Foothill Chiropractic Center

I have been a patient at Foothille Chiropractic for over 10 years and am so happy. I didn’t know that you shouldn’t be in more pain when you walk out the door. My previous chiropractor never made me feel better, but Dr. Mike has. He took xrays and we came up with a plan. I started off seeing him 3x a week, then 2x, then 1x and am now a monthly maintenence visits (unless i have a flare-​up). He has helped me with lower back pain, neck pain, TMJ, wrist & shoulder issues. The few times he could not help me, he has been honest with me. He also has lots of homeopathic recomendations for my ailments, most of which have helped! He is really nice to his patients and his office staff is nice as well.
However, sometimes, he can get busy or out of order and I am not in there as quickly as I would like. And he does not really do any physical therapy in conjunction with his adjustments like some other Chiropractors do. But I don’t usually want to spend an hour there so I am ok with that. If you don’t have insurance, all Chiropractors are expensive– there is no way around that. And he does care, so when he recomends a treatment plan and you do not follow it, he does get upset. He has recomended this plan because of his experience in how long it take to heal your issues and he wants you to feel better.
So, bottom line, if you don’t have insurance or you want a fancy new chiropractor that does not recomend a treatment plan, then this is not the place for you. But if you want someone who will put you on the road to healing, go here.

I met Dr. Mike at the San Ramon Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, and after being a patient of his for the past 4 – 5 months I feel compelled to write a review of him and his services. Before I arrived at my appointment, I took a look at his Unilocal reviews and I was honestly skeptical. I couldn’t afford the prices that Jeffrey D. was quoted and I was prepared to be «quizzed» on subluxation and spinal degeneration. What I wasn’t prepared for was the quality of care I’d be receiving!
As someone who has been suffering for years from not only multiple concussions, high level soccer injuries were abound, prolonged lower back pain, and debilitating Fibromyalgia flares that would render me writhing in a horrible cycle of pain, I was looking for another way to manage all this chronic pain without drugs. I was tired of being told that there was nothing anyone could do about my condition aside from wait it out and treat it as symptoms reared their nasty little heads. I didn’t want any more pills — I had already been in so much pain, the pills just began to clout my mind and numb me to everything. I decided to try a holistic approach to my condition.
My first appointment was for X-​Rays ONLY. This will be your first appointment, and the way they book these appointments, everyone is there for X-​Rays. It’s basically a little clinic he holds in the evening hours. So please be prepared to listen, to wait patiently and remove your belly button rings! He doesn’t do things digitally, which I think is great because for all you skeptics out there, it can’t just be modified with one click or accidentally deleted. Also, there are special weekends where he will do X-​Rays for FREE. YES. FREE. He will also examine them for free as well. My second appointment consisted of reviewing my spine. Now, I grew up going to a chiropractor. I am familiar with my spine and how it is simply a protection for the nerves that control everything. I wasn’t shocked to him finding that I had some spinal degeneration in both my neck and lower back. What I didn’t expect: Reversal of the natural curvature of my neck. So, no shock that my fibro flares were incredibly intense and debilitating.
Next was his plan of action: 3 times a week for 4 – 6 weeks, then drop it down to 2 and then when I’m comfortable, stepping down to once a week (I’m not there yet, but close). Dr. Mike understands the high cost of insurance (especially now that we are all required to have health care!). He understood my financial situation, and wanted to accept me as a patient because he believed he could help me. Rather than charging me some astronomical price, he chose to reduced my cost by over 65% because at the time, I didn’t have health insurance and was on disability.
Since I’ve been seeing Dr. Mike, I have not only felt better but I’ve only had 1 significant fibro flare (that was brought on by seeing the alt. doctor when Dr. Mike was out of the office on vacation with his family — I only see Dr. Mike now), my neck and back pain have diminished by over 75% and I’ve felt so good that I’m finally back to doing the things I love.
This review isn’t just for Dr. Mike, but for the practice of Chiropractic Care as well. Your back has more to it than just a connecting point for your ribs. You get your teeth cleaned twice a year, how often do you take care of your most important piece of equipment, your back? Please go in and see Dr. Mike and his fabulous staff. There’s a reason there can be a line (simple: don’t go on Monday nights), its because this stuff works! Thank you Dr. Mike and staff for the excellent care that you have provided me. I feel like I have a new lease on life, and there’s nothing better than that!

Bottom line:
Came in waited 1.5 hours to pay for $ 120 for xray.
Set appointment next day. Got to my appointment on-​time. Assistant attempts to sell me a «long-​term» plan 3 – 4 adjustments per week for 6 months… $ 85 per adjustment! Wow! That approx $ 1360 per month and thats their discounted rate from $ 200!!! Yeah right!
I have insurance and I have money… Im willing to pay a premium for great service but this is a scam!

