My acupuncturist recommended this place so I gave them a call. I spoke with Janice? Jamice?Janeece? I am guessing the front desk gal. I wanted to ask a few questions regarding their service, schedule etc. Basically a general inquiry. It went like this.......... Me: Hello, I wanted to get some information about your services, to see if it would be a fit for me. Her: What did you need to know? Me: I work late at night and need afternoon appointments and have had trouble in the past getting them. Her: Well obviously we are open since you are calling in the afternoon. Me: Well unfortunately I have had other providers try and get me to accomodate their schedule, instead of letting me have afternoon appointments. That is why I am asking. Her: ( sounding impatient ) What else did you need to know? Me: Can your office treat me for Adrenal Fatigue, edema, offer support to my nervus system? I don't want to come in if the providers are not familiar with these conditions. Her: That is NOT how it works. You HAVE to come in to be evaluated. Me: I do not want to waste my time, money , fill out all the paperwork if you guys can't treat these issues. Her: The doctors have to look at you first. WTH? How does that make ANY SENSE? If a doctor is unfamiliar with certain conditions how can they help you? Doctors/chiropractors are NOT all knowing. That is why I was asking BEFORE I made an appointment. Then she says " Fine, give me your name and phone number. I will have someone call you back." It's been a week and NO ONE has called me back. So either she did not bother to give the providers my info & questions OR they are just blowing me off. My guess is she decided to blow me off. Not cool............. Back to searching for some support. read more

The woman who treated me (I can't remember which), didn't seem to know how to do an adjustment, and relied on a bunch of mystical hand waving. read more

Both Kenda and Armene are absolute angels. Everything about this chiropractic experience is quality and full of healing vibes. Couldn't recommend them more! Simply the best! read more

Wow. After waking up to a seriously compromised neck from who knows what I did in my sleep, Dr. Armene worked on it today and I'm now seeing significant reduction of pain and improved range of motion. Her touch is gentle but strong. She's a fabulous listener. I bring my entire family to her. I also saw Dr. Armene when I was pregnant and she was incredibly supportive through that phase of living in my body as well. Whenever I leave awaken chiropractic I feel like my body is taking a deep exhale, letting go of another layer of tension. Kenda is also a stellar reason to book at Awaken. Those two ladies are like a power duo but Armene a bit softer and Kenda firmer. You can't go wrong in their care. Thank you Armene and Kenda for all the light and health you bring to me and my loved ones! read more

Kenda is the best! I recommend her to anyone pregnant. Went to see her about 6-8 times Brigitte each of my sons were born. They are fully set up and ready to greet the pregnant people. Parking is easy, welcoming office, like that you take off your shoes before entering space. Love the cloth/ washable / reusable face clothes. Eco friendly bathroom set up. Lots of nice art touches throughout the space. read more

Armonie is amazing! A gifted chiro and healer with a positive and kind attitude. Don't have more to add but need to meet minimum text requirement for yelp :) read more

Back pain?... What's that?!... OK, I'm exaggerating slightly, but Kenda has had a huge impact on my life. I feel lighter in my life--both physically and mentally--and I know her care is a huge part of that. I am so grateful. A few months ago she opened a beautiful new office on Grand Ave. in which she is creating a very special community. Her favorite massage therapist, of whom I am also a (grateful) client, Haley Winter, has a suite there. Her office manager, Gingi, is a sweetheart, and juggles scheduling, playing with babies of parents who are getting adjusted in the other room, and anything else that comes up, with aplomb and good humor. Kenda's other clients are also wonderful. It's pretty corny, but it almost feels like we're all family. (OK, I'm going to stop here before I sound like we're a cult or something. Kenda's great. That's it. If you need a chiropractor or you aren't sure but you know you need some help in some way, give her a call.) read more

Armene is kind, warm, and awesome. She's probably the best chiropractor I've seen--I have an old injury, a slipped disk, and it flares up every once in a while. When I first saw her, I couldn't stand straight and was in a lot of pain. After one visit, I felt so much relief and could actually stand straight! I now see her for maintenance and for help with my migraines. I also love the vibe of their practice: communal, earthy and earth-conscious, and unpretentious. So happy my acupuncturist referred them to me! read more

