Treatment in NW Portland Elbow Pain
Lasting relief from tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and more.What is Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain is often caused by irritation or strain in the tendons that control your wrist and hand. This includes common conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis). It may also result from overuse, gripping, or compensating for other injuries.
Don’t let elbow pain limit your work, workouts, or hobbies.
From picking up groceries to swinging a racket, elbow pain makes simple tasks frustrating. We understand how stubborn it can be—and we offer solutions that go beyond rest and braces.
Our Process: Reduce inflammation, restore balance, build strength.
We take a movement-based approach, looking at your wrist, elbow, shoulder, and even posture. Treatment includes soft tissue work, joint mobilization, and exercises that promote long-term healing.
Our Elbow Pain Treatment Includes:
- Graston Technique/IASTM for Tendon Release
- Class IV Laser Therapy
- Chiropractic Adjustments (elbow, wrist, shoulder)
- Eccentric Rehab Exercises for Tendon Healing
- Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Therapy
- Shockwave Therapy (for chronic tendinopathy)
- Kinesiotaping
Meet Your Team
We help active adults, weekend warriors, and professionals get their elbows working again. Our team’s experience ensures you get a comprehensive plan—not just a temporary fix.
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
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both forms of overuse irritation around the elbow, but they affect different areas. Tennis elbow typically causes pain on the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the inside. Both conditions are often related to repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist and forearm strain.
Yes. Elbow pain is not limited to sports and is often caused by everyday activities such as typing, lifting, manual labor, repetitive work taks, or gripping objects. Overuse and repetitive strain are common contributing factors, even without athletic activity.
Pain during gripping, lifting, or twisting movements is often related to irritation in the muscles and tendons of the forearm that attach around the elbow. These tissues can become overloaded from repetitive use, leading to discomfort during everyday tasks.
Recovery time depends on the severity of the irritation and how the area is managed. Mild cases may improve within a few weeks, while more persistent symptoms can take longer. Gradual improvement is expected as load on the area is reduced and function is restored. At Portland Backsmith Chiropractic & Massage, we can assess your condition and help determine contributing factors and an appropriate care plan based on your symptoms.
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