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Chiro-Medical Group
Rating Details »
Categories: Chiropractors, Sports Medicine, Family Practice [Edit]
Neighborhood: SOMA246 1st St
Phillips Building, Suite 101
(between Howard St & Folsom St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 495-2225
(TPI) Premier Golf Program
Want to improve your golf game? Dr. Scott Calzaretta is TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) certified. Special Price is $999, mention Yelp.
- Hours:
Mon-Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
116 reviews for Chiro-Medical Group
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
7/22/2009
8/28/2009
10/19/2009
Updated - 11/3/2009
8/14/2009
11/12/2009
10/28/2009
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Updated - 3/2/2009
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3/28/2007
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
Over time--about 5 months--I was losing mobility on my left arm. I could not reach behind myself or lift my arm straight over my head without horrible pain--and my partner and I were expecting a baby in a few months, so I needed help fast.
After one visit with Dr. Greene (he has worked magic on me numerous times), we decided we needed to expedite my healing process so he sent me to a surgeon to see if I needed surgery or PT or both. Fortunately she recommended PT so I went to work with Lisa Paradise and Jenny, but mainly Lisa. Within 2 months I had 95% of my reach back and no pain--I started at about 50%. All of that was just in time to tote around my son--who is not lightweight!
I want to thank the PT staff, and I highly recommended them all--especially Lisa.
I've been going to chiropractors for over twenty years, and Dr. Greene is the best doctor I've been to. I happen to be both a clutz and love to snowboard. Not exactly the best mix in the world to be, but that's where Dr. Greene comes in. I came to his office after having a not so pleasant experience with another Chiropractor and heard of his services from a friend. I was amazed at the quality of their facilities and their very large physical therapy room in the back.
I've wrecked myself up on the mountain snowboarding and fallen down a flight of stairs head first on my back and every time, Dr. Greene has put me back together again. He has the kind of personality that puts you at ease the moment you meet him. I was in such bad shape after the stairs that he told me he could only use the electro stimulus machine on me the first visit because my muscles were in such a spasm. A sure sign of a good Chiropractor is if they're not afraid to say, "I can't even work on you yet" because they know how the body and muscles work.
I also had a couple of physical therapy sessions for my ankles. And although I don't think I would pay a tremendous amount out of pocket for it, if your insurance covers it, do it. I learned how I was holding my body incorrectly and proper exercises to strengthen and improve my posture.
I would recommend Dr. Greene in a heartbeat or shall I say...a muscle spasm.
I was really looking forward to going to Dr. Scott Calzaretta... his profile is nothing short of fantastic. And when he saw me his treatment was really good. As a Chiropractor I have no doubt that he is terrific.
Now let's talk about the business end of things...
At McDonalds there is a Mc-Clock which tells each cashier how quickly they must (* on penalty of Mc-dismissal) mc-move each Mc-Customer through the Mc-Line. I got the feeling that Mc-Medicine is served here. I am not a Mc-Patient.
Supersize? Do you want some extra appointments with your adjustments? ....
Let me raise the Skunk in the Room -- would I really have been asked to come back 3x/wk for 3 weeks straight to treat a simple neck strain if it was just as profitable for the doc. to see me twice? Buyer beware.
"Let ME tell YOU what WE are going to do"
Doc... you made my skin crawl with the creepy feeling that I was talking with a bad salesman.
I am taking my minor neck pain elsewhere.
after reading some people's reviews, i guess the commitment i have made with them wasn't necessary? but at least I am feeling better.
The reason I am giving them less stars than before it's I HATE WAITING!
you know when you come in they have a sign says WE RESERVE RIGHT TO RESCHEDULE YOU IF YOU ARE 10 MIN LATE. and you know you have to sign 24 HRS CANCELLATION CHARGE-$25?
so how much do I get if i want 40 min?
Actually I have never NOT wait...what is the purpose of appointment TIME??? I think they are NOT good at make schedules. I understand that you may running late, but aren't you supposed to consider that too when you take appointment in the first place?
10-15 min wait will be shortest if you see Dr. Calzaretta,
5 stars for Dr. Calzaretta-he always fixes my back good, my back feels so much better
1 star for the waiting time. SUCKS, SUCKS AND SUCKS....
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/21/2009
I started feeling tight/stiffness on my back since last Saturday, it bothered me even when i am… Read more »
I've been here twice for annual exams and 1 other time on an emergency basis.
Chiromedical was able to fit me in to see a doc when I called that same day...that was nice. kudos to them.
I've seen 2 different women docs for my annual exam. I was trying to see Meagan Dasher who was recommended to me by a co-worker but she has since left. so my reviews revolve around Dr. Ali and Dr. williams??? I'm forgetting her name now.
Anyways. Dr. Ali was thorough, not very personable. She seems to operate on script. She sometimes asked me several of the same questions. I guess she forgot where she was in her script. I needed bcp and gave her the name of the one I used to be on but she never heard of it so she gave me another.
