Treatment in NW Portland Ligament Sprain
Recover faster and rebuild strength—without setbacks.What is a Ligament Sprain?
Ligament sprains occur when the tough tissue that connects bones is stretched or torn, often from sudden movements, twists, or impact. Common areas include ankles, knees, wrists, and shoulders. Symptoms include swelling, pain, instability, or bruising.
Sprains can feel limiting—even minor ones.
A sprain can make simple tasks feel difficult or cause you to move with caution. Left untreated, they may heal poorly or become chronic. Our goal is to get you healing quickly and correctly, so you don’t end up with long-term issues.
Our Process: Stabilize, reduce pain, and restore full function.
We evaluate the severity of the injury and the surrounding joints and muscles. Early treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and supporting healing tissues, then shifts to strengthening and prevention.
Our Ligament Sprain Treatment Includes:
- Joint Stabilization and Support
- Soft Tissue Therapy
- Kinesiotaping
- Class IV Laser Therapy for healing
- Shockwave Therapy (when appropriate)
- Progressive Strength & Balance Training
- Chiropractic Adjustments (when joint restrictions are present)
Meet Your Team
We’ve helped athletes, active individuals, and everyday movers recover from sprains with confidence. Our team is skilled at getting you back to activity—safely and fully.
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.
Shinichiro, LMT
Shinichiro is a graduate of East West College and is eager to share his knowledge with the Backsmith Community. He provides personalized, intuitive based massage therapy for our patients. He utilizes a variety of different techniques such as Swedish, Deep Tissue and
Myofascial.
Originally from Kyoto, Japan, Shinichiro has lived in Portland for the past few years. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his dog, swimming, playing the piano, and relaxing in the hot springs.
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
A ligament sprain is an injury to the tough connective tissue that helps stabilize joints. It typically occurs when a joint is stretched or moved beyond its normal range, leading to irritation or small tears in the ligament. This can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, or a feeling of instability in the affected area.
Rest and ice may help in the early stages of a ligament sprain, but most cases also benefit from gradual, guided movement as symptoms improve. Long-term recovery typically focuses on restoring strength, stability, and normal joint function rather than rest alone.
In many cases, activity can be modified rather than completely stopped. Depending on the severity of the sprain, you may need to avoid certain movements or reduce intensity while allowing the area to heal. Our providers can help guide safe activity levels during recovery.
You should consider an evaluation if pain is significant, swelling or instability is present, or symptoms are not improving over time. At Portland Backsmith Chiropractic & Massage, care may include an assessment of joint stability, soft tissue treatment, and movement-based recommendations to support recovery and function.
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