Potrero Chiropractors: Neck, Back & Headache Pain Relief Center

After a violent automobile accident my daughter and I were in need of specific chiropractic and accupuncture care. PotreroChiros took immediate action, made a review of our needs and put us on a solid rehabilition program. We received excellent health care. We are both now doing very well.

PotreroChiros also took complete responsibility for the insurance billings. We did not have to think twice about insurance, billing, or money. Our health was their main concern while staff took care of business.

Pros: location, convenience, ease of appointments

Posted 06/09/09

So I have been to 5+ different chiropractors from Palo Alto up to SF, and nobody has given me the relief from my pain like Dr. G. He is incredibly knowlegable, and after chatting to him and whining about my pains for a few minutes on the first visit, he knew just what to do to get me back to my pain-free self again!

I haven't been able to run for 3+ years because of mid-back pain, and I am happy to report I went for 2 jogs last weekend, and my back is still feeling good! I'm telling you, if you want results, go to Potrero Chiropractors. They arent the most cushy, softy, spa-y, chiropractor in the City, but if you are like me and just want RESULTS, this is the place to go. I feel 100% safe in Dr. G's care, and trust that when he schedules follow up appointments, it is because he thinks that is the best way to help me, rather than feeling like he is upselling me to make some money (which is the impression I have gotten from a number of other Chiropractor's I have encountered).

THANK YOU DR. G!!

Pros: Effective adjustments, friendly doc and receptionist, rolly beds to ice on

Cons: If I didnt work in the neighborhood it would be a pain to get to

Posted 02/16/09

I started seeing Dr. Frank (aka Doc G) about 3 months now with cronic neck and upper back pains from flying too much. Not only did he imediately releive the pain, but the continual treatment (which is only 1x a month) plus the exercises he taught me have completely eliminated the pain. I really appreciate the ability to get in and get out fast AND get in with last minute notice (sorry I do this all the time Dr. Frank). I highly recommend Potrero. And honestly, I was really quite surprised how easy it was to find street parking around their office. A+ service.

Posted 10/27/08

Potrero Chiropractors has helped me tremendously. I had twisted my back and had recurring pain for over 6 months. Pain relievers stopped working. I had never been to a chiropractor before. Dr. Gilson answered the phone and made an appointment for me for that day after work. He gave me useful information about the spine and helped me understand my injury. From twice a week to once every two weeks my back has improved greatly WITHOUT the use of pain relievers. I feel SO MUCH better, it's almost hard to believe. I'm so glad I went.

Posted 04/06/08

Potrero Chiropractors ROCK! Dr. Frank's positive and energetic personality speaks volumes to his professional and charismatic treatment. I have been under the care of my brother, who is a noted chiropractor in New England for more than 25 years, and I will say Dr. Frank is as successful in his treatment with me as my brother. I might even say more successful, but he is my brother. In my recent move to SF, I was under the care of a previous chiropractor, but discovered Dr. Frank and I am here to stay. Excellent work!!!!

Pros: Affordable, comfortable, no stress no strain

Cons: Yankees Fan

Posted 03/26/08

I've been a patient of DOC G(Frank Gilson) for a couple of years and have always received NOTHING BUT THE BEST care and treatment from him. He has HELPED ME with a chronic mid-back problem as well as acute issues that involved a work-related repetitive stress injury and a hip injury that almost prevented me from participating in the SF to LA LifeCycle benefit.
Doc G works hand-in-hand with JOHN ELLIS -- an acupuncturist and body worker. Together, they're the PERFECT COMBINATION of active and passive therapy.
But the BEST thing about this office is how FRIENDLY and WELCOMING everyone is, from the fantastic staff (Fabiola and Jackie) to Doc G and John. The atmosphere is professional but unintimidating. Everyone on staff goes out of their way to make patients feel COMFORTABLE and CARED FOR.
I have been to a number of chiropractors and acupuncturists over my years in San Francisco -- including those with a lot of letters after their names, but I've never found any to match the HEALING ABILITIES of Doc G and John.
THANK YOU to POTRERO CHIROPRACTIC!!
(BTW, I'm mystified by the comment below about "lawn furniture" in the office. No, it's not thousands-of-dollars high-end stuff that you'd find in a lawyers office, but it's comfortable and functional. Besides, if an office is going to spend money on something, i'd rather they spend it on the equipment (including *3* auto-massage tables that are AMAZING!)
I'm also mystified by some saying it's hard to find or difficult to park. It's centrally located and literally on the borders of SOMA, Potrero, and the Mission right next to 101. And there's always ample street parking along Division.)

