Treatment in NW Portland Ankle Injury
Heal strong, move confidently, and reduce your risk of re-injury.What Are Ankle Injuries?
Ankle injuries—like sprains, strains, or joint restrictions—can happen suddenly or build over time. Whether from a misstep, sports injury, or instability, they often result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility.
A rolled ankle doesn’t have to mean a long recovery.
We know how important it is to get back to walking, training, or playing sports without worry. Our team helps restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and improve strength so you can trust your ankle again.
Our Process: Stabilize, strengthen, and return to full motion.
We assess your ankle and surrounding structures (foot, knee, hip) to get the full picture. Our treatments support healing in the short term and help prevent future sprains or instability.
Our Ankle Injury Treatment Includes:
- Joint Mobilization and Chiropractic Adjustments
- Kinesiotaping and Bracing Support
- Laser Therapy for swelling and tissue healing
- Graston/IASTM
- Balance and Proprioception Training
- Shockwave Therapy for chronic pain or scar tissue
- Progressive Strength Rehab
Meet Your Team
We regularly help athletes and active patients recover from ankle sprains and injuries with strength and confidence. We focus not only on healing but on performance and prevention.
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
Yes—in many cases. We’ll assess severity and provide the right level of support.
Not always. We’ll evaluate the need for X-rays or imaging during your visit.
We’ll guide you through strengthening and stability exercises that make a difference.
Yes—and we offer care plans for those with or without coverage.
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