Welcome to
TOTAL PERFORMANCE
Physical Therapy
What People are saying
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Beth S.
If I could give Brett 10 stars I would. I was referred to him for some knee and hip pain. He is kind, compassionate, smart, oh so knowledgeable, and plain ol’ nice, which is so important. I knew (hoped) that the knee and hip pain would be taken care of (which they were) because one of my biggest concerns was that as I get older and older (I’m 61) my balance, strength, and flexibility would wane. I’ve been seeing Brett as both my physical therapist (knee, hip) and trainer (for the aforementioned balance, strength, and flexibility) for about 7 months and I’m so proud to say that I can get down on the floor and back up easily (read that as “without holding something and making groaning noises), I can jump 9 inches (I was terrified before), I can lunge, and bend, and balance, and move without pain. If he directs me to do a particular exercise and it doesn’t feel right, he has an immediate tweak, which I call magic. Really, I can’t recommend Brett (Total performance) enough. I plan to continue seeing him for along time. He has helped me so much. I’m not looking to be a body builder, but he is sure helping me build a balanced, healthy, free from pain body. Thank you, Brett.
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Kelly H.
My holistic physician suggested that my minor but troublesome back issues could be helped by some sessions with Physical Therapist Brett Birnbaum. He was right. Brett conducted assessments over several weeks and gave me a series of exercises tailored to my situation. These exercises that I can do at home with supporting videos and instructions (conveniently stored on my phone) have helped me build strength and improve mobility while easing back pain. I was also shown better ways to lift things, rise from a chair, get up from the floor, do everyday household tasks, even cope with long periods of sitting in a car or at a desk. So, when back discomfort returns, I have the tools to reduce or eliminate pain and get on with my day. I highly recommend a session or series of sessions with Brett Birnbaum to help assess your condition, and give you tools to lessen pain and increase overall body strength.
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Jarrett M.
Brett is by far the best PT/performance coach I have ever worked with. As a jiu-jitsu athlete, Brett has rehabbed me through multiple injuries sustained during my grappling career and made me stronger coming out the other side. I would not recommend any other coach to anyone who is in search of a PT or performance professional!
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Holly K.
I started working with Brett after being advised to do PT for rotator cuff issues. I was not a believer in PT but figured I had to follow insurance protocol. It has been a few months now and I am surprised and happy to say I now believe in the power of PT. Brett has been patient with me, my endless questions, & my lack of coordination. (And not only still smiles - he hasn't pulled all his hair out either). He has given me an understanding of the rotator cuff and how the shoulder works - which helps me understand what we are doing and why. Brett works with the gym next door so my workouts and the trainers are on the same page and we aren't undoing all his hard work. Not only has my shoulder mobility improved, I've also learned to slow down, watch my form and engage my core when working out to prevent injury. Just haven't figured out the "relax" part yet. Thank you Brett - you made me a believer.
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Nancy M.
Brett is one of the best, he takes his time to listen and explain in terms that you can understand what is wrong.
This isn't the same old physical therapy where they put you through the motions. Brett makes sure to get you doing exercises correctly and is constantly checking your form.
When I started, I couldn't push a door open without pain in my elbow. I can now push a door open and plug a plug in. I can also put weight on the arm. I still have work to do, but I am confident with working with Brett that he will get me back to "normal".
Brett is an awesome physical therapist; I highly recommend anyone needing physical therapy to come see him.
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Kailey R.
I came and saw Brett almost three months postpartum. I was feeling very weak and didn’t know how to get started with fitness again! Coming with years of training experience, Brett help me build my strength back gradually with proper technique. I couldn’t have done with without him! Highly recommend!
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Marc J.
As a powerlifter, I have had my fair share of nagging injuries. Brett has consistently gotten me through those by focusing in on specific tweaks that are best for my body. He truly understands the idea that every athlete is different and there is no cookie-cutter approach to human performance. To this day, I still use Brett for not just recovery, but for ongoing performance coaching. No one better!
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Hailey L.
I highly recommend Dr. Brett Birnbaum for any rehab or training needs. He is extremely knowledgeable about post-operative care and did a very extensive history prior to creating a custom training plan for me. He is very attentive while exercising, making sure my form is appropriate so I didn’t injure myself. I will be recommending him to anyone that is in need of a skilled physical therapist or performance training.