As someone who is very thankful for the fabulous care I’ve received from Dr. Gabrielson, I can’t believe the negative reviews!
I will admit that upon my initial consultation I was wary and a little turned off. The assistant who did my intake was WAY overpowering and spoke to me as if I were a child. After an hour of being quizzed on subluxation I too wanted to run screaming. BUT, Dr. Mike had come highly recommended so I decided to give him a try. And despite the consultation being annoying, it was mildly refreshing that any doctor would take so much time with me.
Anyway, I am so glad I did. I’ve been seeing him for about a year now and I went from barely being able to sit at my desk half a day or turn my head while driving, to running and playing sports pain free. Most amazingly, I had been suffering from TMJ for years, for which I was ready to undergo surgery and metal braces– yuck! I casually mentioned it to Dr. Mike and it turns out it can be treated with chiro adjustments. My jaw would literally lock in place multiple times a day and now it is FIXED! He’s also helped my husband and me with swollen glands, sprained ankles and many other ailments you would never think a chiropractor could fix!
I loved that we took X-​rays during my first visit and I was able to actually see where my spine was out of whack. We’ve taken them every three months since and I have been able to actually measure with a ruler how much my spine has improved.
I admit that sometimes the staff «oversells» the benefits of chiropractic and the education sessions can feel patronizing, but I think this stems from a general misunderstand/​fear and /​or doubt of chiropractic in general. I know a lot of people (myself included) who have had the experience of walking into a chiro office, getting a snap-​crack adjustment at the direction of their insurance and that’s it. No consultation, no follow up, no personalization. No wonder people don’t take it seriously! Dr. Mike is nothing like that. His approach is holistic and thoughtful – it’s not always done fast, but it’s always done right. He’s highly compassionate and genuinely cares about his patients.

I thought it would be fitting to provide an honest review from one of Dr. Mike’s long term patients. It seems like most of the negative reviews are regarding people without chiropractic care as part of their medical insurance plan and are upset with the high cost of chiropractic care. I do have chiro coverage w/​my insurance and had to pay out of pocket as well for visits exceeding my yearly maximum. I felt Dr. Mike was very fair in working out a cash plan for me in this case.
I also want to address negative comments regarding education on chiropractic care. I personally appreciated Dr. Mike taking the time to go over my x-​rays with me and explain sublexation and how chiropractics can help. I found it educational and informative and felt it was the norm for chiropractic care. Not sure why people would think they are being talked to like a child.
I have been seeing Dr. Mike for going on 10 years now. He has helped me through various injuries, migraines, low back pain, etc. and is an expert on getting in there and adjusting me when other chiropractors have failed. I also think he is very personable and willing to answer and questions I have about my chiropractic care and alternate treatments that may help. We have had discussions about massage, exercise, heat and cold therapy, neurology, orthopedics, acupuncture, pain medication, and how all of them can work together to help me heal.
I took away one star b/​c there are a few negatives: sometimes there can be a wait when the office is busy. I also notice that when he has another doc covering for him, I don’t get as good of an adjustment. Maybe bc that doc isn’t used to working with my case. My other gripe (while minor) is that he can be a little intense sometimes if you haven’t followed the treatment plan. I don’t need a lecture on why I haven’t been there in 2 months, just give me an adjustment!
All in all, I’d like to thank Dr. Mike for the wonderful care. He knows his job and works hard at it!

Why oh why didn’t I check Unilocal prior to going to my appointment at Foothill Chiropractic??? It probably would have saved me a lot of time, and a bizarre afternoon that could’ve been spent working instead of sitting in an office for two hours learning about spinal degeneration and subloxation, and being quizzed (seriously, there was a quiz).
I met a very nice gentlemen at the Farmer’s Market last weekend that offered a free spinal exam. Following the exam I paid $ 20 and went in for my consultation.
The first BIG BRIGHT RED FLAG I saw when I was completing the initial forms and I was asked to sign a Power of Attorney so that if any checks from my insurance came in, they could be signed over to them, and they would not need my consent. The second form was a (GASP!!!) Arbitration Agreement in case there was a medical malpractice issue. I refused to sign and was provided a copy. I was told both forms were just a «time saver.»
In the two hours I was there, I was repeatedly quizzed about subloxation and degeneration like I was a second grader learning a new word for the first time. The doctor pulled out a tape recorder and gave me another spinal exam. As he felt up and down each vertebrae in my spine, he kept repeating that I was having muscle spasms, and degeneration. I actually joked that it seemed pretty bad. I’m very young, and actually very healthy.
Following the x-​rays, the quizzes and the long drawn out medical history questionnaire, I was finally told that my husband needed to be present at the office with me the very next day so we could review the results. I explained it may be difficult, so I would need to speak with him and let them know in the morning. They were pressuring me to book the next appointment and told me there were lots of other patients waiting to get in, they could provide a work note for me, and I should book a tentative appointment. I was a little rude, but basically refused. I left.
I’m so thankful for the person that left the review about their terrifying experience, and how they were unable to walk after their visit. I had a terrible feeling in my gut about this place and I’m glad I didn’t get any kind of adjustment.
Definitely the lesson of the day– trust your gut!