The adjustments from Awaken were helpful and I looked forward to my appointments. I showed up late a couple of times because I had no idea how tough parking could be in that area. The second time I was late, my husband was running behind getting back home and I couldn't leave my 6-month old alone. The receptionist was rude both times. The second time she didn't even ask me if I wanted to schedule an appointment - she had done this consistently after every appointment. The lack of empathy for new moms at this place is astounding. I was still recovering from the birth and needed a little relief. I had hoped the team at Awaken would be a little more understanding. They weren't. read more

Holy. Cow. Amazing. I'm 8m pregnant, & thought I was doing pretty darn well! I wasn't experiencing any lasting back pain (it would come & go here & there, but nothing that persisted). I just went in to see these lovely ladies because of a foot pain I'd had prior to getting pregnant, which was just getting more agitated with the weight of the pregnancy. I saw Kendra, & let me tell you, she has some magical healing hands. She found all these spots where I was tight & tensely holding my body in these fixed positions that I didn't even realize I had! She has an interesting chiropractic style where she doesn't just man-handle you & crack your bones back into place. She feels around with her hands & really gets the picture of what is going on with your body. Feels where your muscles are pulling & puts pressure on them or rubs & stretches them out to get them to give way & allow them to release the tension around the bone. It reminded me of a cross between Osteopathy & Chiropractic work & was just really quite lovely. I arrived feeling okay (or so I thought) & left feeling SO much more relaxed. So much better. Just... wow. They do work on non-gestating people as well, so I'm gonna take my husband in. And I plan to continue to see Kendra through these last months of my pregnancy to make sure I'm in ship shape for the delivery. I highly recommend you check them out! read more

I repaired Kenda's mac for her and she kindly offered me a free session. Being a table junkie, I went along but really was not prepared for the level of amazing care I received. Kenda is caring, gentle yet firm, sweet, nurturing and just makes me feel good no matter how bad I felt before I went into see her. If it's not obvious that I became a regular client. I have quite a few friends who are chiropractors and very good ones at that, but there is something about the care I receive from Kenda which is so nurturing I have to keep returning for more. I highly recommend checking her out. read more

Dr. Burke is fantastic chiropractor and exceptionally caring individual. I was first connected with Dr. Burke because of a paralyzed dog I am fostering. A chiropractic student read a post I had written about him and suggested I try chiropractic on him. I was skeptical at first, having only had 1 chiropractic session for my back many years ago that I felt was very cookie-cutter and didn't do much, if anything, for me at all. Plus, the cost of chiropractic sessions add up and I wasn't sure if the rescue could afford that. The student asked her instructors if they knew anyone who could help and Dr. Burke was said to be one of the best. She works on both people as well as animals. She also practices at the Mueller Vet in Walnut Creek. Dr. Burke very generously offered a substantial rescue discount for my dog and I figured, well, what have I got to lose, I'll just try it once. That was about 7 months ago, and we still go in to see her regularly. I say "we" because a few months ago, I asked her to start working on my back, which has always given me problems since I was a child. She goes out of her way to see both me and my foster dog together so I don't have to make an extra trip. My dog sometimes gets testy and snappy with her, but Dr. Burke always takes it in good stride. Dr. Burke is very hands-on. Every visit is different because she takes the time to reassess your body every time. Far from having the cookie-cutter, assembly-line, come-in-and-out-as-fast-as-you-can feel, Dr. Burke's sessions are very customized and personal. She is also extremely gentle. I can't explain what she does because frankly, I don't really understand it all, but the very first time she worked on my back, I actually noticed my pain went away for a while. Of course, decades of back problems aren't going to be fixed in 1 session, I didn't expect them to be, but I've definitely noticed an improvement since seeing Dr. Burke. I cannot recommend her highly enough, either for people or for pets. read more

I found Kenda Burke in the context of seeking help for our Jack Russell terrier. Itty didn't understand what was happening at first but quickly responded well to Dr. Kenda's knowlegeable and healing touch. Itty was gently touched and stretched in ways to assist her mobility and comfort. Now, whenever I am walking her near Dr. Kenda's office, Itty will turn on her own to run in, as she looks forward to her visits. Being envious of Itty's good treatment and reaction I signed up myself, even though I have a relationship with a wonderful chiropractor who has helped me over the years. It is good to have a second option nearby and I had a really positive feeling about Dr. Kenda. This good feeling was completely borne out in every way as I have benefited quite noticeably under her supportive and gentle care. High praise and thanks to Dr. Kenda! read more

