Bruce is so much more than a Chiro. He has so many tools in his toolbox to help people. I have A LOT of health issues including scoliosis wit a 31% Cobb angle, Ehlers Danlos, rheumatoid issues and more. He is patient, smart and creative. He understands how the body works in a way that nobody I've ever met (after countless other providers since I was 12 years old). Trying to figure out my body together so far hasn't been easy but for the first time in a long time I have hope. The first visit I saw him he got me out of a level of pain I didn't realize I had been in for 3-4 years. I actually started crying because I was in shock to be able to move my hip around with freedom ... it reminded me that my body could maybe be ok one day. Bottom line: I trust him. He's generous and seems to really truly care. He's also got a good personality which helps.... so while you're sitting there stuck together doing exercises, getting manual therapy from him or whatever, he's really pleasant to be around. The administrative staff is great and the office decor is warm and doesn't feel cold / clinical. I wish he took insurance but I don't really care because he is worth every penny and more. read more

6 Months now I've been seeing Bruce Rizzo and am very happy with his work. This may seem like a long time for treatment, but I am in his words "his most constricted" patient - as I have very limited range of motion in my leg joints (knee & ankle), and severely impaired musculature, nerve sensation, blood supply, etc. due to an auto accident that happened thirty years ago. I have been working with phyical therapists and doctors for years and finally decided that I have to try something different, hence Bruce. Unknowingly, unconsciously I had fallen into physical and mental patterns of acceptance that Bruce has turned around completely forever and for better. For me his work has been game-changing and full of useful epiphanies. We meet once every two weeks regularly and I'm ecstatic to have achieved nearly a "no pain" state with improvements to musculature, walking gait, joint flexion that has been a gradual process of realization and discovery that is leading to a life free of pain, discomfort and sudden traumatic spasms - that I had assumed would always be part of my life before working with Bruce. As much as he works on me, he also teaches me or creates exercises for me to do that have helped equally if not more - the good thing is that I can begin to - if not cure, at least maintain my current improved status on my own. This is critically important not that I plan on stopping my visits to Bruce, but it gives me confidence that improvements can be made by myself if I work at it. Six months of treatment is a long time and yet I can see this becoming years if Bruce's body can hold up to the abuse! read more

Dr Bruce Rizzo is the finest example of a practitioner who is completely invested in his patient's wellness. His ART (Active Release Technique) freed me from the agonizing painful shell of my bodies locked and spasmed muscles. In my care, there was very little of traditional bone cracking Chiropractor action that is commonly associated with this practice of healing. Instead, Dr Rizzo always worked on relaxing my muscles, elongating them, and creating a peaceful balance. There was a time, related to a work related injury to my neck, when I was seeing Dr Rizzo in a weekly basis. He always gave me "homework" in the form of exercises and stretches I could do on my own to help manage my pain and eventually heal. I was still a faithful once a month customer years after my injury was healed. I would still be seeing him regularly if I hadn't moved out of the area. There is no better chiropractor, in my opinion. Bruce's demeanor was always professional first, warm and caring second, and I felt very much a part of his practice's "family". Including his staff, smiles and laughter, caring and concern, personal attention and familiarity with my case and my progress at all times. The place where everyone knows your name! read more

I came to Bruce's office with a very prominent limp in my stride and left with my walking and overall mobility much improved. As background information I'm over 60 and a former professional dancer with a life-time of movement training, teaching and performing. As an older individual I gradually lost mobility in my left hip over time. While it is still not perfect the range of motion and progress was way more than I expected. I am able to do almost everything that I enjoy both in terms of strong vigorous hikes, many hours of Classical Pilates and strength training, in addition to new general body movement patterns learned from Bruce. He is a strong, educated practitioner who I highly recommend. You're in good hands for sure. read more