When I lived in Dublin, I got in a car accident where my head hit and cracked the windshield. I felt fine immediately after so I refused medical attention, but in the days and weeks that followed, I found that was a big mistake.
2 days after the accident, I started having horrible migraines. I was never a person to have headaches period, so my boyfriend’s mom, who’s a nurse, said I might have moved or pinched a nerve in my spine when I hit my head, and she had a friend who worked for Dr. Gabrielson and said I should I come in for a least a diagnosis. I thought she was crazy at first, but that was because I had never been to a chiropractor and had no idea what it was they do.
My first visit was a LOT of information but once I learned how the smallest spinal disruption can effect other parts of my body, everything made sense.
I had a few adjustments but IMMEDIATELY felt better. The migraines went from everyday, to once a week, and now I never even get any! It really is crazy how a lot of people like myself, don’t even know what these professionals do. If you’re in the area and looking for chiropractic care, see Dr. Gabrielson first and form your own opinion but you won’t be disappointed.

Boy am I glad I did not commit to this place! And thank God for Unilocal!
I was at Pleasanton street fair and was given a free check by a very friendly chiropractor, who apparently does not work for them! I was given a massage also by someone from their office and vowed that she will never lay fingers on me again, because of the pain I felt during and after the massage!
I paid $ 20 for a free screening and an adjustment. I got extensive xrays and was told about sublaxation and degeneration like I was a child. They would explain it to me and then ask me questions to test how much I understand. The first exam took about 1 — 1 ½ hours. Then I had to go again for the results, which took 1 ¾ hours, no adjustment yet! But I was told that my only solution is a commitment of $ 2500 for one year, because my insurance covers 20 visits. And I was not able to commit to more than twice a week for about 20 weeks, then once a week for the rest of the year. I was about to call them and suggest that I try my 20 sessions covered by the insurance before I can commit, but I read the reviews here and decided that I was saved from a scam!
I do believe that I do have some problems, as shown by the xrays, but I can not be forced to commit for a year and pay that much upfront.
Some interesting things:
— the lady at the front has to wear this uniform, which is super warm on hot days, even though the AC shuts off at 6 30 and she stays until 8 30
— when I called the financial person to discuss my options, I got the «doctor» on the line, who wanted to first understand why I was contacting her and then approved us meeting, when he felt that I might actually commit
— wait time is LOOOOOOONG
— «doctor» is not a very friendly guy, he is rather very irritating!
Think hard before you commit.

I have had pain since i was 12 years old and never even thought of going to a chiropractor. When i finally went to one, i went to Dr. Mike and boy was i glad i chose him. He educated me on why my body has had pain and what was wrong with it. The xrays he showed me were clear and very understandable. Before getting adjusted, i had bad headaches everyday. i can honestly say now that i haven’t had a headache in over a month!
I would recommend Dr. Mike at Foothill Chiropractic any day. His staff is very friendly and works out financing to make care very affordable. They are always the first to smile and its evident that everyone there loves their job, especially the doctor.

I’m going to try to write this review without writing a whole book… I went here when my friend gave me a gift card for a free massage from Foothill Chiropractic. I went in of course and was there a few hours being taught ALL about chiropractics and then was told I need a bunch of work done (after X-​rays). I should’ve slept on it before signing up but I decided to since I was always having back problems. I paid over $ 3000 up front and started going in 3 times a week.
All in all, I was not a huge fan of this office. I think they are trying to do a good think by teaching you about taking better care of yourself but they go about it in weird ways. On more times than I can count they were SO late and left me laying there for WAY too long. I talked to them about this many times and it kept happening over and over. The other reviews below (and the filtered ones) are right on when they say they treat you like a child. I was talked to like a child and like I didn’t know anything every time I was in there. After about 8 months I think of going there, I wasn’t much better than before so I stopped going, forfeiting the rest of the money that I had paid them.
More than anything, I was mad at myself for signing up for such extensive care without thinking about it but they are all about sales and really put you on the spot (this deal won’t be here tomorrow kind of thing). I would not recommend this business to anyone that I like;)
One plus– the front desk staff is very friendly and there is parking.

