Physiotherapy & Chiropractic High River: Optimum Wellness Centres

Dr. Dan Welbourn graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario, in 2007. He also received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Lethbridge in 2002. Born and raised in Calgary, Dr. Welbourn returned here after completing his chiropractic education to be close to family.

Dr. Welbourn’s clinical interests include preventative and maintenance care for families as well as sports injuries. Having been an elite athlete during his youth and early adulthood, as well as a lifelong chiropractic patient, Dr. Welbourn recognizes the vital role regular chiropractic care plays in maintaining health and well-being and preventing injuries in all walks of life.

Dr. Welbourn has spent nearly 20 years practicing Chiropractic throughout southern Alberta. He has also spent many of those years volunteering for sporting organizations throughout the area, including Little League Alberta, Babe Ruth Baseball, Alberta Baseball Association and the Alberta Ballet. During his spare time, you will probably find him in the weight room or on a baseball field.

With over 16 years of hands-on physiotherapy experience, Doug brings a passion, depth, and professionalism to every treatment. A proud graduate of the University of East London, England
(2008), he began his career in the fast-paced hospital wards of England and Ireland, where he worked with patients recovering from intensive care, neurological conditions, poly-trauma, major surgery and more.

Doug later specialised in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy and over the years has worked closely with leading specialists in rheumatology, orthopaedics, sports medicine and neurosurgery;
treating everyone from energetic kids to elite athletes. Whether it’s climbing, running, dancing, or wrestling, Doug thrives on helping people get back to the activities they love most.

His treatment style is both dynamic and holistic, drawing on strength and conditioning, dry needling (IMS), manual therapy, targeted exercise, massage, relaxation techniques, and
mindfulness as needed. Doug also believes physiotherapy goes beyond simply resolving pain—and is also about empowering patients with a deeper understanding of what’s causing it. “At the end of the day,” he says, “we all want peace of mind and a sense of control over our injuries and pain. That starts with understanding what’s really going on.”

Doug enjoys treating all areas of the body and takes a collaborative approach, working side-by-side with his clients to restore muscular balance, retrain movement patterns, and uncover how lifestyle factors like sleep, work and stress may be playing a role in persistent pain.

When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll likely find Doug somewhere in the mountains! He’s trekked ranges across Iceland, Chile, India and beyond—and now, having recently relocated to the region along with his wife Laura and their three young boys, he’s excited to see what the local ranges in
Southern Alberta have to offer!

With more than 15 years of experience as a Registered Psychologist, I have dedicated my career to assisting individuals, and their families and caregivers, in comprehending their diagnosis and navigating life with it. My expertise extends to various areas, including ADHD, developmental disorders, pain management, trauma, and everyday life challenges. I cater to clients of all ages, from 18 months to 73 years old, and offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches, such as trauma-based therapies, play-based therapy, CBT, Brief Solution-Focused therapy, client-centred, family-centred therapy, and ABA. I am passionate about helping individuals across all age groups. During my free time, I enjoy participating in obstacle course races, engaging in physical activities, and spending quality time with my spouse and two young children.

I have a medical research background for my master degree in Hokkaido University and Bio Chemical Fiber company in Japan. Then I wanted to pursue more medical clinical experience and decided to go to the Nursing. I hold an RN license in the U.S, Canada, and Japan. I currently work in Operating room in Calgary. I see lots of patients suffering from pain and waiting a long time for the surgery. I would like to support the patients.

I went to acupuncture school in Calgary and started working as an acupuncturist. I use traditional Chinese and Japanese methods and western medical approaches as both an acupuncturist and a RN.

Chris is a bright beacon of energy. Having attended MH Vicars school of massage therapy for a degree and being a current proud member of the MTAA (Massage Therapy Association of Alberta), he is dedicated and resourceful in assuring the highest level of care for his patients, in ensuring they achieve the results they are looking for. He is adept at releasing troubled areas and stimulating deep tissue and has experience with chronic pain conditions and nerve impingement. Chris is eager and excited to join the Optimum wellness team, looking forward to serving in the best capacity possible

Tessie embodies the qualities of hard work and passion, making her an exceptional individual. Graduated from Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy (ACMT) program at  Makami College, Calgary. 