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Dr. David Brownstein
I have been playing tennis most of my life and have been dealing with serious, long-standing knee injuries as well as back pain from scoliosis. After working with Brett for a few sessions, we developed a long-term plan that has helped me continue to play competitive tennis. I feel stronger, faster, and more stable than I did many years ago. As a physician, I feel confident sending my patients’ to Brett knowing he will take good care of them.
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Rachel J.
I first started working with Brett after a serious meniscus injury. As someone who takes my health and fitness very seriously, I wanted to avoid surgery and make sure I could continue my active lifestyle. Brett worked with me 1 on 1 and I was able to get back to full strength within a few months. I have been working with Brett since and have been able to perform at a higher level than before the injury.
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Sue K.
I’ve personally worked with Brett. What separates him from the “crowd” is his ability to personalize each program to the needs of the individual. No “cookie cutter” programs. The client gets the most personalized program and wonderful follow-up. I couldn’t be happier with what I learned from him.
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Kim P.
Brett is amazing and I would highly recommend him as a physical therapist to anyone. I have had RA for almost 30 years which has resulted in joint damage that eventually lead to several knee and foot surgeries that have severely effected my mobility. Over time this has put me in front of many different physical therapists through the years.
I’ve been going to see Brett at Total Performance for the last 6 months with the goal of gaining back my mobility. Brett has the ability to look at things from a different perspective and custom fit a plan that will benefit the person individually. He is very patient and focused on what works best for you, because not all people are going to rehabilitate the same way or be able to. After working with Brett, I am moving much more freely, able to walk without severe muscle pain in my back and legs, I no longer look like a controlled crash when getting down on the floor and I’m able to get up off the floor. I am very thankful to have been able to work with Brett. He has changed my life!
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Todd L.
My experience at Total Performance Physical Therapy was a very positive one! Brett analyzed my injury and developed personal training exercises for me. Prior to my physical therapy sessions with Brett, I was diagnosed with a full tear on my rotator cuff. I am a very active person. The pain and discomfort kept me from doing a lot of those activities. However, after completing all of my therapy sessions with Brett, I feel much better and am able to get back to the gym and all of the other physical activities that I used to do prior to my injury. I live and work 45 minutes from Total Performance Physical Therapy. However, it was well worth the time and drive. Brett was very professional, and most importantly, very knowledgeable with the body and how to treat my injury. I would highly recommend Total Performance Physical Therapy to anyone looking for a physical therapist! Big thanks out to Brett for helping me in my recovery!
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Chris P.
If you are looking for the best PT in the area, look no further than Brett. I’m 62yrs old, have had four knee surgery’s and have suffered with another knee issue for over 10 years that had me in quite a bit of pain. On top of that, I signed up to do a five day hiking trip in Western Montana this fall that requires me to walk 8-10 miles/day on steep terrain and at high elevation. Brett has almost completely eliminated my knee pain and has me well on the way to be able to handle the mountains of Montana with a customized training plan. I’m loosing weight and feeling stronger every day. Brett is amazing!
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Cory Y.
Brett was great to work with as a remote personal trainer. He’s very knowledgeable and is always willing to answer any questions including on video sessions. His training program helped transform my body and allowed me to reach my goals for my wedding and more. The personalized videos show exactly what you need to do for each workout and make sure you’re using the proper techniques for maximum results and to avoid injury. I highly recommend working with Brett on all aspects of your personal training needs.
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Samantha S.
I highly recommend Brett to anyone who needs PT, and anyone who just wants to understand their own body mechanics better. He was great at pinpointing where my physical discomfort originates and setting up appropriate therapies/exercise plans. He even made videos to follow at home. He has a great attitude and is also very accommodating. I learned a great deal during my sessions about what I need to personally do to prevent injury and improve my own physical well-being during any workout.
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Jeanine C.
Last summer, I was ready to have knee replacement on both knees due to arthritis and previous meniscus surgery. I had done the required PT and attempted to continue the exercises, but the pain persisted. When I spoke with my family doctor, he encouraged me to try one more time with Brett at Total Performance for physical therapy. I really didn’t want to go through knee replacement so I felt this was my last hope.
