Meet Dr. Sylvia Skefich, Chiropractor

Sylvia Skefich, doctor of chiropractic, has been in continuous full time practice since 1998. She offers a hands-on approach that merges Hendrickson's Orthopedic Massage, osteopathic style cranio-sacral therapy, and non-force (or traditional) chiropractic adjustments.

Dr. Skefich is a graduate of Life Chiropractic College West, a college that was top in chiropractic board exams at the time of her entry in 1995. Life Chiropractic College West is a college known for its dedication to the original chiropractic principle: the body can best heal itself when the "interference" (tension and boney restriction) is removed.

Dr. Skefich started learning cranio-sacral techniques simultaneously to her chiropractic curriculum under Dr. Ed. Jarvis, DC of Pacific Grove.

While in chiropractic college, Dr. Skefich started the campus  "Cranio-Sacral Club." She ran the meetings weekly, first inviting in guest teachers, and then teaching the cranio-sacral methods herself. Dr. Skefich still teaches cranio-sacral techniques classes, periodically.

Dr. Skefich's Practice

Dr. Skefich is not accepting new patients at this time.

The practice being opened or closed is a "flux" depending on how full the practice is: Dr. Skefich reserves space for her ongoing patients so that they are able to get in for their follow up or emergency needs visits.

If you are interested in seeing Dr. Skefich, please call the office at 831-475-1995 and ask to be put on the "New Patient Wait List." New patients can get in, but it can take some time. Until then, we recommend that you see one of our therapists.

Initial visits are $170 for 55 working minutes scheduled, and $85 for follow up 25 working minutes scheduled. (See below under "Office Manager" regarding insurance coverage.)

Our cranio-sacral therapist

Toku Kawai, CMT

Toku Kawai is taking new patients at our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call for hours. Toku is trained in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.

Toku has also taken Dr. Skefich's cranio-sacral techniques classes. Toku "shadows" with Dr. Skefich each week to learn Dr. Skefich's cranio-sacral techniques.

Toku has a background as a certified massage therapist. Toku has a special interest in a myofascial method called Intrinsic Touch, for which she has specialized training. Intrinsic Touch may be described as "unwinding" (to oversimplify). It is harmonious with the cranio-sacral therapy, and may be performed simultaneously.

Toku is certified in Reiki, and practices chi kung in her personal life.

Call 831-475-1995 to schedule.

You may also email us at skefich@att.net if calling is is inconvenient.

We offer $10 off your first appointment with Toku (regularly $120 for 50 minutes).

OUR MASSAGE THERAPIST

Amber Vukasovic

Amber is our certified massage therapist. She helps our clients with muscle tension and with pain of tension problems. She uses her own myofascial methods given her 15 years of experience, and has also learned Dr. Skefich's style of myofascial release.

Amber helps patients who self-schedule with us (even if they have never seen Dr. Skefich before). Amber sees patients who were referred to her by Dr. Skefich for additional muscle work. And Amber sees our patients who have been hurt in an auto accident, and where Dr. Skefich has accepted the auto claim case and has made a treatment plan.

Feel free to book Amber on Monday and Friday afternoon/evening for a great way to wind down the day and give your muscles needed care and relief.

Call the office at 831-475-1995.

You may also email us at skefich@att.net if calling is inconvenient for you.

(Regularly $110 for 50 minutes.)

OUR OFFICE MANAGER

Artemis Dabajian

Artemis manages our front desk and back office. She is the friendly voice on the phone, and the one who meets you at the desk for your transitions, and she keeps everyone oriented as to the schedules. (Lisa is at the desk on Tuesday afternoons.)

Artemis has been with us since 2023. 

We no longer accept new Medicare cases, and we are not a provider in any personal  insurance network. But Artemis can answer your questions about your insurance as it applies to our office. Artemis will want to know if you desire a "superbill" receipt to submit to your personal insurance or to your health savings account (or for tax documentation).

Artemis does the insurance billing for our grandfathered Medicare patients, and for our auto accident insurance cases.

Artemis' latest accomplishment is that she has taken our wait list and whipped it into shape. The wait list is no longer a place where names get added but little happens. Now, the availabilities for new patients "opens and closes" as to how many new patients we can take on. Artemis has actively worked to get cut our wait list "waiting time" by a lot.

Our office is a great place to pick up your nutritional supplements at great prices (often at much less than their retail prices).

Call or email us to see if we have what you need on site from many fine nutritional companies.

Ask about ways to order online with us through Fullscript (a distributor of many brands), Standard Process, doTERRA, or Lifewave.

831-475-1995

Scroll below the blue bar for more (classes and testimonials)...

Dr. Skefich's Classes

Site Under Construction 

(For those interested in being on Dr. Skefich's newsletter list specific to upcoming cranio-sacral classes, please email us asking to add you to the "CST email List."

