TREATMENT IN NW Portland Physical Therapy, Rehab & Movement Therapy
Build strength, improve mobility, and fix the root of your pain — for good
Pain relief is only part of the solution. If you want long-term results, you have to retrain how your body moves. At our clinic in NW Portland, we offer personalized rehab and movement therapy that helps you build strength, move better, and prevent future flare-ups — whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply tired of nagging pain that keeps coming back.
What Is Rehab & Movement Therapy?
Rehab and movement therapy bridges the gap between pain relief and long-term recovery. We assess how you move, identify areas of weakness, tightness, or poor control, and build a plan to correct those patterns.
This isn’t a generic exercise sheet. We tailor everything to your body, your goals, and your current ability — so you get stronger and more resilient without feeling overwhelmed or lost.
Benefits of Movement Therapy
- Improves flexibility and range of motion
- Restores strength and control
- Helps prevent re-injury
- Supports faster recovery after injury or surgery
- Enhances performance in everyday movement or sport
Conditions Movement Therapy Helps Treat
How We Treat with Rehab & Movement Therapy
We combine our deep understanding of biomechanics with a practical, step-by-step rehab approach that meets you where you are. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic issue or just finished an acute recovery phase, we guide you through mobility work, activation drills, strength progressions, and movement retraining — all under expert supervision.
And unlike some clinics, we don’t shuffle you off to do exercises on your own. We coach you through each movement to ensure it’s done right. You’ll leave each session knowing exactly what to do and why it matters.
We also integrate rehab with other care — like chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, soft tissue treatment, and kinesiotaping — to help you move and feel better, faster.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Why Rehab & Movement Therapy Is the Key to Long-Term Relief
Related Services
Pair your rehab with services that help accelerate progress:
Meet Your Team
Our rehab and movement specialists come from backgrounds in chiropractic, athletic performance, and soft tissue therapy, and bring a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to every session. We’ve helped everyone from elite athletes to everyday desk workers rebuild strength, improve mobility, and take control of their recovery.
If you’re ready to put in the work to fix what’s been holding you back — we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Not at all. Many people come in for movement therapy to prevent injury or improve performance and mobility.
Many patients feel better after just a few sessions, but long-term improvements come with consistency over weeks.
Yes and no. We apply the same principles, but with more hands-on guidance, one-on-one coaching, and integration into your full care plan.
No referral is needed. Just book a visit and we’ll assess your movement and recommend the right plan.
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