We provide in-depth, one-on-one assessments and tailored treatments in private rooms--no factory set treatments, group sessions, or PT aids. Additionally, our close-knit staff collaborates with each other and your other health care providers to offer a team approach to your care. Ultimately, empowering you to reach your best musculoskeletal health is our top priority.
We provide in-depth, one-on-one assessments and tailored treatments in private rooms--no factory set treatments, group sessions, or PT aids. Additionally, our close-knit staff collaborates with each other and your other health care providers to offer a team approach to your care. Ultimately, empowering you to reach your best musculoskeletal health is our top priority.
Services
The information in this medical library is intended for informational and educational purposes only and in no way should be taken to be the provision or practice of physical therapy, medical, or professional healthcare advice or services.
The information should not be considered complete or exhaustive and should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes without first consulting with your physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician or other healthcare provider.The owners of this website accept no responsibility for the misuse of information contained within this website.
The information should not be considered complete or exhaustive and should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes without first consulting with your physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician or other healthcare provider.The owners of this website accept no responsibility for the misuse of information contained within this website.
Elizabeth Scarpelli has improved my health significantly. She has treated both my husband and I at different times over the last 15 years. We have referred her to many friends who have in turn seen her and been happy. When we speak with doctors and specialists in San Francisco, they all recognize her name and express the highest respect.
You will provide us with your referral for physical therapy if you have one. If you don't have a referral, let us know when you schedule your first visit with us (note - a referral is not always needed). Palpation - touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
Reviews (28)
Meredith Brandt
Dec 23, 2021
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I'm immensely happy with seeing Dr. Jonie, I feel confident about walking and traveling again after rehab on my foot. She is so kind, so attentive, and so skilled at what she does. I also loved seeing Sergio and Joe each week, they are amazing (and made the process of going through insurance painless). Obviously no one wants to be injured, but it's nice knowing I have the right people to call if (when?) I do something clumsy and need PT in the future.
Hema P.
Sep 28, 2021
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This is my 2nd time giving PT a try for my frozen shoulder. The first PT after $1200 and 3 months later did little to release the pain from my frozen shoulder or give me increased mobility. Fast forward 1.5 yrs and I have full mobility and zero pain thanks to Yoga and Craniosacral, but my left upper body had zero strength. I wanted to work safely with a PT to build up strength rather than just join some BootCamp or work with a trainer. Reading the amazing reviews for Scarpelli & associates, I had an evaluation booked with Chris. He had a family emergency and canceled the appt. 10 mins before
Neil Z.
Jun 29, 2021
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Liz Scarpelli is a phenomenal physical therapist who uses evidence-based treatments and an incredible knowledge of anatomy and function to treat her patients. She uses both exercise treatments as well as manual manipulation/massage. She really respects you as a patient, and tailors treatments based on your goals. I thought that her approach was kind and also realistic. Finally, she is a wonderful person who was interesting and fun to be around. I would highly highly recommend her for your physical therapy needs.
Vali G.
Apr 09, 2021
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I went to see Liz Scarpelli after getting neck and back pain from teaching via zoom and I'm so happy that I did!
Liz has a lot of experience and is thorough too. She gave me stretches and went over them a few times so I could really master how to do them properly. Each week, I felt better and stronger and now am back to normal.
The whole team are amazing from the front office to Liz herself.
If you are looking for an expert, look no further. You will be in great hands.
Liz has a lot of experience and is thorough too. She gave me stretches and went over them a few times so I could really master how to do them properly. Each week, I felt better and stronger and now am back to normal.
The whole team are amazing from the front office to Liz herself.
If you are looking for an expert, look no further. You will be in great hands.
Aina-Bella Ferrer
Feb 27, 2021
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I have been seeing Liz at Scarpelli for the past month and I couldn't be happier. I had been in PT for over a year but my knee pain would not go away. I decided to switch to Scarpelli based on the reviews and within a couple of sessions the pain has already significantly decreased. Highly recommend them!
Childrens Outdoor Play
Jan 19, 2021
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Liz Scarpelli is the best physical therapist I have ever worked with. When I came to her with a severely damaged ankle, I could only walk a block or two without pain. I'd been told that only surgery would help. Thanks to the incredible treatments I had in her office, and the at-home exercises she gave me, I am now able to walk for miles. Liz is super smart, thorough, patient and very intuitive. And she has an amazing number of tools in her tool bag. She also runs a great office and has a terrific, engaging personality. A True Healer.
Alex P.
Jan 15, 2021
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As a retired physical therapist, I would highly recommend Liz Scarpelli to anyone seeking help for orthopedic issues. She has helped me with four chronic issues. While I've tried other practitioners closer to home I have consistently returned to Liz. She is methodical in her approach, possesses highly trained and experienced manual skills, provides easy to understand home exercise instructions and cares tremendously about making a difference with her patients. I've seen her in the past in person and currently via Zoom. She has been effective in either format.
Joe at the front desk
Joe at the front desk
Neen S.
Jan 02, 2021
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It's really important to have a good PT in your life. The longer you live, the more you'll need a PT, so I've been a patient at Scarpelli & Associates through the years. They're not a preferred provider for my insurance, so I pay extra to visit an out-of-network provider. It's worthwhile, and I suggest you do too, if you can.