Brett was very kind and extremely caring toward my situation. He personalized my program to fit my needs and this is rare! I was use to following a prescribed protocol for all knee injuries. With just four simple exercises to begin with, I found almost immediate relief. Brett has continued to tailor my recovery around my needs and the way my body reacts. After 26 weeks, I am back to the gym and working on a program he has designed for me. I feel this is nothing short of a miracle.
I highly recommend Brett to all my friends and have even taken my daughter who is a college athlete to see him for help with her knees and hips. Surgery shouldn’t be the only answer. I’m forever indebted to Brett for his support and care.
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Nick K.
Working with Brett was a great experience. I started using his services to rehab a shoulder injury and Brett's knowledge and expertise got my shoulder back to form in short order. He also addressed range of motion and flexibility issues to prevent this and other injuries from happening. I haven't felt this good working out in a long time, and I owe it all to Brett.
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Samantha W.
Having two kids in sports, I’ve been to my share of physical therapists offices. I highly recommend Total Performance and will never go anywhere else. My daughter is a collegiate athlete and recently had a very involved ankle surgery. Not only did Brett get her up and walking, she’s now running, jumping and able to participate in her sport. He’s very professional, knowledgeable and makes sure his patients understand exactly how to perform each exercise. It’s been amazing to see her progress and I thoroughly appreciate the time and effort Brett puts into his patients. Each exercise is explained, form analyzed and corrected if needed, follow-up videos and emails and he is so responsive if you have any concerns. The most important aspect for me, not only was Brett concerned with the rehab of her ankle, he also worked on her as a complete athlete, not just focusing on one joint. He made sure she was completely ready to return to practice/competition.Can’t recommend him more! He truly cares about his patients!
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Brenda K.
I highly recommend Total Performance Physical Therapy! I have been to far too many PT and Brett is one of the best. He’s very knowledgeable, professional and patient with all the exercises we do. Brett also explains why each exercise will help me and how I can do them at home. I appreciate how he listens to my concerns and I know he’s by my side for safety at all times. Thank you Brett for helping me with my walking & strength. See you next week.
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JP A.
I have nothing but great things to say about Brett. Before working with him I was experiencing severe pain in my low back and had a shooting pain down my leg. I am a college hockey player and this in injury was a big bump in the road but Brett helped me overcome it. After just a couple of months I noticed a huge difference. I honestly don't know where I would be right now without him. What I liked most about Brett was how individualized the session was. Brett gives you his full undivided attention during the session and takes the time to not only make sure that every exercise you are doing is done with the correct form but also explains why you are doing it and how it will benefit you. This is something that I have not gotten at the other PT places I have been to in the past. Brett made me feel like I was more than just a client. I would highly recommended!
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Maureen G.
I have been to several PTs over the years and Brett is by far the best I have worked with. Along with having his PhD Brett is a great listener. He is so thorough in his evaluation and in his personally designed therapy program you feel understood and appreciated. Brett is amazing at movement and the science of the body and how it all relates. He is one of the best of the best.
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Jill B.
I highly recommend Brett at Total Performance Physical Therapy.
He is extremely knowledgeable, an excellent communicator, and really has a passion for helping people.
One of the qualities that really stands out to me, is how down to earth he is, and easy to talk to. That quality is what gave me the confidence to push myself in the gym, and be able to do things I didn’t think I would be able to do.
I was middle aged, newer to training, and also had a past injury to take into consideration. Learning new things and recovering from an injury can feel complicated and frustrating at times, but Brett is able to break everything down so it is easy to understand. He really takes the time to listen, and make his clients feel comfortable.
My experience working with Brett was top notch, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to do so!
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Julie M.
Brett has helped me tremendously recover from a bad hip replacement and knee pain. I was forced to walk up and down steps one foot at a time and now I easily go foot over foot with out thinking. My pain is alleviated and I am much stronger. He worked closely with my workout coaches at Phyx to help me achieve my goals. I skied down a mountain this winter!
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Hailey B.
