Dr. Wayne Smith

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

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Treatment for lateral or medial epicondylitis, focusing on reducing tendon strain, alleviating pain, and restoring grip strength.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: A chronic pain disorder characterized by the development of sensitive points in muscles (trigger points) that can cause deep, aching pain locally or in seemingly unrelated parts of the body (referred pain).
• 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.
• Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Providing supportive care for individuals with scoliosis (abnormal spinal curvature), focusing on managing associated musculoskeletal pain, improving posture, addressing muscle imbalances, and enhancing functional capacity.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• IT Band Syndrome: Pain, typically on the outside of the knee or sometimes the hip, common in runners and cyclists, caused by friction and irritation of the iliotibial (IT) band.
• Ankle Sprains & Instability: Rehabilitation for acute ankle sprains and management of chronic ankle instability to restore strength, balance, and prevent recurrent injuries.

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

• Gonstead Technique: Targeted adjustments based on the Gonstead system of chiropractic care.
• Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT®): A gentle technique focusing on the relationship between the sacrum (base of the spine) and occiput (base of the skull), often using pelvic blocks and cranial work to restore nervous system function (practitioner certification dependent).
• Activator Methods® Technique: Instrument-based adjustments for a specific and gentle approach to joint care.
• Thompson Drop-Table Technique: Low-force adjustments facilitated by a segmented 'drop piece' table to enhance joint mobilization.
• Flexion-Distraction Therapy (e.g., Cox® Technic): A gentle, non-force adjusting procedure using a specialized table that flexes and distracts the spine, often effective for disc-related conditions and spinal stenosis.
• Diversified Technique: Hands-on spinal and extremity manipulations to improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation.

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

• Many individuals visit Dr. Wayne because they are tired of dealing with pressure headaches almost daily. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve a better understanding of their body and how to prevent future flare-ups and get back to enjoying important activities like your tennis matches on Saturday mornings.
• Dr. Wayne frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by general joint stiffness all over, making me feel old. The common goal is accomplishing physical goals they once thought were out of reach, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, carrying groceries from the car, with greater comfort and ease.
• Dr. Wayne understands how frustrating my kid's neck being stuck to one side (torticollis) can be. By aiming for a noticeable reduction in daily aches, allowing for more comfortable days, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like tackling challenging long hikes in the mountains on weekends with friends with renewed confidence.
• Overcoming plantar fasciitis making walking miserable to achieve better tolerance for physical activity without experiencing significant post-activity pain and resume participating fully in your weekly adult soccer league game is a common success story at Dr. Wayne's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.

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

Family Chiropractic is situated in the heart of the central Stettler neighborhood of Stettler, AB. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. Whether you’re coming from nearby areas or the local community, the clinic is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 aged 65 and over, as well as dependents under 18. Coverage typically includes a set number of visits or a maximum dollar amount per benefit year, often requiring co-payments. For most adults, AHCIP generally does not cover chiropractic care in private clinics. Patients are advised to verify their current limits and consult their private insurance plans for additional coverage.

What are Family Chiropractic's operating hours?

Family Chiropractic 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 at (403) 742-2222 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Will I need to get X-rays before starting chiropractic care?

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Smith will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging studies are clinically necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out more serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, assess for spinal degeneration or instability, or if your condition is not improving as expected with conservative care, always following established diagnostic guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?

Plan for about an hour for your first chiropractic visit, which includes a full assessment. Regular treatment sessions are generally shorter, often 15 to 20 minutes. Dr. Smith will advise on the appropriate time needed for your care.

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

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Alberta, meaning you 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. It is recommended to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

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

Yes, 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. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and often use modified adjustment techniques along with specialized tables or pillows to ensure comfort and safety for both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Smith, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are ideal for a chiropractic visit. Think of what you might wear for light exercise. This allows you to move freely during assessments and enables your Chiropractor to access the areas requiring treatment without difficulty.

Family Chiropractic
4939 - 50 Street
Stettler, AB T0C 2L0

Phone: (403) 742-0037

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

License #1379.0

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA): https://www.theccoa.ca/CCOA/CCOA/PublicRegister/PublicRegisterDisplay.aspx?UserID=4981

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