Gentle, sensory-friendly chiropractic and bodywork in Oakland
Going to a healthcare appointment can be exhausting when you’re neurodivergent.
Maybe bright fluorescent lights leave you feeling drained. Maybe background music is distracting instead of relaxing. Maybe you’ve had providers who talked too much, touched you without explaining what they were doing, or expected you to tolerate discomfort because “it’s only for a minute.”
You deserve better.
At Riverstone Chiropractic, I’ve intentionally created a neurodivergent-friendly chiropractic practice where autistic people, ADHDers, people with sensory processing differences, and anyone who experiences sensory challenges or overstimulation can receive care in a way that feels comfortable and respectful.
Whether you’re looking for a chiropractor in Oakland who works with neurodivergent people, a chiropractor who works with autistic people, a chiropractor who works with introverts, or simply a healthcare provider who understands that everyone’s nervous system is different, you’re welcome here.
Your appointment should fit your nervous system, not the other way around.
There isn’t one “right” way to experience healthcare.
Some people want conversation throughout their visit.
Others need quiet.
Some people want every technique explained in detail.
Others prefer minimal talking so they can fully relax.
Some people enjoy music.
Others find it overwhelming.
We can discuss what would feel best for you.
The goal is to create an experience where your nervous system can settle instead of constantly managing sensory input.
A gentle and calming treatment space
Many people tell me they feel themselves relax as soon as they walk into the office.
I’ve made thoughtful changes to create a gentle and calming treatment space that minimizes unnecessary sensory input whenever possible.
Accommodations may include:
- Turning off fluorescent lights
- Turning music off completely
- Playing/avoiding playing specific types of music
- Turning fan and/or AC on or off based on your preferences
- Offering Silent Appointments where we skip the small talk
Some best practices I abide by:
- Avoiding fragrances, air fresheners, diffusers, and scented products in my treatment room
- I personally never wear cologne/perfume/scented body or hair products and have a fragrance-free appointment policy
- The soap in the bathroom is fragrance-free and I launder the reusable face covers in fragrance-free laundry detergent
- 1-to-1 treatment time, you are never bounced around to an aide or other providers
If there’s something else that would make your visit easier, I’m always happy to discuss reasonable accommodations.
No explanation or apology required.
Silent Appointments are especially popular with neurodivergent patients
One accommodation that many autistic and ADHD patients appreciate is the option to book a Silent Appointment.
This isn’t an awkward appointment where we simply stop talking.
It’s intentionally designed for people who:
- are socially exhausted
- have limited social battery
- find conversation during bodywork distracting
- are recovering from burnout
- want to focus on relaxing
- simply don’t feel like talking that day
We’ll still communicate about your symptoms, explain anything important, and make sure you’re comfortable.
Once treatment begins, the room can simply be…quiet.
Many patients tell me it’s one of the most relaxing healthcare experiences they’ve ever had.
Gentle care that goes beyond “crack and go”
If you’ve avoided chiropractic because you’re worried about forceful adjustments, you’re not alone.
Many neurodivergent people have heightened body awareness, sensory sensitivities, hypermobility, chronic pain, or previous experiences that make traditional high-force adjustments uncomfortable.
My approach is different.
Treatment may include:
- Gentle joint mobilization
- Manual therapy for muscles and connective tissue
- Soft tissue work
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Movement coaching
- Traditional chiropractic adjustments (by hand and/or with an adjusting tool) when they’re appropriate—and only with your consent
Every visit is individualized.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
Common conditions I help with
Neurodivergent people experience all the same musculoskeletal problems as everyone else, plus some unique patterns related to posture, muscle tension, repetitive movement, and nervous system regulation.
Patients often come in for help with:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Low back pain
- Hip pain
- Headaches
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Sports injuries
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle tension
- Hypermobility-related pain
- Chronic aches from prolonged sitting or computer work
Whatever brings you in, we’ll work together to figure out what’s contributing to your symptoms and create a plan that makes sense for you.
A collaborative approach
You’re the expert on your own body.
I bring my clinical experience.
The best results usually happen when we combine both.
If something feels uncomfortable, we’ll change it.
If you’d like more explanation, I’ll explain.
If you’d rather not talk much, that’s completely okay too.
Healthcare shouldn’t feel like something happening to you.
It should feel like something we’re doing together.
LGBTQ+ affirming and neurodivergent-friendly
Many of my patients are members of the LGBTQ+ community, and many are also autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent.
My office is intentionally welcoming to people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, body sizes, and neurotypes.
You don’t need to mask or pretend to be someone you’re not here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with autistic adults?
Absolutely.
Many of my patients are autistic adults looking for a healthcare experience that is respectful of sensory needs, communication preferences, and individual boundaries. If you’re searching for a chiropractor who works with autistic people, I’d be happy to discuss whether my approach is a good fit for you.
Do you have experience working with ADHD?
Yes.
Many people with ADHD experience muscle tension, repetitive strain from desk work, headaches, neck pain, sports injuries, or simply appreciate an appointment that doesn’t require constant conversation.
Appointments can be adapted to your communication style and sensory preferences.
With all this talk about neurodivergence, is the doctor himself, even neurodiverse?
Yes, I proudly identify across multiple spectrums, most notably as queer/trans and as an AuDHD-er 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🧠✨♾️
What if I get overstimulated easily?
Just let me know.
Many accommodations are simple to make, including adjusting lighting, sound, airflow, or the amount of conversation during treatment.
My goal is to reduce overstimulation, not add to it.
Do I have to talk during my appointment?
Not at all.
You’re welcome to schedule a Silent Appointment or simply let me know you’d prefer minimal conversation.
We’ll communicate about what’s necessary for your care, and otherwise you can simply relax.
Looking for a neurodivergent-friendly chiropractor in Oakland?
If you’ve been searching for a chiropractor who works with neurodivergent people, you deserve care that respects your sensory needs and communication preferences.
Whether you’re autistic, have ADHD, experience sensory processing differences, or simply prefer a quieter healthcare environment, you’re welcome at Riverstone Chiropractic.
I’d love to help you move more comfortably in a treatment space designed with your nervous system in mind.
Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact Riverstone Chiropractic in Oakland to book your first visit.