Pros: PROFESSIONAL, EFFECTIVE care; FRIENDLY staff; GREAT SYNERGY between chiropractic and body work; COMFORTABLE waiting room with wide-screen TV

Cons: NONE!

Posted 03/12/08

Frank and John are fabulous at what they do, and I appreciate their efficiency. I have strains from typing into computers all day, and Doc G has done an amazing job at correcting problems in my spine and neck. I wouldn't hesitate recommending Potrero Chiro to anyone in pain or those looking for a new chiropractor and/or acupuncturist.

Pros: great great great!

Cons: none!

Posted 03/06/08

I first went to see Dr G. after I sprained my ankle playing soccer. I was thinking he would just adjust it and let me go. But after the first consultation, I realized how messed up my back and neck were. So he helped my ankle to heal in no time and after a few visit, I forgot about my stiff neck and now I go once in a while for "maintenance". Besides, everybody in the office is very friendly, you can show at anytime when you need it and the wait is very limited. So if you suffer from your ankle, knee, neck, back, etc... Dr G will surely make you feel better.

Pros: efficiency,

Cons: ??

Posted 03/06/08

I just have to say I was new to chiropractic and I don't want to say chiropractic didn't work. Just maybe I went to the wrong place. I had some mild neck pain and a friend referred me to this place. I was a little uncomfortable from the start. I felt that the 2 minute physical was odd with not even really speaking to me. This Doctor Gilson didn't really ask me a lot of questions and didn't really explain anything. I didn't feel X-Rays were necessary for my mild neck pain but hey I am not a doctor. Not like a fell or was in a car accident. And after two adjustments I felt worse. I just wouldn't recommend this place. I did go to another chiropractor a couple weeks later with good results and I found what I was looking for. I do have admit after reading the other reviews that the place was hard to find at first and parking is difficult so be wary. Staff was ok.

Pros: Uhmmm magazines or Leaving quickly and not coming back.

Cons: Adjustment, Location, Parking

Posted 02/12/08

re you physically stuck? Does your neck or back make freakish crunching noises and send you into a seizure-like tizzy when you try to do something silly like function? Sounds like you need a Chiropractor... If you are scared of doctors like I am, hate to fill out forms for 45 minutes prior to finally going into the office and are hesitant to check out an ache or pain because you feel like a baby, come into this place. Doctor John will fix what is wrong, explain what is going on using x-rays and will give youy exercises to upkeep what was adjusted. And, the entire staff is undyingly pleasant. Best place ever to have your skeleton sound like a bowl of rice crispies and get what is wrong fixed with a sound explanation and plan to get you back to normal without prolonging the healing process.

Pros: Staff is efficient, nice and fast.

Cons: Getting there can be a little hard with the street configuration

Posted 11/06/07

I usually review more on yelp but I started looking for another chiropractor and I thought I should review this office. Not that my experience was terriable but I would like to comment. I selected this place based on other reviews and I feel they may be a little tainted. Anyway this place was really difficult to find it was hidden near the highway, a little sketchy. Parking was not soo easy either. As for the chiropractor, and I have seen a couple from moving around I couldn't understand a word he was saying. A little rushed on the first visit and no one was in the office, so I questioned that. I came a couple of times so this is not based on one visit. Treatments were ok. The appearance of the office was lawn furniture and quite dull, not that it really matters but it was uncomfortable. Anyway I hope this is a real review bc I can't believe no one commented on difficulty of finding this place or parking so beware of what you read.

Pros: Hard to say

Cons: Parking, difficult to find, office chairs

Posted 06/19/07

These guys have earned my trust. I know I'm in capable hands with Doc G. & John Ellis. The office staff is also very reliable and pleasant to deal with. Thanks to both docs, I've got my life back - NGarcia

Posted 06/10/07

I recommend Dr. Frank Gilson of Potrero Chiropractors. I had severe pain in my neck due to scar tissue buildup and had seen several "specialists" who did not help at all. After almost a year of severe pain I went to Dr. Gilson who helped me.

