Dr. Zach Harbaugh

Born in the suburbs of Chicago, Dr. Zach Harbaugh is a dual-credentialed chiropractor and athletic trainer with a passion for movement-focused care. Since 2018, Zach has dedicated his career to the study and practice of sports medicine, injury recovery, and performance optimization. His approach blends hands-on manual therapy, soft tissue work, and rehab-driven chiropractic care for athletes and active individuals of all ages. A board-certified Athletic Trainer, Zach earned his bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Winona State University in 2018, followed by a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from South Dakota State University in 2020. During grad school, he served as the head athletic trainer for SDSU’s Division I baseball team and assisted with the football program, deepening his expertise in extremity injuries and on-field care. After earning his master’s degree, Zach married the love of his life, Danielle, and went on to work at TRIA Orthopedic Center in the Acute Injury Clinic and orthopedic urgent care. There, he led clinical staff and triaged a wide range of acute musculoskeletal injuries, solidifying his interest in high-level orthopedic care. Eager to expand his clinical toolkit, Zach pursued his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Northwestern Health Sciences University and completed a sports and rehabilitation emphasis. Dr. Zach is trained in Graston Technique, an advanced form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that supports effective treatment of scar tissue, fascial restrictions, and chronic inflammation. At Ascend Sport and Spine, Zach brings all of his experience together in one place, offering an evidence-based, “function first” model of chiropractic care. His mission is simple: to help you move, feel, and function at your best. Outside the clinic, Zach enjoys spending time with his wife, Danielle, their son, Beckett, and their dog Leia. He’s a lifelong Star Wars fan and a board game enthusiast who’s always up for some friendly competition—especially if strategy is involved.