A year later I need to make an appt and I tried a diff doc. She seems well versed and knowledgeable. She heard of my old bcp brand and thought it was weird Dr. Ali didn't hear of it. She was pretty good with her questions and with her answers to my questions.
One thing that I took notice was that the first time I changed she took awhile (not too long) but just came into the room without knocking. I figured that since she took a bit of time she didn't need to knock. Nothing major.
However after the exam and I was now getting dressed...the chair where i put my clothes on is right next to the opening of the door..and she comes barging in...I said "wait" and preceded to jump behind the door. WTF I'm thinking. She comes in and starts having a normal conversation with me like "here's your prescription and..." i'm sitting here with my boobs all hanging out and she just doesn't get it.
I don't like this. She was in a hurry because right after she left my room, she goes into the adjacent room to see the next patient. She could have given my prescription to the lady at the front or wait....she could have knocked!
I'm not going back. I contacted my old doc from student health at UCSF and she gave me a place to go to in the city. She was by far the best doctor I have ever seen, hopefully her referrals are half as good.
My review is for the physical therapists Lisa, Bobby and Kelly (Kelly isn't there any longer). I've never really seen any of the other specialists at CM.
I'm am avid runner and cyclist (w/ swimming in the mix for triathlons occasionally. Who really likes swimming all that much anyway?). As with most endorphin junkies, my mood changes when I get cut off from those activities.
2 years ago, I had achilles tendonitis which stopped my running cold. I tried recovering on my own for about 2 months without any success. After 5 weeks of PT with Kelly and some from Bobby, it was as if though I'd never had it.
Last year, I split my left peroneus brevis tendon (longitudinally). I couldn't really do anything except run on pavement (anything else, including trail running, swimming and biking) made it hurt. I didn't know that I had actually split it at that point. They worked on it for a few weeks eventually agreed something more was 'up'. The MRI showed the split which equaled 'surgery' (and several additional opinions agreed). The post-surgery PT with Lisa and Bobby took about 7 weeks. I am biking, running and swimming again - all without any pain. I have no doubt I'll be competing again before long. Kudos also go to the surgeon, Vincent Marino, DPM, too, of course (he has his own practice - not part of CM).
Bobby and Lisa (and Steve and Jamiss) are fun and easy going, which makes PT visits much less of a drudgery, and they really seem to know what they're doing. I say 'seem' because as analytical as I think I am, there still seems to be some magic about what they do. I'd give them more stars if Yelp allowed that.
I've never had any billing or insurance surprises at CM, either. I have Blue Shield PPO, which is good insurance (though expensive), which probably helps.
And as for waiting, I doubt I ever waited more than 5 minutes to be seen, and that was rare. They were almost always the ones waiting for me. :-)
Not a good experience. Not at all.
As a firm believer in Chiropractic.. I had to get my back into shape. I had horrible lower back ache from long hours at work. It got so stiff that I had to move slowly in order to move at all. I usually see a Chiropractor in the Sunset District, (A GREAT ONE at that) but since its a longer drive thru the city, I chose one closer to my work and home. I am so glad I did!
Dr. Rabbetz is a great doctor. He was direct and to the point. The office equipment was updated, state of the art, even! His chiropractic assistant, is also very good! She is a great listener, knowledgable, and has hands of magic. They might think of changing their practices name to "Magic Hands Chiropractic" I should set up an appointment.. to see my team of magic hands :)
There is hourly parking in a garage across the street, and street parking right in front. (Beware meter maids work in force this area) One hour maximum for the street parking..
I cant believe there are bad reviews for Chiro Medical Group. I have been going here for over a year and half on a regular basis due to a bad injury. I could not ask for a better experience.
First off, I would have to say this office is incredibly nice and willing to help out in any situation. I have had them help me on my insurance appeal numerous times without any hassle. The hassle is the insurance company not the staff.
Second off, AWESOME medical care! I have been experiencing lower back issues for the last year and half of my life. Words can not describe my gratitude to Dr Wolfer, Dr Greene and LisaP.
Dr Wolfer finally was able to diagnosis me! Yay for that. She is so kind that you wish all doctors could be this amazing! She has a gift!!!
Lisa and Bobby both have been incredibly kind and patient with me. They are so easy going that you feel like you have known them forever. Lisa persisted until I had a full recovery. I am now running after taking almost what seems like 2 years off. Both have hands of magic!
And of course, Dr Greene...I was so scared and apprehensive of Chrio services. I did not have to say it - he just knew. He is that amazing and assured me there is nothing to worry about! He is so personable and makes you relax so easily it is unbelievable. Did I mention that I am not a touchy feely person? So for me to relax is not that easy and he was able to!!! I am so glad that I continued seeing him the last year and half! He is amazing.
And above all, I am feeling "normal" due to all the great members of Chiro Medical Group!
Dr. Anne Williams is fantastic. She is an integrative medicine practitioner who is open to a holistic view of medicine, and not just a narrow western view. She is to-the-point, yet compassionate... making a comfortable atmosphere for her patients.
