person receiving laser therapy on their knee

TREATMENT IN NW Portland Class 4 Laser Therapy

Fast, effective pain relief using deep-tissue laser technology

Looking for advanced soft tissue healing without drugs or surgery? Our Class 4 Laser Therapy helps reduce inflammation, speed healing, and relieve pain at the cellular level — right here in the heart of NW Portland, minutes from Slabtown, the Pearl District, and downtown.

What is Class 4 Laser Therapy?

Class 4 Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses therapeutic wavelengths of light to stimulate tissue repair, reduce pain, and decrease inflammation. It’s painless, fast, and incredibly effective — especially for chronic pain, sports injuries, and post-surgical recovery.

Unlike lower-powered lasers or “cold lasers” or “red light therapy” Class 4 technology penetrates deeper, treats a wider surface area, and delivers results in fewer visits.

Benefits of Class 4 Laser Therapy

  • Reduces inflammation
  • Stimulates tissue repair
  • Accelerates post-injury recovery
  • Drug-free pain relief
  • Safe and comfortable treatment
person administering laser therapy to another person's knee

How We Treat with Class 4 Laser Therapy

At our clinic in NW Portland, we combine laser therapy with expert chiropractic care, massage therapy, and modern rehab techniques to get real, lasting results.

Our Class 4 laser penetrates deep into tissue, increases circulation, and promotes natural healing — all while you relax. Most sessions take just 10–15 minutes, with many patients feeling relief after just a few visits.

We don’t just treat symptoms — we target the root cause and tailor care to your body and lifestyle.

What Our Patients Are Saying

How Laser Therapy Helps Your Body Heal Faster

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Improve results with complementary care:

Framed anatomical charts and spine model displayed on a clinic wall.

Meet Your Team

Our team brings decades of hands-on experience treating some of the top athletes in the world — including Olympic Gold medalists, World Champions, Number 1 draft picks, and elite professionals from the NHL, MLB, MLS, PGA, and NWSL. We’ve also worked with high-level marathoners, surfers, skiers, and cyclists across road, mountain, and gravel disciplines.

As a recognized leader in joint and soft tissue musculoskeletal care, we don’t just serve Portland — our reputation extends across the West Coast and beyond.

But you don’t have to be a pro to benefit from our care. Our passion lies in keeping you doing what you love, whether that’s chasing your next race or simply living pain-free.

Providing you the opportunity to stay happy and healthy is our #1 priority.

Picture of Dr. Chris Zander.

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.

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Picture of Dr. David Higginson.

Dr. David Higginson

With nearly two decades of chiropractic experience, Dr. David brings a broad and well-rounded background to the clinic. Over the course of his career, he has practiced in a variety of settings, including owning and managing his own clinic, working as an associate chiropractor, and teaching as an attending physician at a chiropractic university. For the past ten years, he has focused extensively on pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care as part of a specialized clinic.

Dr. David earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon, graduating Cum Laude. His clinical skills include both diversified and low-force spinal and extremity adjustments. He holds certifications in sports chiropractic, instrument assisted techniques, pediatric and prenatal care, soft tissue therapy, and physical therapy modalities such as rehabilitative exercise and electrotherapy.

Originally from British Columbia, Dr. David moved to Portland in 2002. Outside the clinic, he stays active with his family, coaching and cheering on his three teenage sons in ultimate frisbee and basketball, enjoying the outdoors and walking his pug with his partner.

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Picture of Shinichiro.

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.

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Picture of Oddessa.

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.

Picture of Delaney.

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.

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Adriana, LMT

Adriana Sundari is a Licensed Massage Therapist and graduate of East West College of the Healing Arts. Her work focuses on supporting the body’s natural healing processes through therapeutic touch that calms the nervous system, releases tension, and restores functional balance. She is trained in cupping,Swedish massage, deep tissue, myofascial therapy, trigger point work, and Thai massage (table and mat), allowing her to address chronic tension patterns, pain, and movement restrictions in a way that complements chiropractic care.

Adriana approaches each session with intention and presence, tailoring her work to the individual needs of each patient. In addition to her clinical training, she has a background in yoga, breathwork, meditation, and dance, which informs her nuanced understanding of movement and body mechanics. She is currently enjoying learning Brazilian Zouk, a partnered dance style, at VMAC Dance Studio.

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Yesenya, Front Desk

After previously working at Portland Backsmith Chiropractic, Yesenya is thrilled to be back with the team. She enjoys helping patients feel at ease, supporting the flow of the office, and contributing to the positive energy that makes the clinic special.

Outside of work, Yesenya loves creative projects, photography, journaling, and spending time outdoors—especially near the coast. She’s grateful to return to a familiar place and be part of a community focused on healing and whole-body wellness.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does laser therapy hurt?

It does not hurt, in fact often it feels pleasant. Most patients feel a gentle warmth during the treatment and the pain relieving effects increase gradually after a treatment because the treatment  speeds up the healing process.

Q: How many sessions do I need?

This depends on your condition, but many patients notice a considerable improvement in their symptoms within 3–6 visits.

Q: Is it safe for everyone?

Yes, Class 4 Laser Therapy is FDA-cleared and safe for most people. We always assess your unique health status before treatment.

Q: Will insurance cover this?

Some plans may reimburse laser therapy, but we also offer affordable time-of-service rates and packages.

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