I have been training with Brett for over 2 months. It has been an extremely pleasant experience. He is very focused on the details and makes sure your form is correct with every exercise. I highly recommend for anyone needing physical therapy or personal training.
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Kyle C.
Highly recommend visiting Brett at Total Performance - I had a lingering knee injury for years that he was able to resolve in just a few weeks.
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Catherine M.
Brett is the best PT I've ever been to. He explains what he is doing and why. He gets right to the source of the problem. He not only fixes the issue you are having, he gets you back into shape prior injury. I would highly recommend Brett.
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Alicia T.
I have been seeing Dr. Brett Birnbaum in physical therapy since December. I had been in back leg and shoulder pain for over a year. After doing his exercises, and with his conscientious, caring, and expert guidance, I am no longer in pain. He is the BEST!
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Beth L.
I started PT with Brett shortly after tearing a tendon in my calf during Pickle Ball. His knowledgeable assessment and treatment plan has helped me get back on my toes in a safe and steady fashion.
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Elizabeth G.
Brett was referred to me by my physician. I have suffered from severe lower back pain due to arthritis and osteoporosis for many years and had become fearful of day-to-day activities and was concerned these conditions were the beginning of a downward spiral. In the nearly two years I have been under his care, I have reversed these fears and have significantly reduced the pain in my back. Working with Brett has also increased my overall fitness and restored my confidence. He is extremely knowledgeable and by far the best Physical Therapist I have ever been treated by. An added benefit is that he is incredibly kind, optimistic, and supportive. I trust him completely and highly recommend him to anyone.
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Sheldon S.
I’m 68 years old and have been an athlete since I was five. Years of training and participation have broken my body down. As a result, over the years I’ve developed chronic back and neck issues. Typically I manage these through a daily stretching regiment and periodic chiropractic work; these ailments really never left me.
A little over a year ago I started working with Brett once a week. In studio, he showed me different exercises to strengthen my body. The studio work was supplemented by a home program which I integrated with my daily stretching. This work with Brett has eliminated my back and neck issues and I’m now pain free.
Thank you Brett!
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Andrew S.
I had some lower body problems that started to affect my quality of life in the gym I wasn’t successful in improving until I started seeing Brett. He was quick to figure out where things needed improvement and my progress quickly went up and my symptoms are gone after just a couple months. He is extremely smart but also very personable and is 100% 1 on 1 with his clients tailoring everything for them. I highly recommend Brett / Total Performance for physical therapy.
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Rick R.
I was in a bad way when I met up with Brett. He was very in tune with my issues and formulated a plan to get me back on my feet. Brett would always check with me on my progress during the initial examination and also during our therapy/workout sessions. If there was pain, he would modify the therapy to keep positive progress going without the pain. He was so good about making sure I didn’t overdo the workouts which is easy for someone ambitious and wanting to get back in shape quickly. So, I followed his advice and very cautiously got back into good enough shape where I could continue this on my own, and eventually got back into a condition where I felt really good again.
A year after I’ve finished working with him, I continued his recommended workouts and added a bit more; I would have to say, at 64 years old, I feel like I’m in my 30’s again. Way to go Brett and thanks for helping me turnaround and boost my physical health to where my youth and vigor excels again.
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Rose M.
Brett’s an Amazing PT. I was starting to feel old at 74. Thinking it may be time to give up Pickelball and golf. Thank you, Thank you Brett! I’m back full speed, loving life and enjoying all activity’s. Also, surprised my grandkids, can bounce up from siting on the floor. You’re the best! 😊🤗💃🏼
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Chris Z.
Brett is very knowledgeable and does a great job putting together home programs/ exercises for me to get stronger. I have been working with him over a year and my knees are significantly stronger which has allowed me to continue playing all the sports I love.
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Deborah S.
Knowledgeable, personable, encouraging, supportive and patient!
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Jim O.
Very knowledgeable, professional and clearly showed he wanted to help address my issues. I’ve been to PT several times in last 10 - 15 years and none come even close to what I achieved while working with Brett.
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Denis R.
I highly recommend Brett at Total Performance. He helped me regain strength, mobility and balance following a serious fall. He is a very capable and professional, and a very upbeat and encouraging trainer. I recommend highly.