Bruce Rizzo is not your typical chiropractor--he is an Active Release Technique (ART) practitioner. ART, in my opinion, works much more effectively than regular chiropractic for most problems. It's a little like deep tissue massage but is more powerful and lasts longer. I first met Bruce when he was an associate at my brother Ethan's chiropractic office in Berkeley. Because of my particular upper back and neck (mostly computer-and-sitting-related) issues and the fact that I've always responded well to deep tissue work, Ethan recommended I see Bruce, who turned out to be the best practitioner I've seen in over 25 years of seeking help. I also have had bouts of jaw pain, or TMJ, over the years. Recently, some medication I'm taking made me clench my teeth even more than usual, causing serious jaw discomfort. Bruce was able use his hand in my mouth (encased in a rubber glove) to work the soft tissue and jaw muscles so that the clenching released--and stayed that way! I even recommended him to my dentist to tell dental patients about. read more

I'm extremely happy I found Dr. Rizzo (thanks, Yelp!) I have really specific chiropractic needs--you go crunching my bones and my body doesn't get better, it gets worse. Getting chiropractors to understand this can be a hassle at times. Fortunately for me, Dr. Rizzo gets it and is willing to work with my needs and my input. He uses techniques and tools that don't involve standard manual manipulations (i.e. the "snap and crack" we tend to associate with chiropractors). They make a big difference in my pain levels. He always checks in to make sure that what he's doing is effective, that it doesn't hurt, etc. I feel like he listens to me and genuinely wants to use my feedback to fine-tune his work. His staff is great, too. Maureen is always cheerful and efficient! read more

When I hear the word "chiropractor", I usually shrink back with fear due to nightmare stories told to me by friends where the chiro recommends you come back to the office multiple times per week, and thousands of dollars later you are still feeling the same pain... Bruce Rizzo does not fit this description whatsoever. He has an outstanding knowledge about soft tissue, human anatomy, and extensive experience dealing with athletic injuries using Active Release Therapy (ART). When I was living in San Diego, I received ART often, as I am a triathlete. When I learned that Bruce was an ART provider, I immediately went to him when my right hip was acting up (external hip rotation and lateral knee pain). It's been a month and a half (and only 3 sessions later - see? No going to him 5x per week!), I am very close to being back to 100%, and back to doing all the physical activities I love. I would highly recommend Bruce to anyone with an acute or chronic injury. Active Release WORKS - while the therapy itself might be somewhat painful or uncomfortable (that is the case no matter who the practitioner is), ART will help you heal and get back on your feet. One thing I really like about Bruce is that he LISTENS to you, and takes detailed notes during every session so that he can give you the best treatment possible. read more

Bruce is a true healer. I first went to him about 7 years ago when I was in a training program for a marathon. Every week I would hobble in with a different injury and say "I'm done; I'll never be able to do this." But he wouldn't let me quit, always saying something like, "I think we can get you through this". And then after a session of his deep tissue "Active Release Technique" I would feel amazingly better. I sent him a picture of me crossing the finish line of the Honolulu Marathon. I must admit, I was at first skeptical of chiropractors. I told Bruce when we first met that I didn't want him to do any cracking or sudden jerking. He laughed and said he had other ways. He is friendly, personable, empathetic, takes his time, and he gets results. He cares about people, loves what he does, and it shows. read more

Bruce is perhaps the best Chiropractor I've ever met; he knows his stuff, is kind and straight-forward and doesn't try to sell you $3000 worth of sessions or supplements you don't need. As a massage therapist, I've referred numerous clients to him who were looking for a great Chiropractor and none have been short of extremely happy. His technique style of combining deep tissue muscle work (ART) with adjustments is very effective and he spends a good amount of time with you as opposed to the wham-bam-thank-you-mam style of some Chiropractors. See him, get better and write your own 5-star review. read more

Last week I had a treatment with Dr. Rizzo for the first time and I am blown away. He is awesome. Thanks Bruce for helping me stand up straight again. Happily I can highly recommend him to anyone, A++++++ experience across the board. read more

