At The Shift, you get something rare: two doctors who both understand that your body's been through enough and have effective strategies to shift your pain, stress and postural levels.
The Shift Chiropractic is a boutique holistic practice in the heart of downtown Oakland. The Shift has been open since 2013, in the same downtown office. Dr. Ben Glass and Dr. Irina Velichko share a belief that healthcare should be personal, culturally competent, and rooted in genuine understanding of the whole person. Not just the part that hurts. Not sure which of us to see? Answer three questions.
Dr. Benjamin Glass takes a creative approach to life and believes in developing health through experience. He has been practicing since 2013, helping people become more active participants in their own healing and wellbeing.
Dr. Ben holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic, a B.S. in Kinesiology from Temple University, certification in Foundation Training, and a Post-Graduate Certification in Chiropractic Wellness Care (CCWP). He uses his background in myofascial release, advanced extremity adjusting, and rehabilitative exercise to support people through challenging times.
He has prepared himself to provide unique strategies and clinical competence to meet the diverse needs of patients -- so that everyone who walks through our doors can access top-quality healthcare. Ben is passionate about combining social justice, chiropractic, and creative thinking to solve many of the challenges we face today in our communities.
Dr. Irina Velichko received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life West Chiropractic College in Hayward, CA in 2014. Her path to chiropractic was personal -- she originally sought care for injuries sustained from surfing, dancing, and multiple car accidents. After experiencing life-changing results, she left a career in social work to become a chiropractor herself.
Dr. Irina’s focus is shifting to the extremities — shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle and foot — while she keeps people active by helping remove spinal restrictions. She loves supporting pregnant patients in achieving ease in their body and optimizing the birth experience for both mother and baby. She also offers baby and mother wellness home visits after birth, along with resources on birth, delivery, and baby care from a holistic perspective.
Born in Kazakhstan and raised in Russia and Ukraine, Dr. Irina is fluent in Russian.
Different training. Different backgrounds. The same core commitment to the people of Oakland.
Physical tension often has emotional roots. Our practice acknowledges the whole story -- not just the symptom that brought you in.
English, Spanish, Russian. Full care in the language you think in. Language should never be a barrier to quality healthcare.
We investigate why the pattern exists, not just where it hurts. Ergonomics, stress, history, sleep -- everything connects.
Full health history, postural assessment, neurological screening, consultation. Time before touch -- every time.
If chiropractic is not the right fit, we say so and refer you to someone who is. The right provider matters more than keeping a patient.
Not an open bay. Not a high-volume assembly line. One patient at a time. Complete focus. The boutique experience Oakland deserves.
The Shift is a women-owned practice. LGBTQ+ patients are welcome here, and The Shift is a transgender safe space. Care is consent-first with both doctors, and each technique is explained before it’s used.
Dr. Ben and Dr. Irina co-founded Hands for Life Lake Merritt -- a nonprofit chapter that provides subsidized chiropractic care to the Oakland community. Because access to world-class care should not depend on your zip code or your insurance plan.
The Oakland neighborhoods around Lake Merritt face a documented 15-year life expectancy gap between communities. Hands for Life is one piece of addressing that inequity through direct, hands-on care. Run alongside the private practice because this work matters too.
Visit Hands for Life →Serving Lake Merritt and surrounding Oakland neighborhoods with subsidized chiropractic access for those who need it most.
Quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege tied to income or insurance. This nonprofit is how that belief becomes action.
Dr. Ben and Dr. Irina operate the chapter alongside their private practice -- because the community they serve extends beyond their clinic doors.
Your first visit is a full assessment -- health history, postural evaluation, neurological screening, consultation, and treatment at that first visit if you are ready. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest care.