Russ Gothard MScPT

Russ Gothard MScPT

Assistant Instructor

Russ took the scenic route to physiotherapy, with stops in zoology, computer science, and psychology before earning his MScPT from the University of Alberta. These days, he blends clinical reasoning with just the right amount of curiosity and dry humour to help patients and peers alike solve tricky movement puzzles.

He uses dry needling daily to manage everything from straightforward orthopedic issues to more complex cases like chronic pain, myofascial sling dysfunction, and post-surgical motor inhibition. For Russ, dry needling isn’t just a treatment tool; it’s a way to test clinical hypotheses, localize the primary drivers of dysfunction, and identify which interventions, including home exercises, will offer the greatest impact. This diagnostic approach helps refine treatment planning and supports greater patient independence.

Russ joined Elevate Dry Needling in 2025 as an assistant instructor, bringing years of experience mentoring fellow clinicians and teaching everything from small-group clinical development sessions to group classes and large injury prevention seminars. He has supervised numerous physiotherapy students over the years and genuinely enjoys helping others build confidence in their skills.

Based in Calgary, Russ continues to develop collaborative care models alongside leading physiatrists and has additional clinical interests in vestibular rehab and out-of-the-box MSK cases. He’s happiest when referred a condition he’s never heard of, especially if there’s no established protocol to follow. He’s always looking for new ways to connect the dots between evidence, clinical reasoning, and real-world results — and to make the learning process just a little more fun.