Dr. David Perna D.C. - Chiropractor

04/30/2008 Posted by Ithaca402

I have visited several chiropractors over the years, and Back & Body Medical is the best I have found. It fully deserves its excellent reputation. Not long ago, I developed a sciatica condition that was so painful that I could not stand for more than a few minutes or walk more than a block without having to sit down and rest. Thanks to Dr. David Perna and the entire medical and physical therapy staff, the condition has virtually disappeared. My thanks to everyone at that office for their extraordinary expertise and absolute dedication to their patients.

Pros: Near major subway stop; appointments start on time; friendly and helpful staff

Cons: Nothing bad to report

04/23/2008 Posted by TCBkgirl

Dr. Perna's "Back and Body" practice is an "all service", top notch place for the back as well as other parts of the body. Besides the staff being professional and proficient; they are very welcoming. It is a great place to go when experiencing back or body pain. Now while you may go for just one thing, they will check you for many other things as well. It may be overwhelming but the good doctor takes time to explain everything in a language you can understand without you having to be versed in medical terms. I have been with the facility for more than 6 months now and I will continue to go as long as I need it. If you are looking for a spa-like massage center; this is not the place for you. But if you are looking to relieve pain, adjust your posture and or get your body in full alignment; stop on by. Of all the places with doctors I have to see, I actually don't mind going to this one! Kudos!!!

Pros: The doctors, staff becomes like family. You are not just a chart or case. They know your name.

Cons: It does get crowded sometimes but it is still better than any other doctor's office.

10/30/2007 Posted by serr90

This is an excellent chiropractic and physical therapy office. I have visited them for a few months now, and can say that the staff are all highly skilled and absolutely committed to their patient. They take the time to explain the treatments, and to work with the patient to resolve the problem. They refer you to other medical professionals when and as needed, and continue with PT follow-up. They treat you like family. I cannot praise them too highly.

Pros: Good office space, excellent equipment, close to major subway lines

Cons: None so far

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/26/2007 Posted by markc514

Dr. David Perna of Plank Medical P.C. is the finest chiropractor I have ever visited. The entire staff is friendly, efficient and highly skilled at what they do. But what’s qualitatively different about them is the way they work with the rest of the medical profession. Unlike those chiropractors who do “adjustments” on new patients without so much as an x-ray or other diagnostic test -- obviously with potentially serious consequences -- and who put patients on a three-visits-a-week schedule that seems to go on forever without much improvement, Plank Medical actually works to cure the condition. They start with a neurological assessment (Dr. Plank is the neurologist, Dr. Perna the chiropractor), x-rays if indicated and other diagnostic tests, all at no extra cost to the patient. They follow through with medical referrals where necessary. When it became evident to Drs. Plank and Perna that I might have a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder, I was sent for an MRI at the excellent Park Avenue Radiologists. Their MRI confirmed the tentative rotator cuff tear diagnosis, and Dr. Perna referred me to Dr. Neil Roth of Lenox Hill Hospital, one of the most esteemed arthroscopic ortho surgeons in the city, or anywhere. I am currently holding off on possible surgery to see if physical therapy can resolve the problem, and fortunately Plank Medical has two superb and dedicated physical therapists, Ann and Vanessa, who have been working with me to make that happen, and who really strive to resolve the patient’s problems. The entire Plank team is especially strong in sports medicine (as is the ortho surgeon Dr. Perna sent me to, Dr. Roth). All staff -- reception, PTs and doctors -- treat you like a close friend. Plank Medical is centrally located, spacious and extremely well-equipped. My job moves next year to a new building on 42nd Street, but if I still need treatment I will certainly make the trip to 58th and Lexington to visit Plank Medical.

Pros: Excellent staff, really committed to each patient's recovery; work well with other health professionals

Cons: I haven't found any

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/24/2007 Posted by kimk52

After making sure my insurance would pay enough my treatment plan began to grow and spread. I really didn't want a chiropractor but on the phone you really couldn't get a straight answer about WHAT THE TREATMENT WAS! My prescription was for physical therapy and although I had this, seems that I was going to get anything and everything they could hand out. Having my neck adjusted wasn't one of the therapies my doctor ordered....Forget this place if you need pt and don't want anything else...

Cons: CHiropractic....

