Treatment in NW Portland Achilles Tendonitis
Rebuild strength and flexibility—without pushing through pain.What Is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is irritation or inflammation of the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel. It’s common in runners and active individuals and often starts with stiffness or pain during walking, running, or climbing stairs.
Heel pain can stop your momentum—but we can help you rebuild it.
Pain in the Achilles can make every step feel risky. We’ll work with you to reduce inflammation, restore strength, and get you moving confidently again.
Our Process: Calm the tendon, correct the load, and reintroduce movement.
We’ll evaluate your entire lower kinetic chain—foot, ankle, knee, and hip—to identify imbalances. Treatment includes hands-on care and progressive loading strategies to strengthen the tendon over time.
Our Achilles Tendonitis Treatment Includes:
- Joint Mobilization and Chiropractic Adjustments
- Soft Tissue Therapy (calves, soleus, plantar fascia)
- Graston/IASTM
- Shockwave Therapy (very effective for chronic cases)
- Class IV Laser Therapy
- Kinesiotaping
- Strength Progressions and Load Management
Meet Your Team
We work with active individuals recovering from tendon issues like Achilles pain. Our team focuses on biomechanics and strength to ensure lasting results—so you can get back to doing what you love.
Dr. Chris Zander
Dr. Zander has developed a reputation for being one of the top Chiropractors on the West Coast and is a past President of the Oregon Chiropractic Association. Due to his training and experience, he has had success with patients that felt other specialties, including Chiropractic, had not helped them in the past. He is dedicated to treating patients safely and effectively to get them well, stay and live happy healthy lives.
He has worked with a wide range of patients, from individuals managing common aches and injuries to professional and collegiate athletes, including NHL draft picks, PGA Tour golfers, Olympians, and athletes from NFL, NBA, MLS, NWSl, and X Games. Regardless of background or activity level, Dr. Zander brings the same thoughtful care and attention to every patient.
Dr. Zander earned degrees in biology and chemistry from the University of Illinois and his Doctor of Chiropractic from Western States Chiropractic College, where he is now an adjunct professor. He has practiced in the Pacific Northwest since 2006 and collaborates with a trusted network of healthcare providers to ensure each patient receives the right care at the right time.
Oddessa, LMT
Oddessa is excited to join the Backsmith team after her return back home to the PNW. Her work includes Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial release, assisted movement and CranioSacral Therapy. She loves to learn and is continuing to develop her understanding of the embodied experience. In her spare time she enjoys walks with her rescue hound and practicing yoga.
Delaney, LMT
Delaney is a graduate of East West College of the Healing Arts with a deep passion for bodywork and holding space for healing. Her practice is grounded in presence, intuition, and informed technique. She offers a range of modalities including assisted stretching, trigger point therapy, relaxation, deep tissue, and Craniosacral – each session tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual. Delaney sees massage as a collaborative process and an honor to be part of each client’s healing journey.
Outside of the treatment room, you can find her outdoors – camping, backpacking, hiking or making music with friends.
Erin, LMT
Trained as a professional dancer in her youth, Erin has always had an appreciation for the power of the human body. She graduated from the Dayton School of Medical Massage in 2016 and specializes in a blend of medical and relaxation massage techniques.
Her work is informed by training in neuromuscular therapy, ashiatsu, trigger point therapy, Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage, and energy work.
When not in the treatment room, Erin is often found hiking , camping , writing poetry , or reading at home with her musician husband and two rambunctious boys.
Karina, Office Manager
Karina was born and raised in Northern California and moved to the beautiful PNW in 2007. She played collegiate soccer at Warner Pacific College in Portland, where she graduated with a bachelors in psychology. Her love of sports inspired a career in the healthcare industry and her passion for people’s well-being inspired a career in patient care.
In her spare time Karina enjoys spending time with her wife and doodle and of course, catching a Portland Thorns or Timbers game.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ll help you modify activity and rebuild safely. Complete rest isn’t always required.
Sometimes—but many cases linger or worsen without proper treatment.
Yes. It’s one of the most evidence-backed treatments for chronic tendon issues.
Yes, and we also offer care packages and options for those paying out-of-pocket.
Service Areas
We proudly serve the following areas in Portland:
- NW Portland
- Slabtown
- The Pearl District
- Nob Hill
- Downtown Portland
- Goose Hollow
- All Surrounding Portland Communities