Dr. Heather L. Godkin is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Huron Chiropractic Centre in Goderich, ON. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO). With a focus on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment, Dr. Godkin addresses a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing spinal health and overall well-being. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and individualized care.
Dr. Godkin serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing that chiropractic care can be beneficial throughout the lifespan. She strives to help her patients achieve optimal health by promoting natural healing and restoring function. Her expertise includes addressing common issues such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint dysfunction, always aiming to improve quality of life through conservative, non-invasive treatments.
With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Dr. Godkin combines clinical experience with the latest evidence-based techniques. She offers care in English and is passionate about empowering her patients to understand their health and make informed decisions for their well-being.
Dr. Heather L. Godkin provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Ringing or other noises in the ear that may be related to issues in the neck (cervical spine) or jaw (TMJ), which chiropractic care can sometimes influence.
- TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Pain, clicking, locking, or limited movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often affecting chewing, speaking, and sometimes causing ear pain or headaches.
- Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand due to nerve root compression in the cervical spine.
Specific Populations & Injury Types
- Geriatric Care (Mobility, Stiffness, Fall Prevention): Chiropractic care focused on maintaining quality of life for older adults through pain management and functional improvement.
- Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Helping you recover from common sports injuries like runner's knee, shoulder strains, or ankle sprains, and optimizing your biomechanics for better performance.
- Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Back Strain): Helping you recover from the physical impact of a car accident with a tailored chiropractic care plan.
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Discomfort in or around the hip joint, often due to wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), or tendon issues like gluteal tendinopathy.
- Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, focusing on reducing inflammation, stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles, and addressing foot biomechanics.
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Chiropractic care to support healing after an ankle sprain, including joint mobilization and proprioceptive exercises.
- Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Aching, sharp pain, or instability in the knee, commonly resulting from cartilage degeneration (osteoarthritis), issues with how the kneecap tracks (patellofemoral pain syndrome), or certain types of meniscal (cartilage) injuries suitable for conservative care.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Godkin can assess your needs.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound: Ultrasound therapy to support tissue repair and pain management.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser): Non-invasive light therapy to stimulate healing processes and provide pain relief.
- Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for stubborn soft tissue problems that haven't responded to other treatments.
- Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Utilizing heat or ice to complement adjustments and soft tissue work for optimal recovery.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Electrotherapy for pain relief and muscle relaxation.
- Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: Gentle spinal traction to create negative pressure within discs, promoting healing.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Godkin. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.
All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO).
At Huron Chiropractic Centre, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Godkin frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Getting back to attending concerts and live events after struggling with pain between my shoulder blades, like a stabbing feeling is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Heather's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to feeling lasting relief from chronic shoulder discomfort and clicking and a return to a more active life.
- For those whose general muscle aches and stiffness all over my body has made going on long-distance cycling adventures with your local cycling club a challenge, Dr. Heather offers a path towards improved coordination for both simple and complex tasks. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
- Patients often share how painful elbow joint affected their ability to resuming your regular early morning jogging routine around the neighborhood. With Dr. Heather's help and a focus on a better understanding of their body and how to prevent future flare-ups, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
- Dr. Heather understands how frustrating worried about my child's posture can be. By aiming for an undeniable improvement in their overall quality of life and daily happiness, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like performing all basic daily movements naturally, without constantly thinking about potential pain with renewed confidence.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Godkin, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Godkin's practice at Huron Chiropractic Centre is situated in a modern clinic located in the central neighborhood of Goderich, ON. The location is conveniently accessible, situated near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into daily routines. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, enabling easy access for community members. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
- Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally considered safe and can be very effective for managing common musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica that often arise due to hormonal changes and shifting biomechanics. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and use modified adjustment techniques and specialized tables or pillows to ensure the comfort and safety of both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Godkin, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.
- How can I tell if chiropractic care is right for me?
- If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or dysfunction related to your spine, muscles, joints, or nerves—particularly issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity joint problems—chiropractic care may be very beneficial. Scheduling an initial consultation allows Dr. Godkin to perform a thorough assessment, discuss your health goals, and determine if chiropractic treatment or another approach is most appropriate for your specific needs.
- Does Huron Chiropractic Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, Huron Chiropractic Centre offers direct billing to most major private insurance companies such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield, and others. Patients should bring their insurance card or details and confirm their specific plan coverage with their insurer, as plans and coverage amounts vary. Patients are responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their plan.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- Chiropractors in Ontario are primary contact healthcare professionals, which means patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should verify the specifics of their insurance policies.
- What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?
- Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which generally involves a minimum of three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. Their training includes comprehensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and chiropractic-specific skills. Extensive hands-on clinical internships prepare graduates for practice. To become licensed, graduates must pass national and provincial board examinations.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are ideal for a chiropractic visit. Think of what you might wear for light exercise. This allows for easy movement during assessments and facilitates access to the areas requiring treatment.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In Ontario, OHIP generally does not cover chiropractic services provided in private clinics for most of the population. There are limited exceptions, such as care delivered within certain community health programs or specialized settings. It is advisable to check your private insurance plan for coverage. For seniors (65+) and dependents (under 18), the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) offers limited coverage, often through specific programs or set benefits, but most adult services are not covered.
Huron Chiropractic Centre
107 South Street
Goderich, ON N7A 3L8
Phone: (519) 524-9661
Dr. Heather L. Godkin is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Chiropractic Act, 1991 in ON and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO).
Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO): https://cco.ca.thentiacloud.net/webs/cco/register/?t=1#/registrant/all/all/all/all/all/all/7190/10/64088633be6fc908f6a7a396
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.