I've seen many chiropractors in the past 20 years thanks to persistent low-back pain, but Dr. Semel was the last one I had to go to. It took only a few visits for him to fix the issue and I haven't had that pain since. read more

I've come to Dr. Rich for a number of issues and he has done remarkably in each instance. He has helped me recover from several injuries in a timeframe that seemed to me to be extraordinarily fast. He is also very personable and easy to be around which is an added bonus. In one of my more recent injuries, I sprained a facet joint that was painful anytime I arched my back. After a period of discomfort, I decided to see Dr. Semel. Within two treatments, he was able to totally resolve my issue and there was noticeable improvement after the first visit (which is actually standard for him in my experience). In the end, I see no reason to see anyone else for any muscular/skeletal issues that I have. read more

Dr. Semel is an amazing healer. I was first referred to him 6 years ago by my Orthopedist after a car accident left me with a bulging disc in my neck. During the physical therapy, cortisone shots and epidurals administered by my Orthopedist to help me recover, Dr. Semel was there every step of the way to relieve a tremendous amount of my pain. After having surgery, I was no longer in need of regular visits. A few months ago, I aggravated the injury and the first person I called was Dr. Semel. When you have a chronic issue, you keep the best practitioners on speed dial. I felt immediate relief after starting regular visits with him again. Don't let the title of Chiropractor fool you. The manipulation he does is minimal and he focuses more on pressure to specific muscles, ligaments, joints, etc., that require care. I've had plenty of people try to relieve my pain through massage and physical therapy - Dr. Semel is the only one who has ever succeeded. I've referred several friends to him knowing they would be in good hands. read more

I don't like the vast majority of Chiropractors. I find they are great at billing you forever and lousy at healing you ever. Dr. Semel is NOT one of those. I have used him many times over the past 15 years for the very simple reason that he fixes me relatively quickly, and permanently, (well at least until I do something stupid again and get hurt). I happily pay in cash to fix in mere days what another guy taking insurance doesn't fix in months. read more

I had experienced ten years of chronic neck pain from snowboarding injuries, two car accidents, and bad postural habits working at a laptop. I didn't trust chiropractors because they would prescribe a litany of ineffective and often aggressive spinal adjustments. One day a friend referred me to Dr. Semel. Despite my skepticism, I experienced immediate relief on that first visit. After a few treatments I had no more neck pain! Rich told me to return only when I needed to: no prescription for a series of treatments and the ensuing medical bills. Four years later I am still so grateful for the referral. Now I go to Rich when my body aches or cramps in the wrong places. I have also gone to Rich when in acute pain. No matter what condition I walk in with, Rich listens to the body and I walk out relieved. He really has developed his own unique and effective technique. And while he can do precise spinal adjustments, he always asks me first if it is okay. He would never just crack my bones without asking. He always knows when a lot of pressure is needed or just a light touch. I trust Rich and recommend him to my friends and family. read more

Injured/bruised tendons & ligaments in my right upper arm, where the fold of your bicep meets the shoulder! Went to see Dr. Rich, who came highly recommend, which if course is always a good start! Today was my 3rd session & feel the relieve he's brought to my injury after each visit. I'm about 80% back to normal, with my pain going from a 6-8 down to a 2-4, this in only 3 sessions, amazing. I'm going in next week for what I believe will be my last visit too!! All in all, I highly recommend Dr. Rich for anyone with a sports related injury, or if you've been suffering from one!& can't find any relief. Just make the call!! read more

I started to see Dr. Semel after I had a flare up of my low back pain. I have had a disc bulge since 1997 and when the flare ups happen, I was often out of commission for a year at a time. Dr. Semel approached my back differently than any other practitioner because he focused on the muscles and tissue that were in spasm and treated them to the point that they no longer spasmed. I was back biking and RUNNING in a week. Since my first visit with Dr. Semel, I have treated with him regularly to prevent any low back flare-ups and the treatment works. I do triathlon so I have aches and pains all the time. Dr. Semel treats me regularly for maintenance and that allows me to stay ahead of any injuries. As for bedside manner, Dr. Semel is thoughtful, calm and careful to not cause unnecessary pain. I know that Dr. Semel is well educated and respected in his field. Personally, I have tapped into Dr. Semel's expertise in soft tissue massage, kinesio taping technique and prevention and treatment of sports injuries. I could not give Dr. Semel a higher recommendation. Run to him. read more

