Dupont Circle Chiropractic

I’ve been seeing Dr. Feier for about 7 months. Before seeing him, I went to another chiropractor in Alexandria for several years. Before that, I tried a million different other possible solutions to help ease my wrist, shoulder, and neck pain. Chiropractic was the only thing that helped, even pain pills didn’t help even in the short-​term. However, when I switched jobs, I wanted to find someone closer to my office and I found Dr. Feier on my insurance and online. I read almost all of the Unilocal reviews before going in, and although I was concerned about some of the negative reviews, I decided to give it a try. His style is very unique and his personality is a complete 180 from my previous chiropractor. He has a particular way of running his office, and I think it’s a turn-​off for a lot of people. Certainly, if you can’t tolerate the open adjusting room or you need a doctor whose personality is such a match for you they could be your soulmate and best friend, maybe this isn’t the place for you. Also, as I had read in other reviews, I found his adjustments to be much more painful and stronger than the ones I was used to. It was pretty uncomfortable in the first couple of weeks, but I stuck with it because a lot of people on Unilocal had indicated he helped them, and everything he explained about my issues made perfect sense and was consistent with what every other doctor had told me in the past (that I have bad neck and shoulder posture and a lot of tension in these areas and my upper back, which contribute to my problems). I’m been going once a week and have found the results to be extremely positive. My pain level is better than ever and the x-​rays have shown some improvement in my neck posture. Some people have commented on all the «sales tactics» (videos, ipod audio recordings, etc) and I found them to be a bit annoying myself because I didn’t need to be «sold» on chiropractic, I arrived already believing in it, but I understand that there is a lot of skepticism about the practice of chiropractic and this information could be helpful perhaps to some new patients. I don’t see it as a scam, I see it as a way to explain his brand of medicine so people will see how it can help them over the long-​run. I’ve had no problems with them filing with my insurance and I have «adjusted» to the style of the office environment. If you can be a little open-​minded, Dr. Feier might be able to help you a lot. Everyone’s different but I have found the treatment to be effective and I strongly believe he really cares about the work he is doing and about helping his patients to improve their health.

Reading these reviews almost made me not want to try this office, but I gave it a shot and am glad I did. The office is very modern and clean. It is the most efficiently run medical office that I have ever encountered. The doc has a very dry sense of humor so I think that is why some of the prior reviewers were turned off by him. He goes above and beyond explaining (supplemented by pre-​recorded videos) exactly the types of procedures that he will be performing on you and why they are needed. I don’t quite understand why people are turned off by the «lack of privacy?» You are having your spine adjusted with your clothes on, are you really embarassed that people might know you suffer from back pain?

I have never written a Unilocal review, and in fact had to create an account for this, but my experiences here warranted it.
I have been to several chiropractors in the past with very positive experiences. This one was different, and I stopped going several months back after a few sessions. I’m very relieved to read here that I am not alone.
The entire experience took on more of a sales pitch feel than anything related to my needs or wellbeing. I went in with a specific symptom that I have treated successfully with chiropractic before. The Dr from the first meeting (which was full of videos and powerpoints, but with very little discussion of what was actually wrong with me) flat out said that he did not care about my symptoms, would not be focusing on my symptoms, and would focus on something else, which «might» be causing it (and he spent several sessions showing me the x-​rays and repeating the talking points we had spent much of the first session talking about (which is why it felt like a sales pitch)). He had a whole multimedia presentation to tell me that I needed at least 18 sessions. There did not appear to be any variance in this for any patients, regardless of the patient or the condition, 18 is apparently the magic number. This seemed like snake oil and marketing, especially on top of the very little interest or concern he had for why I actually going to him. He also told me that he needed to see me twice a day (though to be fair you are only charged for one daily visit).
I would go in to a new session, begin telling the Dr. about my symptoms and he ignored it and on one instance said he did not care, even though I thought that what he was doing was making it worse. Several of his adjustments were so painful on my problem area that I screamed out loud and had to lay immobile for several minutes. This isn’t normal.
I’m not sure what regulations exist for chiropractic, but there was no privacy. He adjusted people in front of me, and used them as examples and gave their history. He even asked me to hold one person down while he adjusted them (!). On top of this, he has a VERY strange personality and manner: he regularly commented on my size (which is not extreme) and on one occasion told me he didn’t think my profession should exist.
I wish zero stars were an option.

