Dr. Heather Russell – Chiropractor | Strathmore, AB

Dr. Heather Russell is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Back to Health Chiropractic and Wellness in Strathmore, AB. Heather is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA). She specializes in comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on spinal health and overall well-being. Dr. Russell’s approach is holistic, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique health needs. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, promoting natural healing and optimal body function through evidence-based chiropractic practices.

Dr. Heather Russell completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and has accumulated clinical experience that underscores her dedication to ongoing professional development. She stays current with the latest advancements in chiropractic care, integrating evidence-based methods to enhance patient outcomes. Her background equips her to effectively address a variety of conditions, ensuring that each individual receives effective and safe treatment. Her goal is to help patients achieve their health and wellness goals through gentle, effective chiropractic techniques and patient education.

Dr. Heather Russell’s practice philosophy centers on empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and proactive strategies for long-term health. She promotes a natural, non-invasive approach to healing, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications and preventive care. Dr. Russell offers care exclusively in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding. Her commitment is to guide each patient toward improved health, increased mobility, and a better quality of life.

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

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Rehabilitation programs for individuals suffering from WAD, aiming to facilitate recovery and prevent long-term complications.
• Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Addressing the underlying causes of your neck pain, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint function, and prevent future recurrences.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Helping you find relief from certain types of dizziness and vertigo by addressing underlying musculoskeletal or vestibular (inner ear) causes.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Achilles Tendinopathy: Management of Achilles tendon pain and dysfunction through targeted therapies to promote healing, improve tendon load tolerance, and address contributing factors.
• IT Band Syndrome: Helping athletes and active individuals overcome lateral knee pain related to a tight or irritated IT band.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Postpartum Musculoskeletal Issues: Helping new mothers recover optimal musculoskeletal function and comfort in the postpartum period.
• Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Injuries sustained during athletic activities or exercise, ranging from sudden incidents like sprains, strains, and joint subluxations to chronic pain developing from repetitive stress or overuse.
• Work-Related Injuries (RSI, Lifting Injuries): Treatment and prevention strategies for injuries related to occupational tasks, including ergonomic advice and rehabilitation to support a safe return to work.
• Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Pain: Chiropractic care adapted for the unique needs of expectant mothers, focusing on maintaining comfort, optimizing pelvic alignment, and preparing for childbirth.

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

• Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Providing general advice on diet, supplementation (within scope), exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques to support your overall health, healing, and well-being.
• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Comprehensive care for athletes including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries, with strategies to enhance performance and prevent future injuries.
• Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Supporting recovery from concussion through targeted therapies and guided return-to-play/learn strategies.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Evaluation for and fitting of custom orthotics to support optimal lower limb biomechanics.
• Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Using specialized taping techniques to aid in injury recovery and support active movement.
• Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive chiropractic care for injuries sustained in car accidents, such as whiplash, neck pain, back pain, and soft tissue damage, focusing on pain relief and functional restoration.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Russell. 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 Back to Health Chiropractic and Wellness, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Russell frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Overcoming poor posture from my desk job causing neck/back ache to achieve getting back to work feeling more comfortable and productive and resume swimming laps efficiently at the community pool for fitness is a common success story at Dr. Heather's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
• Dr. Heather frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by general joint stiffness all over, making me feel old. The common goal is experiencing significant relief from nagging lower back pain, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, crushing your CrossFit WODs (Workout of the Day) again, with greater comfort and ease.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Heather because they are tired of dealing with hip pain when walking long distances or climbing stairs. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve feeling more aligned and balanced in their posture and get back to enjoying important activities like diving and spiking in our weekly volleyball games with friends.
• Getting back to going on long-distance cycling adventures with your local cycling club after struggling with pulled muscles from lifting something heavy is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Heather's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control and a return to a more active life.

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

Back to Health Chiropractic and Wellness, where Dr. Heather Russell practices, is situated in a central clinic in the heart of Strathmore. The clinic is conveniently located in the central Strathmore neighborhood, making it easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. It is near local community services and pharmacies, providing a seamless experience for those integrating their chiropractic care with other health needs. Accessibility is prioritized, with the clinic reachable via local public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

Most patients find chiropractic adjustments to be a comfortable procedure. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function. While there might be a brief moment of pressure, it's rarely painful. If your muscles are very tight or joints are inflamed, you might feel some temporary soreness afterwards, but your Chiropractor will discuss this with you and tailor the force and technique to your needs.

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

In Alberta, the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides limited coverage for chiropractic services primarily for seniors aged 65 and over, as well as dependents under 18. This coverage typically includes a set number of visits or a maximum dollar amount per benefit year, often requiring a co-payment. For most adults, chiropractic care in private clinics is not covered by AHCIP. Patients are advised to check their current AHCIP limits and consult their private insurance plans for additional coverage.

What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?

The 'cracking' or 'popping' sound, technically called a cavitation, is caused by the release of gas (mainly nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) from the synovial fluid within a joint when it is stretched or moved quickly during an adjustment. It’s similar to the sound made when you crack your knuckles. The sound itself is not the goal of the adjustment and does not reflect treatment effectiveness; rather, the primary aim is to restore proper joint motion and relieve nerve pressure.

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

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Alberta, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should verify their insurance policy details to confirm if a referral is necessary.

What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?

The first chiropractic session primarily involves assessment and understanding your health needs. Dr. Russell will ask about your health history and perform physical tests to identify the cause of your concerns. A tailored treatment plan will be created collaboratively, and treatment may begin during this initial visit if appropriate. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and express their preferences.

Back to Health Chiropractic and Wellness
240 Third Ave
Strathmore, AB T1P 1M4

Phone: (403) 901-0664

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

License #1141.0

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA): https://www.theccoa.ca/CCOA/CCOA/PublicRegister/PublicRegisterDisplay.aspx?UserID=4741

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