About Us

Dr. James Thornburg, MS, DC, CME

Born and raised in the vibrant landscapes of Portland and Clackamas, Oregon, Dr. James Thornburg embodies the spirit of his native Pacific Northwest—a blend of resilience, curiosity, and deep appreciation for the outdoors. As a dedicated chiropractic physician, he has spent over a decade empowering patients to reclaim their vitality through evidence-based care, blending hands-on expertise with a philosophy that movement truly is medicine.

Dr. Thornburg earned his Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine in 2012 from the University of Western States, where he also completed a Master's degree in Exercise and Sport Science. This foundation ignited his passion for optimizing human performance, particularly among active individuals navigating the demands of high-intensity pursuits. Early in his career, he immersed himself in Bend's thriving CrossFit community, honing his skills amid athletes pushing their limits. There, amid the clang of weights and the rhythm of functional movements, Dr. Thornburg refined techniques like the Graston Method and McKenzie Method for disc-related injuries, learning not just to treat pain but to teach patients how to sustain their progress. These experiences sharpened his ability to adapt specialized soft tissue therapies to broader applications, from motor vehicle accident recoveries to everyday musculoskeletal challenges, always with a focus on personalized, goal-aligned plans.

His innovative mindset shines through in quieter ways, too—exemplified by his development of The T Tool, a custom instrument for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Born from hands-on problem-solving during his student days, it reflects Dr. Thornburg's unwavering commitment to the craft: quietly refining tools and techniques to make healing more effective, without fanfare. This dedication has touched tens of thousands of lives, helping patients from weekend warriors to those rebuilding after injury understand their bodies and move forward confidently.

Now a certified Medical Examiner through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME)—a milestone he proudly achieved in 2025—Dr. Thornburg is channeling his expertise toward a new chapter. Relocating to Clackamas, he is expanding services centered on DOT physicals and related occupational health needs, ensuring commercial drivers and workers receive thorough, compassionate evaluations to keep them safe on the road and in their daily lives. While his roots in sports medicine remain a cornerstone, this shift underscores his adaptability and focus on preventive, practical wellness for all.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Thornburg stays true to his Oregonian soul: paddle boarding on sun-dappled rivers, snowboarding Central Oregon's powdery slopes, hiking trails with his family, or unwinding with a good podcast, book, and home-cooked meal. Approachable and thoughtful, he brings that same laid-back energy to his practice—listening intently, thinking critically, and partnering with patients to build lasting health.

Gathered and written by Grok.