I've not had much success with chiropractors, although in my frustration with chronic back pain I've visited many. Dr. Kenda is not like the others. She doesn't come at you like an attacker pouncing on your bones. She finesses the body and seems to sense it's discomfort through her fingertips. I'm not exaggerating when I say that Kenda is a healer. It's chiropractic, but it's more. The combination of physical and emotional affirmation she offers is priceless. read more

I have seen Kenda and Armene off and on for 6 years and they are amazing, exceptional healers. Kind, intuitive and accomplished - Armene has saved my back, Kenda worked on other issues and even saved my dog when the vet wanted to put him down after he slipped a disc due to spinal dysphasia and couldn't walk. Love love love this place. read more

I've been seeing Armene for the past year and she is incredible. I've gone to all kinds of Chiropractors over the years with different specialties and what I love about Armene is that she uses all the modalities as appropriate. I don't need to go see a network Chiropractor or an upper cervical Chiro, I can go see her and she does what my body needs. In addition to being an amazing Chiropractor she is warm and kind and thoughtful. She always remembers exactly where we left off. I started going to Awaken while I was pregnant, and let me just say- if you are pregnant you HAVE to go. It was the single greatest thing I did for myself while I was miserable. (I was not a happy prego) Everyone at awaken is amazing. From the moment you walk in you are welcomed. Kenda is fantastic too, I have also seen her a couple of times. AND my baby can come and it is no problem. read more

I love Kenda and Armene! I have had regular adjustments from both of them over the last three years. I really appreciate the BGI style which they practice, which incorporates energetic work, light touch, more directed pressure/stretches, and bony adjustments (the cracking kind). Having my neck adjusted can be scary, but both Kenda and Armene use a very light, gentle, yet firm touch that is precise, and makes me feel safe. I also love the space. It's so cozy and welcoming. The tables are low and padded and comfortable. The music is always amazing (their personal music collection? pandora? I've never asked) and always the right volume - soothing, neither too loud nor too soft. I've also been bringing my son here since he was a toddler. I love having a place to go when he falls off the play structure to get him back into alignment, and also getting adjustments to support his general health. read more

Armene is fantastic! I saw her throughout the second and third trimesters of my pregnancy and it was a gamechanger. She helped my body deal better with general aches and pains along with preparing for labor. She's a knowledgeable, kind, and patient healer who I highly recommend. Additionally, her space is incredibly parent-friendly and it's wonderful to see babies and children genuinely welcome at this office. read more

We worked with Armene on my wife while pregnant, and then on our daughter after she was born. We've worked with other chiropractors in the past, and Armene has a special touch. She made my wife feel very comfortable, and she's taught us a few techniques to help our baby straighten her spine and reduce tension in her neck. read more

I've been seeing Armene for over a year. She is wonderful. Awaken is different from regular chiropractic appointments in which you go in, get your back cracked and come out 10 minutes later, if that much. At Awaken they use a community room with five tables. You lie there and take some time to breath. Armene will come and start warming your body before she cracks your bones. She also does soft touch adjustments and has an incredible intuition. I very much recommend Armene. read more

The third trimester completely knocked me down - literally, in fact, as I suddenly found myself needing to crawl from room to room thanks to some excruciating back pain. (I wish I could say this was an exaggeration, but it's not - I was carrying really low, and my back bore the brunt of it.) Enter Armene. She made a difference from the very first consultation - as in, I was able to walk out of her office when it was over (a major feat for me, at that point!). Her sensitivity and attention truly saved the day in those last few weeks, and I am forever grateful for her assistance! read more

