Dr. Tanner Klein’s journey to chiropractic care began in a world far removed from clinics and adjusting tables. As a Navy Diver in the Special Warfare Division, he tackled construction engineering projects under high-pressure conditions, until a sudden back injury on deployment shifted his life’s trajectory.
“I went from a super active job in the Navy to working on a job site managing construction projects,” Dr. Tanner recalls. “Even while I was working in engineering, all my free time went into trying to heal my back. When you have an injury, it takes over your life.”
He couldn't stop talking about it—his injury, what he was doing to fix it, the different practitioners he was seeing. That's when he realized he needed to change tracks entirely. He went to chiropractic school at Parker University in Dallas, and along the way, developed his own approach based on what helped him most and what he's seen help his patients the most, especially with back injuries, spinal problems, neck pain, and headaches.
“I grew up going to the chiropractor occasionally for general health,” Dr. Tanner says. “But after my injury, I saw three different chiropractors: one manually adjusted me, one focused on soft tissue work, and another coached me through rehab to get moving again.” Today, his own method blends these strategies into a comprehensive approach.
After graduation, Dr. Tanner joined a thriving clinic in northern Idaho, even partnering to open a second location. Yet he felt the urge to do things differently.
“I wanted to offer more specialized, individualized care. The standard model didn’t allow enough flexibility,” he explains. After spending time camping and exploring in the Flathead Valley for years with his wife and two boys, he knew it was the right place for this new beginning. In July 2024, Dr. Tanner opened Northern Roots Chiropractic in Kalispell, determined to create a practice that truly met people where they are with customized care.
At Northern Roots, it's not just about the services offered, but the mindset behind them. Dr. Tanner believes that healing is as much about understanding a patient’s life and limitations as it is about the right adjustments or exercises. With state-of-the-art posture analysis, range-of-motion testing, X-rays, and one of the only StemWave therapy providers in Montana, Dr. Tanner ensures nothing is left to guesswork, and treatment plans are always shaped by conversation and personal goals.
“It’s never about plugging someone into a one-size-fits-all program,” Dr. Tanner says. “I might think a patient needs 20 consecutive visits, but if that’s unrealistic for someone—like a single parent—we build a plan that works for them.”
Practicality and compassion go hand in hand. Dr. Tanner’s goal is to help patients feel ownership over their health journeys. Not guilt or frustration if plans need to adapt.
As Northern Roots continues to grow, the practice is thrilled to welcome Dr. Liv Gilman to the team as an associate doctor. Dr. Liv, originally from Fargo, North Dakota, moved to Kalispell in August 2025 after earning her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University. She has advanced training in pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care, including certifications in the Webster technique, infant cranio-sacral therapy, as well as proficiency in Torque Release Technique (TRT) and the Diversified technique.
Dr. Liv’s passion lies in supporting families, from infants and children to expectant mothers. Her gentle touch and dedication to holistic care allow Northern Roots to expand its focus, particularly in prenatal and pediatric wellness. Whether it’s a newborn, a child, or a mother-to-be, Dr. Liv’s expertise ensures that family-oriented, gentle chiropractic care is available for all stages of life.
While Northern Roots offers additional support—such as nutrition consultations for those seeking a comprehensive approach—the heart of the practice remains chiropractic care and rehabilitation. “We still provide nutritional resources for patients who need them, but our main focus is on the power of chiropractic care and helping people recover, move, and live to their fullest potential,” Dr. Tanner notes.
With Dr. Tanner and Dr. Liv working together, Northern Roots Chiropractic now provides a broader range of expertise combining hands-on manual therapy, advanced rehabilitation, and specialized care. The shared philosophy is clear: individualized care, grounded in a deep-set awareness of a patient’s needs and goals, leads to lasting results.
As Dr. Tanner puts it, “Our mission is to give people the tools and support they need in the office and in their lives. Health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and real change begins when you meet people where they’re at.”
With a growing team and an expanding vision, Northern Roots is ready to help the Flathead Valley community embrace health and healing every step of the way.
Dr. Tanner Klein | @NorthernRootsChiro
Northern Roots Chiropractic's full list of services includes X-rays, spinal decompression and rehabilitation, soft tissue and Graston Technique, postural body weighing, fascial cupping, online coaching, nutrition consultations, Webster Technique, cranio-sacral therapy, TRT, and the Diversified technique. To learn more, visit NorthernRootsChiro.com.
"Our main focus is on the power of chiropractic care and helping people recover, move, and live to their fullest potential."