I don't want to discount the fact that other patients have experienced relief from seeing Jim Otis, but I want to write candidly about my experience during intake, and warn vulnerable patients against seeing this person for services. 1. During intake, Jim Otis performed a series of 'tests' to evaluate symptoms of my concussion. He mostly compared the strength in my left and right arms, noting "significant differences" between the two sides. He returned to this eval multiple times during intake: we performed this sitting, standing, and lying down, multiple times. As he "tested" the strength between my two arms, he muttered about how significant it was. The problem is, he clearly varied pressure applied to my limbs. Sometimes he applied more resistance on one side than the other, sometimes he didn't. I can't even venture to call this evaluation technique pseudoscience; a more appropriate term would be gaslighting. Jim muttered things like "very weak" and "noticeable difference" as he grunted and feigned significant struggle to resist my arm motion. At some point he said, "There isn't actually a difference in strength between your arms, it's your brain telling your arm it is fatigued." I liken his game of pretend to what I imagine seeing a psychic is like. It's mind games, and frankly very disturbing that this man calls himself a doctor. To vet my suspicions about whether or not there was a significant, noticeable difference in arm strength, as Jim had implied, I returned home and instructed my roommate to perform the same basic test that he did, and sure enough there were no noticeable differences between my arms. 2. He asked that I sign a consent form for treatment prior to describing a treatment plan. He recommended 10 sessions, starting out 3 times per week, at $150 per session. 3. He said that during our next visit he would prescribe supplements that would cost about $150 per month. If this was a real doctor, he would be concerned about not delaying treatment for a serious brain injury. This is not a good level of care for anyone, especially one with a brain injury. Overall, it's a shame that Jim Otis is preying on vulnerable populations-- people with brain injuries-- in order to make profit. His evaluatory techniques are pseudoscientific, predatory, and the dangerous to vulnerable populations. My advice for anyone with a brain injury: see a real doctor, get sleep, take vitamins. Protect yourself and save your money by not seeing Jim Otis. read more

Completely Amazing! "I absolutely love Dr. Otis! I heard about him many years ago from someone who had finally been able to conceive a child after working with him and then his name came up again from someone he had helped with intractable back pain. I finally decided to try him, and I am so glad that I did. The way he works may seem odd and mysterious, but he can fix anything! Go with an open mind and plan to feel better!!" read more

Dr. Otis is a Chiropractic Neurologist and does not practice chiropractic in a way I was familiar with. Instead he uses resistance testing to determine how different stimuli affect your body (I call him my quack doctor because of this). I can't tell you why what he does works, only that it has helped me tremendously. I was recommended to him by a friend who was happy with the results she saw and recommended him to a friend who is happy with the results she saw. If you have a chronic condition that western medicine can't seem to get under control you may want to give him a call to see if he can help you. read more

Interesting concept that the brain pretty much holds all the cards. Dr. Otis is very very knowledgeable, and has helped both me and my 93 year old father tremendously. Once you can wrap your mind around the concept of Braintime Training, you will see that his methodology is brilliant and, although unique, is very good. My concentration has improved, Dr. O helped me get through a concussion, eased lower back pain and helped my badly aching foot (chipped bone) improve tremendously. Explore his website. He may be able to help you in more ways than you think. The thing I liked about him as well, is that he does not lead you on. For me, he told me I would need to see him 4 times. Period. Which was all I did need from him for that particular incident (concussion). For my dad, who was in great pain from surgery after a hip replacement, Dr. O only needed to see him once to fix my dad's problem. read more

I am another chiropractor and work in Dr. Otis' neighborhood. I recommend Dr Otis for cases that are beyond my scope. If someone has a really tough case that I can't help, I think of Dr Otis, particularly if the issue is neurologic. He's a great guy, and an incredibly knowledgeable doctor. read more

I was referred to Dr. Jim Otis by a very well known Chiropractor in San Francisco because I wanted a Dr. in the east bay where I live. In 2013, I was in a car accident that affected my neck and back negatively. I was in desperate need of someone to help get me back in action as I am a mother of twin toddlers. Immediately upon meeting Dr. Otis, I found him very pleasant and his office bright and calming. As I told him of my condition, he listened very carefully and was very sympathetic. I began seeing him several times a week. His approach is very thorough as he uses a holistic approach including customized exercise to do at home. Within weeks, I was feeling pain free and stronger. I still continue to do the exercises and follow his recommendations for daily back care. I highly recommend Dr. Otis as a fantastic chiropractor. read more