Dr Semel is a God send. I have been going to him on and off for over 15 years. He has helped me through knee surgery (physical therapy), Achilles tendon rupture/repair surgery (physical therapy), bad back and neck issues and other ailments. His technique is different and highly specialized. If you are having issues of any kind I would highly recommend that you give Dr Semel a call. He's simply the best. read more

I got referred to Richard by a friend. He did a very good job with some of the issues I was having, and I wanted to continue working with him. He became extremely unreliable and did not return phone calls, and when I got hold of him he was very disingenuous. read more

I started going to Dr. Semel about a year and a half ago after I realized that my neck should not be adjusted by a typical chiropractor. Dr. Semel is NOT a typical chiropractor. He is so in tune with the body and is able to do both adjustments and soft tissue work to facilitate the adjustments. My neck has disc issues from a car accident and has lost it's natural curve. I also have mild scoliosis in my lumbar spine. Most chiropractors are not able to adjust either area. Dr. Semel is able to do so and with techniques that I have never come across in another chiropractor before. I am so thankful to have found him and highly recommend him to everyone. read more

Dr. Richard Semel has a gift! Dr Semel has years of experience with National volleyball and Golf team professionals. His expertise is limitless. However, the best attribute of Dr Semel is his equal treatment to the average athlete or layman. Dr Semel offers relief and quick starts the repair healing process. Always on time and always gives 110% of effort. Best in the South Bay! read more

After my first visit with Dr. Semel, I knew right away that this Dr. Was going to change my life. I have had chronic pain for 6 years and have been to rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeons, internal medicine doctors, neurologists and have had acupuncture, physical therapy and countless of exams and tests...and in one visit this Doctor was able to provide me with not only relief from the pain but HOPE. I didnt feel like I had to prove to him that I was in pain, like I have had to with so many other doctors who would tell me it was in my head or would just prescribe me with pain killers. He was determined to get to the root of the problem. He is so compassionate! (Which for me is such a blessing after meeting with so many Doctors who didn't care) Go to him! He is a healer! read more

The confines of chiropractor as a label does not do this man justice. Healer would be more accurate. I came to find Dr.Semel after a 15 year, arduous journey of severe chronic back pain. From my Lumbar to my Cervical I have scoliosis, arthritis, vertebrae fractures and major compression. This all from genetics, years of volleyball and several major car accidents. Before I found Dr.Semel I had exhausted orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, soft tissue specialists and a long list of chiropractors. All leaving me with no relief, lots of pain killers, lidocaine patches and registration forms for chronic pain clinics. Being 28, needless to say I was more then discouraged. I was referred to Dr.Semel by a good friend. I was told that he works great with athletes, does lots of soft tissue work and has a deep arsenal of techniques. Not to mention a great sunny personality :) When I scheduled, he was easy to get ahold and has flexible hours. Each appointment has been between 45-60 mins. He starts off by doing a lot of feeling around (letting my body talk to him), soft tissue work and muscle prep for any (if any) adjustments. After an adjustment he does more soft tissue work. Which is wonderful for me because my arthritis causes a lot of inflammation which in turns makes adjustments harsh and irritating on my body. If called for he tapes me up with kinesio tape to promote proper posture and detract from compensatory movements. His office simple and focused. Atmosphere is relaxed and positive. All of that is great, but, the things that has ensured that I will be a long term patient of his ( no matter the frequency, twice a week or twice a year) is his deep understanding of my body and pain, determination and persistence in trying to get me out of it. Dr.Semel wants to fix me as much as I want to be fixed (which is a lot). With him, my back is in highly educated, passionate, focused hands. Using different techniques, building on the work that he previously does, has brought my complex issues into understandable beatable terms. My back is a work in progress and Dr. Semel has my full confidence that if a life without pain is possible for me, he is the one to help me achieve such a life. I would recommend Dr.Semmel to anyone, if he can help you he will tell you and will. Call, Go, Enjoy feeling better :) read more

