Treatment in NW Portland Plantar Fasciitis
Walk, run, and live without that first-step morning pain.What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. It often causes stabbing or burning pain near the heel—especially with the first few steps in the morning or after sitting.
Foot pain can affect everything—but we treat the cause.
It’s not just a foot issue. Tight calves, poor ankle mobility, or hip instability can all contribute. We take a whole-body approach to get lasting results.
Our Process: Relieve pain, support healing, and retrain movement.
We evaluate your foot, ankle, and gait mechanics. Then we apply targeted therapies and build a plan to reduce tension, support healing, and strengthen surrounding structures.
Our Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Includes:
- Foot and Ankle Mobilization
- Soft Tissue Therapy (calves, foot fascia)
- Laser Therapy for healing
- Graston/IASTM
- Shockwave Therapy (highly effective for chronic cases)
- Kinesiotaping and Orthotic Guidance
- Strength and Gait Training
Meet Your Team
Our team helps active patients—from walkers to hikers and runners—recover from plantar fasciitis and stay active. We look beyond just the foot to address what’s really causing the issue.
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
Sometimes. We’ll assess your foot structure and movement to determine if custom or over-the-counter orthotics are a good fit.
Many people feel relief within a few visits, especially with consistent home care support.
They’re related—both involve pain near the heel. We’ll evaluate and explain what’s going on in your case.
Yes—and we offer memberships and discounts for out-of-pocket care, too.
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