TREATMENT IN NW Portland Graston Technique (IASTM)
Certified care for soft tissue injuries and chronic pain relief
At our NW Portland clinic—just minutes from Slabtown, the Pearl District, and downtown—we offer expert Graston Technique, also known as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). This advanced, hands-on treatment is ideal for athletes and non-athletes alike who want to relieve pain, restore movement, and heal from stubborn injuries.
What is the Graston Technique?
Graston Technique is a specialized form of manual therapy that uses precision stainless steel tools to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, and soft tissue dysfunction. It’s clinically proven to help people recover from injuries faster by improving mobility, decreasing inflammation, and stimulating healing.
We are certified providers of this technique, ensuring you get expert care with every treatment.
Benefits of Graston Technique
- Increases mobility and flexibility
- Breaks up scar tissue and adhesions
- Reduces pain and stiffness
- Speeds up soft tissue healing
- Enhances athletic recovery and performance
Conditions Graston Technique Helps Treat
How We Treat with Graston / IASTM
At our clinic, we use Graston Technique as part of a comprehensive plan tailored to your specific goals. Treatments are often combined with chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, massage therapy, or therapeutic exercise to improve outcomes.
Whether you’re dealing with a nagging sports injury or stiffness from sitting all day, we design your treatment to target the root cause—not just the symptoms.
What Our Patients Are Saying
How Graston Therapy Helps You Heal Faster
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Meet Your Team
Our certified providers have decades of experience treating both high-performance athletes and everyday individuals with real-world injuries. From Olympic medalists to active professionals and weekend hikers, we bring proven care to everyone who walks through our doors.
Our mission is simple: keep you doing what you love—without pain holding you back.
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
You may feel some discomfort or soreness, especially if the area has significant tightness or scar tissue—but it’s generally well-tolerated and short-lived.
That depends on the severity and duration of your condition, but most people start seeing improvements within a few visits.
Yes. When performed by a certified provider like us, Graston is a safe and effective method for treating soft tissue conditions.
Yes—we offer flexible pricing and discounted packages for patients paying at the time of service.
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