This is a long awaited review. I came here because I read that chiropractor can sometimes assist in making movements for vertigo. I had vertigo last year for several days, came here and it took 2 sessions for me to feel 100%. I highly recommend this and I also got adjusted which was a huge relief. I do have to mention that I called and really took the next available appointment by anyone available. read more

I have been receiving chiropractic care since I was 17 and can honestly say that Dr Steve is the best, most intuitive doctor I've ever worked with. He has reduced my daily, acute sacral pain and tight neck to almost nothing -- and does so using a variety of non-cracking techniques that are effective and actually relaxing. I always enjoy his informal, jocular personality and feel deeply supported and uplifted by his care. He's one in a million! read more

Dr. Steve is a caring, thorough professional. He's knowledgeable and very generous with his time.

Love this place! I got in a car accident and am being treated for neck pain... Dr. Bretow has been very helpful through the whole process, from giving me advice on how to deal with insurance to even recommending me someone who could help me buy a new car. The building is cool with houseplants and stairs everywhere, a play area for kids and MARCY. She's the sweet office manager that my 3 year old has taken a liking to. Dr. Bretow recommended 10 treatments for my neck but I started feeling better after the first. He's very gentle yet effective! Thanks again, Westside Chiropractic! read more

Westside Family Chiropractic - Chiropractors Near Me - Berkeley, California

I'm about to turn 70 and have seen Dr. Steve for a number of years. I was really out of shape when I first saw him and he was utterly nonjudgmental. Now I'm getting into shape and he's very encouraging, showing me stretches or exercises to help my sciatica. Once in a while my sciatica gets out of whack and I always know that within a few sessions, I'm be feeling better. He's NOT a "bone cracker" - i.e., jerking your head to get your neck or back to crack. He's also very funny. Marcy & Bernie, the staff, are wonderful. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Steven for over a month now, and all I can say is great things about him. He has helped me with some chronic pains in my shoulder, neck & hamstrings that have been going on for years to the point that they're almost gone. I can totally tell how dedicated he is to his patients, and it really pays off. My body is feeling rejuvenated and my neck range of motion has increased substantially. Marcy at the reception has also been very kind and helpful whenever needed!! Thank you!! read more

If I could do more than 5 stars I would!! The day I walked into that office, I could barley stand or sit due to my back pain! After just a few min with Dr. Steven's I was feeling so much better!!! The staff is amazing and friendly and were able to work around my busy schedule!! I highly recommend Westside Family Chiropractic! read more

This was a great practice for my first time trying a Chiropractor. Everything was explained clearly, and Dr. Steve made me fee very comfortable. Also, I feel great after 4 sessions! read more

I'm 71, have genetic lower back issues and for the past 40+ years have gone to see literally dozens of chiropractors all over the world. Steve Bretow may be the best of them, not to mention that both he and his staff -- Marcy & Bernie -- are pleasures to deal with. If your back troubles you, this is the place to go. read more

I have had neck problems resulting from trauma for the past 18 years. This has been accompanied by headaches and migraines. My KEISER doctor told me not to see a chiropractor so I didn't. Massive mistake. A trusted massage therapist advised me to try Dr Bretow and after 5 visits my neck has never been better. Fewer headaches and generally feeling so much better. The treatments were gentle and thoughtful. Service excellent. Thank you Dr Bretow! read more

Dr. Steven is the first chiropractor I've ever been to, and wow. Life changing. Couldn't recommend him more. Not only did he help heal my sciatica and serious hip/butt/question mark pain, but he makes you laugh half the time you're lying there. Love coming in for my appts! read more

I started seeing Dr. Steve for my chronic headaches about a month ago, and he completely relieved all my headache pain after the second visit with a combination of myofascial release therapy and chiropractic. As long as I come in every month or so I don't have headaches. Amazing!! I highly recommend Dr. Steve Bretow and Westside Family Chiropractic read more

I saw Dr. Steve Bretow 6 times to figure out if he was the chiropractor for me. I initially picked this chiropractor as my first choice due to his outstanding Yelp reviews. But, I wanted to make sure I gave my review because his methods have not worked for me. I am sure he has done a great job with many other people, and he is a really personable guy, but my 3 stars are due to his methods not helping my injuries but instead making them feel worse. I recently moved to the area and had a great chiropractor for 4 years where we used to live. I have been to many chiropractors, and Dr. Steve is good. He knows how to do neck and back adjustments well. He also uses massage, which actually bothered my injuries. After telling him that he worked with me so that he only did certain types of massage so that my injuries did not get worse. I appreciated that he worked with me and listened to what I thought I needed after my initial visits with him. Unfortunately, after the 6th visit and still feeling worse than when I came in, I have had to find someone else. read more