First I must say a) I am a chiropractor, b) I have never met Dr. Rizzo, but I have met patients of his. Every one of them sing his praises. I do not have time in my own practice to provide Active Release Technique, so when I come accross a patient that I feel can benefit from that work I will refer them to him. And I did so today. read more

I only went to this guy once, but he was absolutely amazing. Normally, I am leery of chiropractors, but he was so gentle. I had a spasm in my back so badly I couldn't turn my head or neck. When I left he had completely worked me over, I felt so much better and within a day I was almost 100% better. Bruce will make you feel safe and comfortable. read more

I found Bruce before he opened his own practice and was working for another Berkeley chiropractor. His work is amazing. I was having shoulder problems which he addressed with ART (Active Release Technique). After a few sessions, my pain was gone. The pain had been so bad that it was waking me up at night, so getting relief was a big priority. I would recommend Bruce to anyone who needs relief from an acute or chronic condition as well as those who would benefit from regular chiropractic care. read more

Bruce Rizzo is a fantastic chiropractor. Not only does he bring so much compassion to his work, his knowledge of the muscles and his impressive diagnostic skills are unsurpassed. He is highly skilled in the active release technique (ART) which he uses on your muscles in an incredibly effective way. I would highly recommend him. read more

Bruce Rizzo has been extremely effective at getting me back on the healthy side of living whenever I go into a neck or back episode. After I see him I am good to go for months or years! Maureen, his office manager, makes it very simple to get in and be taken care of. Yes, five stars! read more

Dr. Rizzo is at the top of his game! He is a very well seasoned ART (Active Release Technique) practitioner, and the guy I go to when I am hurting. As both a fellow chiropractor and ART practitioner, I am picky about who works on me, and I completely trust his judgement and ability to help. I hold absolutely no reservations about recommending Dr. Rizzo. read more

From super sweet and helpful Tony at the front desk to Dr. Rizzo I couldn't be more pleased with this practice. I've had a complicated overuse injury in my shoulder and Bruce's expertise with ART has been hugely beneficial. The practice is wheelchair accessible and parking is no problem. Even if it were, I would gladly circle for parking to get the skilled treatment Dr. Rizzo provides! read more

I hurt my neck and shoulder very badly in an embarrassing turn of events. I was in pain all night and cold called Dr. Rizzo the next day. He fit me into his schedule and from the moment those hands touched my body I knew I was in the right place. I can't explain what he did to me (even though its my body) but through all the twists, rubs, pokes and squeezes my tense, "injured for life" (my words) back and neck feel AMAZING. This guy is absolutely the real deal and has even made me question my line of work. I will put chiropractor on my short list of potential careers after working with Dr. Rizzo. THANK YOU! read more

I have had terrible debilitating back pain and Bruce really helped me. He is smart, warm, and really cares about your well being. I usually see him for maybe 3-4 visits and he does not try to lure you in for life. He want to see you healthy and back in your game. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Bruce! By the way, his receptionist Maureen is also extremely helpful and kind. She understands that you are in pain and tries her best to squeeze you into Bruce's busy schedule. His technique (active release therapy) is kind of intense but go with it ....it really works! read more

I am not so enthusiastic about big adjustments. My wife saw Bruce Rizzo and he helped her. My experience has been excellent. My hip was out and off to the side and I was in pain. He adjusted me and I walked out whole. Other injuries and imbalances- I have also received help with. I have become a believer and recommend Bruce highly. A very skilled and intuitive professional. read more

I always doubted chiropractors. Not any more! Bruce Rizzo makes you feel better! His technique makes the muscles relax and stop hurting. I look forward to going to see him. His calm, easy going personality helps too. A real professional and a good man. read more

Bruce Rizzo is hands down, the best Chiropractor I have ever been to. I was introduced to him through my massage therapist. As stated in other posts, he is an, "Active Release Practitioner". He couples his Chiropractic alignments with a ART to ensure he addresses tissue binding and joint binding. His office is warm, friendly and very informative. His bedside manner is fast paced and very interactive. During the session he is constantly asking questions and addressing body mechanics in a comprehensive, progressively moving way. Highly recommend Bruce read more