For many, painful years now, my son had a sort of peculiar tilting posture, difficulty making certain movements such as squatting, bending over, down etc, excessive fidgeting, inexplicably bad temper and depression; all chronic issues. Most recently, his feet started to bother him to the point he had to give up a season of traveling soccer and Muy Thai. The reason I made an appointment with Dr. Feier had to do with an incident in which Sam’s neck was actually palpably strained and twisted by someone while kick boxing, causing him a decisive neck pain.
Dr. Feier’s initial evaluation was absolutely stunning. His observations were immediate. His analysis based on seeing Sam just once, within 30 min. at most, suggested that Sam’s discomforts originated in his neck. Furthermore, that his behaviors were compensations for the limits his neck imposed, and he explained, associated behaviors resulted from trying to get relief. Finally, the actual adjustments, resolved so many questions and mysteries we had accepted as normal, we left breathless and amazed.
Out on the street, my son exclaimed, «Mom, i can run!», as he bounced on the sidewalk. In the car going home, he added «I’m in such a great mood!» which was obvious. We both were except that I wanted to cry, from relief. Such sudden and positive changes came as a shock.
Well yes, the doctor has a crisp, wry and playful way about him, reminiscent of a New Yorker, brazen and direct, yet empathetic. He was clearly having a good time while he fixed my son, familiar and witty yet ultra serious and professional. At times, recognizing the futility of verbal communication, the doctor switched on one of his video contraptions, to illustrate his meanings. He wanted us to fully understand.
I find his critics to be so lacking in humor and social savvy, I have to dismiss their negativities as humorless projections of their own limiting beliefs. Within the course of 1 – 3 visits alone, this doctor returned my son to wholeness and health and for that he is unquestionably brilliant. You who are so holy and judgmental, what have you done for human kind lately?

I’ll provide facts only and let you be the judge of my experience:
The chiropractor stated that I have no curve in my lower spine, which makes my butt (yes, the word ‘butt’ was used) flatter. I was ordered to curve my spine and stick out my butt. I was asked why a young Asian lady like me had this issue while plenty of his other Asian patients had more curved spines.
I was asked where I’m from, and after I responded, was asked where I’m REALLY from.
I was asked what I thought of the x-​ray photos (I’m not the specialist here, I’m the patient.).
To be fair, I’ll give 2 stars, since the chiropractor adjusted my neck and back, which is all I was seeking.

This review was a long time coming. I have always thought back about the unprofessional behavior of this place and when I saw it advertised again on Groupon today, I felt like I needed to share some of my experience.
This has to be one of the most unprofessional chiropractors I have even been to. He adjusts you in a group room with other patients watching. On top of that, he invited me over to where he was adjusting a patient and had me adjust the patient with him. I didn’t know what was going on and all of a sudden his hand was on top of mine adjusting the patient.
Additionally, the chiropractor made inappropriate comments to me about his patients and dating women. I felt extremely uncomfortable in this office.
I had a few extra sessions left on my Groupon and opted not to use them again. When I didn’t come back, I received an email from this place stating that my file «was now closed.»
OK, wonderful customer service. Tell me, what doctor’s office closes a file on a patient? And to be quite honest, I hope they threw all of my information away. I believe chiropractors do great work, just not this one.

When I started going here, almost three years ago in 2011, my back was a mess. Since then I have found this chiro to be very effective. He developed a intensive plan to treat my back issues over a three month period, and it worked out even better than he said it would. My lower back feels and functions great now, and I only have to come for an adjustment about once a month.
Robert Feier strikes me as knowledgeable and straightforward to deal with, as well as realistic and honest about treatments and expectations. I have never felt like he tried to push devices or unnecessary treatments. I can see how his direct approach and demeanor can throw some people off, but this doesn’t bother me.
My only two complaints are that his hours are very limited (4−7pm M-​F, and two mornings a week), and the lack of privacy in the office can be a bit distracting. Thus, I think ⁴⁄₅ stars is appropriate.

I wrote a negative review about this place. And the owner/​chiropractor wrote the following response. Now if you want a professional doctor like this, by all means go to this crackpot. My original review is below his and infact, I went there several times before writing this review. I can’t believe a professional would actually write this kind of response. Don’t worry, I flagged it for Unilocal as unprofessional, rude and violent. Avoid this place at all costs!
His response:
Dear Loser,
Nice of you to right a bad review when you never even were IN my office in the first place!
But if you actually DID walk in my front door, you’d realize that x-​rays don’t lie, and our VIDEO X-​Rays show even a loser like you exactly where the problem lies, and how to correct it. X-​rays don’t lie (unlike many Unilocal reviewers). Fixing a spine with one ‘crack’ is like asking the orthodontist to fix your teeth by punching you in the mouth. Well, might work in your case. RF
My Original review:
I searched and searched for a chiropractor. I use to think that the profession as a whole was a scam, but then had a good one in Los Angeles that made all the difference in my back pain. I found this place since it was close to where I live. They had me to every type of test possible which I have never had any other chiropractor do and then when I got my insurance bill it appeared as if they knew I had good insurance and were taking them to the cleaners.
I felt uncomfortable here. There is no privacy. You can get adjusted and another person is sitting 5 feet from you watching.
This place is definetely an outlier. I now go to Rosell Healing Center in my office building in Fairfax and they are amazing.
Dupon Circle Chiropractic gives the profession bad name