The facility is welcoming, and so are the receptionists.
The doctors, the trainers and all the staff are ABSOF@#KINGLUTELY amazing.
Whether its the front desk staff who greet you, or the folks who check you in inside, or the therapists, or the doctors themselves - coming here is always a pleasant (OK! When I'm having my body twisted it ain't so grand!) experience and I leave feeling loose and relaxed. They know their stuff, are friendly and have a good sense of humor, really look out for you and will not push you to do anything unless they truly felt it was good for you.
My hero - Dr. Taylor Rabbetz! Ye yah!
I've been coming here for about 5 years and Dr. Taylor STILL is high up on the pedestal of folks I owe my good health and good life to!
2005
- Did not have a clue on how to run, wore the wrong shoes (Sketchers!) and ran like Dr. Evil's son, all of which culminated in a severely impacted knee as I ran down Twin Peaks (I was chasing a cute runner, folks!).
- 5 months of PT with Dr. Taylor and his team had me back running, working out, swimming, biking and all this, with a spring in every step.
2007
- Long distance trail running in the Marin Headlands made my right IT band go tits up on me to the extent that I could not go down one step without experience shooting pain up my right body.
- 3 months of PT with Dr. Taylor and his team had me back in shape in no time. They recommended great stretches, great exercises and I was back in the game feeling greater than ever!
2008
- Tore my right arch running down Strawberry Hill (nope, there are no strawberries on that hill) and painful as it was, it was awesome getting handicap seating at concerts, restaurants, buses and even parades. I was in crutches and LOVED the attention.
- It's been about 6 months since that happened and my arch has healed pretty well and I'm back in training for the SF Marathon
Dr. Taylor and his team (Shrivanthi and Jez) are absolutely the best! When my company changed from PPO to HMO, I did not mind paying the extra $80 every month to keep my PPO and continue to be able to see Dr. Taylor - that's how good he is and then some!
Whether you're looking to just get adjusted or are training for a marathon for the first time or the 30th time, Dr. Taylor is your guy and Chiro Medical Group are the folks you want to see for sure!
Hal Rosenberg is a god.
I was having some pretty heavy right side pains from rocking out to a 10 hour weekend of gigs (swinging and dancing a 20lb bass around for 5 hours a night), and think i triggered an old injury. Either way, I was in severe pain. i saw Hal 4 times and the pain is gone.
Thanks Hal. You deserve 10 stars.
I fell off a 15 ft boulder and landed flat on my back. Obviously, that hurt. After seeing a sports medicine MD, I decided to try a chiropractor. I was skeptical at first, but Hal Rosenberg made me feel totally comfortable (he's a climber!) and at ease. He adjusted me, did a little myofacial release and I immediately felt better. I was excited to continue treatment with him.
Later that afternoon, I get a call from the insurance guy at Chiro-Medical group. He tells me that they don't accept my insurance. Ummmm.... don't you think they should of checked this before they treated me? Now I am out $190 and disappointed that I couldn't continue with my treatment there.
So I give Hal Rosenberg 5 stars.......but the office gets 2 for not checking my insurance before my treatment, so overall I guess that would be a 3.
In fairness, the chiropratic experience I had here was fine. That sad:
I called asking to see a DOCTOR for my very sore shoulders, scared I'd broken something while snowboarding. I came in and was greeted by a nice guy who responded yes when I asked "are you the doctor?"
I found out afterwards that he was a chiropractor, which isn't covered by my insurance, which is why I asked initially. After being informed that their rep "wasn't going to argue semantics with me, a chiropractor isn't an MD but they are a doctor." I was charged $150.
Thanks for the rip-off Chiro-Medical!
I have an appointment here next week but already I am uneasy about my visit. Trying to speak with anyone here who has a medical degree reminds me of the movie Catch 22 and the situation with Major Major - in that you can only see the Major when he is not in, and if he is in his office, no one can see him.
That is what this center seems like - when the medical staff is in you cannot see them, but please call back when they have all left and you can be transfered to their extension.
When I was a member or Kaiser I could always speak with a nurse and I suppose that I now have a high expectation of medical facilities and their services.
This keeps getting better so I thought I'd include you all...
I went to Mexico and came back with a cough. It didn't seem major, just annoying. Since I'm waiting for Dr. Newcomer to open her own practice, I haven't found a new doctor yet. So I just thought I'd get some rest and vit c and get over it. After four weeks, it turned into something major. Because it was a Friday and I don't have a dr anymore (refusing to return to Chiro Med) I spent all day Saturday (Valentine's Day) in a clinic in the Mission.
I have insurance but no dr so I paid $60 and waited 3 hours to have a guy down there prescribe an antibiotic. I started feeling better about five days later but it's been two weeks and I'm still coughing so I feel like I should see a dr again. Because most of the practices won't take new patients for months, I scheduled an appt with Chiro Medical Group as a last resort. It was either that or go back to the clinic and overpay despite having insurance.
