Dr. Jake Dalbec grew up in the Northwest Metro enjoying sports and the outdoors, including hunting and fishing. He continued his love for the outdoors when he went to the University of Minnesota – Duluth where he graduated with a B.S. in biology and minored in chemistry. During any of his extra time, he was either playing intramural sports, downhill skiing, hunting, fishing or enjoying playing in the UMD Pep Band for UMD Hockey! It is also where he met his wife, Tara. They met on their very first day of freshman year. Together they have three beautiful daughters.

After college, Dr. Jake attended Northwestern Health Sciences University for his Doctorate of Chiropractic. He started practicing in 2009 at Align Chiromedical Clinic, and in 2015 he became a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP®). He is also a Certified Chiropractic Acupuncturist and looks forward to being able to find natural ways to help his patients and the community. Dr. Jake’s sports experiences include sideline care for St. Paul Public Schools, medical staff for the Collegiate National Handball Championships, World Handball Championships, US Open Racquetball Championships, USA Broomball Nationals, Susan G. Komen 3-Day, Nitro Circus Live Minneapolis, CrossFit Granite Games, and sideline coverage for the Twin Cities Sabercats. Dr. Jake has been honored with the Minnesota Best Chiropractors award every year since 2016, and in 2019, he was nominated for and won the annual Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA) Sports Chiropractor of the Year award. He was the MCA president in 2022. He now serves on the MCA Board of Directors as Treasurer since 2023.

Dr. Jake Dalbec grew up in the Northwest Metro enjoying sports and the outdoors, including huntin... Read More

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.

Born in the suburbs of Chicago, Dr. Zach Harbaugh is a dual-credentialed chiropractor and athleti... Read More

Andi Rhiel, LAc, is a Doctor of Acupuncture specializing in integrative care and mental health with extensive studies in orthopedic and sports medicine acupuncture. She utilizes Acupuncture to address physical and emotional pain, orthopedic/sports injury and rehab, digestive concerns, painful or irregular menstruation, headaches, mental illness, trauma, and chronic and acute health conditions. She provides treatment in times of illness or injury, and health maintenance and preventive care during wellness.

Andi received her Doctorate of Acupuncture degree from Five Branches University. She is board certified as a Diplomate of Acupuncture by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine ((NCBAHM) previously NCCAOM)) and licensed by the MN Board of Medical Practice. She has received certification in cupping therapy, gua sha, reflexology, microneedling, and MeiZen cosmetic acupuncture. She also has an undergraduate degree in nursing and is a Registered Nurse licensed by the MN Board of Nursing.

In her free time, Andi enjoys powerlifting, snowshoeing, cycling, kayaking, and relaxing at the family cabin in the summer. She is also an active member of the 501st Legion international Star Wars costume volunteer charity group.

Andi Rhiel, LAc, is a Doctor of Acupuncture specializing in integrative care and mental health wi... Read More