I have to say I was not a big fan of chiropractics. Prior to going to see Steve I had seen 3 other chiropractors over the years and my experience has always been negative. Okay...Perhaps one of the 3 offered a neutral experience, but the other two exacerbated any problems I came in for. In my opinion Steve is an excellent chiropractor. He is extremely gentle and uses massage, acupressure, and stretching prior to manipulation to prepare the body. Something I believe is very lacking in my other 3 chiropractic experiences. Even though I no longer have any muscular skeletal issues I still see Steve once a month to keep things in balance. Thanks Steve. read more

Dr. Steve and Marcy have been nothing less than angelic since I started coming to WFC in 2008. Marcy is always smiling, welcoming, and on top of things, while Dr. Steve works his magic in their quiet, cozy office. From the moment I met Dr. Steve when he was hosting a booth at an outdoor arts festival, I could tell that he loves his work, and cares about his patients. I had broken my hip, pelvis, tailbone, rib, shoulder + whiplash a few months prior, and was headlong into physical therapy and orthopedist visits. I began seeing Dr. Steve twice a week, and in no time at all, I was walking straight, had no shoulder pain, and 0 headaches. Because of my experience here, I now believe in the benefits of chiropractic healthcare, and give Dr. Steve and his practice a happy 5 STARS... and then some! read more

I have been a patient of Ann Honigman's for several years. She has helped me stay strong and healthy as I experience what life throws my way. My back and neck were broken in an auto accident many years ago. I'd worked with other chiropractors over the years, but my neck and upper back pain were only temporarily relieved. Ann has many skills and addressed my headaches with Cranio-sacral work which greatly relieved me. She has helped me recover from trauma surgery to my left shoulder, Lymphoma and Breast Cancer by freeing up tension, scar tissue and realigning my whole body when necessary. I'm 67 and an active person. I plan to stay that way. With Ann's expert help and Good Luck, I will. She is amazing!! I feel extremely fortunate to have found her! Cheryl Cohen Greene, DHS read more

I have been seeing Dr. Bretow on an off since 2008, more regularly in the last couple of years because of chronic pain and not wanting to rely on medication to block the pain. I met him at a booth at the annual Live Oak Park Arts & Crafts Fair. He offered a quick chair massage during which time he was able to tell me how I could benefit from chiropractic work. I had previously had chiropractic in 1996-1998 after a series of auto accidents; and had lingering chronic pain. Dr. B uses a variety of methods - acupressure, massage, chiropractic techniques, some instruments, positioning of the body on cushions, etc. to reduce the pain. He also offers practical ways to adddress chronic pain between appointments. He is a good listener and easy to talk to. I am at a point in my life that I benefit from a monthly tune up - I do a l\lot of computer work, primarily sedentary work and do not make enough time to exercise and stretch consistently and properly. I always feel better after my appointments with Dr. B. I do not expect him to completely resolve my issues - I just want the pain to be background pain. The work Dr. B does helps me continue to function between appointments. I also get deep tissue massage and trigger point massage between appointments, and because of all of the body work and some effort to stretch, can enjoy tap dance and swing dance classes. Dr. B's schedule is fairly flexible and it's close to home, so it's easy to get to on my way to work or on my way home. Parking is usually not a problem either. Update on 3/30/2015: After reading my YELP review in December with a rating of 4 stars, Dr. B inquired what was missing. It had to do with his office configuration - he usually placed me in a room that had openings near the ceiling. Anyone sitting in the waiting area or working at the front desk could hear our conversations, some of which contained private medical content. I usually have an early morning appointment before his front desk staff get in, and he likes to catch the phone in case there is a last minute cancellation or an urgent plea to get squeezed in. The best position to catch the phone is from that open room. I am a very private person and kept hinting that my dirty laundry was bared for the world to hear, not knowing that had I been more direct, I had the option of a more private setting. So now, when we are in the private room, he doesn't go running for the phone every time it rings, which cuts into my time, especially if there are several calls instead of just one. So between the response to my concern about privacy and being with me during the entire appointment instead of bouncing in and out of my room to answer the phone, the service has greatly improved on top of his treatments which improve my well-being. He cared enough to thank me for my post, and asked what he could do better. That is worth another star. read more