I made an appt last Thursday (I think) for the following Tuesday. I got a call on Monday from Deena saying they saw my review on Yelp and want to know why I am coming in. I explained that I was desperate. She suggested I might feel more comfortable going to another provider. I told her that was true but that it was urgent to see someone and no one else could get a new patient in quickly enough. She continued to say I must understand how they feel and I should consider going somewhere else.
On one hand I feel a little sorry for them and she's totally correct that I would not feel comfortable being there, considering all my negative experiences. However, I need medicine immediately. I'm surprised they can deny care to someone, even someone who had written such a scathing review.
Now I'm back to Yelping through my racking cough trying to find someone who will see me right away! Thanks for all the reviews you have all written - so helpful in finding a great provider! I won't give up.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/17/2008
This place was recommended to me because they used to have an extraordinary doctor there - Dr. Peggy… Read more »
I feel like I've gotten to know everyone here at Chiro-Medical group because I've received so much service from them.....and there is SO MUCH MORE to this place than I ever realized.
In addition to having a very diverse staff of Chiropractors, they also have massage therapists on staff and Physical Therapy.
No one ever wants to be in pain, but this would be the place to come to if you are.... Their front (and back) office staff are all so wonderfully friendly, and the therapists are all extremely talented too.
While I was referred here by a friend, I feel like it is my role to refer the Chiro-Medical group to EVERYONE!!!
So...This place is walking distance from my job and I had seen a mix of reviews from yelpers. I had a small rash and I wanted some hydrocotizone cream... the good kind. And they were great! Fast! Efficient! I have a $0 Co-pay so it was free. The doc talked to me and answered all my questions.
So I decided to go back for a girl check up. And a meeting ran late so I called and said I would be 10 minutes late and they said, "Sorry, I have to cancel your appointment. It will be $50 what type of card would you like to use?"
WHAT!?! MINUS 2 STARS!
1 month later a $200 bill comes! They charged me for a consultation fee to look at my rash! And took whatever my insurance paid them.
WHAT!?! MINUS 2 STARS! I am still working out how to get out of that!
Dr. Hal Rosenberg has cold eyes like Hal9000.
He fixes your back like no one else though.
And recently he's fixing also a problem I've carried for years on my right hand.
I'll go and pay a visit to him even if I get a simple cold, he has the cure!
I love this place! I have been going for 6 months or so for chiro treatments and physical therapy for some severe scoliosis. I happily have noticeably less pain and feel much stronger. When my painful areas flare up (wearing the wrong shoes, working too many hours at a desk job, lifting things that I know are too heavy) both the doc and the physical therapist work with me on the specific area and I always leave feeling much better. Primarily I see Bobby for PT. He's a really nice, personable guy and a compassionate and great/experienced therapist. I also see Lisa who has the same qualities. Plus, they each have a great sense of humor, so its always fun even when its hard work. All the other therapists are really nice and always call me by my name. I always feel better when I leave - both physically and emotionally. For the chiropractic end, I saw Dr. Calzaretta at first. He's a real nice guy, great at what he does, but he tends to run really late most of the time which is an issues with me, so because of our schedules, we agreed Dr. Lord would be a good fit, and it has turned out that way. Dr. Lord is also great at what he does, very personable and compassionate, and he has a dog that he totally loves (lots of points here). I am really picky about who I trust with my back, and I trust him (and Bobby and Lisa) completely. And then there is the rest of the staff - this is just the nicest place to come to. I got really sad when I thought my insurance coverage had expired because all these people are such a positive part of my life (sorry if I'm getting too mushy!). Randy, in client services, has been a huge help in figuring out my insurance stuff and getting regular appointments scheduled for me. Today everyone was dressed up for Halloween - it was great! Having a guy in a full head to toe (yes, even the shoes) skeleton outfit adjust my back was a kick (he did take the mask off for the work tho). So, five big stars for Chiro Medical.
1 star because I LOVE Dr. Greene. He is awesome and deals with me on a weekly basis. He is one of the nicest and most approachable Doctors ever. He always knows whats up with my craptastic back. I always feel better when I leave, where as my russian physician always makes me feel scared and anxious when I go in with a sore throat.
1 star because they helped fix my right knee problem. I had no idea I was such a wuss.
1 star because they took me when I couldn't lift my head an inch off the ground and helped fix me.
1 star for steve and bobby and lisa who I've seen at one point of another for one of my numerous injuries.
1 star for the other knee problem they're going to help me fix in the near future.
I've recommended Dr. Greene to my closest friend and boyfriend. They love him too. Seriously, I would be a cripple without them.
I've been seeing Dr. Randall Toal for my bum foot and he's been incredibly helpful and supportive! He provides great patient care and is just very easy to talk to. Usually I feel timid about peppering medical professionals with questions (I'm kind of a hypchondriac) but Randall is really patient and forthcoming with his answers and in explaning the reasons for his recommendations and treatment. He's a former world-class athlete in volleyball, so I definitely trust his judgments when it comes to sports-related injuries.