In both my first and second pregnancies I saw Kenda both to address baby position and pain management. Kenda is both a gifted practitioner and incredibly grounded individual. My sessions with her were not only physically restorative but emotionally/mentally as well -- I always felt valued and supported within the incredibly nurturing environment she creates. Without Kenda's skillful care, my VBAC would not have been possible. After treatment sessions with Kenda (coupled with acupuncture) my son flipped from his breech position. AND I went into active labor shortly after my final adjustment session with Kenda. During this session I shared with Kenda where I had been feeling the prodromal labor in my hips, she immediately offered an approach for a specific counter pressure site that ended up literally being my saving grace in labor, and was the key in allowing me to labor with minimal intervention. Thank you, thank you Kenda -- you are a gift! read more

Kenda and Armene are both caring, tender and deeply intuitive chiropractors who always seem to know exactly what I need. They've helped significantly with my chronic neck and back stiffness and every time I go for an adjustment I leave lighter, both emotionally and physically. I'll I can say is go for a visit. You'll see. read more

I am a lifelong athlete and have been in chiropractic care of one kind or another for many years. Today I saw Kenda for the first time in her capacity as chiropractor, and it was intense and amazing. I thought I was coming in for a rotated pelvis, and ended up having a whole energetic field awakening. read more

BE SURE TO BE ONTIME, After driving to Oakland, I was late for 830 apt for my dog, told to come back after 5pm as they do not see dogs during regular hours. I explained my dog was in alot of pain, and it didnt mater, they may be good but with this type of compasion I dought it, so I took my dog elsewhere. Terry read more

I can't say enough good things about Awaken! I absolutely look forward to seeing Kenda or Armeni (though i don't go often enough). I was referred from a friend when I was pregnant. My lower back was in so much pain, and someone told me to go, and it made a huge difference in the quality of pregnancy, and in overall quality of life. They are as natural as possible, and all about overall health. Kenya helped me through my pregnancy, including massages and movements to try to help my baby move around in the belly. She also referred a doula, and helped me with natural remedies for other "new mommy ailments". Since then Armeni has been working on me with a serious neck/back issue that's going on, and they really deserve as much praise as possible. Thank you both!! read more

Just a quick note...to say Awaken Chiropractic, with Armene has made my transition to San Francisco so much easier. I had a wonderful, very holistic chirpractor prior to moving to the bay area. I was very concerned about finding a new chiropractor here, as I had such a trusting relationship with my previous provider in Georgia. I feel really lucky to have found Armene at Awaken Chiropractic. As a midwife, I am a firm believer in chiropractic care, as a preventative measure, not a place you go when you have injured yourself and are in unbearable pain. Armene is really gifted in her practice, and makes you feel at ease from the moment you meet her at your first visit, all they way until you get up off her table. I feel rejuvenated and also appreciate how much I can relax at my visits. I never feel rushed and appreciate Armene's patience and her knowledge base, as she takes time to always answer my questions and make recommendations. If you are looking for a wholistic experience that will change the way you balance you, ease your tension, calm your mind, and leave you feeling rejuvenated....make your first appointment with Awaken Chiropractic. It's the type of self-care that feeds your body, mind, and soul. read more

I've worked with many chiropractors and must say that there is no doubt that Dr. Burke and Dr. Lamson are among the very best. They are not only skilled with their hands on technique, but also have a respect for the body's own ability to heal. They are kind, attentive and have a genuine interest in their patient's well being. My son has been seeing Dr. Armene Lamson since he was an infant. She has helped him through many transitions and has supported him when he was ill. Now a toddler, I am know that his confidence in his walking and other motor skills comes in part from the care he has received at Awaken. Awaken has my highest recommendation! read more

Armere is incredible! I was referred to her by a very insightful friend and am forever thankful. I have had various back problems most of my adult life, and Armene has been able to help me feel better and function as one should. She has the most wonderful and kind approach, really feeling for what is happening with your whole body before addressing the "problem" area. I love how she directs me to breathe, which sometimes I forget to. Thank you Armene for always making me feel better! read more

I have been seeing Dr. Burke for a couple of months, and I can't recommend her highly enough. For one thing, I had carpal tunnel in my wrist for YEARS and it was gone after one session with her. Pretty amazing. She has also been very sensitive and helpful with my other, more complicated chronic pain/stress issues. The studio is very welcoming, Dr. Burke exudes healing energy.....And she's a doula, too! If you want to try chiropractic but you're nervous and need someone who is gentle and caring, this is a good place to check out. read more

Armene is an intuitive goddess! As a new mom I benefited greatly from her healing presence. Go see her!