She is an active member of the Certified Registered Massage Therapist Association (CRMTA) and has already started offering services to those in need of massage therapy. Her skills are well–developed, and she possesses a remarkable ability to target the root cause of bodily discomfort. Her holistic approach extends beyond individual muscles, embracing the overall well-being of the body.

With her proficiency and dedication, she aims to contribute to the field of massage therapy ensuring that people receive the care and relief they deserve. Tessie is proud and excited about being a part of the Optimum Wellness Team and is eager to explore the contributions she can in the wellness industry and ready to serve to the best of her abilities.

With over 24 years of dedicated experience, Jessica is a highly skilled and intuitive Registered Massage Therapist. She is proud to return to High River, the community she served for over 15 years, and join the team at Optimum Wellness. Her mission is to help clients of all ages achieve a healthier, more mobile, and pain-free life.

Jessica’s foundation in massage therapy began in 2001 with a 1,000-hour diploma from the Foothill College of Massage. Since then, her passion for learning and healing has taken her around the world to acquire a remarkable range of specialized skills. Her advanced training includes:

● Clinical & Therapeutic Modalities: An extensive 600-hour certification in Orthopedic Assessment and Mobility, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release (from Santorini, Greece), and Total Body Balancing.
● Gentle & Subtle Therapies: Levels 1 & 2 in both Craniosacral Therapy and Somato-Emotional Release through the renowned Upledger Institute.
● Global Techniques: Traditional Thai Massage and Reflexology, which she studied on-site in Bangkok and Chiang-Mai, Thailand.
● Specialized Care: Certifications in Pregnancy, Post-partum, and Infant Massage, as well as Doula training and Kid’s Yoga instruction.

A long-standing member of the community, Jessica has deep experience in sports therapy, having served as the massage therapist and trainer for the High River Junior B Flyers for 8 years and the High River Heat for 5 years. She was also a familiar face at the Foothills and Calgary Highland Games for over a decade.

Jessica looks forward to welcoming new and returning clients and developing personalized treatment plans to help you reach your wellness goals.

Stanley has been treating patients in the medical profession for 35 years and started in the custom foot orthotic field 20 years ago. His passion for pedorthics drives his ability to find helpful solutions and to share educational information with his patients. He strives to provide the best possible experience in foot care. His patients regularly comment on his thoroughness and attention to detail in his assessments which include an analysis of posture, biomechanical gait movement patterns and lower extremity musculoskeletal function. Video gait analysis provides the ability to visually show the patient exactly when and where their imbalances occur. He encourages his patients to participate in their own recovery by taking the time to educate them about their medical condition, footwear selection, orthotics, compression stockings and home rehabilitation program.

After completing a Bachelor of Physical Education from Brock University, Stanley graduated with a Diploma in Sports Injury Management (Athletic Therapy) from Sheridan College in 1991. He subsequently became a Certified Athletic Therapist in 1992. Stanley worked as the head Athletic Therapist at McMaster University as well as the Canadian national women’s fastpitch softball team for a period of 10 years. He had the honour of attending the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia as their core medical team practitioner.

In furthering his passion for learning, teaching and treating patients, Stanley became a Canadian Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder Instructor in 2000, a Certified Pedorthic Technician in 2002 and a Certified Pedorthist in 2003. He shared his knowledge and experience by providing instruction to various sports medicine practitioners at the university, college and continuing education levels. Stanley has been a member of the Canadian Athletic Therapist Association since 1990, a Canadian Red Cross Training Partner since 2000, a member of the College of Pedorthics of Canada and the Pedorthic Association of Canada since 2002.

Stanley recharges his energy by engaging in outdoor pursuits and currently participates in white water kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing, along with weight and cardio training. He also enjoys riding his motorcycle in the mountains during the warmer months of the year.