I’ve taken a non-linear path to becoming a Physical Therapist. Before entering healthcare, I was a musician, worked at a start-up, and taught yoga and meditation. My curiosity about the connection between mind and body eventually led me back to school to study neuroscience and kinesiology, and I later earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of California, San Francisco. 

I’ve completed over two years of post-doctoral training in pain science, including a Therapeutic Pain Specialist certification (2018) and a Fellowship in Pain Sciences (2022). I continue to pursue education that bridges physical rehabilitation with mental and emotional wellbeing. Some might describe this as a mind-body approach. I simply believe in seeing you as a whole person.

In my clinical work, I draw on a long-standing mindfulness practice and an understanding of how thoughts, emotions, and experiences influence healing. I’m a "movement optimist," which means I believe there are many ways to move, heal, and reconnect with your body. Together, we can explore approaches that support your goals and help movement become a meaningful part of your life. I believe this is accessible for every body size, shape, identity, ability, and activity level.

I work with a wide range of injuries and orthopedic conditions. This could be a sprained ankle from last week, persistent neck pain you've had for decades, or a sense of feeling stuck while trying to bring movement back into your day. I also have additional training and experience in treating TMD, headaches, nerve pain, autoimmune conditions, POTS, and Long COVID.

Movement is an important part of my own wellbeing as I navigate the ongoing changes that come with health and life. I enjoy biking (commuting, road riding, and exploring gravel routes), yoga, the occasional fitness class just for fun, and an ever-evolving effort to maintain a regular strength-training routine. Outside the clinic, you can find me walking around the city with my film camera, reading, birdwatching, and tending to my yard, which is certified as a Backyard Habitat through the Bird Alliance of Portland and Columbia Land Trust.

Testimonials
“Dr. Jessica McConahay has helped shift my life. She has been the most successful provider for helping me be able to handle chronic pain conditions. I am so incredibly grateful to have found her. I feel much, much more empowered because of her. She is incredibly knowledgeable, caring, patient, and kind. She is very nurturing and meets you where you are at.” - Marcella D.

“Jessica really listens to my concerns & makes recommendations that actually address the problem. She is very collaborative, caring, and knowledgeable. I've had a chronic condition for years and have seen a number of different PTs and this is absolutely the best experience I've ever had. I thought my condition was essentially untreatable and would only get worse over time - now I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm so grateful.” — M. Hickerson

“Dr. McConahay is an outstanding physical therapist. She is skilled, knowledgeable, compassionate, thoughtful, and caring. I highly recommend her to anyone!” — Lori B.

Modalities
• Physical therapy
• Exercise and movement therapies
• Manual therapy (myofascial decompression, joint mobilizations)
• Heart-rate variability biofeedback

Identity/Affirming Care
• Pronouns: she/he
• Queer- and trans-affirming care; LGBTQ+ welcoming
• Health at Every Size aligned
• Trauma-informed care

Practical
• Accepting new patients
• In-network with Moda, PacificSource, Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield
• Cash pay rates: $200 Evaluation, $150 Follow Up visits
• If cost is a barrier, please reach out to discuss options
• Please note: due to Medicare regulations, I am unable to provide physical therapy services to individuals with Medicare or Medicare Advantage coverage at this time

What I Treat
• Persistent and chronic pain
• Neck, back, and joint pain
• Orthopedic injuries (sprained ankle, muscle strains, tendon issues)
• TMD, Headaches
• Pre and post surgery (spine surgery, orthopedic surgery)
• Long COVID, POTS
• Support for people with auto-immune conditions

Education & Training
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) - University of California, San Francisco
• Fellow in Pain Sciences (Evidence in Motion)
• Therapeutic Pain Specialist (ISPI, now Evidence in Motion)