I'm a dancer and dance teacher with my share of old and new injuries, and over the years I've been lucky to work with some great diagnosticians and technicians, for PT, Pilates, Alexander technique, massage, and chiropractic (which I frankly don't love). Bruce is the best I've ever been to, and his A.R.T. work has pulled me through some nasty times. He is smart, kind, efficient, and great at treating the individual rather than using any kind of formula for everyone. Office manager Maureen is also an asset to his work -- she's clear, kind, and very helpful. read more

Dr. Rizzo is a gifted healer, knowledgeable about body mechanics, a great listener and able to adapt treatment to my feedback. I have been helped every time I see him for neck or back pain, and my husband has been to him for knee pain with great results. He takes the time needed and works on me until I get relief. He's super funny too I highly recommend him! read more

Dr. Rizzo has helped me to heal a persistent shoulder injury. I was really depressed about not being able to weight lift the past 6 months, and with Bruce's help I'm back in the gym and lifting again, so far so good. Thanks much! I recommend him very highly. read more

Bruce is a great Active Release chiropractor. I recently went to one in LA and realized that he is definitely better! Active Release works with your muscles in addition to regular chiro-type adjustments. I've been to several traditional chiro and they have never been able to help. With Bruce, I go in with severe lower back pain or shoulder pain and 15 minutes later, no pain! read more

I was referred to Bruce by a dancer friend who listened to me complain about my very painful plantar fasciitis. He said I should try Bruce and yes I was skeptical but thought I'd give him a try. Well, it turns out that after only three visits I consider myself almost completely healed. In fact, Bruce feels that the pain is related more to hip mis-aligment and ankle stiffness then to PF. The ART therapy is painful but it worked for me. I cannot stress enough how important it is to do the exercises that he gives you. He is a miracle worker! read more

Bruce Rizzo is different than the "10 minute-crack-crack-crack-done" style of chiropractor. To me, he feels like a great combo of chiropractic and physical therapy. He can really move deep tissue around, as well as doing chiropractic. And he's smart, sensitive, and skilled. I highly recommend him. read more

If you've read my other posts on physical therapy you know that I'm a 71 year old woman with an extremely bad back. In 1997 I took a job that required a lot of heavy lifting. Most of my jobs throughout my life were the same, they required a lot of physical strength. I enjoyed that kind of work however this last job was the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak. A couple years into the job I was talking to my neighbor about how I didn't know how I was going to be able to continue working this job because my back was going out so frequently and she recommended a chiropractor by the name of Bruce Rizzo. I had to lift my leg up with my hand to get it inside the car so that I could drive to his practice now located at 6330 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland California, and all but crawl up the steps to his office. When I left I wasn't dancing the Rumba but I was walking fluidly. I've been going to him ever since and he's never let me down. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that he saved me and has enabled me to remain an active employed person. He is excellent at what he does and has a passion for his profession. If you are in need of Chiropractic care you can't do better than Bruce. I'm indebted to him for the care he's given me and his receptionist Mo is efficient, accommodating and extremely nice read more

Bruce is fantastic, and hands down, the best chiropractor I've ever seen (and I've worked with about 3-4 before I found Dr. Rizzo). I work out 4-5x/week, and have ongoing issues with my feet, back and hips. Bruce gets me back on my feet and moving when things flare up. He has a healing touch and definitely knows what he is doing. Definitely check out the ART technique - it's a very nice addition to more 'standard' chiropractic treatments and nipped a case of plantar fascitiis for me in the bud. He runs a busy, successful office but he and Maureen do a wonderful job of squeezing everybody in. My previous chiro had me coming in for monthly appointments, start selling me on supplements... I was ready to get signed up for that with Bruce and much to my surprise, his attitude is very different. He'd rather teach you how to take better care of your body (he gives you exercises, etc.) so that you don't have to come see him (because he wants you to be healthy) , and just like the other person said, there's no upsell. If only all chiros were this good... read more