An outdoor view of Rixen Chiropractic on a beautiful day.

New Patient Center

Close-up of a practitioner applying pressure to a patient’s back.

Looking for a Chiropractor in El Sobrante, CA? Start Here

Rixen Chiropractic welcomes new patients in El Sobrante and the surrounding communities of San Pablo, Richmond, Pinole, Hercules, Rodeo, Martinez, Orinda, and El Cerrito. Whether you are dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, a disc bulge, or shoulder and hip discomfort, our clinic is built around one goal: helping you get back to the activities and people that matter most to you.

We work with adults, office workers, parents, athletes, and anyone managing chronic pain or recovering from an auto injury or sports injury. If you have been putting off care because you were not sure where to start or what to expect, you are in the right place. Your first visit at Rixen Chiropractic is designed to begin with listening. We take the time to understand your history, your concerns, and what you are hoping to get back before any recommendation is made. No pressure, no guesswork, and no surprises.

What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit

Your first appointment is focused on understanding your concerns, reviewing your health history, and determining the best next step for your care. Here is a clear look at how that visit works at Rixen Chiropractic.

Health History and Intake

Your visit begins with an intake process that covers your current symptoms, relevant health history, past injuries, lifestyle factors, and what you are hoping to achieve from care. You can complete your intake forms ahead of time by email, or fill them out in the office on a tablet. Either way, the goal is to make sure our team has the context needed before your consultation begins.

Consultation With Your Chiropractor

Our chiropractor will sit down with you to discuss what brought you in, how your symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life, and what you are trying to get back. This is your opportunity to ask questions and share as much detail as you feel is relevant. The consultation is conversational and unhurried.

Physical Examination

Depending on your concerns, we may assess your range of motion, movement patterns, and orthopedic or neurological indicators to develop a clearer picture of what is happening. The examination is focused on function and findings, not just symptoms.

Findings and Recommendations

Once the examination is complete, we will walk you through what we observed, whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation, and what we recommend as a next step. You will leave with a clear understanding of the findings and a plan that makes sense to you before any care begins.

Treatment or Next Appointment

In many cases, treatment may begin on the same day as your first visit, depending on what the examination reveals and what is most appropriate for your condition. In some situations, we may recommend imaging or a referral before proceeding. Whatever the case, the next step will always be explained clearly so you can make an informed decision. First visits at Rixen Chiropractic typically run about 30 minutes.

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How to Prepare for Your First Chiropractic Appointment

A little preparation before your first visit helps keep things moving smoothly and gives our team the complete picture needed to support you well.

What to bring:

  • Photo ID (driver’s license or government-issued ID)
  • Insurance card (if using insurance coverage)
  • List of current medications and supplements
  • Any relevant imaging such as X-rays or MRI reports from previous treatment or providers
  • Notes on your symptoms including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily life

A few things that will help:

  • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork and get settled
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement and access to the areas being examined
  • Write down your questions in advance so nothing gets forgotten during the consultation
  • If you prefer to complete forms before your visit, ask our front desk to send them to you by email or phone ahead of time

Insurance, Payment, and Chiropractic Visit Costs

We want financial questions to be the last thing on your mind when you walk through our door. Here is what you need to know about coverage and payment at Rixen Chiropractic.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. We accept most major insurance plans, including Kaiser, Blue Cross, Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna. If you are unsure whether your plan is accepted, reach out before your visit and we will help you confirm your coverage.

Do you offer direct billing?

Yes. We offer direct billing so you are not left managing the paperwork on your own.

Do you see self-pay patients?

Yes. If you do not have insurance or prefer to pay out of pocket, self-pay options are available. Our team will discuss pricing with you clearly before any care begins.

Will costs be explained before care starts?

Always. We believe in transparency. You will know what to expect financially before any treatment proceeds.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept standard payment methods including major credit and debit cards. Contact our office if you have specific questions about payment options.

Practitioner applying upper back and shoulder pressure during a chiropractic treatment.

Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?

Chiropractic care is a regulated, hands-on healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine, joints, and surrounding soft tissue.

Patients who come to us are often dealing with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, disc bulges, headaches, shoulder or hip pain, sports injuries, or chronic pain conditions that have not fully responded to other approaches. We also support patients managing the physical effects of an auto injury, as well as those working toward longer-term movement and function goals.

At Rixen Chiropractic, care is evidence-based and individualized. We combine manual adjusting, rehabilitation, and advanced Shockwave Therapy to address both symptoms and the underlying functional limitations driving them. Our focus is not just on reducing discomfort in the short term, but on helping you hold onto those gains and stay active in the life you want to live.

The best way to know whether chiropractic care is right for your situation is to come in for a consultation. We will be straightforward with you about what we find and what we recommend.

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Meet Our Chiropractor

A profile picture of Dr. Trevor Minton

Dr. Trevor Minton

Chiropractor / Owner

Dr. Trevor Minton provides evidence-based, hands-on chiropractic care built around each patient’s goals. His approach combines manual adjusting, rehab support, and advanced treatment options like Shockwave Therapy to help patients reduce pain, move better, and get back to the parts of life they have been missing.
A portrait shot of Kacie Rixen

Kacie Rixen

Office Manager

Kacie helps keep the office running smoothly and supports patients throughout their experience with our team. From scheduling to intake and day-to-day coordination, she helps make each visit feel organized, efficient, and welcoming.

Frequently Asked Questions From New Chiropractic Patients

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No. In California, you do not need a referral to book an appointment with a chiropractor. You can contact us directly to schedule your first visit. If you have insurance questions about coverage without a referral, our team is happy to help you sort that out before you come in.

Will I receive treatment on my first visit?

In many cases, yes. Treatment may begin on the same day depending on what the examination reveals and what is appropriate for your condition. In some situations, we may recommend imaging or further assessment before moving forward. Either way, we will always be clear about the next step and why we are recommending it.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. Athletic wear or casual clothes work well. You may be asked to move in different directions or lie on the treatment table, so comfort matters more than anything else.

What if I have had imaging or previous treatment elsewhere?

Bring it with you. Any X-rays, MRI reports, or records from previous providers or treating physicians are genuinely useful. Prior imaging helps our team get a faster and more complete picture of your history, which supports better recommendations from the start.

How do I know if chiropractic care is right for me?

The most reliable way to find out is through a proper consultation and examination. We will assess your condition, review your history, and give you an honest answer based on what we find. If chiropractic care is not the right fit, we will tell you that too and point you in a helpful direction.

Do you treat patients who were injured in a car accident?

Yes. Auto injury and whiplash are among the primary conditions we treat. If you were recently in a collision and are experiencing neck pain, back pain, or related symptoms, same-day appointments may be available. We accept auto injury cases and will walk you through the billing process clearly.

Do you offer same-day or walk-in appointments?

Yes. Same-day appointments and walk-ins are welcome at Rixen Chiropractic. If you are in pain and need to be seen promptly, contact our office and we will do our best to get you in as quickly as possible.

Is Spanish spoken at the clinic?

Yes. Spanish support is available at our clinic. For more detailed conversations, we use an earpiece translator to ensure clear communication throughout your visit.

Book Your First Appointment at Rixen Chiropractic

If you are ready to take the first step, our team is here to make it simple. Whether you have questions about your insurance coverage, what to bring, or what to expect during your visit, we are happy to help you feel prepared before you walk through the door.

We serve patients in El Sobrante, San Pablo, Richmond, Pinole, Hercules, Rodeo, Martinez, Orinda, El Cerrito, and surrounding communities. Same-day appointments and walk-ins are welcome.

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