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28 Years
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Expert Chiropractic Care in San Mateo
Dade W. Donovan DC is dedicated to providing exceptional chiropractic care to help patients achieve and exceed their health goals. Our practice focuses on holistic, evidence-based approaches, combining chiropractic manipulation, soft tissue therapies like Active Release Technique (ART), Graston Technique, and rehabilitation exercises. We treat each patient as a whole, addressing primary concerns while guiding them toward a pain-free lifestyle. Dr. Dade Donovan specializes in spinal and extremity care, emphasizing rehabilitation and prevention of repetitive stress injuries. Certified in full-body Active Release Technique, he integrates diet, rest, exercise, alignment, and mindfulness (D.R.E.A.M.) into personalized treatment plans.

With over two decades of experience, including a residency at Life West Public Clinic, Dr. Donovan combines technical expertise with compassionate care. Our clinic in downtown San Mateo serves a diverse patient base, from athletes to seniors, addressing conditions ranging from neck pain to plantar fasciitis. We prioritize patient education, offering corrective exercises and lifestyle advice to enhance long-term wellness. Our commitment to community extends to volunteer work and supporting local health initiatives. Patients consistently praise our gentle, effective care and the transformative results they experience.
Services
Chiropractic Care Active Release Technique Graston Technique Therapeutic Exercise Neck Pain Treatment Shoulder Pain Relief Headache Management Sports Injury Recovery Postural Correction Nutritional Counseling
Details
  • Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
  • We offer personalized care combining chiropractic adjustments with advanced soft tissue therapies.
  • Our doctor is certified in full-body Active Release Technique for targeted pain relief.
  • We prioritize patient education with corrective exercises and lifestyle recommendations.
  • Our practice treats patients of all ages, from athletes to seniors, with diverse needs.
  • We emphasize holistic wellness, addressing diet, rest, and mindfulness alongside physical care.
Associations and certifications
  • National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • California State Chiropractic Board
What people say
Gentle yet effective care Immediate pain relief Personalized treatment plans Expertise in ART Thorough assessments
Services
Chiropractic Care
Our chiropractic care focuses on correcting spinal misalignments to improve overall body function. We develop personalized plans incorporating light stretching, exercise, and adjustments to address pain and promote wellness. This approach helps patients achieve better posture, reduced discomfort, and enhanced mobility through non-invasive techniques.
Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique targets adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments to relieve pain and restore movement. This hands-on method breaks down scar tissue and improves flexibility, particularly effective for sports injuries, repetitive strain, and chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis through precise, directed pressure.
Graston Technique
Graston Technique uses specialized tools to detect and treat soft tissue restrictions. By applying controlled microtrauma to affected areas, this evidence-based approach accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and restores function for acute injuries and chronic conditions like tendonitis and muscle strains.
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercises improve strength, flexibility, and biomechanics to support recovery. These customized movements correct imbalances, prevent compensation patterns, and enhance functional performance, ensuring patients regain optimal physical capabilities after injury or surgery.
Postural Correction
Postural correction addresses musculoskeletal imbalances caused by poor habits or repetitive stress. Through targeted adjustments, soft tissue work, and corrective exercises, we help patients achieve proper alignment, reducing strain on joints and muscles while preventing future injuries.
People
Dade W. Donovan
Chiropractor
Dr. Dade Donovan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Life Chiropractic College West in 1998. Certified in Active Release Technique and Graston, he combines chiropractic adjustments with holistic approaches like nutrition and mindfulness. A San Mateo native, he volunteers for breast cancer walks and focuses on sports injury recovery, treating patients from athletes to seniors.
Questions
What conditions do you treat?
We treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and other musculoskeletal conditions using chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes, our treatments are non-invasive and tailored to individual needs. Dr. Donovan uses gentle techniques suitable for all ages, focusing on safe, sustainable pain relief and wellness.
Do you accept insurance?
We recommend contacting your provider to verify coverage. Our staff can provide documentation for out-of-network claims, and we offer flexible payment options for uninsured patients.
How many sessions will I need?
Treatment plans vary by condition. Most patients experience improvement within 4-6 sessions, with maintenance visits recommended for long-term wellness and injury prevention.
What makes your practice unique?
We combine Active Release Technique, Graston, and chiropractic care with personalized rehabilitation plans, addressing both symptoms and root causes for comprehensive, lasting results.
Do you offer emergency appointments?
Yes, we prioritize urgent cases and offer same-day appointments for acute injuries. Our answering service pages Dr. Donovan after hours for true emergencies.
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Reviews (4)
Jeremy Sklyar
Apr 22, 2022 Report
Dr Donovan cured chronic back pain I had for many years. I now bring my entire family to him. I highly recommend his services.
William
Apr 18, 2022 Report
After being face up, looking at the ceiling for hours, and feeling that you will never get your lower back to work again, you discover hope. Dr Dade Donovan through expertise, empathy, and encouragement got my lower back to work with me. I can't imagine anyone more knowledgeable and personable to help me on my healing journey.
Jamar Ramos
Mar 09, 2022 Report
I've been going to Dr. Donovan for a few months. He has helped alleviate my hip pain and lessened my ankle pain. My quality of life has improved, and I've been able to up my exercise thank to the work Dr. Donovan has done. He is a pro has a great conversational manner when he works with you. I'd recommend him to anyone looking for a great chiropractor!
J. P.
Jun 28, 2021 Report
I've been seeing Dr. Donovan since 2007. He is extremely knowledgeable, skilled, caring, and has a great sense of humor. He takes the time to address the soft tissues if needed, which really benefits the patient. I've seen many chiropractors over the years. He is by far the best one and I feel fortunate to have found him. Every time I have an adjustment from him, I feel as though I have had a full body tune-up.