Dr. Hester A. Potts – Chiropractor | Gloucester, ON

Dr. Hester A. Potts is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Ottawa Family Chiropractic in Gloucester, 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. Potts’s approach emphasizes a thorough chiropractic assessment and tailored treatments aimed at improving neuromusculoskeletal health, focusing on spinal wellness and overall well-being. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring comprehensive care that adapts to each individual’s unique needs.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Dr. Potts completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic. Her clinical experience has reinforced her dedication to ongoing professional development, allowing her to stay current with the latest advancements in chiropractic care. Her goal is to promote natural, non-invasive healing and to help her patients achieve optimal health through personalized treatment plans.

Dr. Potts offers care in English and is passionate about fostering a welcoming, community-focused environment. She believes in empowering her patients with knowledge and strategies to maintain their health beyond their visits, encouraging active participation in their wellness journey. Her compassionate approach ensures that each patient feels valued, supported, and confident in their path to better health.

Dr. Hester A. Potts provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back & Spine Conditions

• Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain): Management strategies, including gentle manual techniques and postural advice, to relieve discomfort associated with coccyx injuries or irritation.
• Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Relief for pain located in the mid-back or between the shoulder blades, often linked to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or restricted rib movement.
• Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Care for conditions like costochondritis or rib subluxations, aiming to restore proper rib mechanics and alleviate chest wall or mid-back discomfort.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Bursitis (Various Regions): Alleviating discomfort from inflamed bursae through gentle therapies and advice on activity modification.
• Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains (Various Regions): Helping you recover from common injuries like a pulled hamstring, twisted ankle, or strained back muscle.
• Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Discomfort, muscle strain, and joint stress resulting from poor or sustained body alignment during daily activities like sitting, standing, or working.
• Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): Helping individuals with long-standing pain find relief and improved function by addressing treatable biomechanical components.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Specialized care for whiplash injuries, focusing on restoring neck mobility, reducing pain and inflammation, and addressing associated neurological symptoms.
• Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Discomfort, stiffness, or aching in the neck, which can arise suddenly or develop over time, often impacting daily movement and potentially referring pain to the shoulders or arms.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Potts can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A specific set of exercises designed by your chiropractor to help you recover faster and stay healthy.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A specific deep transverse massage technique applied across affected tendons or ligaments to break down adhesions, reduce scar tissue, and promote an optimal healing environment.
• Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Hands-on therapy focused on releasing tension and restrictions in muscles and their surrounding connective tissue (fascia) to improve mobility and reduce pain.
• Active Release Techniques (ART®): ART® for targeted relief of soft tissue injuries and repetitive strain conditions.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Application of focused pressure to specific hyperirritable spots (trigger points) within muscles to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal muscle function.
• Graston Technique® / IASTM: Using specialized instruments to effectively break down adhesions and promote healing in soft tissues.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Potts. 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 Ottawa Family Chiropractic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Potts frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals visit Dr. Hester because they are tired of dealing with pain between my shoulder blades, like a stabbing feeling. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve improved nerve function, leading to less tingling, numbness, or weakness and get back to enjoying important activities like taking on ambitious home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
• If trouble opening my mouth wide without pain is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying diving and spiking in our weekly volleyball games with friends, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Hester focuses on achieving a better understanding of their body and how to prevent future flare-ups so you can engage in the things you love again.
• For those whose my posture just feeling 'off' and uncomfortable has made cycling with your local club a challenge, Dr. Hester offers a path towards more efficient and comfortable movement patterns during daily activities. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Dr. Hester frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by a badly sprained ankle that keeps swelling. The common goal is walking with ease, free from sharp radiating leg pain, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, looking forward to and enjoying long drives and scenic road trips again, with greater comfort and ease.

Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Potts, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Ottawa Family Chiropractic, situated in the heart of the central Gloucester neighborhood, offers convenient access for patients seeking quality chiropractic care. The clinic is located within a modern facility that is easily accessible by public transit, with multiple bus routes serving the area. It is positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into their daily routines. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Does Ottawa Family Chiropractic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Ottawa Family Chiropractic offers direct billing to most major private insurance companies such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield, etc. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card or details and confirm their specific coverage with their insurer, as plans and coverage amounts vary. Patients are responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their insurance plan.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?

No, in Ontario, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, 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. Patients should check their individual insurance policies for specifics.

Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Generally, OHIP does NOT cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most residents. There are very limited exceptions, such as care delivered within certain community health programs or hospitals, which are uncommon. It is recommended to verify coverage with private insurance providers and review your plan details.

Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I’m pregnant?

Yes, 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. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and often use modified adjustment techniques and specialized tables or pillows to ensure comfort and safety. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Potts, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

Is there parking available at or near Ottawa Family Chiropractic?

Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of or behind our building. Parking options may vary, but ample parking is typically available for our patients.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?

We recommend wearing clothing that you can move comfortably in, such as gym attire or loose pants and a top. This helps with the physical examination and any active components of your treatment.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

We often think of care in stages. First, the goal is to get you out of pain (relief care). Next, we focus on fixing the root cause of the problem and improving your body’s function (corrective care). Finally, some patients choose to come in for periodic check-ups to maintain their health (maintenance or wellness care), similar to routine dental visits.

Ottawa Family Chiropractic
3771 Spratt Road, Unit 12
Gloucester, ON K1V 2P3

Phone: (613) 425-0915

Dr. Hester A. Potts 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/4360/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf52b

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.