The V.A.S.T Approach to get you out of pain
Vision
Every plan starts with understanding — your body, your pain, and the life you're actually trying to get back to. A thorough, hands-on assessment tells us what's really driving the problem, not just where it hurts, so we can map a clear road back to full recovery.
Alignment
Relief starts here. Hands-on chiropractic adjustments and targeted soft-tissue work release tension in the muscles, joints, and fascia that are keeping you stuck — while we rebuild the postural foundation everything else in your recovery depends on.
Strength
Relief that doesn't last isn't recovery. We move you through progressive rehab — targeted mobility work and movement-pattern correction to fix the mechanical cause, then strength training under real load — so the tissues that failed once can actually hold up under real life.
Transformation
This is the payoff. You don't just leave pain-free — you leave stronger, more capable, and confident in a body you no longer have to negotiate with. Back on the trail. Back on the floor with your kids. Back to lifting, running, and living without waiting for the next flare-up. Your world doesn't shrink back down — it stays vast.
Much more than traditional
chiropractic care
Same starting point, different ceiling. This is the honest version of the comparison — not a knock on chiropractic, a knock on stopping at chiropractic.
| Category | Traditional Chiropractic | Vast Chiropractic & Rehab |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Treats the symptom — pain relief in the moment | Treats the root cause — why the pain keeps coming back |
| Approach | Adjustments alone | Adjustments + soft-tissue work + progressive rehab |
| Assessment | Quick exam, general treatment plan | Detailed movement assessment mapped to your specific goals |
| Duration of Relief | Temporary — pain often returns within days or weeks | Lasting — tissues are strengthened, not just realigned |
| Your Role | Passive — you lie down, we adjust | Active — you rebuild strength and movement patterns |
| End Goal | "Feel better today" | "Move, lift, and live without limits" |
| Outcome | Managing flare-ups indefinitely | Graduating to a body you trust again |
Common symptoms we see every week
Not sure if we can help with your condition? Ask us!
Low Back Pain
From a stiff morning ache to a locked-up flare-up — we find what's driving it.
Neck Pain & Stiffness
Including "tech neck" from long hours at a desk or on your phone.
Sciatica & Nerve Pain
Pain, tingling, or numbness down the leg — treated at the source, not the symptom.
Headaches & Migraines
Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches often trace back to the neck.
Shoulder Pain & Impingement
From overhead reaching to overhead pressing — mobility plus real strength work.
Whiplash
The jolt from a car accident can strain the neck in ways that show up later.
Sports & Overuse Injuries
Sidelined before a race or season? We build your return-to-play plan.
Herniated Disc
A disc bulge pressing on a nerve — calmed down, then supported so it stays put.
WHAT SAN FRANCISCO CLIENTS SAY ABOUT VAST CHIROPRACTIC
People trust Vast Chiropractic because we listen, explain clearly, and build plans that work. Here's what people notice when they work with us.
"I've been a patient of Dr. Mae Li for over 3 years and I highly recommend her - she is fantastic. Dr. Mae is professional, thorough, empathetic, and fun! She's gotten me through multiple injuries, always with a gentle touch, even keel, and appropriate sense of humor. I'm so grateful to work with her."
"Dr. Mae Li DC, cured my left shoulder pain in only four visits. I was blessed to have received such exceptional care which included spinal adjustments- manipulations, exercises to improve my posture and help control my stress. Thank you Dr. Li."
"Dr. Li is magnificent. Kind, smart, gentle. She diagnosed my problem correctly before the x-ray came in, and is teaching me how to take care of myself."
"Dr. Mae Li is great! She provided very specific guidance for a hamstring issue, which improved it materially in the first month. Thanks!"
"Visiting with Dr. Li is always a highly positive, multi-faceted experience. Not only was the issue for which I was visiting quickly and accurately diagnosed, we discussed diet and proper squat form as well. Though I often fail, Dr. Li, I promise to do the exercises you prescribed!"
"Dr. Mae Li is really wonderful. She is thorough, effective and a great listener. She gives great suggestions about stretches and preventative exercises. She also really gets to know her patients."
"When I was diagnosed with sciatica at age 50 my doctor sent me to see these incredible sports medicine experts so they could tailor my rehab and exercise to my very active lifestyle. I didn't have a sports injury but they helped me heal & rehab through prescribed activity (so I didn't need to go to a PT) and I got stronger than ever while healing! They also taught me how to prevent reoccurrence. Being in my late 50s now, I've contended with various issues -- radiculitis, broken foot, knee strain, back pain -- and I always feel relief even after one visit. The primary technique they use (Active Release) feels amazing! They really listen and explain everything and it's all very easy to understand. Dr Mae Li is brilliant, funny, and extremely effective. (I'm always a little sad when she says I don't need to come back.) I'd recommend this woman to anyone in a heartbeat."
"Dr. Mae Li is absolutely wonderful. I've been going to her for the better part of two years to manage my back and neck pain and stiffness and she's been a valuable part of my physical therapy and maintenance routine."
"I am a former collegiate tennis player, I have had knee tendinitis for the past 6 years. After seeing five physical therapists, I was almost convinced there was no fix for my ailment. In a matter of four visits, Dr. Li discovered a simple solution to the problem, involving a slight modification to my movement pattern while playing. This was without time-intensive rehabilitation exercises. I am forever grateful to Dr. Li for keeping me on the court."
"I love Mae! She's a fanatic listener and clinician. She's the best."
"Have a leg injury getting worse over time. Dr. Mae Li helped me first relieve the pain and then have been constantly helping me in recovering and getting better with PT homeworks! Highly recommended."
"Dr. Mae Li is caring, professional, friendly and knows how to apply the right technique at the right time. She takes the time to explain the details and her care is genuine."
"Dr. Li is the absolute best! She has taken care of my neck and more recently my broken elbow, she takes the time to understand what my issues are and works magic. I had been struggling to find help for my elbow and Dr. Li scheduled me in ASAP and has provided great care and I can see tremendous improvement with her!"
"Dr. Li was super-helpful with effective adjustments, exercises, and advice that kept me moving."
"Mae did a great job (again) getting a hurt part back in order. Good insights and advice on what to do as well as therapy."
"Mae listened carefully as I described my pain and worked with me through a series of questions and motions, to determine my flexibility. She quickly assessed the situation, and began treatment. After that, she gave me some "homework" exercises, so I could address my pain on my own at home. All the while, Mae was attentive, interested, and focused. I felt very comfortable with her, and I'm looking forward to my next treatment."
"Mae has done amazing work for me. I had a debilitating upper back issue that left me writhing in pain during a long run where I had to limp about two miles home. After three procedures I am back to nearly 100% normal, which I find remarkable. Thank you for the great work, Mae!"