Our passion is keeping Bend, a healthy and active community
Lets see what makes the Apex team tick
How we got Started
The friendship between Dr. RJ Rivera and Dr. Tim Sanders brought about the birth of Apex Spine & Performance. Their camaraderie, cultivated over the years, forms the heart of Apex. Today, united by their passion for movement, they shape the essence of our approach—blending chiropractic care, therapeutic exercise, nutrition, and strength training. Join us as we redefine how to move with confidence and inspire well-being at Apex Spine & Performance.
What Makes Us Different
At Apex Spine and Performance, we emphasize a proactive, tailored approach to each patient's distinct pain and mobility concerns. Rather than merely alleviating symptoms, we seek to provide longterm solutions for pain and performance. By melding chiropractic care with personalized rehab strategies, we aim to not only return you to the activies you love but excel at them. Many patients come to us burdened with persistent pain and associated emotional distress. Our expertise lies in identifying these deep-seated issues and crafting care plans to eradicate the pain from its source and give you the tools to keep it away.
Dr. RJ Rivera DC, MS, CSCS
Apex Spine & Performance Co-Owner
Dr. Rivera hails from South Lake Tahoe, CA, where he immersed himself in skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, and hiking amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains. He earned his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University. Post Sonoma State, RJ acquired his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification and worked as a Strength and Conditioning coach for several NCAA Division II schools in the Bay Area.
He later chose to pursue chiropractic studies at the University of Western States (UWS) in Portland, OR. While at UWS, RJ had the privilege of being a resident at Active Motion Spine and Rehab, working closely with Dr. Aaron Montgomery and Dr. Scott Gross. They mentored him, honing his movement-centric approach to healing. Dr.Rivera graduated summa cum laude from the UWS DC program, also securing a master's degree in sports medicine.
His treatment style emphasizes a movement-based approach, blending chiropractic manipulation, Fascial manipulation, sports injury evaluations, and crucially, physical rehabilitation and strength training. Outside the clinic, RJ is likely enjoying activities like strength training, camping, fly fishing, skiing, and hiking with his wife Maddi and their 4-year-old golden retriever, Luceigh.
Degrees and Certifications
•Bachelor's in Kinesiology (Sonoma State)
•Doctorate of Chiropractic (University of Western States)
•Masters of Sports Medicine (University of Western States)
• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability (DNS) Certified Exercise Trainer
• McKenzie Method part A
•Dermal Traction Method
Dr. Tim Sanders DC, MS
Apex Spine and Performance Co-Owner
Dr. Tim is originally from Gualala, California where he grew up living an active lifestyle consisting of playing sports, hiking and bikeriding. He originally gained a keen interest in human movement and performance after working through several sports injuries in High School from the help of skilled Chiropractors and Physical Therapists.
Tim obtained a bachelors of science in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University in 2018, after graduating he worked closely with patients as a physical therapy aide for a year before pursueing a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from the Universtiy of Western States (UWS) in Portland, Oregon. During his time at UWS, he had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Aaron Montgomery and Dr. Scott Gross, learning insights into the world of chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning. Dr. Sanders graduated Summa Cum Laude from the UWS DC program in 2023 while also obtaining a masters degree in human nutrition and functional medicine.
His style of care emphasises a movement centered approach to healthcare, integrating chiropractic manipulation, myofacial release, therapeutic exercise, nutrition, and strength trianing. When outside of the clinic, Dr. Sanders enjoys camping and kayaking around central Oregon, improving his golf game, and anything fitness related.
Degrees and Certifications
- Bachelor's in Kinesiology (Sonoma State)
- Doctorate of Chiropractic (University of Western States)
- Masters in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine (University of Western States)
- SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) Part 1
- DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabalization) Part A & B
- DNS Strength Training Part 1 & 2
