Craig Kawaoka

Living in Oregon means embracing an active and vibrant lifestyle, whether you're tackling our incredible hiking trails, participating in local sports leagues, or simply enjoying the dynamic pace of life in Portland. However, with an active life can sometimes come the unexpected challenges of sports injuries, performance plateaus, or the onset of general aches and pains that can hinder your ability to fully engage. When seeking effective, evidence-informed solutions to recover from these setbacks and enhance your body's natural capabilities, chiropractic care stands as a vital and highly beneficial option for many Oregonians. For those in the Portland area, Dr. Craig Kawaoka, DC, offers a uniquely specialized and comprehensive approach to health, particularly renowned for his expertise in sports injuries and performance.

Chiropractic care is a healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, with a primary emphasis on the spine and its crucial role in the nervous system. Chiropractors, like Dr. Craig Kawaoka, operate on the principle that proper alignment of the spine and optimal nervous system function are fundamental to overall health, movement, and performance. Misalignments, or subluxations, can interfere with nerve communication, leading to pain, reduced mobility, decreased athletic performance, and other health issues. Through precise spinal adjustments, targeted therapies, and active care strategies, chiropractors work to restore proper alignment, alleviate nerve irritation, reduce pain, and enhance the body's intrinsic ability to heal and perform at its best, often without the need for medication or invasive procedures.

Dr. Craig Kawaoka brings a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge to the field of chiropractic. Having served for ten years as an Attending Physician at the University of Western States (UWS), a leading institution in integrated health sciences, and holding the credential of DACBSP (Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Sports Physicians), he possesses a deep understanding of sports medicine, performance, and injury recovery. His expertise extends beyond the clinic walls, having served as a Director of Sports programs, Medical Director, and Team Doctor for various organizations and events ranging from amateur to professional athletics. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the chiropractic services offered by Dr. Craig Kawaoka, DC, tailored for local users in the Oregon region. We will cover his accessible location, detail the comprehensive range of services, highlight the unique features that make his expertise stand out, and provide all essential contact information, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and performance journey.

Location and Accessibility

Dr. Craig Kawaoka's practice is associated with a location at 8000 NE Tillamook St, Portland, OR 97213, USA. This address is the location of the UWS Health Center, the teaching clinic for the University of Western States, where Dr. Kawaoka previously served as an attending physician. This central Northeast Portland location offers excellent accessibility for residents across various Portland neighborhoods, including Rose City Park, Hollywood, Madison South, and surrounding communities. Its proximity to major thoroughfares ensures straightforward navigation whether you are driving or utilizing public transportation. Being part of a campus health center environment often provides ample parking availability and a professional, supportive atmosphere, contributing to a convenient and stress-free experience for patients seeking specialized care.

Services Offered

While specific services would be tailored to individual patient needs and the particular clinic environment, based on Dr. Craig Kawaoka's extensive background and specialization in sports injuries, performance, active care, and general practice, his approach to chiropractic care typically involves a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. These commonly include:

• Chiropractic Adjustments / Spinal Manipulation: Precise, hands-on techniques to correct spinal and extremity joint dysfunctions, improving mobility, reducing nerve interference, and alleviating pain.
• Sports Injury Diagnosis and Treatment: Expert evaluation and management of common athletic injuries, including sprains, strains, tendonitis, and overuse syndromes, focusing on rapid recovery and safe return to activity.
• Performance Enhancement: Utilizing chiropractic principles to optimize biomechanics, improve range of motion, and enhance athletic performance for individuals of all skill levels.
• Active Care and Rehabilitation Exercises: Prescription of specific exercises and stretches designed to strengthen weak muscles, improve stability, increase flexibility, and prevent recurrence of injuries, empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery. Dr. Kawaoka has even provided public instruction on foundational core stability exercises.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization: Techniques such as manual therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (e.g., Graston Technique), or Active Release Techniques (ART) to address muscle tightness, fascial restrictions, and scar tissue.
• Postural Analysis and Correction: Assessment and treatment to correct postural imbalances that can contribute to pain, dysfunction, and reduced performance.
• Pain Management: Developing comprehensive strategies for acute and chronic pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain, with an emphasis on non-pharmacological solutions.
• Differential Diagnosis: Utilizing advanced diagnostic skills to accurately identify the root cause of symptoms, especially complex cases involving sports injuries or biomechanical issues.
• Patient Education: Providing thorough explanations of conditions, treatment plans, and self-care strategies, empowering patients with knowledge to manage their health effectively.
• Conservative Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions: Offering non-surgical approaches to a wide array of conditions affecting the muscles, joints, and nervous system.