This man gave me my life back after 2 plus years of chronic back pain. I had every test,scan,MRI etc., that you could think of. Nobody could tell me what was wrong with me, and some even suggested the pain was in my head. I had a fusion surgery, PT, aqua therapy,etc. and nothing helped. Depressed and near suicidal, I went to see Dr. Semel on a referral from my pain management doctor. I almost didn't go because my insurance didnt cover the visit, and I had already spent 10's of thousands of dollars chasing this problem around. Well, after about 3 or 4 visits, my pain level had decreased about 80%. I stopped taking ambien to sleep, stopped taking anti depressants, and my pain meds cut in half. I had found the person I was looking for. A year later, I recommend him to any and all with back/body pains. Thank you Rich Semel, you literally saved my life. read more

Dr. Semel is the reason I still walk upright and have been able to continue working as an assistant director in film and television. After my back surgery Rich has been a godsend. I highly recommend him and his magic hands. Don't live with pain, call him and start living again. read more

Dr. Richard Semel is amazing and has been treating me on and off for 5 years. I was referred to him by a close doctor friend and over the course of these 5 years Richard has worked on both my back and my neck and has always got me up and running pain free. Three months ago I had an extremely stiff neck and lost the motion in my left arm. I went to an orthopedic surgeon and was immediately scheduled for neck surgery I had 4 herniated disks C4-C7. I got a second opinion (thank you Dr. Semel!) and started seeing Dr. Semel 2-3 times a week for three months...with the help of Dr. Semel and prednisone for three weeks no surgery! The range of motion in my left arm is almost at 100% and in a couple of weeks I will cut back from 2 times a week to a maintenance program with Dr. Semel. My life as I know it is back to normal, thank you Richard Semel! Kathy S. Redondo Beach read more

I had throbbing pain from a rotator cuff and frozen shoulder for about a year and a half. I had tried everything: I went to physical therapy for about six months (twice a week); I did cold laser therapy; I got a cortisone shot; etc., etc. nothing helped much. A friend recommended Dr. Semel. The pain started diminishing after the first two or three sessions with him, and after two months of seeing him once a week, the pain is completely gone and my range of motion has gone from 50 percent to normal range. I couldn't be happier with the results. I highly recommend Dr. Semel. He was a miracle worker for me. read more

I had years of unbearable pain in my neck. In 2006, I resorted to a facet block surgical procedure which subsided the pain for approximately 6 months. At this point, I returned to Dr. Joseph Peck and he suggested that I try soft tissue work with Dr. Richard Semel rather than look at additional surgery. I began seeing Dr. Semel and received immediate relief! Initially, he treated me twice a week. After a month he reduced the frequency of visits to once a week and within a short period of time I was down to once a month. My pain was completely gone!!! Eight years later, my neck still feels great and only go in for a "Tune Up" 3 - 4 times a year (And sometimes the tune up is for a different sport injury which he always rectifies). Dr. Semel spends quality time with his patients and ALWAYS stays on schedule with his appointments. If you have an appointment at 3:00 - you will be seen at 3:00....I really appreciate a doctor that respects the patients time as well as his own. I highly recommend Dr. Semel for ANY pain management either sports related or not! read more

Dr. Semel completely helped with a problem I was having with my legs and feet. I could barely walk at the time and he basically healed me with the work he did. He then went onto help with a very longstanding problem with my tailbone which I never thought would improve. Amazingly that problem is much improved due to his work - and I keep getting better. I work on my feet, standing many hours a day/several days a week, so I see him regularly to keep me healthy. He is very dependable and is a pleasure to meet with. read more

I have gone to Dr Semel three times in the past ten years for serious injuries. One was my hamstring that was so bad, I could barely drive as it was my right hamstring and pushing the accelerator was too painful. The second time was for rehab after minor knee surgery and last but not least, a chronic issue with my right shoulder. All three times, using his techniques for dealing with deep tissue injuries, he was able to get me back to full usage in five to six visits, even though I had tried anti inflammatories ,stretching and other forms of PT. I highly recommend him for use by everyone of all sexes and ages and especially if you are active and want to stay active and avoid surgery. I cannot recommend him enough and I qualify for a senior discount and currently enjoy Krav Maga, Muy Thai, weight lifting and many other types of workouts. read more