About
Dr. Sean Bourassa is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at The Ridge Spine and Sport Center in Medicine Hat, AB. Sean is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA) standards. His approach focuses on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on spinal health and overall well-being. Dr. Bourassa serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to individual needs.
With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Dr. Sean Bourassa completed his Doctor of Chiropractic and has accumulated clinical experience that enhances his ability to address various health concerns effectively. He is dedicated to ongoing professional development, continually updating his skills to incorporate the latest advancements in chiropractic care. His practice emphasizes a holistic approach, understanding the connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall health, promoting natural healing and optimal body function.
Dr. Sean Bourassa offers care in English and strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health goals. His philosophy centers on empowering individuals through education and active participation in their recovery process, fostering long-term wellness and improved quality of life.
Dr. Sean Bourassa provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): As part of a multidisciplinary approach, chiropractic care can help manage the widespread musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, and tender points associated with fibromyalgia.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Identifying and treating muscular trigger points to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Comprehensive assessment to determine if your headaches have a musculoskeletal origin, followed by tailored treatment to alleviate pain and improve function.
- Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness following a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury, typically from a car accident.
- Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Addressing the underlying causes of your neck pain, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint function, and prevent future recurrences.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- 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): Chiropractic care aimed at improving shoulder mechanics, reducing pain, and restoring function for activities like lifting or reaching.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Bourassa can assess your needs.
- Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Specialized chiropractic care for sports-related conditions and athletic enhancement.
- Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Holistic advice to empower you to make positive changes for better health.
- Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Biomechanical assessment of your feet and gait, followed by casting or scanning for custom-made foot orthotics to address foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain related to foot mechanics.
- Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Application of elastic therapeutic tape (e.g., Kinesio Tape®) or rigid athletic tape to support joints, reduce pain, manage swelling, facilitate or inhibit muscle function.
- 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: Assessment, management, and rehabilitation protocols for concussion, focusing on musculoskeletal components, cervicogenic dizziness, and a safe return to activity (requires specialized training).
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Bourassa. 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. Bourassa frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Experience the significant benefit of a more positive outlook on their physical capabilities and future health if you're dealing with sore jaw muscles, especially in the morning. Dr. Sean helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like looking forward to and enjoying long drives and scenic road trips again through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- If carpal tunnel symptoms flaring up is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying challenging myself with rock climbing, both indoors and on real rock faces, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Sean focuses on achieving a greater sense of control over their symptoms and physical well-being so you can engage in the things you love again.
- Getting back to performing all basic daily movements naturally, without constantly thinking about potential pain after struggling with really bad low back pain is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Sean's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to a noticeable reduction in daily aches, allowing for more comfortable days and a return to a more active life.
- Overcoming my back going out frequently to achieve a quicker and more complete recovery from sports-related injuries and resume competing effectively in your curling league bonspiels is a common success story at Dr. Sean's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Bourassa, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Sean Bourassa's practice is located at The Ridge Spine and Sport Center, situated in the Downtown Medicine Hat, SE Hill, River Flats neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Medicine Hat Mall and is easily accessible via Medicine Hat Transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in AB?
- Chiropractors in Alberta 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. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their individual insurance policy.
- What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?
- This sound is a common and usually harmless phenomenon called joint cavitation. When a joint is gapped during an adjustment, the pressure inside the joint decreases, allowing dissolved gases in the joint fluid to form a bubble, which then quickly collapses, creating the 'pop'. It doesn't mean bones are cracking, and many effective adjustments occur without any sound at all.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- In Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for chiropractic services primarily for seniors (65+) and dependents (under 18), often with a set number of visits or a maximum dollar amount per benefit year, usually requiring a co-payment. For other adults, AHCIP generally does not cover chiropractic care in private clinics. Patients should verify their current AHCIP limits and check with their private insurance plans for additional coverage.
- What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?
- In chiropractic, a 'vertebral subluxation' or 'joint restriction' (also sometimes called a joint dysfunction) refers to a spinal or extremity joint that has lost its normal position or motion. This can irritate surrounding nerves, muscles, and other tissues, potentially leading to pain, inflammation, reduced mobility, or other symptoms. The goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to correct these restrictions and restore proper joint function.
- Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?
- Yes, exercises and stretches are an integral part of many chiropractic treatment strategies. Your Chiropractor will likely show you specific movements to do at home to help speed up your recovery, maintain your progress, and prevent the problem from returning.
- What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?
- The first chiropractic session is primarily about assessment and understanding your needs. Your Chiropractor will ask about your health background and perform various physical tests. The aim is to identify the cause of your problem so a tailored treatment plan can be created with you. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, and if indicated, treatment may begin on this first visit.
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. Sean Bourassa is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA).
License #1086.0
Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA): https://www.theccoa.ca/CCOA/CCOA/PublicRegister/PublicRegisterDisplay.aspx?UserID=4686
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.