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Meet Our Providers
Christi Jo Christian
Founder & Chiropractic Sports Physician
Dr. Christian is the founder of iBackCheck Sport Therapy, where she leads a forward-thinking approach to injury recovery by integrating chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage therapy. She believes this collaborative model is the fastest and most effective path to healing and long-term performance.
A native of Minnesota and a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Christian is an Internationally Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician with extensive experience working at the highest levels of sport.
Athletic Experience Includes:
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Medical Staff, 2012 Susan G. Komen 3-Day
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Medical Staff, 2013 World Racquetball Championships
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Sports Chiropractor, 2016 Wayzata Boys Hockey State Champions
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Medical Staff, 2016 Team USA U18 Boys Hockey World Championships
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Medical Staff, 2018 USHL Fall Classic
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Team Physician, PWHPA Team Minnesota (2021)
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Volunteer Medical Services, Penn State Women’s Hockey (2022–Present)
Outside of working what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Outside of working, Dr. Christian is a wife, mother of three hockey players, avid runner, and hockey player herself. She lives what she teaches and understands firsthand what it takes to keep the body performing at its peak. Whether she’s watching her kids on the ice, running with her two labs, or heading out on a family ski or fishing trip, she brings the same energy and passion to her personal life that she brings to every patient she treats.
Brianna Faber
Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. Faber is a double board certified Chiroractic physician. She earned her Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic after spending time studying Kinesiology at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. Dr. Faber uses adjustments, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise to help patients move better, feel better and reach their treatment goals. Dr. Faber has training in the Mckenzie Method (MDT) and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and incorporates these approaches when clinically appropriate to address the root causes of pain and dysfunction.
As a former member and gold medalist of the US National Ringette Team, Dr. Faber understands the physical and mental demands of high-level sport. This experience informs a thoughtful, individualized approach to care -- whether you're recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or working to improve performance or quality of life.
Why did you become a Chiropractor?
I became a chiropractor because I wanted to help people get out of pain and move better -- long term. While I was in college, I dealt with frequent headaches that really affected my ability to focus and train. Seeing a chiropractor made a huge difference, and that experience showed me how effective hands-on, personalized care can be. I understand how pain and movement issues can impact both performance and quality of life. Chiropractic gave me the tools to help others feel and function their best, and that's what inspired me to pursue this profession.
Outside of work what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Outside of work, I like to stay active. Weightlifting and running are my go-to ways to move and unwind. I also enjoy watching sports, reading, and spending time with my cat, who definitely keeps things interesting at home.
Melissa Vanderlinde
Physical Therapist
Melissa earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Melissa is passionate about getting to know her patient’s and helping them return to recreational and daily living activities and attain all other desired physical health and mobility goals. She values the ability to share her knowledge and promote a healthy lifestyle with patients ranging from pediatric to geriatric. Her area of expertise includes manual therapy, dry needling, blood flow restriction, return to sport, return to work, running related injuries, post op hip, knee, ankle/ foot, lower extremity injuries, strength and conditioning, overuse injuries, incontinence, urgency, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, diastasis recti, prolapse, and constipation.
Why did you become a Physical Therapist?
While running cross country in high school I got injured and worked with a very influential PT who inspired me to learn more about sports injuries and helping people get better. Which led me to find my love for physical therapy and helping people get back to doing what they love.
Outside of working what do you enjoy doing for fun?
In my free time I spend time with my husband and son and our two dogs, I am an avid long-distance runner, and a Wayzata Cross Country Coach. I also like to bike, hike, swim, skate, and ski.
Connor Knutson
Physical Therapist
Connor pursued a degree in Physical Therapy at Arcadia University, which he completed in 2023. He has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Hamline University. Connor has worked with athletes at all levels—from weekend warriors to professional competitors— helping them recover from injuries and return to peak performance. He has developed a passion for not only treating injuries but also educating athletes, coaches, and the general public on how to prevent them. Connor is an avid strength trainer and coach. This personal passion for fitness has given him a unique perspective on how the body responds to exercise and injury. His area of expertise include concussion, return to sport, overuse injuries, post-op ortho, and return to work.Nutrition Specialist
Why did you become a Physical Therapist?
Growing up I was an athlete who was very prone to injuries. I spent a considerable amount of time in rehab and through that process, I was always able to return to the field. As a result, I fell in love with the rehab setting and helping people get back to the activities they love.
Outside of working what do you enjoy doing for fun?
I spend a lot of my free time strength training and reading. Depending on the time of year, I like to hike Minnesota’s state parks. When I can, I love to get together with my friends to play Dungeons and Dragons.
Renee Hancock
Physical Therapist
Renee received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Minnesota in 2007. She has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota. She has 15 years of orthopedic experience and additionally specializing in pelvic floor physical therapy during the past 5 years. She enjoys the opportunity to hear her patient’s stories and to work alongside them to develop the best plan for helping each patient reach their goals. Her area of expertise includes manual therapy, pelvic pain, urinary urgency/ frequency, urinary leakage, bowel dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, TMD, vestibular conditions, spine conditions, various injuries from cervical to foot/ankle, return to work and return to sport.
Why did you become a Physical Therapist?
I became a physical therapist because my best friend in high school had an injury during volleyball, and I went to a few of her appointments with her while she was recovering. I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field and after those appointments, I realized what an awesome job it would be to help people recovering from injuries and getting back to the life they love!
Outside of working what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors taking the dog for a walk, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. In the winter, I enjoy watching my kids play hockey.
Lisa Zeman
Physical Therapist
Lisa has been a physical therapist for over 20 years. She has a Masters in Physical Therapy from University of Mary, Bismarck North Dakota and a Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Lisa has a passion for looking deep at movement patterns. She uses a creative approach of manual techniques, strengthening, and movement retraining. Examples include video analysis of running, biking, swimming, jump landing, and assessing work/daily movements. She has collaborated in development of Bike and Run Programs throughout her career. She enjoys the variety of seeing injuries literally from head to toe. Her area of expertise includes dry needling, manual therapy, lower extremity overuse injuries, post op hip, knee, ankle, foot, running analysis, return to sport, return to work, pediatric sports Injuries, bike fit certified, bone health – stress fractures and osteoporosis, certified in lymphedema, orthotics.
Why did you become a Physical Therapist?
I was first exposed to physical therapy in high school when I had a knee injury. I loved the combination of science and psychology that helped get me back to running. I had a strong interest in becoming an architect or journalist as well. Physical Therapy is a great combination. I can unravel how people are "built" and hear their personal stories.
Outside of working what do you enjoy doing for fun?
I love the outdoors - kayaking, running, biking, swimming, waterskiing, skate skiing, and boating. I love watching and attending all levels of sporting events.