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

10/19/2007 Posted by mdezz

I called in the morning to see if I could get in for an adjustment in the afternoon. Never having been to this practice I was pleased to get one. When I arrived I fillled out 3 pages of docs and then an older gentlemen invited me back, we sat, he asked some questions lightly evaluated my walk and arm strenngth and said Dr. Perna will be right in- I had made an appointment with a Chiopractor but apprently this was a neurologist. Then Dr Perna arrived and gave an appropriate physical evaluation- then studied the copy of my insurance and suggested that I would need x-rays, then after I would need to see his Physical Therapist, then he could give an adjustment after that. I refused x-rays, then he said Id have to pay cash and sign a liability release up front- Once up at the reception I felt like my care was not in the best interest of this office- Announcing my departure the recptionist quickly summoned Dr. Perna to say I was leaving, which I confirmed. The Dr. just said we will still bill your insurance for care, when I stated I wasnt treated he said I had been seen my 2 dr's and evaluated. I just left. My feeling is that they are set up to maximize there revenue stream by passing you on to a Neurologist a PT and then Dr. Perna- instead of just being treated by Dr. Perna for an adjustment- I was being cherry picked by everyone there. I slept wrond Id like an adjustment and to be treated by the CHIROPRACTOR- not passed around to be fleeced and receive care that is driven by billing. They attempt to pass off that their treatment theroy on care is to be seen by all these specialists, when in reality it a financial mechanisim to maximize billing. The $ is not even the issue - the time I wasted was., and attempting to x-ray someone for a muscular issue is neglegent- steer clear.

Pros: They were eagar to take me same day

Cons: Cramped, rundown -make shift half rooms in hallway with curtain for a 4th wall

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

06/13/2007 Posted by dmerkel

I have been going to see Dr. Perna and the physical therapists on staff ( Leila, Ann, and Vanessa ) for over 6 months now. The location is very conveniently located near my office, but I would go here regardless because of the excellent service and treatment. Everyone in the office, including the receptionists, are very friendly and welcoming. I am recovering from torn rotator cuff surgery, and the PT I have been receiving has been excellent. Dr. Perna always fully explained my injuries and how they would be treated. He also recommended an excellent ortho surgeon. Bottom line ... very nice and knowledgable people. Highly recommended!

Pros: Excellent service. Friendly staff

Cons: They are so highly recommended, they are outgrowing their location. Gets crowded at times.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful

06/13/2007 Posted by alyssaf

I have been going to Plank Medical, Dr. David Perna for a year now and would not ever consider going anywhere else. He is a great chripractor and really cares about his patients. He takes the time to explain your condition regardless of how busy he may be. The physical therapists and administrative staff are great as well. They all really make you feel important and always make an effort to see how you are and try to accommodate you the best they can. The're the best!!!

Pros: They Really Take Care of You And Your Individual Situation.

Cons: NONE

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful

06/07/2007 Posted by josiefeliz

I highly recommend Dr. David Perna and Plank Medical! I have been to 1 or 2 chiropractors before, but I must say that Dr. Perna and Plank Medical have by far been my favorite. I have been a patient for almost 2 years now and I must say that I actually look forward to my visits. Dr. Perna has helped me tremendously in treating my ongoing lower back pain that resulted from a car accident that I had a while back. My lower back pain has consistently and dramatically improved. The combination of physical therapy and massage, electronic stimulation and chiropractic care that I continue to receive on a weekly basis have made a true difference in my life. I no longer live with constant lower back pain. The entire staff at Plank Medical is not only professional, but is also as friendly and welcoming as they come. I know that at Plank Medical, I am not just a patient, I am more like a friend. What's more my appointments almost always begin at their scheduled hour with minimal waiting time...and for me and my busy schedule, that is the icing on the cake. ----Josie Feliz

Pros: Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

11/13/2006 Posted by mattgursky

Liked The people who worked at the facility. Everyone was extremely friendly. I was very impressed with the amount of knowledge that the employees here had. I have been in the fitness industry for about 10 years and I was amazed that these people were on the same page as I was in other areas of phsycial well being and not only thier specific field. I personally have a hard time when it comes to admitting that I need help and the staff at Pelham Physical medicine were very comforting and made it easy for me to express the problems I was having. I have a knee injury. I would like to thank the staff for all thier help! I would reccomend them to family and friends!

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful