Pain Medicine Physiatrist
400 Seaport Court
Suite 201
Redwood City, CA
Top reviews
I was referred to SOARSpine as I was seeking alternatives to back surgery. I have had excellent results from the Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Dr. Saal recommended. It has restored me to pain free movement.
Joel S. Saal, MD, is a board-certified physiatrist at SOAR Spine and Orthopedics in Santa Clara and Redwood City, California.
Dr. Saal received his Bachelor of Science with honors from the University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. Before attending Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, he pursued his graduate studies at Columbia University in New York City. Here, he graduated with his doctorate in medicine in 1980.
Dr. Saal completed his training in Internal Medicine at the Children’s Hospital Medical Center of San Francisco, a UCSF affiliate, for his internship and residency programs. He continued to Stanford University to complete his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency. Dr. Saal is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation. He is certified by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine and joined the SOAR Spine and Orthopedics group in 1986.
With a passion for athletics, Dr. Saal has served as a Team Physician for both Men’s and Women’s Athletics at Santa Clara University and previously served as a consultant and team physician for the San Francisco 49ers Football Team. He has also served as a team physician for Stanford University athletics and was their Associate Clinical Professor for the Department of Functional Restoration.
Dr. Saal has participated in and led clinical research and publications in the foundational work of the nonoperative treatment of painful spinal disorders. He has been a principal author in numerous original research publications regarding the role of inflammation and pain in lumbar disc disease and the nonsurgical treatment of painful spine disorders. His work has changed the approach to treating and understanding painful lumbar spine disorders nationally and internationally.
Dr. Joel Saal, along with his brother Dr. Jeffrey A. Saal, co-developed the IDET technology and procedure for treating painful degenerative discs. They were cofounders of Oratec, a medical device company. Their original research has been presented at spine conferences all over the world.
Dr. Saal is a member of the North American Spine Society and has served as a member of their Board of Directors. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Saal was one of the founders of the Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports, and Occupational Rehabilitation (PASSOR), and is a cofounder of Laurimed LLC. Laurimed LLC is a medical research and development company whose mission is to improve interventional, surgical, and nonsurgical treatment methods across medical disciplines and specialties.
Acupuncture
Arthritis Care
Back Pain
Cervical Epidural Injection
Cervical Facet Injection
Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation
Disc Herniation
Electrodiagnostic Testing
Foot and Ankle Pain
Golf Rehabilitation
Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Pain
Individualized Exercise Instruction
Knee Pain
Lumbar Epidural Injection
Lumbar Facet Injection
Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation
Neck Pain
Regenerative Medicine
Running Injury Rehabilitation
Shoulder Pain
Ski Injury Rehabilitation
Spinal Stenosis
Sports Medicine
Ultrasound Imaging
Locations (2)
SOAR Spine and Orthopedics
400 Seaport Court
Suite 201
Redwood City, CA, 94063
SOAR Spine and Orthopedics
4675 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 230
Santa Clara, CA, 95051
More About Dr. Joel Saal, MD
NPI Number
1669430104
Provider's Gender
Male
Reviews
I was referred to SOARSpine as I was seeking alternatives to back surgery. I have had excellent results from the Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Dr. Saal recommended. It has restored me to pain free movement.
I have the best results and experience with Dr. Joel Saal , ♥️
Had SPRINT procedure in low back. Results are good so far. I hope it continues to improve. I now have severe pain 8 out of 10 in my right hip extending down to my ankle. Dr. Saal is scheduling a cortisone injection in early July. I'm hoping to get an appointment sooner if at all possible since I can't walk more than a mile without the pain kicking in.
I felt my visit with Dr. Saal to be very gratifying. He was on time,took time to consider my issue and is carefully moving forward with what steps to take for me to improve. He is thoroughly professional and concerned and reliable. I have been with him for many years, and I am so very grateful that he is still active in medicine. I highly recommend him. Dennis
Thorough evaluation and assessment of lumbar spine problem. Dr. Saal is developing an effective treatment plan after further diagnostic testing.
Knew me and my case
I have been seeing Dr. Joel Saal for my back issues for a long time. He is awesome! I have always had good outcomes.
I have been under the care of Dr Saal since 2002. My back and shoulders have experienced severe and complicated issues throughout the years, from riding motorcycles. He has addressed every issue I have, successfully and found the right remedies for all. He maintains contact with me on a monthly basis, due to my chronic issues. I strongly recommend him to address your pain and injuries. Chiropractors cannot repair complicated injuries. In my case, they wouldn’t touch me. It took Dr Saal’s knowledge, experience and professionalism to address my needs.
The doctor is very elegant and he knows what he is doing. Totally recommended
Dr Joel Saal is very thorough. He remains in constant contact to monitor and remedy my condition. I highly recommend anyone to him, to maintain a pain-free quality of life.
Dr Joel Saal is a great MD who is a great diagnostician and care provider. I would refer anybody to him.
Very pleased with the epidural results. Dr. Saal and staff are great
Joel S. Saal, M.D. is conscientious, personable and understanding. He is very knowledgeable, and he is well informed concerning my lumbar spine disability. James W. Linehan, M.D.
Met Sara the receptionist today, she will be a positive addition to the team. And Jessica the other Dr. Saal’s tech, was so kind even when i was late and called the wrong # to advise. And as always learned new things from Dr. Saal. So thankful to have him for my doctor over 20 years!
Dr. Joel Saal and his team are outstanding!! Very responsive, professional, and expert care!
Appreciate Dr Joel Saal approach to non-surgical treatments for my nagging neck and back pain.
After having back pain for 40+ years, I am pain free thanks to Dr. Joel Saal.
Everyone I talked to, before and during my visit to Dr. Saal's office were kind and helpful. Dr. Saal listened to me and examined me carefully and proposed treatment in a very competent way. His staff were helpful in telling me how to proceed. I'm glad to have met Dr. Saal and the new Soar Staff. Maurice O'Flynn
Good experience as Dr Saal is an expert in his practice, cares and is a clear, concise and thoughtful speaker.
Good experience
Dr. Saal ran a bit late for my appt. but he's worth the wait. He gave me hope and I cannot say enough good about him.
Beautiful office. Dr. was very thorough
Great outcome. Thanks you do much.
All good
Creative, careful analysis of my problem and how best to address it.
Always very concerned and determined to figure out the next steps
Dr Saal has been taking care of me for 20 years. He kept me from a wheel chair. I had a real stupid attack and picked up something way too heavy messing up 4-5 lumbar disks. I know and trust that his staff always has my health first on agenda. A fine sense of humor is always provided too. Clean, orderly, and always showing concern for us folks getting worked on. No kidding, feels like family and none would ever be turned away from my camp fire.( house) Oh, by the way, he can sing really well too. Thankyou Dr Saal for your years of working with me. Sincerely Don B.
Dr. Saal is the best! He has helped me so much over the last several years.
great staff and Doctors
Dr Saal is the best. Helping me since early 80s
