Treatment in NW Portland Muscle Strain
Speed up recovery, reduce pain, and move confidently again.What is a Muscle Strain?
A muscle strain—sometimes called a pulled muscle—occurs when fibers are overstretched or torn. It often results in sharp or achy pain, tightness, and reduced range of motion. Strains can happen suddenly or build from repetitive use or fatigue.
Muscle pain slows you down—but it doesn’t have to last.
Whether you tweaked something during a workout or noticed tension from daily stress, we’ll help you recover faster and prevent reinjury.
Our Process: Identify the strain, promote healing, restore strength.
We start with a movement evaluation to determine the severity and source of your strain. Treatment includes hands-on therapy, modalities to reduce inflammation, and exercises to rebuild strength and function.
Our Muscle Strain Treatment Includes:
- Soft Tissue Therapy (manual release, trigger points)
- Graston Technique/IASTM
- Laser Therapy to Speed Tissue Healing
- Kinesiotaping for Support
- Stretching and Range of Motion Work
- Chiropractic Adjustments (if joint restriction contributes)
- Progressive Strengthening Exercises
Meet Your Team
Our providers regularly help athletes, weekend warriors, and active adults recover from muscle injuries. We focus on helping you heal while also addressing the reason it happened in the first place.
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
A muscle strain often feels like localized soreness, tightness, or tenderness that started after activity, overuse, or a specific movement. It may feel worse when you use or stretch that affected area. If pain is severe, worsening, or includes symptoms like numbness, weakness, or pain that travels down the arm or leg, it may need further evaluation.
In most cases, gentle movement is better than complete rest. Light activity can help reduce stiffness and support recovery, while avoiding movements that increase pain. Your provider may recommend modifying activity levels depending on your symptoms.
Recovery time depends on the severity of the strain and how the area is managed.Mild strains may improve within days to a couple of weeks, while more moderate cases can take longer. Gradual improvement is expected as the tissue heals and movement is restored.
You should consider an evaluation if pain is not improving after several days, keeps returning, or limits your ability to work, sleep, or move normally. At Portland Backsmith Chiropractic & Massage, care may include an assessment of your movement patterns, soft tissue therapy, chiropractic care, and recommendations to help support recovery and restore 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