Treatment in NW Portland Rib Pain
Breathe easier and move freely again.What is Rib Pain?
Rib pain can feel sharp, deep, or achy—especially when breathing, turning, or reaching. It’s often due to joint dysfunction where the rib meets the spine or sternum, or from muscle strain between the ribs.
Rib pain can be intense—but very treatable
It can mimic serious issues like heart or lung pain, so it’s understandably scary. We carefully assess the source of your pain and treat it with precise, effective care that helps you feel better fast.
Our Process: Gentle evaluation, targeted relief, supportive rehab
We start with a focused exam to rule out more serious causes and pinpoint the dysfunction. From there, we use adjustments, soft tissue work, and breathing or posture exercises to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Our Rib Pain Treatment Includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments (thoracic spine and rib articulations)
- Soft Tissue Release (intercostal muscles, chest, and back)
- Kinesiotaping for Support
- Breathing Mechanics and Postural Coaching
- Graston/IASTM
- Class IV Laser Therapy (for inflammation or bruising)
Meet Your Team
We’ve helped hundreds of patients with rib pain caused by injury, posture, or chronic tightness. Our approach is gentle but effective, and tailored to your comfort and recovery.
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
Rib pain can come from several sources, including muscle strain, irritation of the joints where the ribs connect to the spine, injuries, poor posture, repetitive movements, coughing, or tension in the upper back and chest muscles. Some people feel rib pain as a sharp sensation, tightness, soreness, or discomfort when breathing, twisting, or moving. A thorough evaluation can help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Chiropractic care can help people with rib pain by improving mobility, reducing muscle tension, and addressing movement restrictions in the ribs, upper back, and surrounding areas. At Portland Backsmith Chiropractic & Massage, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, massage therapy, and mobility recommendations based on your symptoms and goals.
Many people use the phrase “rib out of place” to describe rib pain, tightness, or feeling that something is restricted or not moving normally. In many cases, discomfort may involve irritation of the joints, muscles, or connective tissues around the ribs rather than the rib being completely displaced. An evaluation can help determine what may be causing your symptoms and what care approach may be appropriate.
A rib adjustment should not be painful, although some people may feel pressure, movement, or a brief sensation during the treatment. Your chiropractor will evaluate your condition and use an approach that fits your comfort level. Many patients seek care for rib pain because it is affecting breathing, movement, sleep or daily activities.
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