Posted 05/27/07

After many months of drugging myself up with pain killers to cope with horrible migraines, I finally got help. Not only to cure my migraines, but a terrible pain in my left shoulder and muscle spasm in my back.
Years ago I was in a car accident and never thought about seeing if my hips were (still) out of alignment, but the x-rays clearly showed that they were, plus a bad curve in my neck due to being on a computer all day.
Well, I have been seeing Dr G for a few months now and feel so much better! I am very sensitive about my back and neck being adjusted, but his treatments are worth it and showed results.
Also, prior to this wonderful center I was seeing an acupuncturist that showed minimal results so I have started treatments with John Ellis?he is excellent! I?ve always been a true believer for acupuncture, but now I am a regular for his Tui Na body work!
I am so thankful my severe pain is gone. I higher recommend this healing center that has an extremely nice office with a very caring staff.
-SCG in Potrero Hill

Pros: very friendly staff and open evenings

Posted 05/24/07

I?m a Personal Trainer due to a career change a few years ago. I?m aware of proper form, core training, nutrition and cardiovascular exercise. However due to scar tissue buildup in my glutes , my hips got out of alignment. It was painful to walk. My body was requiring ten hours of sleep instead of my normal seven to eight hours. The pain was intense, it affected everything in my daily life from holding onto the countertop when getting a glass of water and needing to slide myself out of bed to get up. Training was out of the question as well as doing the stairmaster.
After a few weeks with Dr. Gilson and John Ellis, I?m fully recovered and back to my normal regime of pushups, lunges, leg presses and doing one-hundred floors on the stairmaster three times a week. I?m grateful to both Dr. G and John for getting my life back to where it was.

Posted 05/04/07

Back in Sept 06, I had a herniated L4/L5 disk and could barely walk 15-20 feet without having to sit down due to the severe pain. At the time, I wanted to avoid surgery (and still do) as I didn't feel surgery was the only option I had even after visiting several orthopedic doctors and surgeons from Standford, UCSF and SutterHealth. Since September I have been seeing both Doctor Gilson and Acupuncturist John Ellis on a regular basis and can say that I am now completely pain free and are able to live a normal life once again. Even though my pain is gone, I want to continue to see them both as part of my maintenance routine going forward. Another huge factor as part of my overall positive experience with them has been the fact that their entire staff is extremely flexible and friendly.

Posted 12/12/06

I can't say how happy I have been with Potrero Chiropractors and Frank Gilson, D.C. in particular. I had a terrible pinched nerve and didn't know what to do. On my first fist Dr. G did a very thorough examination and asked detailed questions. He described what was happening to my whole spinal area. He put me on a regime of visits and stretching. A few weeks later I have no issues with my pinched nerve, no tingling in my fingers and can move with ease. I continue to see Dr. G on a regular basis to up-keep my health.

His front office staff are friendly and are willing to work with you on a payment schedule if you need to do so. Making an appointment is easy and if they have to they can fit you in when you need to come in.

I am very happy with my results and recommend Potrero Chiropractors to anyone who wants a better way of living.

Pros: Easy Appt. making. Friendly staff.

Posted 10/24/06

I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE LASTING PAIN RELIEF I'VE GOTTEN FROM THE TEAM AT POTRERO CHIROPRACTICS.

AFTER 20 PLUS YEARS OF LONG DISTANCE RUNNING AND OTHER ENDURANCE TRAINGING, I WAS LEFT WITH A HIP AND LEG INJURY WHICH PREVENTED MY WORKOUTS FOR OVER 3 YEARS. I TRIED A VARIETY OF TREATMENTS INCLUDING OTHER CHIRO'S AND ACCUPUNTURISTS WHICH WOULD GIVE ME A BRIEF PERIOD OF RELIEF BUT THE PAIN WOULD RETURN AFTER A FEW DAYS. ALTHOUGH I'M NOT USUALLY QUICK TO GIVE-UP, I FOUND THIS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING AND DEPRESSING AS I HAVE ALWAYS RELIED ON MY WORKOUTS TO MAINTAIN GOOD MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH.

THEN, ABOUT 8 WEEKS AGO, A GROUP OF US NURSES WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT OUR ACHES AND PAINS WHEN ONE NURSE MENTIONED HAVING A GREAT CHIROPRACTOR WHO HELPED HER BECOME PAIN FREE. AS IT TURNS OUT THERE WERE FOUR OTHER NURSES WORKING THAT NIGHT WHO ARE ALSO TREATED BY THIS "GREAT CHIROPRACTOR AND ACCUPUNTURIST". AFTER SOME HESITATION I DECIDED TO GIVE THESE GUYS A TRY.

