About Cascade Chiropractic & Wellness
Founded in 2014 by Dr. Chris Cooper, Cascade Chiropractic & Wellness has grown into a welcoming, community-focused chiropractic clinic in Southeast Portland. Today, Drs. Cooper and Johnson lead a dedicated team of professionals committed to helping patients feel better, move better, and live better through comprehensive and compassionate care.
We understand that pain from back, neck, and joint conditions—or from injuries such as whiplash and soft tissue strain—can keep you from living the active life you love. That’s why our doctors take the time to truly get to know you and your story. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan—never a one-size-fits-all approach—so you can recover fully and return to doing what you enjoy most.
As trusted Portland chiropractors, we specialize in the Atlas Orthogonal Technique, car accident and injury chiropractic care, myofascial release, and massage therapy. These core services are supported by a wide range of supportive therapies designed to promote long-term healing and pain relief.
At Cascade Chiropractic & Wellness, you’re more than a patient—you’re part of our family. Our mission is to help the Southeast Portland and Portland Eastside community stay active, healthy, and pain-free through exceptional chiropractic care and genuine compassion. That’s our promise—and one we’ll always keep.
Chris Cooper, DC, BCAO
Dr. Chris Cooper is a dedicated chiropractor serving the Portland, Oregon community with a focus on personalized, results-driven care. He earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from the University of Western States in 2013 and holds Board Certification in the Atlas Orthogonal Technique, a specialized form of upper cervical chiropractic care.
Before completing his chiropractic degree, Dr. Cooper earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biology in 2010. His comprehensive training allows him to effectively address a wide range of conditions, including back and neck pain, disc injuries, headaches, whiplash, sciatica, pregnancy-related back pain, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, foot pain, and sports-related injuries.
Dr. Cooper is skilled in multiple chiropractic methods and continually integrates the most effective techniques to ensure his patients receive safe, gentle, and lasting relief.
Dr. Cooper is trained in many methods of Chiropractic care including:
✅ Diversified Technique – Traditional hands-on chiropractic adjustments using precise manual methods to restore alignment and relieve pain.
✅ Atlas Orthogonal Technique – A gentle, precision-based approach that corrects misalignments of the atlas vertebra at the top of the spine without twisting or cracking.
✅ Myofascial Release (IASTM) – Soft-tissue therapy using specialized tools to reduce fascial tension, improve mobility, and relieve chronic muscle tightness.
✅ Auto Injury Management – Comprehensive care for whiplash, soft-tissue strain, and other musculoskeletal injuries from motor vehicle accidents.
✅ Sports and Injury Chiropractic – Targeted chiropractic care and rehabilitation to accelerate recovery, prevent re-injury, and enhance performance.
✅ Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) – Low-level laser treatment that stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster healing.
Dr. Cooper enjoys life in Oregon with his wife, Alexandra, and their beloved corgi, Charlotte. He’s passionate about the beauty of Portland and loves spending time camping, traveling, and playing guitar. His mission is to provide exceptional care and earn the reputation as one of the most trusted chiropractors in Portland.
Tyrel Johnson, DC, MS, BCAO
Dr. Tyrel Johnson is an energetic and dedicated chiropractor in Portland, Oregon. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a Master’s in Sports Medicine from the University of Western States in 2017. Board Certified in the Atlas Orthogonal Technique, Dr. Johnson specializes in precise upper cervical chiropractic care.
During his clinical internship, he worked with student athletes at David Douglas and Parkrose High Schools, developing a passion for helping active individuals recover from injury and improve performance. Today, Dr. Johnson focuses on caring for “industrial athletes” — hardworking men and women whose jobs demand physical strength and endurance. His goal is to help patients relieve pain, restore mobility, and return to work stronger than before.
Dr. Johnson’s training in chiropractic and exercise medicine includes:
✅ Diversified Technique – Traditional hands-on chiropractic adjustments using precise manual methods to restore alignment and relieve pain.
✅ Atlas Orthogonal Technique – A gentle, precision-based approach that corrects misalignments of the atlas vertebra at the top of the spine without twisting or cracking.
✅ Myofascial Release (IASTM) – Soft-tissue therapy using specialized tools to reduce fascial tension, improve mobility, and relieve chronic muscle tightness.
✅ Auto Injury Management – Comprehensive care for whiplash, soft-tissue strain, and other musculoskeletal injuries from motor vehicle accidents.
✅ Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) – Low-level laser treatment that stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster healing.
✅ Rehabilitation Exercise — Guided stretches and strengthening routines that restore movement, improve stability, and help prevent future injury.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Johnson enjoys getting outdoors and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. He and his wife love taking their two young boys on new adventures — from discovering local hiking trails to finding parks with the best play structures.
“I first visited a chiropractor when I was eight years old after injuring my neck while roughhousing. I couldn’t turn my head to the right and was in a lot of pain. After one adjustment, I felt incredible relief and regained full movement. I was amazed that the doctor could fix my pain with just his hands. To this day, I’m still amazed by how chiropractic care allows me to help others heal in that same hands-on way.”
Massage Therapy
River’s practice centers on relaxing the body and mind through gentle Swedish techniques, passive movement and stretches, joint mobilization, and rocking vibration to awaken the fascia. They have advanced training in Craniosacral Therapy, which is incorporated into massage and offered as full-body sessions, which through light touch addresses fatigue and chronic pain, among other conditions. River is passionate about supporting clients in their personal healing goals and suggesting simple ways that you can make your life more comfortable.
Kristen Gassner, LMT
Kristen graduated from the Oregon School of Massage with training in multiple techniques and modalities including Swedish, Cupping, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial massage, Reiki, and Shiatsu. Massage sessions may include these methods along with movement, stretching, and breath work. She hopes to facilitate a client’s sense of well-being and wholeness with each massage, to restore balance where there is imbalance, to improve their mind-body-spirit connection, and to awaken the body’s ability to heal itself. She considers it a privilege to work with clients along their path toward wellness.
Outside of work, Kristen spends time hiking, gardening, cooking, checking out art, and just generally exploring. She had a busy career set decorating for feature films and television before deciding to pursue a more harmonious line of work and becoming a licensed massage therapist. She has had the opportunity to travel the world, live in great multicultural cities, and is now happy to be calling Portland home.
Office Staff
Alexandra – Office Manager
When her husband, Dr. Cooper, first opened the office, he needed help at the front desk — and the rest is history. Alexandra holds a B.S. in Public Health and has always had a passion for health and wellness. Her warm personality and positive energy make her a welcoming presence at the front of the office. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, baking, and reading. She’s proud to call Portland home and loves everything about life in the Pacific Northwest.
Rachel – Office Superstar
Rachel has been part of the Cascade Chiropractic and Wellness team for over a year, helping patients feel welcome and cared for at every appointment. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys trying new coffee shops, spotting rare backyard birds, spending quiet weekends with her husband, and pursuing an accounting degree at PSU.