Recently I had a fall that left me with a broken wrist, frozen shoulder, and stiff, unusable fingers--lots of pain and reduced function. With not too many visits, I'm back to normal--all parts working again.
The front desk person may
Recently I had a fall that left me with a broken wrist, frozen shoulder, and stiff, unusable fingers--lots of pain and reduced function. With not too many visits, I'm back to normal--all parts working again.
The front desk person may
Stephanie S.
Dec 29, 2020
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My (frozen) shoulder range of motion was back in about 3 weeks, thanks to Chris' mix of recommended stretches and exercises -- both at on-site appointments and at home. And as other issues crept up, he had a plan! It's a super-friendly office taking every precaution during these Covid days. Scarpelli & Associates will definitely be my go-to for any future issues!
Valerie A.
Nov 25, 2020
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Liz Scarpelli was able to significantly reduce my pain and increase my functionality in just 3 weeks, which is an accomplishment given that rehabbing my body has a been a part-time job for me for the last couple of years. She was able to find the right combination of exercises, reps, and intensity that let me finally activate and strengthen some stubbornly weak muscles. It helps that Liz is an athlete (cycling and skiing), which gives her more insight into how the body works and how to prevent and rehab injuries.
Finally, this place has amazing COVID protocols: not just the temperature and hand
Finally, this place has amazing COVID protocols: not just the temperature and hand
William Lane
Nov 05, 2020
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I had a great experience with Liz Scarpelli at Scarpelli and Associates Physical Therapy.
I came to Liz after having sharp pain beginning in my lower spine that went shooting down my right leg. Liz was thorough in identifying the cause and began instructing me in a series of exercises to help reduce the pain. Once the acute pain was gone, we moved to stretching exercises to address a likely culprit in my condition, my tight hamstrings and hip flexors. Finally, after making tremendous progress over the course of about ten days, Liz introduced strengthening exercises and postural awareness drills
I came to Liz after having sharp pain beginning in my lower spine that went shooting down my right leg. Liz was thorough in identifying the cause and began instructing me in a series of exercises to help reduce the pain. Once the acute pain was gone, we moved to stretching exercises to address a likely culprit in my condition, my tight hamstrings and hip flexors. Finally, after making tremendous progress over the course of about ten days, Liz introduced strengthening exercises and postural awareness drills
J. Escobar-Sigman
Sep 15, 2020
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This whole team raises the bar on quality bedside manner and customer service. Individualizing my treatment to fit my specific neck and back needs, Kate has worked with me for the past couple of weeks. I no longer have to go see the chiropractor and acupuncturist to get immediate pain relief because of their treatment plan to address the problem and not just treat the symptoms. They have equipped me with exercise techniques to address my flare ups and strengthen my back and neck muscles. Genevieve continues to help strengthen my core with a tailored Pilates schedule. This whole team is awesome
Stephen M.
Aug 16, 2020
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I was referred to Scarpelli & Associates by my doctor for treatment of a painful joint disorder. I was skeptical at first, since the therapy sessions had to be remote Zoom sessions, but I was very pleasantly surprised at how effective those sessions were. My therapist, Genevieve Feeley, did a fantastic job figuring out the causes of my joint problems and prescribing exercises to address them. I was continually impressed by her ability to identify ways I could make slight modifications to the way I moved my body to alleviate the pain I was having. I would have absolutely no hesitation to
John Allen Thomas
Jun 27, 2020
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Matty V.
Jun 16, 2020
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I’ve been coming in twice weekly to see Chris for about a month now and have been very happy with the results. I like his theory of using the smallest hammer (so to speak) to get results. This means, he isn’t relying on pushing you to the pain limits to see results. He uses a blend of deep tissue massage, stretch and strengthening to see results. To the point that I’ve increased my range of motion dramatically from visit to visit, without pain.
During Covid, I have been impressed with their procedures to protect everyone. Temperature checks, hand washing, open windows and HEPA filters running
During Covid, I have been impressed with their procedures to protect everyone. Temperature checks, hand washing, open windows and HEPA filters running
Kelly G.
Jun 07, 2020
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I had tried PT before early on when I was experiencing problems and didn't find it that helpful. Fast forward a few years & my current doctor advises trying again and pointed me toward Scarpelli.
I really liked that they listened to my years of troubles trying to find relief for my ongoing & increasing neck pain and believed me when I said something hadn't helped rather than them telling me to try something again but under their watch. They were willing to think out of the box and and suggest new things.
Chris is who I worked with most, & Elizabeth a couple of times. Chris
I really liked that they listened to my years of troubles trying to find relief for my ongoing & increasing neck pain and believed me when I said something hadn't helped rather than them telling me to try something again but under their watch. They were willing to think out of the box and and suggest new things.
Chris is who I worked with most, & Elizabeth a couple of times. Chris
Z. W.
Apr 23, 2020
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I've received physical therapy (P.T.) from this office on two separate occasions, for a prior arm injury, and now, for a fractured leg.
