Treatment in NW Portland Tendonitis & Bursitis
Reduce irritation and get lasting relief from nagging pain.What Is Tendonitis and Bursitis?
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon—often from overuse or poor movement mechanics. Bursitis is inflammation of a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints. Both can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility in areas like the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee.
This pain can linger—especially if untreated.
What starts as a mild ache can quickly interfere with your day-to-day life or workouts. We focus on calming inflammation and correcting what caused the overload in the first place.
Our Process: Calm the flare-up, restore movement, and build support.
We assess your joint mechanics, posture, and activity history. Then we tailor your treatment to reduce stress on the affected area while improving strength, flexibility, and movement patterns.
Our Tendonitis/Bursitis Treatment Includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments (as needed for joint function)
- Soft Tissue Therapy
- Class IV Laser Therapy
- Graston/IASTM
- Shockwave Therapy for chronic tendon pain
- Kinesiotaping
- Functional Rehab & Movement Re-education
Meet Your Team
Whether you’ve got tennis elbow, shoulder bursitis, or hip tendonitis, our team has helped hundreds of patients recover from soft tissue injuries with conservative, effective care.
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
Tendonitis and bursitis often develop from repetitive movements, overuse, prolonged pressure on a joint, or sudden increases in activity. Over time, these stressors can irritate the tendons or small fluid-filled sacs around joints, leading to pain and inflammation.
These conditions can recur when the same movements, habits, or stress on the area continue without enough recovery or change in mechanics. Even if symptoms improve temporarily, underlying movements patterns or repetitive strain can lead to flare-ups over time.
In many cases, yes – but activity may need to be modified. Movement is often helpful when adjusted properly, while avoiding exercises or positions that increase pain or irritation. Gradual return to activity is usually more effective than complete rest.
Management often focuses on reducing irritation, improving mobility, and addressing contributing movement patterns. At Portland Backsmith Chiropractic & Massage, care may include soft tissue therapy, chiropractic care, and movement-based recommendations tailored to your symptoms and activity level.
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