Chiropractic Therapy
Evidence-based chiropractic care for pain relief, injury recovery, and long-term wellness.
Why Choose Our Chiropractic Care
At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we use proven, research-supported techniques to help our patients recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, and maintain long-term spinal health. Our chiropractic approach is grounded in clinical evidence — not trends — and tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Whether you're dealing with pain from a recent auto accident, a sports injury, or years of built-up tension, we build a care plan that addresses the root cause — not just the symptoms.
Patient-Centered, Evidence-Based Approach
Every treatment decision is guided by the latest research, a thorough clinical examination, and your personal health goals. We combine multiple techniques — manual adjustments, instrument-assisted methods, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation — to create a comprehensive care plan that works for you.
Specialized in Auto Injury Recovery
We have extensive experience treating patients involved in motor vehicle accidents, work injuries, and personal injury cases. Our documentation, treatment protocols, and coordination with insurance providers and attorneys ensure your recovery is supported from start to finish.
Chiropractic Techniques We Use
We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Based on your examination, diagnosis, and comfort level, we select from the following evidence-based techniques:
Diversified Technique & Gonstead Technique (Manual Adjustments)
These are the most commonly used hands-on chiropractic techniques. The chiropractor applies a controlled, high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust to a specific spinal segment to restore proper joint motion and alignment.
The Diversified Technique addresses restrictions throughout the entire spine — cervical, thoracic, and lumbar — while the Gonstead Technique uses detailed analysis including X-rays, palpation, and instrumentation to target the most specific segment causing nerve interference. Both techniques are backed by decades of clinical research and are highly effective for acute and chronic spinal conditions.
Activator Method & Torque Release Technique (Low-Force Instrument Adjusting)
For patients who prefer a gentler approach — or for areas that require more precision — we use instrument-assisted techniques such as the Activator Method and Torque Release Technique (TRT).
These methods deliver a quick, targeted impulse to the joint using a spring-loaded or electronic instrument. They are ideal for patients who are apprehensive about manual "cracking," for elderly patients, for pediatric patients, or for acute injuries where a lighter touch is beneficial. TRT is also one of the most researched low-force techniques in chiropractic and focuses on correcting subluxations that affect the nervous system most.
Spinal Mobilization (Manual Therapy)
Spinal mobilization is a low-force, slow-movement manual technique that gently moves joints through their natural range of motion. Unlike traditional adjustments, there is no "pop" or thrust.
This is especially useful for patients with osteoporosis, inflammatory conditions, or those who simply prefer a softer approach. Mobilization improves circulation, reduces stiffness, and encourages the body’s natural ability to heal without producing a cavitation (the popping sound). It can also be used as a warm-up to prepare the body for a more specific adjustment.
Thompson Drop Table Technique
The Thompson Technique uses a specially designed table with segmented drop pieces. When the chiropractor applies a quick thrust, the table drops slightly beneath the patient — assisting the adjustment without the need for excessive force.
This technique is comfortable and effective for both spinal and pelvic adjustments. It is often used to correct leg length discrepancies and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Patients frequently describe the drop-table adjustment as more comfortable than traditional manual techniques, making it a great option for those seeking effective care with minimal discomfort.
Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Therapy
In addition to spinal adjustments, we address the muscles, fascia, and connective tissues that surround and support your joints. Myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) are all part of our care.
These therapies are critical for patients with chronic tension, adhesions, scar tissue, or repetitive strain injuries. By releasing tight fascia and muscle knots, we improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance the effectiveness of the chiropractic adjustment. Soft tissue work is often the missing link in a patient’s recovery.
Extremity Adjusting (Shoulders, Hips, Knees, Ankles, Wrists)
Chiropractic care isn’t limited to the spine. We also evaluate and treat joints of the extremities — shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles.
Extremity adjustments restore proper joint mechanics outside of the spine, which is essential for athletes, individuals recovering from injury, or anyone experiencing joint pain or stiffness. Many conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, and IT band syndrome respond well to targeted extremity care combined with spinal treatment.
Why Our "Technique First" Approach Works
Every care plan at Gentle Care Chiropractic is custom-built around your body, your condition, and your goals. Here's what goes into your plan:
Clinical Examination
A thorough orthopedic and neurological evaluation to identify the root cause of your pain or dysfunction.
Evidence-Informed Techniques
We select the right chiropractic technique based on your diagnosis, body type, and comfort level.
Targeted Soft Tissue Therapy
Massage, myofascial release, and IASTM to address the muscles and fascia surrounding the problem area.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Corrective exercises and stretches to strengthen weak areas and prevent re-injury.
