Dr. Heather Margaret MacKenzie – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | London, ON

Dr. Heather Margaret MacKenzie is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic in London, ON, Dr. MacKenzie is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. MacKenzie is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in ON. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. MacKenzie 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 Margaret MacKenzie earned a Medical Degree in 2011. Subsequently, Dr. MacKenzie completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. MacKenzie brings valuable clinical experience to her practice. Dr. MacKenzie's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. MacKenzie is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. MacKenzie's medical practice philosophy include: collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care; a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in rehabilitation techniques. Dr. MacKenzie provides consultations in English.

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

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Managing widespread musculoskeletal pain, tender points, fatigue, and sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Developing rehabilitation plans to optimize outcomes following surgeries like total knee/hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, or spinal fusion.

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.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Addressing chronic pain conditions caused by nerve injury or disease.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread pain.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment aimed at reducing severe pain, swelling, skin changes, and functional impairment associated with CRPS.

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

• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: Thorough evaluation of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional status, including detailed history, physical examination, and review of imaging/diagnostic tests.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Facilitating communication and collaboration among various therapists and specialists involved in a patient's care.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia, including bladder/bowel management, spasticity control, and assistive technology.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for sprains, strains, tendon injuries, and other sports-related conditions.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. MacKenzie. 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 Margaret MacKenzie adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. MacKenzie frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If feeling unsteady on their feet and worrying about falls is preventing you from fully enjoying gardening or doing yard work again or causing discomfort, Dr. MacKenzie offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve finding non-pharmacological ways to manage their pain effectively through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their recovery from surgery being much slower than they expected with Dr. MacKenzie's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to successful return to work or meaningful activities and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy writing or typing without hand pain or fatigue once more.
• At Dr. MacKenzie's clinic, addressing needing guidance on exercises that are safe and effective for their condition means focusing on patient goals. Achieving their sports injury healing properly, allowing a safe return to play helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to going up and down stairs without significant difficulty or pain.
• Dr. MacKenzie provides dedicated support for patients going through chronic pain that affects their mood and ability to enjoy life, always aiming for positive outcomes like better understanding of how to adapt their environment to their needs, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as managing their personal errands and appointments independently.

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

Dr. MacKenzie's practice, Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic, is situated in the Woodfield, Wortley Village neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Fanshawe Conservation Area and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. MacKenzie 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. MacKenzie are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, 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 for patients to inquire with Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. MacKenzie treats a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to: 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. MacKenzie focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. MacKenzie at Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. MacKenzie 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. MacKenzie 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. MacKenzie will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

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

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

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. MacKenzie is a medical doctor (physician) 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 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.

Dawson Road Family Medical Clinic
550 Wellington Road
London, ON, N6C 0A7

Phone: (519) 685-4080

Dr. Heather Margaret MacKenzie 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: 95611

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/MacKenzie-Heather-Margaret/0274426-95611

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