Our History
Our history began as the late Dr. Stephen A. Duff Sr. while in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII said:
"Lord if I ever make it out of here alive, I want to help people". At the end of WWII he met an old classmate that he didn't recognize. This classmate was always sickly in High school but he looked quite different now..he was healthy looking! His friend said "I went to a Chiropractor and I feel great!" My father then thought 'what is a chiropractor?' Soon afterward his aunt said "Stevey, I've been thinking about you..You ought to become a chiropractor!' [He thought ..there's that word again!]..She continued 'I am having a couple of Palmer students over for dinner and I'd like you to join us'. He delightfully and curiously accepted. He then heard the Philosophy of Chiropractic for the 1st time. This Philosophy stated that life was intelligent and the body had the ability to heal itself. Soon he made arrangements to head back east to the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Ia. Yes, there were closer, more convenient schools but he wanted to learn from the best so he could be the best help to others. After years studying under Dr. B.J. Palmer, he moved back to his hometown in Ross, Ca.; secured his State license, and took an additional 2,000 hrs. of study before setting up practice. The first 6 months were in San Anselmo, Ca. [a few miles away from home]. He then outgrew the small office and settled in San Rafael - a town adjoining San Anselmo.
The beginning years were very exciting as so many got well. Each year he would go back to Palmer 'Lyceum' for 1-2 weeks to learn what more he could, as B.J. Palmer was advancing so quickly! He modeled his practice after the world famous B.J. Palmer Clinic. He would stay up late to study an extra 15 hours per week. Soon he had the largest practice in California! Dr. Palmer stated he would never hesitate to refer a patient to Dr. Duff because he was following right along with what Dr. Palmer was doing.
Years passed, thousands helped. I recall people asking me as a young lad if I was Dr. Duff's son. Then they continued to tell me wonderful stories of their health success. I then at age 13 decided I wanted to become a Chiropractor just like my father. I can't tell you the health privilege I've had never to this day having or needing any drugs including aspirin! Well my father had 8 children 5 of whom became Chiropractors! One of my sister's a Chiropractic 'miracle case was flown to the B.J. Palmer Clinic for care from B.J. Palmer in 1953! At birth she was not expected to live, [the Dr.s waited days before they signed the birth certificate!] Doctors were amazed she was still living at age 5 however, Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic care made a difference. She is now at this writing nearly 57yrs. old!
Dr. Palmer's tremendous research led him to the understanding that the Upper Cervical Spine particularly the Atlas and axis were the key factors in brain stem/ Spinal cord interference that caused communication problems between the Brain and Body. Specific correction by precise scientific analysis and adjustment corrects the interference where possible allowing normal function to return the body to a healthy state.
My father the late Dr. Stephen A. Duff, Sr. continued research after Dr. Palmer's passing and developed an advanced method of instrumentation and x-ray analysis. Today I have the privilege to provide this care to my own family and patients! It is wonderful to help people! As a result of my father's dedication many have reaped benefits beyond expectation.
Sincerely in Health,
Bryan A. Duff, D.C.