Marissa Darling MD

Biography

I am in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (or Physiatry), which is a branch of medicine emphasizing the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders that produce temporary or permanent functional impairment. While I can provide a spectrum of care within the field of physiatry, I have a special interest in the care of spine problems. I am passionate about human anatomy and biomechanics and I hope to help translate that knowledge into helping you to understand your injury and how your body responds, repairs, and recovers from that injury. The focus of my treatment includes function, therapeutic exercise, and home activities.

In addition, I strongly believe that physical activity, including lifelong weight control, core strength, flexibility, and proper ergonomics are all important in improving and/or preventing injuries. I work together with patients to form an individualized treatment plan that is best for them, and their active participation is a key factor in preventing further injury and having successful treatment outcomes.

I grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Los Angeles for college, medical school, and residency. I graduated from the David Geffen School of Medicine in 2013 and joined Kaiser Permanente after residency in 2017. After spending a decade-plus in Southern California, I decided it was time for me to return home to the Bay Area. I am happy to be rediscovering the natural beauty of Northern California. I consider it a privilege to be a physician, and my goal is to support patients on their health care journeys, optimizing their function and independence so they can enjoy the best quality of life.