I had a fabulous chiropractor who moved. I haven't been moved enough by any others to continue to pay $55-$80 for an adjustment. Dr. Kenda was highly recommended to me by a client with stars in her eyes. And one day, my back was "out" from sleeping on too many pillows and I was thinking about how it hurt and looked up and there was Dr. Kenda office, in Montclair. (by where I work). I walked up and met the most warm, grounded, genuine, tuned in, respectful woman with hands from God. Wow. She instantly found the places that needed work, and went for it, gently, no hesitation, but hard when it needed to be. Words can never describe a physical experience, but this one was healing and safe. And it felt so good, no wasting time on areas that were fine, just finding the places that hurt, or without even my knowing, were tight, and the way she worked on them was bliss, instinctively both healing and soothing. Plus no pressure to come a lot, no vitamin sales, no special pillows you cannot leave without -- just the real deal, in its best form. read more

I visited Awaken Chiropractic twice during my final week of an overdue pregnancy. They are extremely welcoming to women and had all sorts of pillows and cushions to make me comfortable on the table. They were able to get me in very quickly and clearly were very comfortable working with pregnant women. I wish that I had gone earlier in my pregnancy. I visited again 4 weeks post partum. I had hurt my lower back and was in a great deal of pain. This visit was just amazing. They let me come in with my baby and were able to resolve the pain. I limped in and walked out! Awaken seems to have a very comfortable, family-friendly environment with exemplary practitioners. I will certainly go back. read more

If you haven't been to a chiropractor you MUST GO! I was a skeptic and I was in such pain I had to try it, I did, and now I'm hooked. Dr Kenda is gentle and warm and so in tune with what we need. From the moment you enter the space you feel calm and relaxed. Thanks Kenda for making me feel so much better! read more

Kenda is amazing!! I drive to Oakland from San Francisco twice a month for her incredible adjustments and healing presence. Kenda is the only chiropractor I have met (and I have tried many) who can properly adjust my hips! She also really helps me with TMJ and back issues. She is quite a healer & I am so lucky to have found her. I can't recommend her enough!! read more

I made an appointment with Awaken to attempt the Webster Technique, which is purported to aid in flipping breech babies. I do not know if it was this technique that made my baby flip (she did), but I do know that the techniques made me feel like a million bucks! Working with Armene was relaxing and enjoyable. read more

Kenda was amazing in every way and Alena was SO accommodating to my scheduling complications. My son (8 months) and I both got adjusted and left there very happy and relaxed. From the moment we arrived, we were taken care of. Kenda helped me bring my stroller and son up the stairs and greeted my toddler so warmly. Her presence was calming and welcoming. She followed my son as he crawled around and she did the adjustment without him even knowing. Thank you Awaken, we will return soon! read more

I've been seeing Kenda regularly for almost a year. Her touch is amazing, firm and intense where it needs to be and light when called for. I am not especially comfortable getting adjusted, I get nervous nearly every time, but Kenda gently brings me down to a place of calm and helps me get into those places that are stuck. I also recently had an appendectomy and my whole body was on lockdown after a week in the hospital. She did many things to assist my recovery, but the one that stands out is that she managed to hone in and adjust a rib that was causing me extreme pain when the hospital seemed totally unable to help. She truly works wonders on my body and I'm so thankful for having her as a resource. The group adjusting atmosphere took some getting used to, but I've grown to love it as it gives my body time to rest and settle between adjustments. read more

Gentle and effective, I've experienced both Armene and Kenda and they are magic. Such a comfy environment... easy to schedule... and there's an extra softness to a chiropractic office that specializes in pregnant women. All around YES, I will be a long term patient. read more

Kendra Is so amazing. I have been to her many times so has my whole family. SHe is the real deal. I showed up one time with my hip in pain. I was about to leave for Africa to hike up Killi and knew I could not make it to the top with the amount of pain in my hip. I walked in and laid down. With out me saying anything she ran her hands over the back and immediately know my hip was in pain. She is amazing. She has fixed me countless times. I really need to be going on a more regular basses since she only sees me when Im in so much pain...lol Love love this place. read more