In general Chiro-Med has very knowledgeable doctors and a friendly staff bursting with personality. A great place to get treatment, especially for sports-related injuries.
Dr. Williams was wonderful. Just absolutely, amazingly marvelous and wonderful. Attentive, patient, warm, and she answered my hundreds of questions with such care and detail! She never made me feel rushed or assumed I knew things I didn't -- she tendered just the right amount of explanation for everything.
And I'm a very inquisitive patient, so that was just perfect for me.
I can't say enough good things about the Chiro-Medical Group. After a week of back pain that was only getting worse with each passing day - I made an appointment here. Dr. Rosenberg is the best of the best. He was open and honest about what was going on with my back and what the best plan of treatment would be. I didn't feel rushed or hurried - Dr. Rosenberg took the time to make me feel better. My back is much, much better and I would not hesitate to send people to see Chiro-Medical. I am so happy I decided to go here.
The Greene Team always takes such good care of me and my boyfriend. Sal prepares us for the adjustment with therapeutic massage that helps loosen some of the most stubborn muscles. This makes for a much more effective chiropractic adjustment than chiropractic alone.
Dr. Greene and Sal help you learn how to adjust your body habits to prevent chronic pain or injury. Dr. Greene and Sal both show that they care about you, and that care makes the appointment more relaxed and the treatment much more effective. I also appreciate that Dr. Greene and Sal both demonstrate stretches and postural adjustments (even recommending proper footwear) to speed your recovery.
To further your treatment, visit Bobby, one of the physical therapists. Bobby will identify, demonstrate, and facilitate your practice of additional exercises and stretches. He will then provide you with a personalized print-out describing the exercises and stretches that suit your needs.
Be an active participant in your treatment, and you will soon realize your pain is managed. Thanks, Greene Team!
Dr. Greene is awesome. I've been to several different chiropractic offices in the city, and this one is the best. Professional, clean office, attentive, friendly staff. Greene always (patiently) listened to my complaints. As for the reviewers complaining about the aggressive follow-up schedule - have you guys BEEN to a chiropractor before? This is part of the deal. If you don't want to commit, tell them where your limits are - stop blaming people for your poor communication skills. And the other folks - why are you going to a chiropractic office for primary medical care - what are you thinking?
PRAISE DR. LORD!!! I was incredibly bummed when I strained my rotator cuff doing 50 pull ups last month. As a trainer and owner of LaLanne Fitness-CrossFit, working out IS MY LIFE... therefore I NEEDED to get back to training ASAP! After a week of suffering, I decided to go to Kaiser to get checked out. The doctor moved my arm around for 30 seconds and said, "It's not broken, just rest for two weeks and do nothing except move your forearm side to side." What the @%#??!!! I know better than to do that! That is the worse advice you can give a patient, particularly an ATHLETE! Crappy advice for a $100 co-payment... GRRR!!
This is when Dr.Lord came into play. He is a fellow CrossFitter and student of LaLanne Fitness, so he knows FIRST HAND how intense we train and how passionate we are about CrossFit. His goal was to get me back training as quickly as possible. I had spent years seeing chiropractors and physical therapists when I was younger for a severe back injury and NONE of it helped. CrossFit was the only thing that helped. SO you could imagine how skeptical I was to see a chiropractor about a shoulder problem, even if the chiropractor was a trustworthy student... but I thought what the hell... couldn't hurt.
From the moment I stepped into the facility, everyone was super friendly and warm. Dr. Lord spent an hour assessing my condition and working through ranges of motion, etc. I don't know the technical lingo for what he did, I just know that I was blown away by how thorough he was and how amazing my shoulder felt the very next day. I have probably seen 20 different chiropractors in my life and they would all spent 5-20 minutes TOPS cracking and popping me like I was bubble-wrap! I also didn't need a "life prescription" to get back to 100% (i.e. see me for an adjustment 2 x week for ummmm....LIFE!) He said it would probably take 5-6 treatments depending on how well I responded and how diligent I was about heeding his advice. He was absolutely right! I just left his office now just having my last treatment AND GUESS WHAT?!!...... I was able to do my KIPPING PULL UPS at the end of the treatment!
I feel like baking him a cake right now or naming my first born child after him, but I figured Yelping about it is the best thing I could do at the moment. It's actually better this way. So now other people could discover that they don't need to live in pain and that they can get back to whatever sport they do, even if it's only channel surfing.
THANK YOU LORD....DR. LORD...that is!!!
I was very surprised when looking through the past reviews to find the Chiro group as either a 5 star or a 1 star, no 3 stars at all....
I found this place by looking at who my insurance provider carried and that was close to my work so I could walk over and get worked on. I have gone about 10 times so far to deal with back issues I had been putting off for many years. I would say my experience is above decent, although the results haven't shown up as quickly as I would like them to, that might be due to the fact that I have abused my body for a long period of time before trying to patch it up.