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Kristin W.
I found Brett from my general doctor during an annual physical. I explained to him that I had been battling tennis elbow for over a year. He suggested doing PT and gave me Brett’s information. I visited Brett and was immediately impressed with his professionalism and attentiveness to my issue. He suggested 6 visits should help my issue but having lived with it for over a year I was skeptical. He was right! I immediately starting noticing a difference between in the office work and the exercises he told me to do at home. I cannot recommend him enough! I hope I don’t need his services in the future, but I do know if anything starts to feel off I’m making an appointment immediately!!!
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Grant M.
OMG! He fixed my knee. I am 60 years old and have always had knee problems but last year I found a heart condition as well. Doctors said EXERCISE, 5 to 6 days a week. My knees laughed. A natural path doctor suggested physical therapy. I worked with Brett for several weeks. Brett sent me videos of the exercises so I could do them and do them correctly at home between sessions. I have other issues so working out the bugs in one area caused issues elsewhere, but Brett did not give up. He is truly knowledgeable and detailed orientated and when one thing did not work often just a small change in an exercise would do the trick. And then one day, POOF, the pain stopped, WHAT! Exercise is a lifelong pursuit for a long healthy life. If you have issues, you owe it to yourself, before you take a pill or let a doctor cut you to work with a physical therapist, and Brett is one of the best. My knee feels great, and I plan to go back in the fall to work on some of my other problems. Thanks Brett!!
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Marilyn S.
Brett had me work slowly at first, very carefully, because I had a horrible injury falling down my basement stairs at age 80. No one seemed to help in the capacity that he gave to me personally. Very caring, very knowledgeable, and very precise. He is a G-d send. If you are really sincere about getting better, there is not a more sincere doctor for you.
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Michelle L.
I have been to three other physical therapists who were not very helpful with my issue. Brett was the only one who really made any change in my quality of life. I would recommend him to anyone and will contact him again if I need to in the future.
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JYM
Description I had a total knee replacement in 11/2023. Surgery went well, and had already made apts w/ Brett, for as soon as possible after surgery. Have done PT in various other, typical places over the years for misc. body parts. NONE of them were anything like working w/ Brett. Credit him, at least in part, for me not requiring the walker after 2-3 weeks. Never had to use a cane, either.
I've been v. grumpy and not in a positive frame in mind due to the surgery but Brett was unfailingly cheerful, optimistic and an extremely skilled professional. My husband continued to go w/ me to observe progress and how to help me at home with my “homework.” He was also impressed w/ Brett's abilities.
Not in the best physical condition before surgery; I assumed I’d be on the slower side of recovery/healing. Ends up I seemed to be ahead of the curve, to me and my surgeon's surprise [I was shocked!]. Credit that in part to having a v. skilled surgeon and for the care and treatment Brett gave me. He'd push me, even when I did not want to be pushed. but he is such a very persuasive fellow he'd get me to do it!!! Magic, voodoo....??
Did two 20 session packages. We felt v. confident in his ability to help me keep improving and healing up.
I am scheduled for the other knee total replacement soon. While not looking forward to it, I have so much confidence in Brett's abilities to overcome my grumpiness and help me heal that I feel more optimistic about it.
I've been going to the gym to keep on top of my improvements and get better for surgery #2. He's been helpful with questions arising from doing my own workouts, plus suggestions for optimizing them. Knowing I can consult him makes me feel more supported. He's also been a v. good sport about learning more than he probably ever wanted to about horses and riding, my other main activity. This is my frame of reference for physical activities. The metro Detroit area is unbelievably lucky to have such a terrific, kind, willing and able therapist as Brett around. I'd never do PT again w/ anyone else! Thanks Brett for coming to our area!!!!
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Gayle G.
Brett is absolutely amazing and wonderful to work with. I came in with a torn miniscus and his knowledge about anatomy and the body is above and beyond. I am so happy I decided to trust Brett. He always takes the extra step, caring about each and every client, and gives you his full attention. The homework links he sends are also excellent with tutorials and videos incase you forgot what the exercise was. I would highly recommend Brett!
2474 Orchard Lake Road
Sylvan Lake, MI 48320