--More Details to Come--

Testimonials

Testimonials and reviews are a good way to get a full sense of a business or practitioner. This is the reason we post all reviews received: 

"Sylvia Skefich really knows her craft of healing! She is a wonderful, warm, efficient, professional doc and I highly recommend her! She stays up to date and adds in whatever modalities she feels will help people feel more at ease and whole in their body/mind!" —Phyllis Moses (from Facebook review)

"Phenomenal teacher! Dr. Skeflch's craniosacral class turbo-boosted my skills and enthusiasm. The incredibly well organized curriculum delivered loads of immediately usable techniques and assessments that improved my clients' happiness on my table.  Plus my sensitivity and awareness expanded in such a lovely way.  I'll study anything Sylvia wants to teach. Please keep teaching!" —Diane Gibbs (from Facebook review)

"She is an amazingly detail-oriented perfectionist, & super sweet, competent & compassionate. She finds causes that are otherwise hidden, She looks at the WHOLE picture.You can even use her BEMER (device) once you are a patient! :-)
"Her staff is top notch. I can't say enough good things...... so I will stop & not bore you." —Mary-Margaret B., Santa Cruz (from Yelp! Review) 

"…there were times when my plantar fascitits would act up or my foot bones jammed into painful positions. She is very skilled at adjusting extremities. When I leave her office, I always feel and breathe better. I have experienced adjustments from many chiropractors, but Dr. Skefich is my favorite because of her gentle adjusting and her confident, calm presence that stays with me when I walk out the door." —April McDonald

"Dr. Skefich is amazing! She is the most intuitive Dr I have ever met and has helped me tremendously. She is truly a blessing!" —Vanessa Krishnamachari (from Facebook review)

"Highly skilled, intuitive, warm, excellent focus on detail and a healer!" —Karla Rosales-Barrios (from Facebook review)

"The most unique approach to chiropractics I have ever seen. Always a pleasure to be treated there. Dr. S has spoiled me for any others." —Lee Skimmer Olson (from Facebook review)

"Sylvia is very bright and skilled.  She is always adding to her list of the latest discoveries to help her patients.  Very caring and comforting.  A fine addition to your health care." —Donna Trombly (from Facebook review)

"I trust Sylvia with my wellbeing—she is my first choice for spinal care. Since working with Dr. Skefich, I have noticed better posture, improved digestion, and greater range of motion in my body. My breathing is full and relaxed and I feel as if my structural core has lengthened; bathed in healing energy." —Stan in Santa Cruz

"Thank you for your excellent care, especially the Orthopedic Massage that really seemed to help keep me limber and mobile (and easier to adjust!). Thanks for your warm-hearted knowledge and skill." —Harry Woodward

"I would recommend Dr. Skefich as a very motivated, knowledgeable and effective chiropractor….She has special exercises to recommend, for each specific situation, which go well beyond what I have seen in most chiropractors…" —Drina Brooke

"…I surely trust Sylvia’s judgement. And her breadth of skills with chiropractic, cranial-sacral, metaphysical, and nutritional counseling as well. They cover all the basis….I am grateful to Sylvia for her skills and focus, and for validating what I had sensed was causing dis-ease in my body and in my life….I also believe that Sylvia brings the whole of herself to every appointment, too….I am grateful to her as a model for the process of non-attachment…." —E.A., Santa Cruz

"Sylvia is the best in this county hands down. Having been in the trade of health and healing for over 25+years I'm picky. Having been to a bajillion chiropractors, physical therapists, body workers, etc.. From Marin to Santa Cruz and everything in between, she is one of the best.

"Sylvia is authentic, intuitive, present, and honest. Knows her stuff and has a wealth of knowledge. If she can't help you she will know someone who can. Check her out!" —J.A., Pacifica (from Yelp! review)

"Sylvia truly is a miracle worker. I had a 50 minute session with her today and, yet again, she has completely healed the pain in my pelvis that I have been living with for the past several months.
She has provided relief and healing to many in my family and group of friends on more than just a physical level. I couldnt be more grateful for her presence in our community. She treats it all. I would recommend her to anyone for any and all ailments, certainly not just musculoskeletal." —T.T., Los Gatos (from Yelp! review)

"Well, Sylvia is amazing!!! She knew things about me that no one knew BUT me! Howwwwww??!?
Besides the above, she gave my neck and back quite the tune-up! No "cracking" involved!!!!
Will be back?? Absolutely!!!" —Jasmyn P., Santa Cruz (from Yelp! Review)

"Words cannot describe the level of relief, comfort, relaxation and satisfaction I get every time I come here. If I could afford to do it monthly I would. Do yourself a favor and give Dr. Skefich a try. Nothing short of amazing." —Sally A., Santa Cruz (from Yelp! Review)

"I had been experiencing intense pain for a week in my hips and low back to the point that walking and daily living was challenging. I am so grateful to Dr. Skefich for her quick response to my messages (on a Sunday!) and getting me an appointment with her the following morning. I am happy to announce that my pain is gone after just one visit, pretty amazing! I truly am in awe, thank you so much for your work and dedication to the community." —Renee R., Santa Cruz (from Yelp! Review)

"Absolutely amazing the results of my sessions with Sylvia. I'm a former college athlete with lots of ailments that are surfacing now. Not to mention car accident, motorcycle, just life. I tell her what hurts and she takes care of it. Without hard manipulation amazing…" —Don H., San Francisco (from Yelp! Review)

"The best chiropractor ever. I have been seeing Sylvia Skefich for at least 7-8 years.    I love Sylvia's intuitive cranio sacral chiropractic treatments as I only need to come in once a month as the treatment lasts.  I am not pressured into coming 2-3 times a week for X weeks. She is grounded in her desire to help you achieve better health. Her knowledge is vast, and she will happily share information but does not push you to buy products. A great chiropractor and once you have seen the amazing work done you will never go back to another chiropractor." —Diane S., Santa Cruz (from Yelp! Review)

"I want to give the highest recommendation to Sylvia and her kind cranial sacral therapist Jody! I am an athletic trainer sports medicine therapist and Pilates rehabilitation therapist. I know quality care! Last week I came in with an excruciating upper thoracic rib head out, I was in agony .. I could barely function and I needed to my work depends upon it. They were so caring and kind they got me in twice in one day !! They took the pain away within one day! They are true healers!
Thank you so very much !" —Stephanie Berard, Capitola (from Yelp! review)