TREATMENT IN NW Portland Shockwave Therapy
What is Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave is a handheld device that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured muscles and tendons. The treatment repairs damaged tissue that would generally not respond to stretching or massage.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Stimulates natural healing in chronic or stubborn soft tissue injuries
- Breaks down scar tissue and adhesions to improve mobility
- Increases blood flow and nutrient delivery to damaged tissues
- Reduces pain and inflammation without surgery or medication
- Speeds up recovery for sports injuries and overuse conditions
- Effective for conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy
Conditions Shockwave Therapy Helps Treat
Shockwave therapy offers several benefits including pain relief, improved blood flow, reduced inflammation (reduced pain and swelling) and enhanced cellular tissue regeneration.
How We Treat with Shockwave Therapy
A thorough consult and exam will determine the correct approach of care for each individual. Once our providers have determined what and where the cause of the problem is treatment will focus on the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Treatment could include adjustments, and any other necessary therapies (class 4 laser, kinesiotaping, IASTM, targeted physical therapy and rehabilitation and massage) required to resolve the issue effectively. Our experience treating Olympic and professional athletes guides us in being efficient and excellent at resolving the conditions listed above.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Meet Your Team
Our team utilizes decades of experience and care treating some of the top athletes in the world from Olympic Gold medal winners, World Champions, Number 1 draft picks, NHL, MLB, MLS, PGA, NWSL, as well as marathoners, ski, surf, mountain and road bike professionals. We are a proven leader in joint and soft tissue musculoskeletal injuries, not just in Portland, Oregon but across the West Coast and beyond.
Our passion lies in helping to keep our community doing what they love no matter their ambition, providing you the opportunity to stay happy and healthy is our priority.
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
Shockwave uses acoustic/sound waves to stimulate healing improve blood flow and break down scar tissues in difficult to treat chronic and typically slow healing tissues like tendons and deep muscles.
Our providers ensure that each treatment is comfortable and effective and treatment progress is based on each individual’s tolerance. Similar to deep tissue massage there can be mild discomfort initially, as treatment progress the tolerance improves considerably with each treatment.
Most people will report significant improvement within 3-6 treatments typically spaced 1 week apart, however the number of treatment sessions will vary by the type of condition.
Most feel the results almost immediately. the full benefits occur over several weeks as the treatment progresses. In most cases, one can expect complete relief from their condition.
There is no downtime, Shockwave therapy is non-invasive. You can immediately return to your work or activity without interruption.
Absolutely, just because other interventions have failed doesn’t mean you cant have success with Shockwave therapy.
Shockwave Therapy is safe effective and approved by the FDA for use for a large number of musculoskeletal conditions.
Pregnant women, those diagnosed blood clotting disorders, or individuals with certain medical implants should avoid Shockwave therapy.
Chances are, if you have been dealing with a muscle tendon or joint injury and haven’t been able to find relief, Shockwave is likely a good choice, especially when other treatments have failed. If you have any other questions give our office a call to schedule a consult, we can review your condition and help you make the decision if Shockwave therapy is right for you.
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