Dr. Steve is a wonderful healer and human being. He is experienced, skilled & combines confidence & a healthy sense of humor in every session. Drawing from an array of techniques & modalities he treats each person individually. Dr. Steve was key in helping me recover from a serious injury both in the very severe acute phase & now, months later, as I am gaining strength, resilience & endurance. I plan to continue with Dr. Steve life long to support my overall wellness. Thank you for your generous & skilled care. Deena Levy PT read more

Steve has been my chiropractor for about 2 years now. So happy I found this clinic! They always run on time, Marcy at the front desk is super friendly and helpful. Anytime I call to schedule or make a change she's always there answering or returning my calls promptly, which I much appreciate. Parking in the area is all street parking, and can get a little busy during typical work hours. I recommend showing up a few minutes early to find parking before heading to your appointment if you'll be driving. Steve has helped me manage my back pain with all of the activities I do, on top of sitting a good portion of time for work. He does a great job at listening to my pain points and any concerns I have, and makes sure to address them. The adjustments are sometimes immediately noticeable and I leave the office feeling much lighter and with a lot less pain. He's also helped other areas that I don't think of when I think chiropractor. Steve has helped me care for a long time knee injury of mine that flares up sometime - he's shown me how to properly use KT tape and how to apply it myself. He also will explain new stretches or exercises to help alleviate pain or strengthen a weaker area. read more

I didn't like him at all. He is so afraid of being sued or maybe he just wants to string you along, but he never adjusted my whole back. He would do these baby adjustments and crack my neck, that's it. He's a nice guy, but thank god I found another chiropractor who isn't afraid to actually adjust my back. read more

Quick Review - Dr. Steve is a GREAT chiropractor. The End. Long Review - After hurting my back so badly that I couldn't get out of bed for a few days, a family friend recommended Westside Chiropractic to me. After a series of visits, I felt 100% better. My daily life and work routine went back to normal and I only had Dr. Steve to thank. Oh and the person who recommended it. I had to thank them too. Anyway, long story short, you should go here. Highly recommended. read more

I started seeing Dr. B. several months ago on a referral from a friend. He is super. I have chronic pain, arthritis and problems with two old back injuries. When I first when in I was sceptical about whether or not I would get relief. I'd had chiropractic treatment before and knew much depended on the practitioner. Dr. Bretow was amazing. He is incredibly thourough and I am seeing improvements in my pain level every time I see him. He doesn't just crack the spine. He does a series of energetic healings first, then there is a deep tissue massage and when he does the adjustment the muscles are so relaxed it is more of a glide than a crack. I highly recommend him. read more

dr. steve is very helpful with my family from our session here after our accidents. i am so thankful and very relief. marci and berny is so very helpful and very accomodating with all our appt. i cant thank enough from the bottom of my heart. denise and desiree are still talking about you guys, we will stop by soon. thank you so much dr. steve. from: abella family read more

I started seeing Dr. Steve after a car accident. I planned on seeing him just to get an opinion on my pain however, ended up getting treatment for about a month and a half. He is just wonderful; very patient, gentle and used lots of acupressure and massage techniques to make you feel better. I highly recommend him and his hours are so flexible. Thank you so much Dr. Steve. I would definitely use his service in the future. Tenzin read more

I started treatment with Steven, because I threw my back badly few weeks ago, picking my 1y.o. up (and down and up). He has been very careful and the treatment very thorough. I was feeling much better very quickly, and after some sessions I am enjoying this new PAIN FREE me! (I think we are so used to live with some "minor" aches, that we go living our live thinking that that is the way to be, but NO!. I feel fresher and I am walking and driving more comfortably). I highly recommend Dr. Bretow if you need Chiropractor services. . read more

Dr. Steve did amazing job on my low back and neck and gave me lots of good advice for posture and habits. I went 4 times and my pains were gone for long time. Later I went for few more times when I had a small tension and this was great way to maintain wellbeing. I had my kids with me many times and he was always very great with kids , they could watch him doing adjustments on me or play at a little play area. All receptionists were also super helpful and friendly. Too bad I am little far. Would love to see dr. Steve and his great staff again. read more

I've been to quite a few Chiropractors and other alternative heath care professionals and Steve Bretow is the best! He really cares about his patients and is quite skilled. He is my go to guy as soon as I have any pain and I'm never disappointed. His receptionist, Marcy, is also a pleasure work with and very competent in getting you in to see Steve quickly and when you're in pain that really matters. read more