THE REST IS HISTORY. THE COMBINATION OF SKELETAL AND SOFT TISSUE THERAPIES I RECEIVED FROM THE TEAM AT POTRERO CHIROPRACTICS HAS SEEMED MAGICAL. TRUTH BE TOLD, I THINK THESE GUYS JUST KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

I AM PAIN FREE MOST OF THE TIME AND THE DEPRESSION HAS STOPPED. A 12 HOUR WORK SHIFT SPENT ON MY FEET CONSTANTLY IS NO LONGER ENDING WITH SEVERE LEG AND HIP PAIN. AND BEST OF ALL, I'M RUNNING AGAIN!! COMFORTABLY!!

IF PAIN IS LIMITING YOUR LIFE AND YOUR HAPPYNESS, PAY A VISIT TO THE TEAM AT POTRERO CHIROPRACTICS. YOU WON'T REGRET IT.

ADAM LUNA,
REGISTERED NURSE

Posted 09/20/06

The staff is friendly and helpful, the wait is never long, and the hours are appropriate for working patients. More importantly, Doc G has an intense, hard-working manner, and never fails to demonstrate dedication to his patients health and well-being. He works and talks fast, so sometimes you have to be quick to get a question in; but despite the busy schedule, hes managed to create an extremely comfortable environment, where you feel entirely supported as a patient.

I came to Doc G having suffered from scoliosis since childhood, and although my condition was chronic, he began my treatment with two visits a day for a week (while only billing for once a day). In addition to my visits, Doc G has taken the time to consult with my naturopathic doctor and some other chiropractors about my case. The other doctor in the office, an acupuncturist, also consulted during one of my visits. After a month of treatment, I have some increased mobility, and no longer suffer from numbness in the fingers. Also, I have a better understanding of my condition, after many conversations with Doc G.

I highly recommend these guys I now look forward to my visits. In fact, I think Doc Gs only real flaw is that hes a Yankees fan so watch out if youre a Sox fan like me.

Pros: good hours, friendly staff

Cons: location not that great for public transit

Posted 07/14/06

I found Doctor Gilson through a review on tribe and thought i forward on this good find. This is the most convenient, and success-oriented place in town. I drop in, am seen right away, and pay less than half of a massage or acupuncture visit. Top-of-line icing and massage tables, and you are out-of-there. I just made it through my first Ironman because of Doctor Gilson. He's an athlete and understands active people's goals of getting better fast.

Ask him about his crazy bay swimming and remember he's out sailing on Wednesdays so they're closed!

Cons: parking

Posted 07/13/06

I've been visiting Doc G for years and rely on him to help me with migraines and back pain. I know I can trust him to take all the pain away for me... and he is perpetually cheerful and happy and funny. The rest of the office are quite lovely also :-)

Pros: service

Cons: parking can be a challenge at certain times of the day

Posted 07/13/06

Doc G, as he's best known is an amazing chiro. I walked into his office a virtual cripple as I had a very pronounced pinched nerve. After some initial analysis, Doc G isolated the issue (which turned out to be a curvature of my spine, also known as scoliosis) and went to work on me. After 2 sessions per day for 6 days, I was able to regain full rotation of my neck and with each day the progress got better. He was professional, attentive, and took his time to understand my problem and the nature of the pain I was suffering...then he solved it!!! Yippeee!!! :-)

He specializes in working with athletes which gives him a real edge in understanding the needs of active people. He also does brown bag lunch sessions to talk to company employees about ergonomic and posture issues. Well worth the time.

Pros: Friendly team, relaxing environment, solid results with each visit

Cons: I moved away fm Potrero Hill :-(

Posted 07/13/06

After 12 years as a gymnast and 6 years at a computer, my body was pretty messed up: arthritis in my neck, loss of motion in my ankle, and perpetual inflammation and discomfort in one of my knees. I started seeing Doc G just because he had a table set up at my gym, and I've never looked back. He took Xrays so I could see the damage to my neck and spine, then put me on an intensive program to get me feeling better quickly. I threw away my Excedrin Migraine, which I had been taking at least 3 times a week. Every time I have a new injury or problem, Doc G is generous with his time and advice. Go see him! Today! If his sparkling personality doesn't get you to come back, the roller tables will.

* I also appreciate the casual office environment. I'm not always, um, on time ... and sometimes I show up without warning, but with a little wait I'm never turned away. Plus he has evening and Saturday morning hours, just to make it easier. And payment plans. And a really nice staff.

Pros: flexible hours, service

Cons: addictiveness

Posted 07/13/06