Meet Dr. Tim McConnell, DC
Dr. McConnell has been practicing chiropractic care in Olympia, Washington since 1994 — and at this location on Martin Way since 1996. In nearly thirty years of practice, he has built a reputation not on marketing but on word of mouth: patients who felt heard, treated honestly, and sent home better than they arrived. That is still the practice he runs today.
Education and Training
Dr. McConnell earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Western States College of Chiropractic in Portland, Oregon in 1994 — an institution now known as the University of Western States, and one of the oldest and most established chiropractic colleges in the country. His training covered the full scope of chiropractic science: anatomy, physiology, diagnostic imaging, spinal adjusting technique, and clinical patient management.
Washington State requires chiropractors to complete 25 hours of continuing education every year to maintain licensure. Over nearly three decades of active practice, Dr. McConnell has accumulated well over 700 hours of post-graduate education. He holds an active license in good standing with the Washington State Department of Health and is a member of the Washington State Chiropractic Association.
How He Practices
Before any treatment begins, Dr. McConnell sits down with the patient. He explains what he sees, what he plans to do, and why — in plain language, not clinical shorthand. One patient described it this way in a Google review: “Before he began to adjust me, he sat down and explained EVERYTHING in detail about the overall objective and target goals of chiropractic care. Dr. McConnell’s care is excellent and he only does what is necessary.” — Kayla D.
That description has come up consistently across independent reviews over many years. It reflects a deliberate choice: Dr. McConnell believes a patient who understands their care gets better results from it. He does not chase treatment volume. He adjusts technique and setup to each patient individually, using both traditional and low-force methods including Activator and drop-table approaches, depending on what is appropriate.
What Patients Say
Across Google, Yelp, and independent review platforms, a few themes repeat in patient descriptions of Dr. McConnell: that he listens before he acts, that he is flexible with scheduling, that he takes time to explain, and that results tend to follow. Patients have described him as approachable, honest, and skilled — and several have noted that he has become a practitioner they return to for ongoing maintenance care, not just acute relief.
What Patients Say
Across Google, Yelp, and independent review platforms, a few themes repeat in patient descriptions of Dr. McConnell: that he listens before he acts, that he is flexible with scheduling, that he takes time to explain, and that results tend to follow. Patients have described him as approachable, honest, and skilled — and several have noted that he has become a practitioner they return to for ongoing maintenance care, not just acute relief.
Areas of Focus
Over nearly thirty years, Dr. McConnell has developed particular depth in the following areas:
Spinal Decompression
Non-surgical traction-based therapy for disc and nerve pain. One of the clinic’s most requested treatments for chronic lower back and radiating leg pain.
Auto and Work Injury Recovery
Experienced in treating whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and spinal misalignment from accidents and occupational strain, with documentation support for insurance and L&I cases.
Chronic Back and Neck Pain
The core of the practice for nearly thirty years. Dr. McConnell focuses on identifying and addressing root causes, not managing symptoms indefinitely.
Nearly thirty years at the same address, serving the same community. That continuity is not accidental.
Credentials and Insurance Participation
Dr. McConnell holds an active Doctor of Chiropractic license in good standing with the Washington State Department of Health. He is a member of the Washington State Chiropractic Association and participates in a broad range of insurance networks including Providence Health Plan, Medicare, Medicaid, CareCredit, and the EmpowerChiro veteran care network. Most major insurance plans are accepted at Back in Action.
A Practice Built on Honesty
Dr. McConnell is a solo practitioner. When you come to Back in Action, you see him — not a rotating roster of associates, not an intake assistant, not a student. Every evaluation, every adjustment, and every conversation about your care happens with the same person who has been doing this work in Olympia for nearly thirty years.
He is straightforward about what chiropractic can and cannot do for a given condition. If your situation calls for a different kind of care or a referral, he will tell you. That honesty is reflected in his patient retention: many people who came in once for a specific injury have been coming back for regular maintenance care for years.
Serving Olympia Since 1994
Back in Action opened on Martin Way in 1996 and has stayed. The surrounding businesses have changed, the neighborhood has changed, and chiropractic technology has evolved — but the practice has been continuous, at the same address, under the same practitioner, for nearly three decades. That kind of tenure in a single community is uncommon, and it means something about how patients feel when they leave.
Serving Olympia Since 1994
Back in Action opened on Martin Way in 1996 and has stayed. The surrounding businesses have changed, the neighborhood has changed, and chiropractic technology has evolved — but the practice has been continuous, at the same address, under the same practitioner, for nearly three decades. That kind of tenure in a single community is uncommon, and it means something about how patients feel when they leave.
You will see Dr. McConnell. Not a substitute, not an assistant. Him — the same practitioner who has been doing this work in Olympia since 1994.
Ready to Meet Dr. McConnell?
The best way to understand how he works is to come in. The $95 New Patient Special includes a full consultation, examination, any necessary spinal X-rays, and your first adjustment. No pressure, no upsell. If chiropractic care is not the right fit for your situation, he will tell you that too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. McConnell
Where did Dr. McConnell train?
Dr. McConnell graduated from Western States College of Chiropractic in Portland, Oregon in 1994. The college is now known as the University of Western States and is one of the oldest accredited chiropractic institutions in the country.
How long has he been in practice?
Dr. McConnell has been practicing chiropractic since 1994 and has operated Back in Action at the current Martin Way location since 1996 — nearly thirty years of continuous practice in Olympia.
Is he accepting new patients?
Yes. New patients are welcome, including those on Medicare and Medicaid. Same-day appointments are available when you call by 3 PM. The $95 New Patient Special covers your full initial visit including consultation, examination, X-rays if needed, and your first adjustment.
Will I always see Dr. McConnell?
Yes. Back in Action is a solo practice. Every patient sees Dr. McConnell directly — for the initial consultation, for adjustments, and for any follow-up care. There are no associates or rotating providers.
What techniques does Dr. McConnell use?
Dr. McConnell uses both traditional and low-force adjusting methods, including Activator and drop-table techniques, adapted to each patient’s comfort level, age, and condition. He also provides spinal decompression therapy using motorized traction equipment.
Does he accept my insurance?
Back in Action accepts most major insurance plans, including Providence Health Plan, Medicare, Medicaid, and plans common to military families in the area. CareCredit is also available. Call the office or contact us online to confirm your specific coverage before your visit.
What if chiropractic is not right for my condition?
Dr. McConnell will tell you. If your situation calls for a different kind of care or a referral to another provider, he will say so during your consultation. He does not pursue treatment that is not appropriate for your specific case.
Does he treat veterans?
Yes. Back in Action is a credentialed provider in the EmpowerChiro veteran care network. Veterans in the Olympia and Thurston County area are welcome. Contact the office to discuss your specific coverage and eligibility.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are looking for a chiropractor in Olympia or Lacey who will take the time to understand your situation before doing anything about it, Back in Action is worth a visit. Dr. McConnell sees patients Monday through Thursday and by appointment on Fridays. Same-day appointments are available when you call before 3 PM.