Dr. Dustin Smith – Chiropractor | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. Dustin Smith is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Health First Soft Tissue & Joint Clinic in Lethbridge, AB. Dustin is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA). His approach focuses on understanding each patient's unique health needs and developing tailored treatment plans to promote optimal recovery and long-term wellness.

Dr. Smith's role involves offering comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on spinal health and overall well-being. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring that every individual receives appropriate, gentle, and effective care to improve their quality of life. His philosophy centers on empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and proactive strategies for maintaining health beyond the treatment table.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Dr. Dustin Smith completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and remains committed to evidence-based practices. He offers care in English and strives to help the Lethbridge community achieve better health and vitality through personalized chiropractic care.

Dr. Dustin Smith provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Chiropractic strategies to help alleviate discomfort and improve spinal mechanics in cases of functional scoliosis or pain related to structural scoliosis.
• Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Helping you achieve better posture to alleviate pain, improve breathing, and enhance overall physical well-being.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Identifying and treating muscular trigger points to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Managing the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and spondylosis to help maintain mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Conservative management options for symptomatic spinal stenosis, aiming to reduce nerve compression and improve mobility and comfort.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Pain: Supporting a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy by addressing biomechanical changes and associated pain.
• Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Back Strain): Helping you recover from the physical impact of a car accident with a tailored chiropractic care plan.
• Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Gentle chiropractic care for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on issues like non-specific growing pains, postural imbalances, recovery from minor sports injuries, or concerns related to spinal development, using age-appropriate techniques.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Smith can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: Complete neuromusculoskeletal evaluation to identify biomechanical issues, nerve interferences, and areas of dysfunction.
• Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Targeted soft tissue work to alleviate muscle tightness, break down adhesions, and restore fascial integrity.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Application of focused pressure to specific hyperirritable spots (trigger points) within muscles to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal muscle function.
• Graston Technique® / IASTM: Targeted therapy with tools like Graston® to address stubborn soft tissue problems.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A specific deep transverse massage technique applied across affected tendons or ligaments to break down adhesions, reduce scar tissue, and promote an optimal healing environment.
• Active Release Techniques (ART®): Specialized manual therapy combining precise pressure with active patient movements to resolve soft tissue restrictions.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Smith. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA).

At Health First Soft Tissue & Joint Clinic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Smith frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Getting back to sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema after struggling with a nagging sports injury that wasn't healing right is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Dustin's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to being able to lift everyday objects without the fear of pain or re-injury and a return to a more active life.
• Dr. Dustin understands how frustrating hip flexor tightness causing pain can be. By aiming for feeling more comfortable and supported throughout pregnancy, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like your yoga and Pilates practice with renewed confidence.
• For those whose that pinched nerve feeling shooting down my arm/leg has made rock climbing indoors and outdoors a challenge, Dr. Dustin offers a path towards sleeping more soundly and waking up feeling genuinely refreshed. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Overcoming an old injury flaring up again to achieve a marked decrease in episodes of dizziness or vertigo, leading to greater confidence and resume confidently stand-up paddleboarding, even in choppy water is a common success story at Dr. Dustin's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.

Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Smith, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Dr. Smith's practice is located at Health First Soft Tissue & Joint Clinic in the South Lethbridge West (University area) neighborhood of Lethbridge. The clinic is conveniently situated near Nicholas Sheran Park and is easily accessible via Lethbridge Transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in AB?

In Alberta, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes, so it's advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and can be beneficial for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Techniques are always modified to be gentle and appropriate for a child's age, size, and developmental stage. Parents often seek chiropractic care for concerns related to posture, after minor falls or sports-related tumbles, to support spinal health during growth spurts, or for issues like colic and feeding difficulties in infants, where gentle approaches can be helpful.

Is chiropractic care covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for chiropractic services for seniors (65+) and dependents (under 18), typically a set number of visits or a maximum benefit amount per year, often with a co-payment. For other adults, coverage is generally not provided in private clinics. Patients should verify their specific coverage and check with their private insurance plans for additional coverage options.

How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?

Initial appointments typically last about an hour, including a full assessment. Follow-up treatments are usually shorter, around 15 to 20 minutes, with your Chiropractor advising on the appropriate duration for your care.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are ideal, similar to what you might wear for light exercise. This allows easy movement during assessments and access for treatment.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care generally involves an initial phase to relieve acute symptoms, a rehabilitative phase to correct underlying issues and improve function, and maintenance or wellness care to help sustain progress and prevent future problems. The specific approach is tailored to each patient’s needs.

Health First Soft Tissue & Joint Clinic
1075 Mayor Magrath Drive S
Lethbridge, AB T1K 2P9

Phone: (403) 380-3744

Dr. Dustin Smith is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA).

License #1816.0

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA): https://www.theccoa.ca/CCOA/CCOA/PublicRegister/PublicRegisterDisplay.aspx?UserID=5459

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.