Alliance Chiropractic, Millbrae CA

As a first-time participant of chiropractic services, I didn't know what to expect other than the stereotypes, which turned out to be partially true. Dennis Balch was okay, in fact his job seemed to be pretty straightforward. Say hi to the patient, start an electric massage while jumping to the next, have a masseuse work on the patient whilst seeing several more patients, come back and do a couple of cracks, and boom- done! Depending on how long he takes seeing other patients, you may be stuck with the masseuse for longer or just laying there waiting. I mean it's a pretty good gig. It even got me contemplating if I should pursue the chiropractic route. And I didn't necessarily care since copay was so cheap for me. Like do you man, play the game. He at first told me to come twice a week then changed it to biweekly when I set that schedule. Him alone I'd give 3 stars.

Unfortunately, I had a bad experience with the young female masseuse which ultimately led to my termination from further services with Alliance Chiropractic, which, by the way, overcharged me for every appointment. I'm a chill person and if she would have asked to quickly respond to someone, like hey no prob. But no. Not only was the young masseuse bad, she was actively TEXTING during my entire session. Seriously? Maybe she gets away with it because we are facing downwards and entrusting these workers, but come on girl, I heard your little thumbs tap tap tapping. My ears are right there. She'd even stop massaging to text with her arms still on my back. I knew when she'd put her phone in her pocket and back in her hand. Kept repeating if everything's good. Stayed at the same spot barely massaging but also kind of hurting me at this point while she, too, wondered where Mr. Balch may be. In fact, she didn't even work on the areas Balch told her to work on. I turned to see who it was since I had no idea who was even touching me and she seemed very young. Not sure if this is a favor Balch is making for a friend or maybe niece but it was super disrespectful.

And it would be kinda difficult to make a case in her favor- she either was in fact texting or is a super aloof and terrible masseuse. Either way you look at it, she failed to do her job and ultimately ruined Balch's reputation.

Balch was a cool person, really into baseball, and I would've continued seeing him, but the girl just put a bad taste in my mouth. Price wasn't a factor for me since copay was so cheap with insurance. It's saddening to think how many patients she's disrespected, especially seeing how, at least from my observations, how the clientele leans towards a much older demographic. My heart goes out to all of her victims: past, present, and future.