Dr. Heather Ann Underwood – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Heather Ann Underwood is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at STD Clinic - Bute in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Underwood is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Underwood is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in BC. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Underwood focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities.

Dr. Heather Ann Underwood earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Mcmaster University, graduating in 1996. Subsequently, Dr. Underwood completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 29 years of practice since 1996, Dr. Underwood's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Additionally, Dr. Underwood holds qualifications/certifications such as: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Underwood is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Underwood's medical practice philosophy include: empowering patients through education about their condition and active participation in their treatment plan; a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in rehabilitation techniques. Dr. Underwood serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration. Dr. Underwood provides consultations in English.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Heather Ann Underwood addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Treating localized muscle pain and trigger points characteristic of myofascial pain syndrome.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Treating joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Addressing various causes of back and neck discomfort through physiatric assessment and treatment.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Guiding recovery and functional restoration after orthopedic or neurosurgical procedures.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread pain.
• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Managing pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or radicular pain.

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.

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

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Expert diagnosis and management of axial and radicular pain originating from the spine.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Helping athletes recover from injuries and optimize performance through targeted therapies.
• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: Holistic evaluation focusing on restoring function and improving quality of life for patients with physical impairments.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Managing symptoms and functional limitations associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, and muscular dystrophies.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Underwood. 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. Heather Ann Underwood adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At STD Clinic - Bute, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Underwood frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from their persistent low back pain making it hard to sit or stand for long to wellness often involves Dr. Underwood's dedicated care. The milestone is a significant reduction in their daily pain levels, which opens the door back to activities such as communicating their needs clearly if they have speech difficulties.
• When numbness and tingling in their hands that just won't go away begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Underwood helps patients strive for being able to stand or sit for longer periods without severe discomfort. This makes participating in activities such as engaging in light exercises like swimming or cycling a pleasant and possible experience again.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their knee pain stopping them from climbing stairs or kneeling, Dr. Underwood offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach achieving the best possible physical function given their underlying condition. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their child being able to play and interact with peers more easily.
• Dr. Underwood often consults with patients whose needing help to adapt their home to their new mobility challenges significantly limits their enjoyment of resuming a favorite craft or artistic pursuit or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve finding non-pharmacological ways to manage their pain effectively and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. Underwood's practice, STD Clinic - Bute, is situated in the Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Robson Square and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Underwood recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Underwood might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Underwood for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Underwood has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at STD Clinic - Bute?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Underwood. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient who may be waiting for care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please inquire about the specific fee with the clinic. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently to serve all our patients.

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

Physiatrists like Dr. Underwood treat a wide range of conditions, including 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. Dr. Underwood focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

Can Dr. Underwood help with chronic back pain without surgery?

Yes, Physiatrists like Dr. Underwood are experts in the non-surgical management of acute and chronic back and neck pain. After a thorough assessment to determine the cause, treatment may include personalized exercise programs, medication management (e.g., anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications), advice on posture and ergonomics, referrals for physical therapy, and potentially therapeutic injections (such as epidural steroid injections or trigger point injections, if these are part of Dr. Underwood's practice and appropriate for the patient's condition) to improve function and reduce pain.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Underwood is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of 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 the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Underwood at STD Clinic - Bute?

Your first visit with Dr. Underwood will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Underwood will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Underwood will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Underwood covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Underwood are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best to inquire with STD Clinic - Bute about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

STD Clinic - Bute
1211 8 Ave, Alder Clinic
Vancouver, BC, V6H 1C7

Phone: (604) 734-2553

Dr. Heather Ann Underwood is a licensed Physiatrist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 25465

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312713/Underwood%2CHeather

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Underwood. Dr. Underwood 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.