In the heart of the Colorado Rockies, where health and performance are valued as much as mountain views and clean air, wellness is no longer just a luxury but a lifestyle. From the slopes of Aspen to the trails of the Roaring Fork Valley, athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and even high-profile travelers are adopting a more proactive and functional approach to staying at their best. Whether they be skiers rebounding from a fall, golfers refining their swing, or cyclists pushing through recovery to prepare for their next big race, the demand for precise, evidence-based care continues to grow. These individuals chase peak performance and invest in longevity, movement, and a life free of limitations.
At the center of this shift is a philosophy that regards the body as a system where joint mobility, muscle function, and structural integrity are as important as rest and nutrition. In this evolving health landscape, the difference between temporary relief and recovery often comes down to the provider’s ability to understand complexity, customize care, and execute with skill. It’s no surprise then that some of the most discerning patients, from weekend warriors to Olympic hopefuls, seek out a particular expert in the valley. Someone whose approach blends precision with compassion, science with intuition, and adjustment with performance. That expert is Dr. James Russell Fraser III.
Dr. James Russell Fraser III is the founder, owner, and lead practitioner at Spine Spot Chiropractic, a renowned practice based in Basalt, Colorado. Established in 2022, Spine Spot is a reflection of Fraser’s dedication to functional chiropractic care that prioritizes realistic outcomes and symptom-driven treatment protocols. A recognizable figure in the Roaring Fork Valley, Fraser is often seen with his Dalmatian, Karma, a certified therapy dog who brings comfort to patients during Friday sessions at the clinic. Under his leadership, the clinic has become a trusted destination for high-complexity cases, attracting patients who have undergone multiple surgeries, struggle with chronic conditions like scoliosis and disc injuries, or have seen limited results with traditional medical approaches. Fraser’s approach centers on evidence-based chiropractic care, guided by thorough symptom-based examinations and a commitment to functional improvement, all grounded in realistic expectations for patient outcomes and performance. His personalized treatment plans, combined with his expertise in techniques such as Gonstead Method, Diversified Technique, Thompson Technique, Activator Methods, and Webster’s Technique, set a high standard for results-driven chiropractic care. Fraser’s reputation has grown beyond the local community. He is frequently sought out by elite athletes, Olympians, and professional skiers and snowboarders training in Aspen Snowmass. From improving swing mechanics for golfers to supporting marathon runners and mountain bikers, his expertise spans the full spectrum of sports performance and recovery. Fraser’s Florida roots also contribute to his acclaim as he became well-known there for his exceptional adjusting skills and patient outcomes, many of which involved complex neuromusculoskeletal cases. Today, patients fly in from across the country for his care. His client roster even includes celebrities and billionaires visiting Aspen, drawn not just by his clinical excellence but by the discretion and personalization that define his approach.
Fraser was born to Jay and Marty Fraser and was raised in Ontario, Oregon, with ancestral ties to the historic Fraser Clan of Scotland. After completing his secondary education at Columbia High School, Fraser chased his love for human physiology and movement sciences at Florida State University, earning a degree in Exercise Physiology in 2012. He went on to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic, one of the most esteemed institutions in the field, where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2015. Fraser received the Clinical Service Award for his exemplary academic and clinical contributions. Throughout his education, Fraser demonstrated a dedication to continuous learning, refining his skill set through advanced training in several chiropractic techniques to prepare him for the challenges ahead. Fraser’s professional path began in Lake City, Florida, where a formative preceptorship laid the foundation for his future in patient-centered care. After obtaining licensure in Florida in 2015, he expanded his practice across state lines, ultimately founding Spine Spot Chiropractic in 2022 in Basalt, Colorado. Located in the scenic Roaring Fork Valley, his clinic quickly earned a reputation for providing tailored, results-driven chiropractic care to a diverse patient population. Fraser’s approach integrates methodologies like spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and physiotherapeutic interventions. His unwavering focus on lasting functional improvement has become the hallmark of his care model, attracting both everyday patients and individuals with high-complexity medical needs.
Dr. Fraser’s dedication to excellence was recognized early with the Eagle Scout Award in 2001, reflecting his longstanding values of leadership and service. Later, his academic and clinical achievements were honored with the Clinical Service Award in 2014 during his tenure at Palmer College. Fraser’s innovative approach to chiropractic care has drawn national attention, with his work featured in several prominent outlets, including the San Francisco Post (“Dr. James Fraser – Redefining Health and Fitness,” 2023), LA Progressive (“A Leading Chiropractor: Dr. James’ Contribution to Physical Wellness,” 2023), Independent View (“Dr. James Fraser Revolutionizing Chiropractic Care,” 2023), and Digital Journal (“Best Chiropractor in Basalt, Colorado – Dr. James Fraser,” 2023). Beyond the clinic, Fraser shares his knowledge with a broader audience through social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, offering educational content that blends professional insight with accessible wellness guidance.
