Dr. Gavin Lauchlan Shanks

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Gavin Lauchlan Shanks addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Care for conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, trochanteric bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Comprehensive non-operative care for spinal pain, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and preventative strategies.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.
• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence after major surgical interventions.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Shanks, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): A holistic approach to chronic pain that addresses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the pain experience.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Optimizing function and quality of life for patients with progressive or chronic neurological conditions through tailored therapies and adaptive strategies.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Addressing inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized care for athletes with musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and safe return to sport.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Facilitating communication and collaboration among various therapists and specialists involved in a patient's care.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Shanks. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Gavin Lauchlan Shanks adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Gavin Lauchlan Shanks's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Shanks frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing the burning pain in their feet from diabetes making it hard to walk effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Shanks and the dental team. The clear aim is always a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of their physical impairment, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying traveling and going on vacations and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Are you struggling with the challenge of adapting to a new disability and wanting to regain independence? Dr. Shanks partners with patients to target being able to manage their condition proactively to maintain their gains, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as engaging in activities that bring them joy and a sense of purpose a much more achievable reality.
• Dr. Shanks provides dedicated support for patients going through their child not meeting developmental milestones related to movement, always aiming for positive outcomes like their sports injury healing properly, allowing a safe return to play, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as keeping up with friends or family during outings.
• If difficulty swallowing or speaking clearly after a neurological event is preventing you from fully enjoying navigating their home environment safely and independently or causing discomfort, Dr. Shanks offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve learning effective strategies to cope with chronic pain or disability through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Shanks, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Shanks is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Shanks's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Kingston, is situated in the Cataraqui Woods, Bayridge West neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Providence Care Hospital and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Shanks?

In Ontario, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Shanks for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Shanks has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a physiatric assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Shanks at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Shanks will involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Shanks will perform a thorough physical examination focusing on the musculoskeletal and/or neurological system, depending on your needs. Prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Shanks will discuss their diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Shanks do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Shanks is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities from injury or illness. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise, injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Shanks covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Shanks are covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in Ontario, provided you have a valid health card and an appropriate referral (if required). However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices) may not be fully covered, or may have associated fees. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check your private insurance for coverage.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Shanks treats?

Dr. Shanks treats various conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. The focus is always on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

Unit Unit 50, 411 Carrie Cres, Unit 50
Kingston, ON, K7M 5X7

Phone: (613) 329-0199

Dr. Gavin Lauchlan Shanks is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 23441

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Shanks-Gavin-Lauchlan/0018654-23441

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Shanks. Dr. Shanks and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.