Physical Therapy Clinics in San Francisco, CA
Physical Therapy Clinics Serving San Francisco, CA
- 1640 Valencia St, Ste 1C, San Francisco, CA 94110 (Mission District)
- (415) 654-5324
- pinnaclekidz.com
- Gross motor delay, torticollis and plagiocephaly, hypotonia, gait/coordination/balance, prematurity, and orthopedic/sports rehab; pediatric-exclusive
- What they're known for: One of the few pediatric-exclusive PT clinics located within San Francisco, with a Mission District home and a broad scope spanning infant torticollis to gait, coordination, and ortho/sports rehab — a natural first call for city families seeking a dedicated children's PT.
- Serving San Francisco (in-home)
- (415) 725-2494
- onesmallsteppt.com
- Babies and preemies, torticollis and plagiocephaly, infant development, and infant bodywork; in-home and telemedicine
- What they're known for: A clinician-led in-home practice focused squarely on infants and preemies, including gentle bodywork for torticollis and flat-head concerns. Care comes to the family's home — ideal for new parents and fragile newborns.
- Mobile; serves San Francisco County (no SF office — in-home/mobile only)
- voyagept.com
- Torticollis and plagiocephaly, developmental delay, tone disorders, reflex integration, and toe walking; experience with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and TBI
- What they're known for: A fully mobile pediatric PT practice that brings developmental therapy to the child's home anywhere in San Francisco County, with a clear strength in tone disorders, reflex integration, and complex diagnoses — convenient for families who want therapy without a clinic commute.
- 64 Main St #2 Rear, Pt. San Quentin Village, CA 94964 (Marin County — serves San Francisco families; also teletherapy)
- (415) 259-8626
- christineegan.com
- Torticollis, gross motor delay, toe walking, hypotonia, and gait; experience with cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome; NDT, orthotics, and Galileo whole-body vibration
- What they're known for: A Marin-based clinic just across the bridge that draws San Francisco families for its NDT training, orthotics expertise, and Galileo technology. Teletherapy extends its reach for follow-ups and coaching when an in-person visit isn't practical.
- In-home, serving San Francisco and nearby counties
- therapista.net
- In-home pediatric physical therapy, including neuromuscular assessment and developmental support
- What they're known for: A mobile pediatric PT practice that delivers neuromuscular and developmental care in the child's home across San Francisco and surrounding counties — a fit for families who prefer therapy in a familiar, low-stress environment.
- 160 S Linden Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080 (San Mateo County — serves San Francisco; also home and school)
- (415) 606-9773
- childrenstherapysf.com
- Pediatric physical therapy, intensive PT, and suit therapy; occupational and speech therapy also available
- What they're known for: Just south of the city in South San Francisco, this multidisciplinary clinic offers intensive PT and suit therapy that few SF-proper providers do — and combines PT with OT and speech, plus home and school services, for families coordinating multiple disciplines.
- 1541 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010 (San Mateo County — serves the SF Bay Area; also telehealth)
- (650) 638-9142
- starfishtherapies.com
- Pediatric PT and OT, early intervention, torticollis and plagiocephaly, movement classes, and parent education
- What they're known for: A well-established Burlingame practice serving the broader Bay Area, with early-intervention strength, parent-education resources, and movement classes alongside 1:1 PT and OT — and telehealth for families who can't always travel down the peninsula.
What Does a Physical Therapist Treat?
Pediatric physical therapists work on how a child moves — rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, running, stairs, balance and coordination — and on the strength, range of motion and motor planning underneath those skills. Much of the work looks like play, because a child practices a movement willingly when it gets them something they want. For adults, outpatient physical therapy covers orthopedic injury and post-surgical rehabilitation, back and neck pain, balance and vestibular difficulty, and movement after a neurological event.
Conditions Physical Therapy Can Help With
Common reasons for a pediatric referral include torticollis and plagiocephaly in infants, gross-motor delay, toe walking, low or high muscle tone, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hypermobility, and returning to sport after an injury. Adult clinics commonly treat back and neck pain, joint and sports injury, post-operative rehabilitation, and balance or dizziness.
How to Choose a Physical Therapist in San Francisco
The right PT depends on your child's age, diagnosis, and your family's preferences. Here's what to weigh:
- Check credentials. Look for a licensed physical therapist (PT or DPT) in California. For specialized needs, ask about relevant experience and certifications (for example, a Pediatric Clinical Specialist, PCS, or NDT training).
- Match the specialty to the need. Infant torticollis, developmental delay, neurological conditions, and intensive or suit-therapy models are distinct areas. Ask how often the therapist treats your child's specific concern.
