You've had the massages. The ache keeps coming back.
The Root Cause Reset is prenatal and postpartum bodywork in Danville, CA, with an optional chiropractic adjustment. Dr. Kara Rangel uses firm, focused work on the areas that are tight or not moving well, targeting the tension and restricted movement behind your discomfort.
What your first visit looks like: an 80-minute exam and session
It starts with a conversation and an exam, so the hands-on work is based on what's actually going on in your body, not a general routine.
We start with you
Dr. Kara asks about your pregnancy or postpartum history, what hurts, and what you've already tried. She checks how you move and where you're restricted.
We focus on one or two areas
Instead of spreading 50 minutes across your whole body, the session goes deep on the areas that matter most to you.
You leave with a plan
You'll get an explanation of what she found and simple things to do at home between visits.
Not a relaxation massage: deep, targeted bodywork
Relaxation massage has its place. This is different: firm, intentional work aimed at the places you hold tension and the places that feel stuck. Dr. Kara draws from:
- Trigger point release for the tight knots that refer pain elsewhere
- Deep muscle release for muscles that stay tight no matter how many massages you get
- Stretching to restore movement in stiff areas
- Muscle scraping to work on tight tissue and fascia
- Cupping to lift and release tissue
- Chiropractic adjustment, if you'd like one. It's included, and it's your choice
During pregnancy, pressure, positioning and techniques are adapted for you. Dr. Kara decides which of these are appropriate after your exam, and you're always in control of what happens. Learn more about manual therapy at The Well.
Prenatal and postpartum bodywork for pain and tension
Dr. Kara is Webster Technique certified and focuses her practice on pregnancy, postpartum and pediatric care. This session is for moms who want more than a nice hour on a table.
During pregnancy
- Low back and hip pain
- Sciatica-type pain down the leg
- Pelvic and SI joint tightness
- Upper back, neck and shoulder tension
- Rib and breathing discomfort
After baby arrives
- Neck and upper back tension from feeding and carrying
- Low back and hip pain
- Shoulder, forearm and wrist tightness
- Stiffness after a long labor or a C-section
- The knot that was there before baby and is worse now
Dr. Kara is also a lactation consultant, so she understands feeding positions and how they affect your body. Lactation support and scar release therapy are available too.
Pricing: first visit or a package of three
Lasting change usually takes more than one visit, so you can start with a single session or save with a package.
First visit
- 30-minute exam and health history
- 50-minute hands-on session
- Chiropractic adjustment, if you choose
- Home recommendations
Returning sessions are $275 for 50 minutes.
Package of three
- Three 50-minute sessions
- 30-minute exam added to your first visit
- Chiropractic adjustment, if you choose
- Use all three within 90 days
Offers can't be combined. The package already includes your exam.
What patients say about Dr. Kara
“I saw Dr. Kara at 28-weeks pregnant for sciatica pain relief. Dr. Kara took her time to get to know me, and asked thoughtful questions about my medical history… Best of all, I'm already feeling pain relief after our first visit.”
Paige S., Google review
“I went to her due to postpartum back and neck pain. She provided explanations as to what may be causing the pain and performed helpful services, as well gave at-home exercises, to help heal.”
Jade C., Google review
Meet Dr. Kara Rangel, chiropractor and lactation consultant in Danville
Dr. Kara Rangel is a chiropractor and lactation consultant who built The Well so moms wouldn't have to piece their care together from five different providers. She is Webster Technique certified and focuses on pregnancy, postpartum and pediatric care.
Read Dr. Kara's story or browse her blog.
Questions about prenatal and postpartum bodywork
Is deep bodywork safe during pregnancy?
Firm work can be appropriate during pregnancy when it's adapted for you. Dr. Kara reviews your pregnancy history at your exam and adjusts pressure, positioning and techniques. Dr. Kara is trained to look for red flags and knows when treatment is appropriate and when a second opinion is the better choice. Most of the time, everything is fine. If anything concerns Dr. Kara, you'll be referred to check with your OB or midwife.
How is this different from a prenatal massage?
A prenatal massage is usually designed to relax you. The Root Cause Reset begins with an exam, focuses on specific areas of tension and restricted movement, and can include a chiropractic adjustment. Dr. Kara has a doctorate in chiropractic and can diagnose neuromusculoskeletal issues, meaning issues involving the nerves, muscles and joints. That gives Dr. Kara a deeper understanding of how your body works and why a problem may be happening. You'll leave with an explanation of what Dr. Kara found.
Will it hurt?
Dr. Kara will talk with you about your pressure preferences at the beginning of your appointment. The goal is for the session to be productive. The firmness can feel deep and intense, but we want it to feel productive and not harmful. Dr. Kara will check in with you throughout your session to make sure you're comfortable, and pressure can always be adjusted. Some soreness afterward is common with deeper work.
Will cupping or scraping leave marks?
They can. Cupping often leaves round marks and scraping can leave temporary redness. These marks are typically not painful and usually fade over several days. Dr. Kara will tell you what to expect and decides whether these techniques are right for you.
Do I have to get a chiropractic adjustment?
No. It's included if you'd like one, and you can skip it and just have the bodywork.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what's going on and how long it's been there. Many people start with a package of three so there's time to build on the first session. Dr. Kara will talk with you about what makes sense after your exam.
When can I come in after having my baby?
Most of the time, you can come in as soon as you feel ready. Dr. Kara sees patients who are a few days postpartum and others who are months postpartum. Dr. Kara will review your exam form to make sure there are no red flags or reasons to wait.
What should I wear?
Dress so that Dr. Kara can get to the areas you want her to focus on. Loose clothing works well, and comfortable underwear and a bra are fine underneath. Dresses aren't a good choice. Dr. Kara also has gowns available if you need to change.
Ready to get to what's really going on?
Book online in a few clicks. Your first visit includes a 30-minute exam so we can start with the right plan.
Serving Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Livermore and nearby communities
Danville: 199 E. Linda Mesa Ave., Suite 12, Danville, CA 94526
Livermore (Tuesdays, 9am-12pm): 1457 1st Street, Livermore, CA 94550
510-634-5574