The reception is clean and quiet, the staff is above friendly and the few times I have had to change or cancel my appointment they have been cool about it. I leave there feeling better than when I got in which is fairly important to me. I also feel that they have done a decent job at explaining what is going on and why things are the way they are. I do hope that after this I do not have to see them ever again, however if I do need help, I would come back to them.
Hal Rosenberg is the Soup Nazi of Chiropractic medicine.
Background: I went in for ART and manual adjustments for chronic low back and hip pain. I was never x-rayed or asked for previous x-rays. My neck was never examined or adjusted.
Hal's hip/low back adjustment plan: 3 weeks for 3 times per week, 2 weeks for two times per week and then a series of weekly treatments while doing physical therapy in the office.
Funny how his plan mirrored the exact number of sessions my insurance covered per year.
So I tried the plan (found my own physical therapist -so naughty). My pain got a LOT worse and my adjustments didn't hold more than a day.
I disappeared for a year.
One day, I was in spasm and crawled back to Hal. He reprimanded me for being lax with my treatment the year before. It was really fun. Our discourse went like this (paraphrased):
Him: You HAVE to stick to the program.
Me: Yeah. I DID that. I felt worse.
Him: C'mon. Look at the wavy line on the chart. That's normal.
Me: Chart shmart. I gave it a shot, now I'm on a new plan. I want occasional adjustments.
Him: That's not how it works.
Me: If I come in once a month you won't treat me?
Him: No chiro for you.
Both: Goodbye.
Update: I recently saw a chiropractor in a different office. She took my history and examined me thoroughly. She adjusted my neck. Suddenly, after two years, my back and hip pain are gone. Go figure.
This place changed my life!
I've been a Web Designer since 1999 and in a short amount of time I've developed some chronic pain that had currently become debilitating. Try adhesive capsulitis in both arms, lower back pain, and numbness in the fingers. My quest for treatment started in 2003 and did not find a solution until now. I was referred to Dr. Calzeretta by my friend Patty who gave his clinic rave reviews. He gave me a program to see a chiropractor and a physical therapist. So I was assigned to Dr. Toal and Steve. And after 6 weeks I can move my arm and my life has totally changed!
What I totally appreciate is the use of relieving the current pain and training and educating the patient about their body and how its currently functions and how it should function. In my case, because of the current abuse on the computer and the progressing poor posture, I was not using the right muscles to help support my frame. I couldn't even work out properly cause my body had broken down to wear I could not get a good work out in or get stronger. I was even sleeping wrong!
So props to Dr. Toal, my Chiro. He was very very comprehensive in every treatment. Listening and being patient with any concerns. He was also very positive which totally help with my jaded outlook on doctors. Totally nice guy its great to work with him.
Also props to Steve Moreno, my Physical Therapist. When I found out I could move my arm, I literally ran over to see him and jumped up and down. Steve was so good in trying to figure out why I was having issues and he showed me how to strengthen my muscles and stretch. All his exercises and stretches work!
With these guys I felt like they were really trying to treat me based on MY symptoms and they did it in a comprehensive way which made so much sense.
I'm about 85% there and for the first time in 10 years I feel optimistic!
Thanks Dr. Toal and Steve, you guys are awesome!
So I was referred to this place by another entity who yelp apparently deems as good (some athletic program who shall remain nameless), and I must say that they are both kind of...mean. That's probably not the right word, but seeing as I've just spent the last hour writing a work letter to some idiot, this is what you get.
First of all, I do like the front office staff. Having worked in healthcare offices and for physicians over the years, I understand how it can be, so I might be a little more patient than most. That being said, I also realize that it's not rocket science, and they can handle it.
I come in and get my requisite X-rays, and basically my spine is deteriorating before my very eyes. Or so I'm led to believe. The doctor recommends I come in 2 more times that week OR MY SPINE WILL FOREVER BE CROOKED. The nice insurance lady says she will talk to doc about my benefits, and even though I am only allotted 20 visits for the year, I apparently need to use them all up over the span of 3 weeks. Perhaps they don't know this, but I am not a doctor, and so I can't really afford to self-pay for subsequent visits, so I'd like to stretch them out a bit. I do feel taller when I leave though, so I'm willing to continue.
Not really feeling any improvement, perhaps because MY SPINE IS FUSING INTO SOME SORT OF JACKED UP "S," probably because I only went TWO times that week instead of THREE. Eventually, I am referred to their in house physical therapy, which was very helpful, but the I realized that I was seeing an AT and not a PT. But I was being charged for PT. Is that allowed? I pondered that question to an old PT that I knew, but he's kind of a jerk, so I never got a response.
Anyhow, not going back, wouldn't recommend. Done with the tirade for now.
