man holding his knee with mountain scenery behind him

Treatment in NW Portland Knee Pain

Get strong, stable knees without relying on medications or surgery.

What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain can stem from overuse, past injuries, misalignment, or joint wear and tear. It might show up as stiffness, sharp pain with movement, or swelling after activity. Common diagnoses include runner’s knee, patellar tracking issues, meniscus irritation, or early arthritis.

Knee pain makes everything harder.

Walking, exercising, squatting, or even standing for long periods can become difficult. Whether your pain is recent or chronic, we’ll help you move with confidence again.

Our Process: Rebalance, strengthen, and relieve.

We assess your entire lower body—including hips, feet, and gait—to identify the root of your knee pain. Then we apply targeted therapy and strengthening to reduce pressure and improve knee tracking and function.

Our Knee Pain Treatment Includes:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments (knee, hip, foot/ankle)
  • Soft Tissue Therapy (quads, hamstrings, calves)
  • Kinesiotaping and Stability Support
  • Graston/IASTM
  • Shockwave Therapy for chronic tendon issues
  • Class IV Laser Therapy
  • Strengthening and Functional Movement Rehab
woman sitting on a yoga mat at home while holding her knee

Meet Your Team

Our team has helped runners, lifters, hikers, and everyday movers recover from knee pain and return to doing what they love. We focus on whole-body alignment and strength.

Picture of Dr. Chris Zander.

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.

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Picture of Oddessa.

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.

Picture of Delaney.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is knee pain always from the knee?

Not always. Hip instability, poor foot mechanics, or tight muscles can contribute. We look at the full picture.

Q: Do you treat runner’s knee or patellar pain?

Yes—we frequently help with both, using conservative care and rehab.

Q: Can you help avoid surgery?

Many knee pain cases respond well to conservative care. We’ll give you clear guidance based on your case.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

Yes—and we also offer care packages and discounts for out-of-pocket patients.

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