In October of 2015 I got a concussion. This is what I wrote on about my symptoms 3 months following the accident. After 3+ months I still have major concussion symptoms and have to make some major changes! I have sensory overload (light, sound, movement). Teaching my kids to talk softer, move more outside, and dimming lights, shutting curtains more! My coordination is greatly affected and I have a hard time with my balance. I can't focus on a finger in front of my nose without getting dizzy, and move my head to the right or the left without getting dizzy.. healing is slow. I began seeing dr Otis to treat my concussion right around the time I recorded these symptoms. I did Not want to be on medication as my treatment for my concussion. Thus, began researching other alternatives. Dr Otis was able to treat my concussion without medication through brain exercises over the next 11 months. He was thorough in his exams and gave me just enough exercises to slowly repair what had been damaged with my concussion. I saw slow improvements through different brain exercises he gave me to treat the different symptoms I struggled with. Throughout his treatment I began to withstand noises, regain my balance, and withstand light & movement again. I am now able to be present in life in ways I was not able to post concussion. I was looking for an alternative to taking drugs a neurologist wanted me to take. I did not Want to be on medication for the rest of my life. I have since recovered from my concussion (without taking any medication) and am able to be present in life again. Thanks to the care and exercises from Dr. Otis. Highly recommend for any brain related injury. read more

I paid the $300 for an evaluation. What struck me was the lack of tools or equipment he had to evaluate me so we would have a baseline. Also, his office was not ADA compliant. My hip was killing me and I could barely walk up the stairs and into the oldest elevator I've ever seen up to his office. I left with no confidence that he could make me better in 10 visits at $150 a session. read more

I am constantly amazed by the skill, expertise and talent exhibited by Dr. Jim Otis. I initially went to see him about a troubling problem in my neck and shoulder that I had been dealing with for over 10 years. After a series of visits he managed to cure the problem - something that countless body workers, healers, chiropractors and osteopaths had not been able to do. I now go to see him whenever I have any pain in any part of my body and he works his miracles. What are you waiting for? Make an appointment! read more

I had reoccurring panic attacks for twenty years. The attacks caused an intense sense of anxiety. I could feel my heart race along with my mind. The anxiety sometimes led to periods of sleep deprivation and lack of overall energy. My medical doctor prescribed an anti-anxiety medication. I was concerned that these were not getting to the root of my problems. I wanted to explore alternative and more systemic ways of improving my condition, so I started acupuncture five years ago. The acupuncture was a step in the right direction, but not the final step. I started seeing Dr. Otis treatment seven months ago, and I have had great success. I no longer take the prescription medications, which was an important goal for me. My anxiety has been greatly reduced. I can deal with stressful situations in a way that I did not before. If something stresses me out, I can deal with it in a healthier manner. I have not had problems sleeping for 6 months! Dr. Otis approaches the cause of the condition and does not just focus on the symptom. In my case, he ordered blood and hormone tests, and he suggested supplements and dietary suggestions. He also did neurological body- work and explained all along the way what and why he was doing. I felt that I had finally found someone who could provide thorough and systemic explanations as to how my anxiety was being triggered from a neurological point of view, and why he was giving me each supplement and dietary advice. I think people with similar conditions should see Dr. Otis if they are interested in caring for themselves in a long-term holistic manner that focuses on the cause of the conditions and not just the symptom. He offers you the opportunity to go beyond prescription drug therapy that may not be dealing with the root of the condition. read more

Wow! I came to Dr. Jim in despair. I am 70 and in increasingly painful chronic back pain and headaches. I had been to many chiropractors and healers over the years, many who had helped me get some short term relief. My last chiro. was very experienced, but admitted he had hit a wall. I found Jim Otis. He has worked miracles! He works completely differently. No traditional adjustments. It seems he works at a more fundamental systemic level, yet gently and non-invasive. I came in with my worst pain flare in years and after 5 visits, I am pain and medication free.I went on vacation and forgot to take my pain meds with me, my pain is so removed from my everyday life. Plus, Jim is a warm, bright guy who seems completely present and truly interested. He would get 6 stars if there were such a category. Totally recommend him. Zev Walnut Creek read more

He's a practitioner who took advantage of my vulnerability. On another website he 'sells' his one-size fits all 'BrainTime' program for $1 for the first month and $29/month thereafter. This is essentially the 'treatment' he offered to me for $1700.00 when I was in his office. He has a warm personality, and feeling cared about is an important element in anyone's healing process. but beware. He is in denial of his unethical treatment toward vulnerable, chronically ill people who come to him as a last resort, and trust him to help them. Find someone else to help you with your difficult health issues. read more

