The Journey: From Local Athlete to Movement Specialist
A Personal Turning Point
A native of Orinda and a graduate of Miramonte High and UC Berkeley, Dr. Lauren Elkind’s career path took a dramatic shift following a life-changing injury. Originally headed for law school, her own recovery introduced her to the power of Active Release Technique (ART) and functional movement.
While rehabilitating her ankle on a Pilates reformer, she discovered a passion for service-oriented healthcare. After earning her Pilates certification and working with patients at the Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, she transitioned her studies to Life Chiropractic College West, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2001.
Mastering the Art of Soft Tissue
With nearly 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Elkind is a recognized leader in manual therapy. She is a Master-Level ART® Provider, certified in every clinical module:
Spine, Upper, and Lower Extremity (Levels 1 & 2)
Nerve Entrapment & Complex Protocols
IRONMAN® Performance Care Biomechanics
Her expertise is so well-regarded that she was selected to teach ART seminars nationwide, mentoring other healthcare professionals in these sophisticated manual methods.
A Diagnostic Approach to Movement
Dr. Elkind does not just treat the site of pain; she identifies the root cause of dysfunction. By integrating the Functional Movement System (FMS) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), she creates a diagnostic roadmap for every patient.
To resolve both acute and chronic conditions that have reached a plateau, she utilizes the industry’s most advanced medical technology:
Focused Shockwave Therapy (Storz Medical): Using acoustic sound waves to stimulate deep cellular repair.
Class IV Laser (LightForce): High-powered photobiomodulation to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
Resilience for the East Bay Community
For over two decades, Dr. Elkind has helped athletes of all levels—from professional competitors to local students—build the resilience needed for long-term health. Her goal is to ensure every patient in Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, and the surrounding Lamorinda area moves efficiently, effectively, and pain-free.