Features / Highlights

• Specialized Expertise in Sports Injuries: Dr. Kawaoka holds a DACBSP credential, signifying advanced training and expertise in sports chiropractic, making him an ideal choice for athletes and active individuals in Oregon.
• Extensive Clinical and Academic Experience: With ten years as an Attending Physician at the University of Western States and involvement in preclinical, clinical, and postgraduate instruction, he brings a deep, evidence-informed knowledge base to his practice.
• Medical Leadership in Athletics: His experience as a Director of Sports programs, Medical Director, and Team Doctor for various athletic organizations, from amateur to professional, highlights his practical, real-world application of sports medicine principles.
• Focus on Active Care and Performance: Emphasizes active rehabilitation and strategies to not just relieve pain but also to improve overall physical function and athletic performance.
• Comprehensive Approach: Utilizes a blend of traditional chiropractic adjustments with modern active care, rehabilitation exercises, and soft tissue techniques for holistic healing.
• Commitment to Education: His background in education means patients often receive thorough explanations of their conditions and personalized guidance on self-care and prevention, moving patients out of a "chronic pain paradigm."

Contact Information

For Oregonians in Portland and surrounding areas seeking specialized chiropractic care for sports injuries, performance enhancement, or general musculoskeletal health, here is the contact information associated with Dr. Craig Kawaoka:

Address: 8000 NE Tillamook St, Portland, OR 97213, USA

Phone: (503) 255-6771

Mobile Phone: +1 503-255-6771

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents throughout Portland, Oregon, and its active surrounding communities, Dr. Craig Kawaoka, DC, presents a highly suitable and invaluable resource for chiropractic care, especially for those involved in sports or seeking to enhance their physical performance. The association with the University of Western States Health Center on NE Tillamook Street provides a professional and accessible setting, integrating smoothly into the daily lives of busy Oregonians. However, what truly makes Dr. Kawaoka's expertise an exceptional fit for our local community is his profound specialization and extensive experience in sports medicine and performance. His DACBSP credential signifies a dedication to advanced sports chiropractic, making him an ideal choice for athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone looking to optimize their body's movement and recovery.

Dr. Kawaoka's background as an Attending Physician at a leading chiropractic university and his roles as a Medical Director and Team Doctor for various athletic organizations underscore his deep practical understanding of how bodies move, get injured, and heal. For Oregonians who embrace our state's outdoor opportunities and active lifestyle, having a chiropractor who can expertly diagnose and treat sports-related injuries, develop performance-enhancing strategies, and provide comprehensive active care is a significant advantage. He aims to not just alleviate pain but to teach patients "how to take care of themselves and get them out of the chronic pain paradigm," aligning perfectly with a proactive health philosophy.

His commitment to education, evident from his involvement in preclinical and postgraduate instruction, means patients benefit from a practitioner who is not only skilled but also dedicated to explaining conditions and empowering individuals with knowledge for long-term well-being. By choosing Dr. Craig Kawaoka, locals are not merely selecting a chiropractor; they are partnering with a highly specialized and experienced healthcare professional who is deeply committed to helping them recover from injuries, improve their performance, and maintain the vibrant, active lifestyle that is so cherished in Oregon.

Craig Kawaoka

8000 NE Tillamook St, Portland, OR 97213, USA