I've been going to Steve on and off for the past two years. I train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and often strain a neck, shoulder, or back muscle/joint. I ALWAYS feel better walking out of his office than I do walking in. He will often just shake his head at me after I tell him what I did and tell me to take it easy. :) He's is very friendly and I felt at ease the moment I met him. He is also more than willing to explain in detail what he is doing to you if you are interested. The best part is that my insurance considers him a preferred provider! Steve is awesome. His office is also close to Berkeley Bowl (West) where I can grab some Sambazon Acai on my way home. read more

Dr. Bretow is such a caring chiropractor. He made sure to address all of my aches and pains, all the while making very pleasant conversation! Talk about magic hands! I was in a rear end accident and everything hurt. After the first visit, I was already feeling the difference. With each consequent visit, I consistently improved. Dr. Bretow went beyond just my car accident pains. When he saw that I had a stuffy nose, he massaged certain pressure points on my face and my sinuses were cleared! Dr. Bretow is a very experienced chiropractor and I would highly recommend him to anyone. The entire process from appointments to billing was all so easy! read more

I've been to many good chiropractors. Steve Bretow is the one who makes me feel better almost immediately every time I come to him with an acute back pain. His whole office is a pleasure in every respect. read more

As a chef I'm on my feet all day. I frequently have lower back pain and numbness in my arms and hands. Dr. Bretow is always able to put me back together. I highly recommend Dr. Bretow and have never found him to be afraid to adjust my back or neck he even takes my blood pressure to make sure something else isn't causing problems in my body. read more

Dr. Bretow and his staff are super friendly, knowledgeable, and great communicators. In August I hurt my shoulder rock climbing. Dr. Bretow has put me back together while educating me on my injury and how to have a successful and comfortable recovery. My shoulder feels great, I am back climbing, and would highly suggest Westside Family Chiropractic. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Steve off and on since about 2008. April 15, 2017 I came in to see him with some serious back pain. So much so, I was walking hunched over and could not sleep without some serious medication. I'm thrilled that after only four visits my pain is gone. Thank you Dr. Steve and Westside Family Chiropractic! read more

Dr. Steve is amazing! I went in to see him based on a review on yelp. My neck was hurting so bad that I was getting headaches and they were awful! I did Physical Thearpy and it did not work. I saw Dr. Steve one time and he adjusted my neck and the headaches are gone. I have full range of motion in my neck again! Thank you Dr. Steve! read more

I had a serious lower back spasm. I am late 30's but my expectation was that my body will observe the pain and heal it within a couple of days but it did not! So, I decided to go see chiropractor. Thanks to yelp, I was able to reach to the best, Dr. Steve-. Before I see him, I was little nervous because of my pain was getting worse and also I have not been to chiropractor for serious back pain problem. But Dr. Steve spent time to carefully analyze my pain and he significantly reduced my pain at initial treatment. For first 3 wks, he treated me 2 or 3 times a week. As my back get better, he adjusted the method of treatment and did focus on what my body needed. My pain is gone now but I still go back there to maintain my body. His office staff are all great as well. They did look into my insurance when I first time call in and helped me when I have billing questions. You will feel great Berkeley vibe, I highly recommend Westside to treat your pain! read more

I have been a patient of both Steve Bretow DC and Ann Honigman DC, MPH for the past 30 years. Their care is compassionate, through and professional. They know when chiropractic care is indicated and when to consult with the patient's doctor or other health care provider. The office is well run and all insurance needs or personal injury cases are handled in a timely and professional manner. Over the years they have seen all of my family members and have taken care of my children from newborns to adults. You are in great hands literally in their practice. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Steve on and off approximately since 2006. He is great as a chiropractor, and I love that he is also a very friendly, funny and sensitive Dr. My health history includes carpal tunnel, post-polio syndrome, neck issues and scoliosis. Dr. Steve has been extremely helpful treating old and new health challenges through the years. I highly recommend him. read more

Dr. Steve has been my regular chiropractor for over 10 years. I have a chronic neck challenge which he can adjust spot-on. He has also worked with various other knee/back/shoulder issues. As a massage therapist, I have referred a good number of my bodywork clients to Dr. Steve, when I felt they could get down to the root cause of an imbalance most effectively with him. I continue to go for maintenance check-ins as well. The support staff are available and friendly, and hours are convenient for me. read more

Have been going here for years. Steve is great. I like his technique which involved some muscle work and adjustment.

Dr. Steve is an amazing chiropractor. He is dedicated to understanding what hurts and works with you to address the issue. He has a sixth sense for zeroing in on where it hurts and is extremely efficient. I always look forward to my appointments because I know I will leave feeling better than I did going in. I highly recommend Westside Family Chiropractic! read more