TREATMENT IN NW Portland Kinesiotaping
Support, stability, and pain relief without limiting movement
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, training for an event, or just trying to get through your workday pain-free, kinesiotaping is a simple yet powerful tool. Our certified providers in NW Portland use kinesiology tape to support your muscles and joints while encouraging natural healing — all without restricting your movement.
What Is Kinesiotaping?
Kinesiotaping (or kinesiology taping) involves applying a stretchy, skin-friendly tape to the body in specific patterns. Unlike rigid athletic tape, kinesiotape moves with you — offering support and reducing strain while still allowing full range of motion.
It’s often used to reduce pain, support injured or overused muscles, improve circulation, and speed recovery — whether you’re active on the weekends or sitting at a desk all day.
Benefits of Kinesiotaping
- Supports muscles and joints
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Promotes circulation and healing
- Helps prevent re-injury
- Allows full movement during activity
Conditions Kinesiotaping Helps Treat
How We Treat with Kinesiotaping
At our NW Portland clinic, kinesiotaping is rarely used on its own. We integrate it as part of a comprehensive care plan that may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, laser therapy, and rehab exercises.
What sets us apart is how we match the tape application to your specific diagnosis and activity level. Whether you’re dealing with a running injury, rehabbing a shoulder, or just want posture support for work, we tape with purpose — not guesswork.
What Our Patients Are Saying
What Kinesiotape Does and How We Use It to Support Healing
Related Services
Improve your recovery with comprehensive support:
Meet Your Team
Our team includes certified kinesiotaping practitioners with years of hands-on experience treating athletes, desk workers, parents, and weekend warriors alike. Whether you’re looking to perform better or simply move without discomfort, we know how to tailor support that fits your goals and lifestyle.
From injury prevention to post-injury recovery, our job is to keep you doing what you love — without setbacks.
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.
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
Most kinesiotape stays on for 3–5 days, even through showers and activity. We’ll show you how to care for it properly.
No — kinesiotape is designed to be gentle on the skin. We’ll give you tips for easy, pain-free removal.
Not always. The effectiveness of kinesiotaping depends on precise placement, tension, and direction — so it works best when applied by a trained provider.
Not at all. We use it to help office workers, new moms, and anyone dealing with movement-related pain or strain.
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