Now I know why Chiroprctors get called «crackpots». This place was a complete joke. Talk about bilking health insurance. Completely charged more than they verbally told me it was going to cost. For 3 x-​rays, 2 minor adjustments and a whole lot of being talked to like a child by Dr Gabielson, my health insurance was charged close to $ 600. Seems like he likes to use «scare tactics» to get people to commit to spending major dollars. I would not recommend this office to anybody.

I am a long time patient of Dr. Gabrielson and he has saved me from a lot of pain. I have been in several car accidents on top of being naturally clumsy & stubborn. He can always tell when I walk in the door whether or not I have been following his directions. I also used to have daily migraines. Those have been long gone! I could go on and on. The bottom line is that Dr. Gabrielson takes the time to know his patients and their lifestyles. If you actually want a Dr. to listen to you and actually care about your wellbeing, then I recommend you see Dr. Gabrielson. He and his team will take very good care of you!

My wife gave me a gift certificate for a spa massage and chiropractic evaluation to the Foothill Chiropractic Center. I was pretty excited seeing that you never get 1 hour massages for free. I came in, had the evaluation, only to find out that I would have to come in once again to get the spa massage. I was pretty pissed off but decided to go with it. I really wanted that massage. So I go back and the doctor is nice but I guess he found out one week earlier that the masseuse so going to school at the moment and wouldn’t be able to give any massages for about a month. I was sooooo mad. The doctor told me this after the evaluation findings so that I wouldn’t leave right away. They tried to make up for it and said that they would schedule me in for today (July 13^th at 6:30 pm) for the massage. I said fine, whatever. So I call them today to make sure it’s still going on and they have no record of a massage being held today for me. What the hell is up with these people!!! These people put out false advertisements!!!

PLEASE this Chiropractor deserves below a zero for INJURING ME — — Today
I went through the same thing as stated in the previous review and hear about the stupid braces thing 100 times and was spoken to like I was STUPID. I was uninformed about chiropractors enough to sign the damn contract and pay 4 grand up front. DEAR LORD BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. After a few weeks I ended up in ER and I still walk with a walker. It has been 3 months and I want my healthy normal life back. I went to this office due to nerve pain but i was walking an doing most things in life as a normal young person does. My health before compared to now was PERFECT. That so called «DR» Gabrielson «acts» nice but is a total scam and with what I’ve been through I can say i have never met evil until then. When I was going for my adjustments he wasn’t there a lot of the time usually on trips or days off so I told them I oNLY want to see him. They lied and said for sure u will. That horrible day I rushed over and of course he wasn’t there so i got adjusted by dr. Lal who i was told was great by him. Well she really struggled to adjust me and my eyes started tearing up from the pain. I asked for a ice pack right away. I left and had vertigo all day almost falling to the floor but my mom was there to catch me. my scalp started tingling and from my knee below went numb. I was sooo SCARED. I called to let the office know and they were more concered that I called Gabrielson and told him what happened while he was on vacation like they were scared of getting in trouble. Long journey short I was called numerous times to come back and they would heal the injury they caused. Gabrielson brought in a retired Chiropractor to «fix» it telling me i will be ok very soon. That was it I landed in the ER and went back 5 times. Stayed a week in the hospital on a morphine PCA and had to epidurals in my back. The chiro office ADMITTED dr. Lal did wrong or the oppositte of what mu adjustment should have been that day. LORD know what the other guy did to me prob rip my ligaments. PLEASE dont take this chance of losing your mobility. All I want to do is WALK and not take all these strong steroids and meds. I want to rewind back 4 months and never have gone here. I PRAY I WILL WALK SOON.

Can I give it zero stars?
This place was the worst place I have ever been. My husband has been to dozens of chiropractors and none of them were this bad. We paid $ 20 each for a first time visit which was supposed to include xrays and an adjustment. First of all, they split that into two days, making it take even longer to get adjusted. Secondly, the first appointment was 2 hours long with educational lessons galore. They wasted our time, and quizzed us on the lesson like we were children. A week later, we had our adjustment appointment. But big surprise when they want to show us a 15 minute DVD first! We told them three times and four times that we were in a rush and had only an hour to be at our next engagement. They nod, then review our xrays and give us this slow, long spiel about subluxation. An hour later, and I still hadn’t been adjusted. Then he comes in with his paperwork and proceeds to use a ridiculous dentist/​orthodontist analogy saying I need «braces» that will take 12 months of work. He wants to get me to commit on the spot (by paying up front) that I will spend 4k on a year’s worth of work telling me its a 40% discount. At this point, I walked out of the office livid that he’d disregarded our request to be expedient, and told him I wasn’t interested in being cornered into a deal that I never signed up for or had any interest in doing. Now, after wasting three hours, $ 40, and still no adjustment, I have to say this was the worst experience I’ve ever had. I payed for one adjustment and never got it, instead I got a sales pitch and a chiropractor that scammed my business and wasted my time.