As anyone who has ever walked down the street with me knows, I constantly veer right and bump into people without realizing it. On top of that, I have trouble holding balancing poses in yoga if I have to hold my weight on my right leg or foot. Also, my right foot turns out at an angle when I stand.
First question: what the hell is going on with my right leg, yo?
Second question: why has it taken me this long to see a chiropractor?
After my visit to the Chiro-Medical Group, I have some answers. My lower back is compressed, causing my right hip to rotate out and make my shit all janky. And I guess I waited because I wanted to find a trustworthy facility to roll these old bones around.
The Chiro-Medical group exceeded my expectations. It's a large, extremely professional operation that is dedicated toward rehabilitation and healing, with personable staff and a down to earth attitude toward treatment. They're also conveniently located on First Street for us FiDi drones.
With their help, I expect to be a less annoying walking companion and an even better balanced yogi in no time!
I was referred to Dr. Ali by a friend, but wasn't notified that this was mainly a chiropractor. I went for acne and Dr. Ali didn't seem interested in my situation at all. I understand the doctors here are specialist in chiropractor..ing, but I feel like they should have at least had some sort of knowledge about my situation.
I was hoping they could give me something to fix my situation, but I was the one who listed the things I've tried for acne before and all she did was re-prescribe the same medicine and refer me to SF Dermatology that doesn't accept my insurance plan [which I told her]
Not a great experience, and wouldn't even recommend for chiropractor.
So. I went to this place because of the rave reviews for Dr. Newcomer on Yelp. And then she left. But! Then I saw Dr. Anne Williams, who is very cool -- she has expertise in both Eastern and Western medicine. I liked her a lot. She gave me lots of options for treating my persistent cough. (which is finally gone, thanks Dr. Williams!)
Today I had an annual checkup with Dr. Hala Ali (also a woman) and she is really great! She's upbeat, quick, suggests things (like annual blood tests and such) but doesn't insist... that's what I like about the medical doctors at Chiro-Medical. They all seem to be pretty straight forward, no down-talking, no forcing treatments on ya. As the patient, you are completely involved in the decision-making on what course of action to take for whatever is ailing you. How awesome is that?
And the staff is hella friendly. I've never encountered attitude over 2.5 years of going there.
Dr Hal Rosenberg is great! It is often tough to find good doctors to refer patients. Not only did I find one, I found a GREAT one.
Here's how it happened. I ran into a very nice young lady in the San Jose area at a running event. I helped her with a some leg pain she was having, but she needed a couple more treatments. This young lady lived in SF, so I referred her to Dr Rosenberg at Chiro-Medical Group. I heard later that this young lady had great results from Dr Rosenberg's care and was please with Chiro-Medical Group.
So, if you, a friend, a family member or a patient is in the San Francisco area and looking for a great sports chiropractor call Chiro-Medical Group and ask for Dr Rosenberg!!
When your back muscles have been knotting and tightening for so long that the pressure has caused them to fossilize, it feels good to have someone attack them in a healing, insurance-covered way.
Allow me to amend, please. Without snide yuppie-related remarks this time.
See now, they took X-rays of my neck during my first visit, which I got to see on my second. As it turns out, I have degeneration in three discs, and this sort of stair-step thing going on with the back of two vertebrae wherein the bones are actually touching. TOUCHING and grinding against each other, and my neck bones are moving toward curving the wrong way.
This is frightening! It is partially due to a car accident I was in three years ago, and partially because when you perform repetitive movements that are bad for your neck for years on end, eventually you do damage it. No I am not talking about that, get your mind out of the gutter.
They say they can make it normal again, with regular adjusting, some physical therapy, and me working on it by myself. This is very comforting. I guess it's also sort of comforting to be able to identify the grinding sound I hear in my neck as an actual problem rather than hypochondria. I guess.
Better to treat it late than ignoring it until the vertebrae have fused together and I can never turn my head again!
Thank You Chiro-Medical Group. Without you, I probably wouldn't be as jolly and bubbly as I am today.
Dr. Newcomer is my primary doctor. She's very kind and always make me feel more secured. When she's busy or away, their helpful receptionist would do their best to squeeze me in to see Dr. Ali or Dr. Dasher when really needed. All the doctors and nurse here make me feel safe and comfortable. I'm lucky to have found them.
Clearly an exceptional experience for the majority of people who have been to this office, as you can see in the numerous raving reviews.
Why? Because, these guys/gals are ROCK STARS!
My two cents...for those interested:
Dr. Hal Rosenberg (DC) and Bobby (PT) are my Heroes!
The men with magic hands and fabulous smiles!
The entire office is warm and friendly, attentive, and professional.
They cater to a wide range of athletes, and others. (See other reviews)
And, most importantly, they always remember my name. :o)
The first time I met Dr. Rosenberg was in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal at the World USA Triathlon Olympic qualifier in 2004. (I was a spectator...Boo! No, Hip hip hooray for the cheering squad!)
My friend, who was a participant, froze his back up just before his race. Major Bummer!
