About
Dr. Joanna Gillies is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Willowvale Chiropractic in Smithers, BC. Joanna is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). Her approach emphasizes evidence-based practices aimed at improving overall health and function, ensuring each patient receives tailored treatment plans that address their unique needs.
With a comprehensive scope of practice, Dr. Gillies focuses on managing a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, and injuries related to motor vehicle accidents such as whiplash. She also provides supportive care for concussion management, helping patients safely return to their activities. Her care extends to family wellness, serving individuals across all ages—from infants to seniors—and she specializes in postural correction and ergonomic advice for office workers and those with desk jobs.
Dr. Gillies completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and has accumulated extensive clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, integrating the latest evidence-based techniques into her practice. Her areas of particular interest include rehabilitation for sports injuries, headache and TMJ disorder management, chronic pain strategies, and family chiropractic care. She offers care in English and is passionate about helping her community achieve better health and vitality.
Dr. Joanna Gillies provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Back & Spine Conditions
- Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain): Pain and tenderness at the very bottom of the spine (coccyx or tailbone), often aggravated by sitting or direct pressure.
- Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Helping to alleviate symptoms like leg or arm pain associated with a narrowed spinal canal through chiropractic care and exercise.
- 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.
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Pain, swelling, and potential ongoing weakness or giving way in the ankle due to stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments, often from a twist or roll.
- Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Addressing common causes of hip pain, including joint degeneration, bursitis, or tendon irritation, to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Addressing the underlying causes of elbow tendon pain through manual therapy, exercise, and activity modification advice.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition characterized by significant stiffness, pain, and progressive loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint, making everyday tasks difficult.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Gillies can assess your needs.
- Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): Gentle chiropractic care tailored for pregnancy using the Webster Technique to promote pelvic balance.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Exercises focused on strengthening the deep muscles of your abdomen, back, and pelvis to provide better spinal support, improve posture, and reduce injury risk.
- Prenatal & Postnatal Chiropractic Care: Modified, gentle chiropractic techniques tailored to address the unique musculoskeletal challenges faced during pregnancy (e.g., back pain, pelvic pain) and in the postpartum period.
- Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Tailored rehabilitative exercises to address specific weaknesses, imbalances, or mobility restrictions.
- Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Gentle assessment and modified adjusting techniques specifically adapted for the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents for various musculoskeletal concerns.
- Geriatric Chiropractic Care: Gentle adjustments and mobility exercises tailored for the aging spine and joints.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Gillies. 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 British Columbia (CCBC).
At Willowvale Chiropractic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Gillies frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Experience the significant benefit of feeling like their body is functioning at its best, without the constant interference of pain if you're dealing with pregnancy back pain making it hard to get comfortable. Dr. Joanna helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like performing all basic daily movements naturally, without constantly thinking about potential pain through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- If upper back pain from sitting too long is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying ice skating with your family, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Joanna focuses on achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control so you can engage in the things you love again.
- Many individuals visit Dr. Joanna because they are tired of dealing with weak ankles that seem to twist easily. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve walking with ease, free from sharp radiating leg pain and get back to enjoying important activities like participating in sailing regattas or leisurely boating activities.
- Imagine being able to stand-up paddleboarding without a rib feeling like it's out of place holding you back. Dr. Joanna works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as moving more freely and easily throughout their entire body, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Gillies, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Willowvale Chiropractic, where Dr. Gillies practices, is located in the heart of Smithers in a central neighborhood easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. The clinic is situated within a well-equipped facility near key community services and pharmacies, making it a convenient choice for local families and individuals seeking chiropractic care. The location is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring easy access for those relying on public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- What is Willowvale Chiropractic's appointment cancellation policy?
- We understand that life happens! However, to ensure we can accommodate all our patients, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?
- In British Columbia, 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 the specifics of their individual insurance policy.
- Do chiropractors only treat back pain?
- No, not at all! Although back pain is a common reason people visit a Chiropractor, Dr. Gillies is trained to diagnose and treat many conditions related to the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. This includes neck pain, headaches, sciatica, sports injuries, arthritis-related pain, and pain in the arms or legs.
- What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?
- The 'cracking' or 'popping' sound, technically called cavitation, is caused by the release of gas (mainly nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) from the synovial fluid within a joint when it is stretched or moved quickly during an adjustment. This sound is similar to cracking knuckles. It is not the goal of the adjustment and does not indicate treatment effectiveness; the primary goal is to restore joint mobility and relieve nerve pressure.
- Does Willowvale Chiropractic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, Willowvale Chiropractic offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and Green Shield. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card and confirm their coverage with their insurer, as plans and coverage amounts vary. Patients are responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their plan.
- What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?
- When a Chiropractor refers to a subluxation or joint restriction, they are describing a joint that isn't moving properly or is misaligned in a way that can affect nerve function and cause discomfort or other health issues. Chiropractic adjustments aim to address these specific joint problems.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- In British Columbia, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services, typically a set amount per visit, for a limited number of visits (currently 10 combined per year) for eligible individuals with lower incomes or on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It’s important to verify your MSP eligibility and coverage details. In other provinces, coverage varies: Alberta offers limited coverage for seniors and dependents, Ontario generally does not cover private clinic care, and Quebec relies on private insurance as RAMQ does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics. Patients are strongly advised to check their specific insurance plans and MSP eligibility.
Willowvale Chiropractic
3261 Turner Way, P.O. Box 4256
Smithers, BC V0J 2N0
Phone: (604) 973-1378
Dr. Joanna Gillies is regulated by the Health Professions Act in BC and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).
Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC): https://find.bcchiro.com/code/find.php?doctor=11011
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.