Dr. Heather L. Robertson is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Thunder Bay Chiropractic Clinic in Thunder Bay, ON. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO). Dr. Robertson’s approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient’s unique health needs, ensuring personalized treatment plans that promote optimal recovery and wellness.
Specializing in comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment, Dr. Robertson addresses a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on spinal health, posture, and overall well-being. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, helping them achieve better mobility, reduced pain, and improved quality of life through gentle, effective chiropractic techniques and supportive advice.
With a solid foundation in evidence-based practice, Dr. Robertson continuously updates her skills through ongoing professional development. Her compassionate and community-focused approach fosters a welcoming environment where patients feel valued and cared for. She offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.
Dr. Heather L. Robertson provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Back & Spine Conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Age-related 'wear and tear' changes in the spinal discs and joints that can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. Spondylosis refers to general spinal degeneration.
- Herniated, Protruded, or Bulging Discs (Symptomatic): Non-surgical approaches to manage symptoms associated with spinal disc injuries, focusing on reducing nerve irritation and promoting a healing environment.
- Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Discomfort, aching, or stiffness in the area between the shoulder blades and below the neck, often related to posture, rib joint issues, or muscle strain in the thoracic spine.
- Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): Helping you overcome lower back pain through targeted adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises to improve spinal mechanics.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Conservative Management): Helping to relieve pressure on the median nerve to reduce hand and wrist discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A rehabilitative approach to gradually restore shoulder mobility and alleviate the discomfort of adhesive capsulitis.
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Discomfort, weakness, or limited movement in the shoulder, commonly from injury or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, impingement of structures within the shoulder joint, or bursitis.
- Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Addressing the underlying causes of elbow tendon pain through manual therapy, exercise, and activity modification advice.
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Identifying and treating muscular trigger points to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): Addressing persistent pain where underlying joint dysfunction, muscle imbalance, nerve irritation, or altered movement patterns are identified as significant contributing factors.
- Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Helping you achieve better posture to alleviate pain, improve breathing, and enhance overall physical well-being.
- Bursitis (Various Regions): Inflammation of a bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints), causing localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Robertson can assess your needs.
- Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: On-site or referral for X-rays when clinically indicated to assess spinal structure, identify underlying conditions, or rule out pathology, adhering to diagnostic imaging guidelines.
- Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Detailed analysis of your standing and sitting posture to identify imbalances and provide targeted advice and exercises for correction and pain prevention.
- Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Non-invasive scanning technology used to measure electrical activity in muscles, helping to identify areas of abnormal muscle tone or imbalance along the spine (if offered).
- Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: A thorough assessment including health history, postural analysis, spinal alignment checks, range of motion testing, orthopedic and neurological tests to determine the cause of your concern.
- Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Specialized chiropractic care for sports-related conditions and athletic enhancement.
- Functional Movement Screening (e.g., FMS™, SFMA™): Utilizing screens like FMS™ or SFMA™ to analyze your movement quality and pinpoint areas contributing to pain or predisposing you to injury (practitioner certification dependent).
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Robertson. 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 Thunder Bay Chiropractic Clinic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Robertson frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Getting back to carrying groceries from the car after struggling with feeling 'jammed up' in my spine is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Heather's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to a marked decrease in episodes of dizziness or vertigo, leading to greater confidence and a return to a more active life.
- If that nerve pain down the back of my leg is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying swimming laps efficiently at the community pool for fitness, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Heather focuses on achieving a noticeable reduction in daily aches, allowing for more comfortable days so you can engage in the things you love again.
- For those whose pregnancy back pain making it hard to get comfortable has made your regular jogging routine a challenge, Dr. Heather offers a path towards a more positive outlook on their physical capabilities and future health. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
- Experience the significant benefit of experiencing fewer and less intense muscle spasms if you're dealing with constant mid-back tension behind my ribs. Dr. Heather helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like playing your guitar/piano/drums/violin for extended practice sessions through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Robertson, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Robertson's practice at Thunder Bay Chiropractic Clinic is situated in the vibrant Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Intercity Shopping Centre and is easily accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?
- Chiropractic care often progresses through a few general phases: 1. **Initial Intensive/Relief Care:** This phase focuses on reducing your immediate pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Visits may be more frequent during this stage. 2. **Corrective/Rehabilitative Care:** Once symptoms are under control, the focus shifts to correcting underlying joint dysfunction, improving muscle strength and flexibility, and restoring normal movement patterns. Visit frequency usually decreases. 3. **Wellness/Maintenance Care (Optional):** Some patients choose periodic visits to maintain their improvements, prevent recurrences, and support overall spinal health and well-being. Your Chiropractor will discuss what's appropriate for your specific situation and goals.
- Do Chiropractors work with other healthcare professionals?
- Yes, Chiropractors often believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. We frequently work with and refer to other healthcare professionals such as family physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, naturopathic doctors, and specialists when it is in the best interest of our patients to ensure comprehensive and optimal care.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Ontario, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It's advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.
- Is there parking available at or near Thunder Bay Chiropractic Clinic?
- Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of or behind our building.
- What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?
- Chiropractors in Canada complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which typically requires a minimum of three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The program includes comprehensive training in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and biomechanics, along with clinical sciences like diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis. The education also emphasizes hands-on clinical internship experience. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial board examinations to become licensed practitioners.
- 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 the general population. There may be very limited exceptions, such as care delivered within certain community health programs or hospitals, but these are not typical for private practice. It's recommended to check your private insurance coverage for reimbursement options.
Thunder Bay Chiropractic Clinic
1204 Roland St
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5M4
Phone: (807) 623-4237
Dr. Heather L. Robertson 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/2920/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcef57
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.