I tried helping out by doing some massage (woohoo!) earlier in the day, but he could barely stand. (At least I tried)
So, AK decided to see the team doctor...Dr. Rosenberg.
Wow! Was I impressed.
A twist here, a crack there....and Presto!
Dr. Rosenberg was able to get AK back in the race.
Excellent job!
In September of 07' I met Dr. Rosenberg again when I needed help getting back to work after an accident with a certain truck. (Yep, the truck won)
Dr. Rosenberg is an excellent Chiropractor.
(You can see his credentials on their great user friendly website)
He has been able to get me back to doing my daily activities, sports, and work.
(Not sure if getting back to work is a good thing or a bad thing!)
He is very attentive and thorough in his exams.
Always upbeat, positive, and focused.
He incorporates others to help in the healing process when needed.
He is exceptionally timely - I am able to get in to do my PT with Bobby and then see him in under an hour.
Now that's service!
I have never waited more than 10 min for either of them.
Bobby, who is my Physical Therapist, is fabuloso!
He gives me exercises I can do at home, which I think is fantastic since I live outside of the city.
He is always upbeat and makes therapy fun.
Besides, he has "I like the way you move!" as his cell phone ringer.
Now, how cool is that?
Both Dr. Rosenberg and Bobby are athletes.
So, they understand the importance of getting us back out there as quickly as possible, but only when it is safe to do so.
I am always recommending this office to my friends, and to those I don't even know...like you!
Don't wait...if you need an adjustment...you found the right place!
Thanks Chiro-Medical!
You are the best!
Note...location is excellent for the City.
Always 1 hr parking available...meters are 25 cents/5 min.
Make sure you have plenty of quarters...or,
If you are clever, there is free 2 hr parking in the alleys.
If you are from outside of the city...easy access to the office.
Near everything!
Addendum: 2/2/08
Dr. Rosenberg read my review...he is now looking for a new cell phone ringer.
Any suggestions?
:o)
I was thinking of "Whip It" by Devo!!!
"Whip it, into shape...shape it up...get it straight..."
After reading the Yelp reviews, I decided to give this place a shot, and had my first appointment with them today.
They were pretty much right on time with the appointment, but yes, other folks were right - they were way too salesy. I went in for someone to adjust my spine, not massage therapy. I don't want to feel like I'm making a long-term commitment when I go see a chiropractor and get bombarded with treatment plans.
They scheduled a 2nd appointment for me on Friday. FRIDAY! Considering I just had my 1st appointment today, Wednesday - isn't that a little too soon? After all, I do have to work.
I don't know about you, but when I have a 1:15 appointment it means I have a 1:15 appointment. Sure, I might be a new patient and perhaps that means I am not yet worthy of caring about, but I'm in pain people, pain, that's why I'm here. I understand that things get busy, it happens, I'm unusually forgiving of this. Once. Maybe twice. Maybe not.
Fist appointment: They bring me back, sit me in the examination room and I wait. And I wait. And I wait. And I...check my watch again; tick, tick, tick, tick. A lunch hour is a lunch HOUR. For real. A 1:15 appointment is a 1:15 appointment and damn, look at that, it's 1:40, I think I'll just have to...."Hi there!" Damn, I'm caught. "Hi Doc (who shall remain nameless because he's not necessarily the problem although his manner was kinda strange in a googly-eyed blissed out salesman kinda way, but hey, that was probably me being strange not him, I'll cop to that. Okay, no I wont, this cat acted and gave every impression that he had just finished up a kool-aide binge and was looking to recruit me to move to some far off place and breed for Jesus.)"
Then the sales pitch, then the 5 to 7 minute "treatment' and then "we can talk about $$$ next time..." Great, caught up and not happy.
Second appointment: I don't know about you but to me 10:45 is 10:45. Sensing a pattern? Okay, maybe I'm being hasty, it's only the second visit, I can't expect them to care about me yet right? Hmmmmm. Sitting in the room, alone, waiting, waiting...oh, look at that it's 11:15, you know what, screw it, I'm outta..."Hi there!" Damn.
"Hi Doc, think we can get this started?"
"You know, this is a process, sometimes..."
"Yeah, about my shoulder..."
5 to 7 minutes of "treatment" follows, then the pitch then the...
Bah! You know what? This place is a crack mill. No not THAT kinda crack...anyway. Picture this: Me in pain, walking out, $195 lighter in the wallet, 1 hour lighter in vacation time that I had to use to make up for their lack of timing and more unsatisfied than ever with my treatment options. If I wanted to be ignored and made to feel like I don't matter at all then I could have stayed home. At least that would have been free. I'm a pretty understanding guy, forgiving to a fault, but I've never had such a lackluster treatment. I've been to quite a few chiropractors over the years and always walked away with some sense of relief, so this entire experience has been strange. I went here based on reviews, I had hope, I had faith, I got burnt.
The staff was great however, really great, so for that I'll toss in a single star, but really I give them one because zero isn't an option.