It has been a while since I had a chiropractic adjustment and really needed one. Scheduling an appointment online was so easy. I was impressed by the friendliness of the staff as they welcomed me with smiles. Dr. Frier listened to my concerns and treated me well. The open environment was a bit difficult to wrap my mind around at first, but I learned to like it. I learned more about my movements as I watched others being treated. I really like this doctor and his staff as they are focused on results! I went in in pain and left feeling like a new person.

I had been going to a chiropractor in California since I was young, not necessarily for any specific back problems, but for regular spine maintenance. After years of moving around for school and work, I finally decided it was time to look for a chiropractor here in DC. I found Dupont Circle Chiropractic through a Groupon/​LivingSocial deal, and Dr. Feier was on my CA doctor’s list of Palmer graduates, so I decided to try them out. I have been going to Dr. Feier for months now, and love it. He is hilarious, and his staff is very friendly. I have seen great results in my neck and I am sleeping better. I highly recommend this office.

I really enjoy going to DuPont Chiropractic. The staff is very welcoming and accommodating. I used to be a competitive figure skater, which partially immobilized my neck, and now my neck has a full range of movement. I recommended this practice to all of my friends looking for a chiropractor. Also, the location is great– really close to the DuPont metro.

Unlike some of the prior reviews, this chiropractor is very good! I have been seeing him for about a year. He has helped me with my back so much. This last incident caused me to barely be able to walk. I went the chiro and after 3 visits, I can walk without much pain and be able to sit without much pain. This office has very friendly staff and they know their patients. Unlike other offices, this office allows you to visit twice a day for the price of one visit.

I had a recurring neck pain which was caused due to an accident whiplash. I was suggested for at-​least 12 visits before we could see any visible results. As Dr. Feier said he will work on long term solution than short term so that the pain wont reoccur again while working out. I have completed this plan with very good results. And Since I have been going there for maintenance.
The support staff is super friendly. And they always make sure every patient gets attention even though there is only 1 room for patient adjustments.

I have been seeing Dr. Feier for about a year and have had great results. I am kind of perplexed by the other reviews I’ve seen on Unilocal since they don’t jive with my experience.
First, the office is modern, clean and in a great location. The support staff could not be more friendly and helpful. Dr. Feier is a bit of a character (and I mean that in the best possible way) — quirky but very knowledgeable. He is a passionate promoter of the chiropractic profession and philosophy.
I originally started to see him for pain in my lower back. During my time with him, the pain has gone and my spine (proven by x-​rays) has returned to more natural curves. I have also been treated by Dr. Sonia who has a different technique but is also very effective.
I would (and have) recommended Dr. Feier.

I kept meaning to update this review. Shortly after I posted my original review I received a message from another Unilocal user: Leticia M. A quote from her email:
«I am a patient here at Dupont Circle Chiro. I love this office and I can’t understand why you would try to ruin someones business reputation. I think that most reviews for this practice are not well represented and you are contributing to do this. I would hope you find in your heart to remove this comment because it is not a very nice thing to do.»
I was astounded that I was being chastized for my opinion and receiving a plea to retract my review. I firmly explained my position and experience to her and promised to share her email in a follow-​up review. Although at first I wondered if her email was driven by direction from the office, I am going to hope it was not. I did notice that her review was filter by Unilocal…
Finally, the authors point on the Palmer principles makes me glad I never returned. Some basic research on Palmer’s principles will make anyone skeptical. I will keep searching for a chiropractor who embraces chiropractic techniques AND medical science.
I wish Leticia M. and this chiropractor the best of luck with the practice. I will never return and never recommend the office. I guess the «drug company cabal» firmly has me in their grip.

