Dr. Sharon Carruthers – Chiropractor | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. Sharon Carruthers is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Health First Soft Tissue & Joint Clinic in Lethbridge, AB, Sharon is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA) standards. She specializes in providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on spinal health and overall well-being. Dr. Carruthers’s approach emphasizes evidence-based practices, ensuring each patient receives tailored interventions aimed at restoring optimal function and reducing discomfort. Her compassionate care philosophy prioritizes education and empowerment, helping patients understand their conditions and participate actively in their recovery.

With a strong foundation in clinical expertise, Dr. Sharon Carruthers completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree after extensive undergraduate studies and rigorous postgraduate training. She has accumulated valuable experience through diverse clinical settings, continually updating her skills through ongoing professional development. Her commitment to evidence-based care means integrating the latest research findings into her practice, ensuring patients benefit from proven therapeutic strategies and manual techniques.

Dr. Carruthers promotes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of spinal alignment, nervous system health, and lifestyle factors in achieving overall wellness. She offers care in English and strives to foster a comfortable, respectful environment for all patients. Her goal is to assist individuals of all ages—from infants to seniors—in achieving better health, vitality, and quality of life through safe and effective chiropractic interventions.

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

Back & Spine Conditions

• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Chiropractic care for SI joint pain, often involving adjustments and exercises to address underlying imbalances.
• Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): Effective treatment for various types of low back pain, whether it's a recent injury or a persistent problem, focusing on pain relief and functional restoration.
• Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Management of sharp, stabbing, or aching pain associated with rib joints or the muscles and nerves between the ribs.

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Conditions where nerves in the shoulder, arm, or elbow area become compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Conservative Management): Symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and wrist caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Upper Limb: Management of RSIs affecting the upper extremities by addressing tissue irritation, improving biomechanics, and providing ergonomic recommendations.
• Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Discomfort, weakness, or limited movement in the shoulder, commonly from injury or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, impingement of structures within the shoulder joint, or bursitis.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• 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.
• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Addressing the source of nerve irritation in your neck to alleviate radiating arm pain, pins and needles, or muscle weakness.

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

• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises: Exercises based on the principles of DNS to improve movement quality and core stability.
• PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Partner-assisted or self-administered PNF techniques to enhance muscle length and joint mobility.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized stretching routines to alleviate stiffness and improve tissue extensibility.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Targeted training to build a strong and stable core, essential for back health and efficient movement.
• 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.
• Diversified Technique: A widely used manual adjusting technique involving specific high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to restore proper movement and alignment to spinal and extremity joints.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Carruthers. 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. Carruthers frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If feeling restricted in my movements is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying handling your daily commute to work, whether driving or on transit, without neck strain, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Sharon focuses on achieving feeling more comfortable and supported throughout pregnancy so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Getting back to gracefully ice skating with your family during the winter months after struggling with numbness or pins and needles in my arms or legs is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Sharon's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to feeling lasting relief from chronic shoulder discomfort and clicking and a return to a more active life.
• Patients often share how constant dull headaches making focusing hard affected their ability to passionately teaching your group fitness or yoga classes again. With Dr. Sharon's help and a focus on finding that headaches are far less frequent and intense, improving focus and mood, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Dr. Sharon understands how frustrating parts of my hand/foot falling asleep can be. By aiming for a marked decrease in episodes of dizziness or vertigo, leading to greater confidence, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like skiing/snowboarding all day on the slopes with renewed confidence.

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

Dr. Carruthers practices at Health First Soft Tissue & Joint Clinic, situated in the South Lethbridge West (University area) neighborhood of Lethbridge. The clinic is conveniently located near the High Level Bridge (CPR Viaduct) and is easily accessible via Lethbridge Transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 is advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.

Do chiropractors only treat back pain?

It's a common misconception that chiropractors only deal with back problems. In reality, we treat a broad array of conditions affecting the body's structure and function. If you have pain or dysfunction in any joint or muscle, from your jaw to your toes, a Chiropractor may be able to help.

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. For other adults, AHCIP generally does not cover chiropractic care in private clinics. Patients should check current AHCIP limits and their private insurance plans for additional coverage.

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

Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which requires a minimum of three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The program includes comprehensive training in basic sciences, clinical sciences, and chiropractic-specific subjects, along with extensive hands-on clinical internship experience. Graduates must pass national and provincial board examinations to become licensed practitioners.

Do Chiropractors work with other healthcare professionals?

Yes, chiropractors often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. We frequently work with and refer to family physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, naturopathic doctors, and specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for our patients.

What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?

Your first visit typically involves a detailed consultation and physical examination. Your Chiropractor will review your health history, current symptoms, and treatment goals, followed by assessments such as postural analysis, spinal evaluation, range of motion tests, orthopedic, and neurological screenings. Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan will be discussed, and some initial treatment or advice may be provided to support your recovery.

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

Phone: (403) 380-3744

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

License #1166.0

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA): https://www.theccoa.ca/CCOA/CCOA/PublicRegister/PublicRegisterDisplay.aspx?UserID=4766

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