I've worked with Liz Scarpelli who has decades of experience, and two younger but experienced physical therapists. I very highly recommend this physical therapy practice.
Whoever you see, they consult one another and you benefit from that.
They also make it easy to deal with billing and insurance.
A thorough assessment is key to developing a treatment plan, and you get that. I made a lot of progress.
Communications about your case and appointments
I've worked with Liz Scarpelli who has decades of experience, and two younger but experienced physical therapists. I very highly recommend this physical therapy practice.
Whoever you see, they consult one another and you benefit from that.
They also make it easy to deal with billing and insurance.
A thorough assessment is key to developing a treatment plan, and you get that. I made a lot of progress.
Communications about your case and appointments
Pam G.
Mar 07, 2020
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Liz Scarpelli and her team were the best I've ever found while I was dealing with a very painful, complex and rare condition called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Not only is Liz very knowledgeable, she listens well to her patients and always gave me the encouragement I needed when things seemed bleak. Most physical therapists couldn't handle my case or simply made me worse. Liz knee how to tailor to my individual needs and goals. I highly recommend this office and I did refer it to other people with my condition.
J. C.
Mar 05, 2020
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A great experience and thanks to Kate who worked diligently on my neck issue. She's a skilled and knowledgeable PT, easy to talk to and I appreciated her focus, advice and home exercises to get me on the road to recovery.
5 stars to Joe at the front desk as well. He's the first voice and first face you encounter here; he's professional and enthusiastic and will get you in as quickly as possible.
5 stars to Joe at the front desk as well. He's the first voice and first face you encounter here; he's professional and enthusiastic and will get you in as quickly as possible.
Holly M.
Jan 25, 2020
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Elizabeth Scarpelli is exceptional. Years ago for a knee injury, a UCLA physician recommended a PT for me saying, "He is one in a thousand."
Elizabeth was his teacher. I never thought there could be another one as good and she sure is. She is knowledgeable, empathetic, listens and responds, supportive but challenges when she knows you can do more. I had a very severe break in my femur collar, surgeon said is was "Off the chart". But with Elizabeth's help, he said "You exceeded my expectations!". I cannot recommend her more highly.
Elizabeth was his teacher. I never thought there could be another one as good and she sure is. She is knowledgeable, empathetic, listens and responds, supportive but challenges when she knows you can do more. I had a very severe break in my femur collar, surgeon said is was "Off the chart". But with Elizabeth's help, he said "You exceeded my expectations!". I cannot recommend her more highly.
Blake H.
Dec 20, 2019
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The team of talented physical therapist here is unparalleled. A little background: I have been a fitness professional for the last 14 years, and before that I owned a massage therapy business. For a living I interviewed soft tissue and sports massage therapist so I am extremely particular. As a former San Francisco NPC physique champion I carry more muscle than most and my body is my livelihood. Before seeing Kate at Scarpelli, I spent $1000's on Chiropracters, acupuncture, massage, muscle relaxers, prednisone, cupping-pretty much all the modalities that have worked in the past however zero
Carrie Motamedi
Dec 02, 2019
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Everyone at Scarpelli and Associates are quality professionals. Liz was recommended by several people for my son's rare condition. Even his surgeon at UC Davis was familiar with her work. Her expertise helped my son progress quickly and more importantly effectively over the course of his 8 week rehab. Scheduling and rescheduling was easy to navigate. Highly recommend!
Ollie B.
Oct 18, 2019
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My PT at Scarpelli, who is Kate, is absolutely fantastic. First, the physical therapist is with you for the whole session, unlike a lot of other PTs. Second, Kate has been so attentive, thoughtful and worked so hard to help my recovery. My lower back issues have improved so much since I started with Kate. I'm super grateful for the care and effort
Christine B.
Oct 10, 2019
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Pao
May 14, 2019
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I have been going to Scarpelli Physical Therapy for a wrist injury and I would highly recommend them. My therapist, Genevieve, is competent, professional and so knowledgeable and I truly believe my quick, steady progress has been attributed to my sessions there. The office has a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere but you can also see that it is very efficiently run. Scarpelli rates top-notch on many levels. I wish I could give them more than 5 stars!
Ian E.
Mar 21, 2019
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Paul M.
Nov 16, 2018
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Words can not begin to convey the amount of respect and admiration I have for Liz Scarpelli. On Two different occasions over the past 8 years she has been instrumental in getting me the care that I needed and access to referrals. She has also guided me back to health on several occasions from a shoulder injury and a few bulging disc. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable but the amount of empathy and care she has is a sheer testament to the healer that she is. I wish all my health care providers where as kind, compassionate and knowledgable as she is. Thank you so so much
Nikki M.
Apr 08, 2016
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I've had a really good experience here and as someone that's almost healed following knee surgery I figured it was time I write a review. I began back in February seeing Chris, who is an awesome PT. Unfortunately Chris sustained an injury himself (no, I did not hit him with either my crutches nor cane) so he had to bow out. This meant the owner Liz had to take on all the patients in the practice! I experienced no disruption in care and was able to continue at my current pace of 2x/week. Sometimes Liz would even stay later than normal to accommodate myself or another patient.
Both Liz
Both Liz