I have been on a correction program with Dr. Feier for almost six months now (½x per week). I find that both he and the staff are incredibly helpful, informative, and kind. Most importantly, the headaches and shooting pains that I used to get up to 4 times per week are now rare.
I accidentally tumbled upon this Unilocal page while doing a google search to give a close friend his information for her boyfriend. I was shocked to see such low reviews.
The Chiropractic office is essentially one large, open room and there is usually at least one other patient present. In other words, besides my own treatment, I’ve seen the adjustments of a number of other patients of all sizes and shapes and their reactions. They have all been positive.

This place was creepy from the start. The guy had no compassion, personality, or professionalism. He was more interested in making money then helping people. horrible!

Feier was the first chiropractor I ever visited (sorry, I won’t refer to you as a doctor), and my one visit made me highly skeptical of the practice generally. Luckily I found another chiropractor in DC (Dr. Paul Glodzik) and later in NY who have shown me that Feier is more likely than not an outlier. I came in with a specific issue that I needed addressed. I had neck and shoulder pain, that I later learned from actual doctors was caused by poor posture and the position of my body while I sleep. Feier seemed COMPLETELY uninterested in my actual problems. Instead, he took an x-​ray and insisted that any problems I was having were due to some physical trauma I sustained to one of my vertebrae. I told him I never had any serious injuries that would explain this, but he kept insisting, and came to the conclusion that a car accident I was in when I was 8 years old was the cause of this, DESPITE THE FACT THAT I WALKED AWAY FROM THAT ACCIDENT WITHOUT ANY PAIN AT ALL. «X-​rays tell the true story»? How could I have damaged a vertebrae without even feeling any pain? Unbelievable.
He didn’t have any questions about my back and shoulder pain, and continually tried to push a long-​term course of treatment that seemingly involved all manner of weird contraptions he has in his office. I understand there aren’t one-​stop fixes to these problems, but I also would like to believe that if I do need to come in for repeated visits that the treatment will actually address my problem and not some fabricated injuries that the doctor is pulling out of his ass.
Equally appalling was when Feier invited another patient in to look at my x-​rays WITHOUT MY CONSENT. Sure, he asked me AFTER the patient was already in the room with us and AFTER he had asked the other patient questions about my x-​rays, but that’s still highly unprofessional.

First of all, it is completely unfair that Dr. Feier’s rating is so low. If you look further at the filtered reviews he has a lot of 4+ star ratings. To be completely honest, he is very frank, but he is GOOD! Unfortunately most people are not used to hearing the truth spelled out so plainly. I welcome it. Tell me what is wrong and what I can do to fix it.
That brings me to my second point, Chiropractic is not just about getting a quick adjustment. If we (myself included) spend years with improper spinal alignment, why would correction happen in a couple of adjustments. Also, it’s a commitment on the individuals part. I love this about his practice. He makes it clear that you will have things to do in order to correct your spine. If you don’t want to put in the time to feel better and prevent further complications later, than that is your decision.
I too have seen many chiropractors and am more than happy with Dr. Feier. He spends time with you on your first few visits in order to break up all the information he is giving you. He doesn’t want to overwhelm anyone by giving them too much too soon. I follow this same procedure in my own business and find it much more effective.
As far as the price goes, it is what it is. He is limited by insurance companies and must pay his bills. If he is going to spend his time trying to help you he deserves to be paid for it. And the package deals are too cut patients a break while giving you the treatment you will need based on your individual issues. Correction takes time. Losing 40lbs doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and effort. Spinal correction is no different.
I am sorry if I sound like I work there or something, I don’t. I just believe in taking responsibility for your health and putting the time in to prevent problems later and fix current problems. Chiropractic is an alternative medicine and preventative health field. It is not something that can provide a band aid on a problem or a quick fix. Put in the time and you will see the benefits. I have.

I’ve been going to this practice for five months, since I threw my back out the day before Thanksgiving. After a week or so, the drugs my PCP gave me weren’t helping and sitting at my desk 8 hours a day was torture, so I sucked it up and looked around for a chiropractor. The office was able to get me in quickly. I feel 5000x times better now, but still going to make sure I don’t end up back where I was five months ago, structurally speaking. It’s worth it.
To address a couple of things other reviewers have mentioned:
1. The office staff is great and communicates very well. There was some turnover a few months ago, so maybe this was in reference to previous employees.
2. Never let a doctor (or anyone you’re paying for a service) pressure you into something you don’t want to do. Dr. Feier has a strong personality and a dry sense of humor, but he’s not going to force you into coming back for future adjustments or buying things you don’t want. He and his staff will work with you to let you know upfront what everything costs, and you have the option to run your own numbers before agreeing to a treatment package to see what works best for you. If you can’t handle a straightforward conversation about your treatment plan, then go somewhere else.