Clear Communication
We explain every step of your treatment so you understand what we’re doing and why it matters.
Multimodal Care for Complete Recovery
Chiropractic adjustments are powerful — but they work best as part of a complete treatment plan. At Gentle Care, we combine multiple therapies under one roof to give you faster, more thorough results:
Spinal Adjustments
Restore joint motion, reduce nerve interference, and improve alignment using the right technique for your body.
Soft-Tissue Massage
Therapeutic massage to relieve muscle tension, break up adhesions, and improve blood flow to injured tissues.
Laser Therapy
Class IV laser therapy to accelerate cellular healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain at the tissue level.
Rehabilitation & Exercise Guidance
Corrective exercises and at-home stretches to rebuild strength, improve stability, and prevent re-injury.
Holistic & Integrated Recovery
Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, we look at the whole picture — your spine, muscles, nervous system, lifestyle, and goals. By integrating chiropractic adjustments with soft tissue therapy, laser therapy, and rehabilitation, we address every layer of your condition for more complete and lasting recovery.
Safety & Professionalism
Your safety is our top priority. Every technique we use is applied with precision, proper training, and an understanding of your health history. We follow evidence-based protocols, maintain thorough documentation, and communicate clearly about every aspect of your care. If a technique isn't appropriate for you, we'll always recommend a safer alternative.
Conditions We Treat
Helping you heal and move comfortably
Why Choose Gentle Care Chiropractic
Top-Rated Care
Our patients consistently rate us as one of the top chiropractic clinics in the Portland metro area. We combine clinical expertise with a warm, personalized approach to make every visit a positive experience.
Early Checkups After Accidents
If you’ve been in an auto accident, slip-and-fall, or work injury, early chiropractic evaluation is critical. We offer same-day and same-week availability to ensure injuries are caught early — before they become chronic problems.
More Than Just Back Cracking
We use a full range of evidence-based techniques — from manual adjustments and instrument-assisted methods to soft tissue therapy, laser therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. Your care plan is never one-size-fits-all.
Whole-Person Approach
We don’t just treat the symptom — we look at the whole picture. Your posture, lifestyle, work habits, and injury history all play a role in your care plan. We address the root cause so you can achieve lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you wanted to know about chiropractic — explained without the jargon.
01 So… What Exactly Does a Chiropractor Do?
Great question — and one we hear all the time. A chiropractor is a licensed healthcare professional who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those related to the spine. We use hands-on spinal manipulation and other techniques to restore proper alignment, reduce pain, and support the body's natural ability to heal. Think of us as the specialists who keep your body's framework running smoothly — without surgery or medication.
02 What's a Chiropractic Adjustment, Anyway?
A chiropractic adjustment (also called spinal manipulation) is a precise, controlled force applied to a joint — typically in the spine — that has become restricted or misaligned. The goal is to restore proper motion and alignment, which reduces nerve irritation, relieves pain, and improves overall function. You might hear a "pop" or "crack" during the adjustment — that's just gas being released from the joint (like cracking your knuckles). It's completely normal and usually feels great!
03 Why Do People Get Adjusted?
People seek chiropractic care for a wide variety of reasons: back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, auto accident injuries, sports injuries, chronic stiffness, and even general wellness. Many patients come in because they want a drug-free, non-surgical approach to pain relief and better mobility. Others use regular adjustments as preventive care — similar to how you'd visit the dentist for regular cleanings. The research shows that chiropractic is safe, effective, and often recommended as a first-line treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
04 What Happens at Your First Visit?
Your first visit at Gentle Care Chiropractic is all about understanding YOU. We start with a thorough health history and a conversation about your symptoms, goals, and concerns. From there, we conduct a comprehensive physical examination — including orthopedic and neurological testing, range-of-motion assessments, and postural analysis. If needed, we may take X-rays or refer for advanced imaging. Once we have a clear picture, we'll explain our findings, discuss your diagnosis, and present a customized treatment plan. Most patients receive their first adjustment on this visit.
05 What's an Adjustment Feel Like?
Most patients describe an adjustment as a quick, pressure-releasing sensation followed by immediate relief. Some areas may feel slightly tender for a short time after — similar to the soreness you'd feel after a good workout. But for the majority of patients, the adjustment itself is comfortable, and many feel noticeably better right away. If you're nervous about the "popping" sound, don't worry — we offer low-force and instrument-based techniques (like the Activator Method or Torque Release Technique) that are just as effective without the traditional "crack."
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to optimize your spinal health, Gentle Care Chiropractic is here for you. Let's build a care plan that gets you back to feeling your best.