Jim helped me beginning with my very first session with him. I had vertigo-like symptoms (unsteadiness / imbalances while walking, fatigue, and occasionally nausea and vomiting) for almost eight months on and off until I came to see Jim. My acupuncturist, masseuse, physical therapist, and neurologist M.D. tried their best, but could not solve my problem. But Jim did!!! I highly recommend Jim to anyone with a nervous system issue. read more

Dr. Otis has treated me for over 25 years for numerous issues related to Fabry, a rare genetic disease. The issues range from digestive, muscular and joint, cardiac, and neurological, to name a few. There was no help from conventional medicine for my issues, but when he started working with me, I improved a lot. Dr. Otis's proficiency in kinesiology, neurology and a little different chiropractic approach has made me able to function normally for all the years he has treated me. I have also recommended him to friends who received relief when they consulted him and followed his advice. read more

I am a fellow chiropractor in Oakland. I brought my 5 year old daughter to Dr. Otis 2 months ago. She is still a little fireball, however, just in 2 months, she has calmed down considerably. Through Dr. Otis, we are clear now that she does not suffer from ADHD or autism. She's just full of vim and vigor...and is five years old! His initial exam (fascinating to watch) revealed that the two hemispheres of her brain are not working in sync resulting in her having full access to her "accelerators" but very little access to her "breaks". Basically, she did whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. And if anyone got in her way, it showed up on a richter scale somewhere. Now, she is getting consistently good reports from her kindergarten teacher of good behavior. She has not disrupted the class or has been sent on a time-out for the past two weeks. This is a serious quality of life issue for parents!!! I am so relieved and am so hopeful for the future of my life being even half as stressful as it has been in the last few years. Oye Vay! If you are a parent and have a child that is challenging (probably way more challenging that you think, I bet, 'cause you're in it right now), it is worth your time, money, and effort to make a first appointment with Dr. Otis. Yes, the first visit is $250 (or maybe more by now). It is worth is because this man is an expert at what he does and he has gotten to the root of what has been ailing my daughter in a very short period of time. read more

My daughter suffered a very bad head injury in October during a soccer game, with resulting concussion--head aches, fatigue, blurred vision and other symptoms including inability to focus on learning or retain information. It was a very scary experience for all of us and we felt so powerless to help her. My daughter's coach had been helped by Dr. Otis for a similar injury and so we took her recommendation and contacted Dr. Otis. We were wary at first because the modalities he uses were completely unknown to us, but as soon as he started to asses our daughter and proceeded to treat her, it became very apparent that: he is extremely bright and knowledgable, that he is doing cutting edge work, and that he could help our daughter recover. We saw improvement after a few visits and feel confident that he helped speed up her recovery dramatically. I have been amazed at how individualized and nuanced his approach is and how thoughtful he is when designing a treatment plan. I have been recommending him to everyone I've come across who has an unusual health concern--especially brain related, because Dr. Otis seems to have the tools, and knowledge to help them out. read more

Thanks so much for making me feel better, a real different approach for fantastic results, all in a very natural way!

I worked with Dr Otis for about 5 months to find relief from Migraine associated Vertigo. His knowledge of the brain and how so many things impact it, including food and sleep, was quite helpful. I highly recommend Dr Otis for anyone who is frustrated with migraines and dizziness. read more

THIS IS LONG OVERDUE! Dr. Otis changed my life around several years ago, and I will always be grateful for his superb chiropractic acumen and skillset! I had suffered from food allergies and an intolerance to gluten for several years without knowing it, and Dr. Otis was the one who, on first diagnosing me, found I needed to stop eating wheat. As my body cleared out (elimination diet), it became clear that when I ate certain grains and some other foods, I needed to also eliminate them from my body. I had a low grade fever that would not go away for 8 months before seeing Dr. Otis, and no other doctor had a clue years ago how to handle this. Additionally, Dr. Otis gave me expert adjustments so my spine was moving properly, and he worked on and corrected soft tissue (with Applied Kinesiology) that was not properly functioning, thus balancing my nervous system. Dr. Otis is also a very warm, kind doctor. Trust in Dr. Otis! Especially as has he has several years experience in addition to being a Doctor of Chiropractic, as a specialist with the Carrick chiropractic program, obtaining a Diplomate in Neurology. read more