Dr. Richard Sawyer – Chiropractor | Camrose, AB

Dr. Richard Sawyer is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Camrose Chiropractic on Main in Camrose, AB, Richard is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA) standards. With a compassionate approach, he focuses on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing spinal health and overall well-being. Dr. Sawyer serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, tailoring each treatment plan to meet individual needs while fostering a supportive environment for healing and health improvement.

Dr. Richard Sawyer completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, gaining extensive clinical experience and a deep understanding of evidence-based chiropractic practices. He continually advances his skills through ongoing professional development, ensuring his patients benefit from the latest techniques and research in chiropractic care. His commitment to lifelong learning reflects his dedication to delivering the highest standard of treatment and care.

His practice philosophy centers around a holistic understanding of health, recognizing the interconnectedness of the spine, nervous system, and overall well-being. Dr. Sawyer believes in empowering his patients with knowledge about their health conditions and proactive strategies for long-term wellness. He offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and personalized attention for every individual who walks through his clinic doors.

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

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Discomfort in or around the hip joint, often due to wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), or tendon issues like gluteal tendinopathy.
• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Management of knee pain through chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercises aimed at improving joint function, stability, and reducing symptoms from conditions like runner's knee or mild meniscal tears.

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Chiropractic care to address mechanical nerve compression syndromes such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, aiming to relieve pressure and restore nerve function.
• Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Pain and tenderness around the elbow joint due to overuse and inflammation of tendons, typically on the outer (tennis elbow) or inner (golfer's elbow) side of the elbow.
• Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Addressing common causes of shoulder pain such as rotator cuff strains, tendinopathy, subacromial impingement, or inflammation of the bursa.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• 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.
• Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Helping you recover from common sports injuries like runner's knee, shoulder strains, or ankle sprains, and optimizing your biomechanics for better performance.

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

• Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Taping for pain relief, joint stability, and enhanced proprioception during activity.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Evaluation for and fitting of custom orthotics to support optimal lower limb biomechanics.
• Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Guidance on healthy lifestyle choices to complement your chiropractic care and optimize results.
• 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.
• Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Supporting recovery from concussion through targeted therapies and guided return-to-play/learn strategies.
• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Helping athletes of all levels recover from injury and achieve their performance goals.

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

• Patients often share how repetitive strain injury in my arm/wrist affected their ability to playing your guitar/piano/drums. With Dr. Richard's help and a focus on feeling a significant release of chronic tension and stress held in their body, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Imagine being able to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing/snowboarding without major repercussions without feeling restricted in my movements holding you back. Dr. Richard works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as getting back to work feeling more comfortable and productive, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
• For those whose wrist pain from typing all day long has made operating machinery safely and efficiently a challenge, Dr. Richard offers a path towards improved core stability, leading to better support for their spine and reduced strain. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Richard because they are tired of dealing with pain in the ball of my foot. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve waking up feeling more rested and with less morning stiffness and get back to enjoying important activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema.

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

Dr. Sawyer's practice at Camrose Chiropractic on Main is situated in the central Camrose neighborhood of Camrose. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive health care in a comfortable setting. It is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and can be highly beneficial for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Dr. Sawyer modifies his techniques to be extremely gentle and appropriate for each child's specific age, size, and developmental stage. Many parents seek chiropractic care for concerns related to posture, after minor falls or sports-related tumbles, to support overall spinal health during growth spurts, or for issues like colic or feeding difficulties in infants, where gentle musculoskeletal approaches may be supportive.

Does Camrose Chiropractic on Main offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Camrose Chiropractic on Main offers direct billing to most major private insurance companies such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield, etc. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card or details and confirm their specific coverage with their insurer, as plans and coverage amounts vary. Patients remain responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their plan.

What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?

Chiropractors in Canada complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which typically requires a minimum of three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. Their education encompasses comprehensive training in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and biomechanics; clinical sciences including diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis; and chiropractic-specific subjects like adjusting techniques and rehabilitation. Graduates also participate in extensive hands-on clinical internships before passing demanding national and provincial board examinations to become licensed practitioners.

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

No, in Alberta, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, so you can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your specific insurance policy for details.

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 including a set number of visits or a maximum dollar amount per year, often with a co-payment. For other adults, AHCIP generally does not cover chiropractic care in private clinics. Patients should verify their current coverage and consider private insurance options for comprehensive care.

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

The 'cracking' or 'popping' sound, known as 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 rapidly during an adjustment. This is similar to the sound of cracking knuckles. The sound is not the goal of the treatment nor an indicator of effectiveness; the primary purpose of an adjustment is to restore proper joint motion and reduce nerve pressure.

Camrose Chiropractic on Main
4935 50 St
Camrose, AB T4V 1P9

Phone: (780) 672-4578

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

License #317.0

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA): https://www.theccoa.ca/CCOA/CCOA/PublicRegister/PublicRegisterDisplay.aspx?UserID=4133

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