Dr. Katelyn Westerlund

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

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Specialized care for whiplash injuries, focusing on restoring neck mobility, reducing pain and inflammation, and addressing associated neurological symptoms.
• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Relief for 'pinched nerve' symptoms in the arm through chiropractic care aimed at decompressing the affected nerve root in the neck and restoring function.
• Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Ringing or other noises in the ear that may be related to issues in the neck (cervical spine) or jaw (TMJ), which chiropractic care can sometimes influence.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Sensations of unsteadiness, spinning, or lightheadedness that can be related to neck problems (cervicogenic dizziness) or inner ear crystal displacement (BPPV, if trained in repositioning maneuvers).

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): Gentle techniques and supportive therapies aimed at reducing pain sensitivity and improving overall comfort for individuals with fibromyalgia.
• Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Discomfort, muscle strain, and joint stress resulting from poor or sustained body alignment during daily activities like sitting, standing, or working.
• Tendinitis / Tendinopathy (Various Regions): Inflammation, irritation, or degeneration of a tendon (the tough fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones), leading to pain and tenderness near a joint, often from overuse or repetitive stress.
• Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains (Various Regions): Helping you recover from common injuries like a pulled hamstring, twisted ankle, or strained back muscle.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Restoring proper motion and stability to the SI joints to alleviate pain and improve pelvic biomechanics.
• 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.
• Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Discomfort, aching, or stiffness in the area between the shoulder blades and below the neck, often related to posture, rib joint issues, or muscle strain in the thoracic spine.
• Herniated, Protruded, or Bulging Discs (Symptomatic): Non-surgical approaches to manage symptoms associated with spinal disc injuries, focusing on reducing nerve irritation and promoting a healing environment.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Developing core strength and endurance to protect your spine during daily activities.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise programs including stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises designed to support your recovery, prevent re-injury, and improve overall function.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided instruction on specific stretches and flexibility exercises to improve your range of motion, reduce muscle tightness, and enhance overall movement quality.
• 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.
• PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Partner-assisted or self-administered PNF techniques to enhance muscle length and joint mobility.
• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises: A rehabilitative approach based on developmental movement patterns to restore and stabilize locomotor function, often used for complex cases (practitioner certification dependent).

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Westerlund. 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 The Ridge Spine and Sport Center, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Westerlund frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often share how shoulder pain when reaching up high affected their ability to kayaking or canoeing on the lake. With Dr. Katelyn's help and a focus on feeling less pain sensitivity in previously tender areas, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Getting back to basic daily movements without thinking about pain after struggling with pain in my buttock and sometimes my leg is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Katelyn's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools to maintain their spinal health and a return to a more active life.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Katelyn because they are tired of dealing with overall body soreness that doesn't go away. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve a more positive outlook on their physical capabilities and future health and get back to enjoying important activities like effortlessly tying your own shoelaces or putting on socks without difficulty.
• Overcoming feeling like my neck muscles are rocks to achieve turning their head fully and comfortably again, making driving and daily tasks easier and resume playing a full 18 holes of golf without lower back stiffness or hip pain is a common success story at Dr. Katelyn's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.

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

Dr. Westerlund's practice at The Ridge Spine and Sport Center is situated in the vibrant Downtown Medicine Hat, SE Hill, River Flats neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Cultural Centre, which includes the Library and Theatre, making it easy for patients to access cultural and community amenities. The location is well-served by Medicine Hat Transit, providing accessible transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?

Yes, absolutely. Therapeutic exercises, stretches, and postural advice are often a key component of a comprehensive chiropractic care plan. Your Chiropractor may prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition to help improve strength, flexibility, stability, restore proper movement patterns, and promote long-term recovery and injury prevention.

Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally considered safe and can be very effective for managing common musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica that often arise due to hormonal changes and shifting biomechanics. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and use modified adjustment techniques and specialized tables or pillows to ensure the comfort and safety of both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Westerlund, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

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 dollar amount per benefit year, often requiring co-payment. For other adults, AHCIP generally does not cover chiropractic care in private clinics. Patients should check with their private insurance plans for additional coverage.

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

No, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Alberta, and patients can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes, so it’s advisable to verify with your insurer.

What are The Ridge Spine and Sport Center's operating hours?

The Ridge Spine and Sport Center is typically open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some early morning or evening appointments available on select days. We may also offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and practitioner availability.

The Ridge Spine and Sport Center
Bay 3-1036-7th st SW The Ridge
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8V7

Phone: (403) 527-7447 | Website: www.ridgespinesport.com

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

License #1943.0

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA): https://www.theccoa.ca/CCOA/CCOA/PublicRegister/PublicRegisterDisplay.aspx?UserID=5878

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