For Drs. Gerard and Angie Dower, movement is more than a professional focus. It is the foundation of the life they have built together.

As chiropractors and owners of Chiropractic Central in Lethbridge, they spend their days helping Albertans stay active, recover from injury, and maintain healthy, independent lives. Outside the clinic, they put those same principles into practice as competitive pickleball athletes, representing Alberta on courts across the country. Together, their story reflects a simple but powerful message: movement supports health, connect, and quality of life at every age.

This year, their passion for health and sport has earned them recognition beyond the pickleball court. The Chiropractic Association of Alberta is proud to sponsor the Dowers as they represent both Alberta and the chiropractic profession at the IG Wealth Management National Championships presented by Hearing Life in Toronto.

The sponsorship reflects CAA's commitment to supporting high-performing Alberta athletes while showcasing the important role chiropractors play in helping people stay active, prevent injury, and achieve their performance goals. For the Dowers, it is an opportunity to bring together two lifelong passions.

“The two things we love the most, pickleball and chiropractic are coming together.” Said Dr. Gerard Dower.

What began as a recreational activity soon became much more. The sport gave them an opportunity to compete together, build friendships, and become part of a thriving community.

Today, that journey has taken them to the national stage, where they will compete with support from the Chiropractic Association of Alberta. Their selection as sponsored athletes highlight not only their dedication to pickleball, but also the growing connection between chiropractic care, healthy aging, and athletic performance.

Bringing New Insights Back to patients

The Dower’s experiences as athletes have also shaped the way they show up in their professional lives.

Gerard and Angie believe the sponsorship also helps raise awareness about the role chiropractors play within the athletic community. From recreational participants to elite competitors, chiropractic care can help individuals move better, recover effectively, and stay engaged in the activities they love. Representing the profession as sponsored athletes gives them an opportunity to share that message with a broader audience.

Gerard says competing in pickleball has even changed how he works with his patients.

“I’m on the floor doing that exercise with them, which really wasn’t my thing before,” said Dr. Gerard Dower.

Partners in Practice and Competition

The Dowers have built much of their lives side by side. They met while attending the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, now own and operative a practice together, and continue to share both professional and personal goals. Their daughter is even preparing to being her own chiropractic journey at the same institution.

Their partnership extends to the pickleball court, where they regularly compete together in mixed doubles. While some athletes hesitate to play with their spouses, the Dowers embrace it.

For Angie, this experience has strengthened an already strong relationship.

“This is probably the first thing that we really enjoy doing together,” said Dr. Angie Dower.

Representing Alberta on the National Stage

When the Dowers travel to Toronto for their third national championship taking place August 24 to 30, they will be competing in their highest division yet and doing so as proud athlete ambassadors for the Chiropractic Association of Alberta.

CAA's sponsorship recognizes Albertans who exemplify the connection between movement, health, and community. Through their careers as chiropractors and their success as competitive athletes, the Dowers embody those values both on and off the court.

The challenge will be significant, but their goals extend beyond medals and rankings. They hope to represent Alberta well, promote the benefits of active living, and highlight the impact chiropractic care can have on helping people participate in sport throughout their lives.

Looking ahead, Angie sums up their shared philosophy best:

“I just want us to continue moving forward together, having fun and enjoying each other. And getting a little better.”

Through their work in the clinic and their commitment to active living, Drs. Gerard and Angie Dower exemplify CAA's mission of keeping Albertans moving. Their journey from local players to CAA-sponsored national competitors demonstrates how chiropractic care, sport, and community can work together to support lifelong health and wellbeing.