- Plan for the San Francisco cost reality. Many local and in-home pediatric PTs are private-pay; confirm session rates and whether you'll receive a superbill for PPO reimbursement. Ask about Medi-Cal, California Children's Services, and Golden Gate Regional Center funding. Note that California allows direct access to PT, though insurers may still require a referral.
- Consider the setting — and the map. In-home PT is ideal for infants and busy families; clinics offer specialized equipment for gait, strength, and gross-motor work. Because SF has few dedicated pediatric PT clinics, be open to nearby Marin or peninsula offices that serve the city.
- Ask about caregiver coaching. Progress accelerates when parents practice between visits. Ask how the therapist will involve you and track milestones.
- Act early. For torticollis and plagiocephaly especially, earlier intervention often means faster, gentler results.
Questions to ask during a consultation
- What is your experience with my child's diagnosis?
- How will you set and measure goals?
- How often are sessions, and for how long?
- Are you in-network, or do you provide a superbill?
- How will you coach me at home?
- What outcomes should we expect, and by when?
Physical Therapy Resources in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Regional Center Coordinates services and California Early Start (birth to age three) for San Francisco children with developmental disabilities; can fund qualifying physical therapy.
- California Early Start The statewide early intervention program for infants and toddlers, accessed locally through the Golden Gate Regional Center.
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Pediatric PT evaluations, the Peacock Center for cerebral palsy, and neurology and orthopedic clinics across the Bay Area.
- California Children's Services (CCS) A state program that can cover therapy and medical care for eligible children with qualifying conditions.
- San Francisco Unified School District Public schools provide physical therapy services through IEPs for eligible students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pediatric physical therapy cost in San Francisco, California?
Out-of-pocket pediatric physical therapy in San Francisco typically runs about $150–$275 per session at private practices, with evaluations costing more. Many local and in-home providers are private-pay and provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. Hospital programs such as UCSF Benioff Children's may bill differently, and the Golden Gate Regional Center can fund PT for qualifying children. Confirm rates and coverage directly with the provider.
Does insurance cover physical therapy in California?
Many California health plans cover physical therapy when it is medically necessary, and Medi-Cal and California Children's Services can cover PT for eligible children. California allows direct access to physical therapy for an initial period, though your insurer may still require a physician referral for coverage. Many San Francisco pediatric PTs are private-pay or in-home and provide superbills for reimbursement. The Golden Gate Regional Center funds PT for qualifying children through California Early Start. Verify benefits before starting.
What conditions does pediatric physical therapy treat?
Pediatric physical therapists treat gross motor delays, torticollis, plagiocephaly (head flattening), cerebral palsy, low muscle tone, coordination and balance difficulties, toe walking, post-injury or post-surgical rehabilitation, and conditions linked to prematurity, autism, Down syndrome, or other developmental differences. They help children gain strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.
How long are pediatric physical therapy sessions?
Most pediatric PT sessions in San Francisco last 30 to 60 minutes, with frequency depending on the child's goals — often once or twice a week. Evaluations usually take 60 to 90 minutes. Some clinics offer intensive or suit-therapy models that compress more therapy into a shorter window.
Do San Francisco pediatric physical therapists offer in-home visits?
Yes. Several providers serving San Francisco — including One Small Step PT, Voyage Physical Therapy, and Therapista!, Inc. — specialize in in-home or mobile pediatric PT, which is especially helpful for infants with torticollis or plagiocephaly and for families who prefer treatment in the child's natural environment. Because San Francisco has a small field of dedicated pediatric PT clinics, several established providers are located just outside the city in Marin or San Mateo County and travel to or serve SF families.
When should my baby start physical therapy for torticollis?
Early is best. For torticollis and plagiocephaly, San Francisco pediatric PTs generally recommend starting as soon as a flat spot or head-turn preference is noticed — ideally in the first few months of life, when gentle, non-helmet correction is often most effective. Talk to your pediatrician and a pediatric PT promptly, and ask about California Early Start through the Golden Gate Regional Center if you have concerns.
How long is the wait for a first appointment?
It varies by practice rather than by city, so it is worth asking when you call — a clinic with a long wait for weekly therapy will often book an evaluation much sooner, and some hold cancellation slots. Because of that, most families contact more than one practice on this page rather than waiting on the first. If your child is under three, your state's early intervention program runs on its own timeline and is worth starting in parallel.
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Medical disclaimer. This directory is for general informational purposes. A listing is not an endorsement, referral, or recommendation, and inclusion does not mean we have verified a provider’s credentials, licensure, or insurance. Confirm those directly with the provider before booking. DrSensory is not affiliated with the practices listed.