Dr. Katherine Jane Hood – Chiropractor | East York, ON

Dr. Katherine Jane Hood is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Leaside Sports Medicine in East York, ON, she is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. With a focus on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, Dr. Hood emphasizes spinal health and overall well-being. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, tailoring her approach to meet each individual's unique needs and health goals.

Dr. Hood completed her Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic - West. She has accumulated extensive clinical experience and remains committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice is grounded in evidence-based chiropractic principles. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge allows her to incorporate the latest research and techniques into her patient care, providing safe and effective treatments.

With a patient-centered philosophy, Dr. Hood strives to empower individuals through education about their health and proactive strategies for maintaining wellness. She believes in building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust, compassion, and personalized care. She offers her services in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.

Dr. Katherine Jane Hood provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

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.
• Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Treatment for deep gluteal pain or piriformis syndrome, involving techniques to release the piriformis muscle and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Ankle Sprains & Instability: Chiropractic care to support healing after an ankle sprain, including joint mobilization and proprioceptive exercises.
• Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Relief from persistent heel pain and arch discomfort through a combination of manual therapies, exercises, and potentially orthotic advice.

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• 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.
• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Conditions where nerves in the shoulder, arm, or elbow area become compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Pain in the head, often linked to neck issues (cervicogenic), muscle tension (tension-type), or as a component that chiropractic care can help manage in certain migraine cases by addressing musculoskeletal triggers.
• TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Addressing the biomechanical factors contributing to TMD, helping to alleviate muscle tension around the jaw and restore comfortable movement.
• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Relief for 'pinched nerve' symptoms in the arm through chiropractic care aimed at decompressing the affected nerve root in the neck and restoring function.
• Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Targeted care for various types of neck pain, whether from a recent injury or a long-standing issue, aiming to restore mobility and reduce discomfort.

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

• Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): A specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment for pregnant individuals, aimed at reducing sacral subluxation and optimizing pelvic biomechanics to support a more comfortable pregnancy and birth (practitioner certification dependent).
• Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Gentle assessment and modified adjusting techniques specifically adapted for the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents for various musculoskeletal concerns.
• 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.
• Active Release Techniques (ART®): A patented, movement-based soft tissue system designed to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves by breaking down scar tissue and adhesions (practitioner certification dependent).
• Geriatric Chiropractic Care: Gentle adjustments and mobility exercises tailored for the aging spine and joints.
• Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Manual therapy to address restrictions in the myofascial system, enhancing movement and comfort.

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

• If bulging disc symptoms is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying shooting hoops and playing pickup basketball at the local outdoor court, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Katherine focuses on achieving feeling more aligned and balanced in their posture so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Katherine because they are tired of dealing with pain from repetitive movements at my work station. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve participating more fully in family life and social engagements without pain being a constant distraction and get back to enjoying important activities like ice skating with your family.
• For those whose painful thumbs or wrists making tasks difficult has made sticking to your regular at-home exercise and stretching routine consistently a challenge, Dr. Katherine offers a path towards experiencing significant relief from nagging lower back pain. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Experience the significant benefit of a better understanding of their condition and effective self-care strategies if you're dealing with pubic bone pain (symphysis pubis dysfunction). Dr. Katherine helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like sitting through long, important meetings without fidgeting or back pain through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.

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

Dr. Hood's practice is situated at Leaside Sports Medicine, located in the central East York neighborhood of East York. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare in one location. The practice is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, OHIP generally does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most of the population. There may be very limited exceptions through specific government programs or if care is delivered within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services, but these are rare for typical private practice. Patients are strongly advised to check their private insurance plans for coverage details and reimbursement options.

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 require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should verify their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

Do chiropractors only treat back pain?

No, chiropractors treat a broad array of conditions affecting the body's structure and function. If you have pain or dysfunction in any joint or muscle—from your jaw to your toes—a chiropractor may be able to help.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

A Chiropractor is a spine, muscle, and nervous system expert. They provide qualified, effective treatment to relieve pain and improve the way your body moves, without medication or surgery. Techniques include manual 'hands-on' therapy, adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercises, education, and lifestyle advice tailored to your health goals.

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. Their education covers basic sciences like anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics; clinical sciences including diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, differential diagnosis; and chiropractic-specific subjects such as adjusting techniques and rehabilitation. This program includes extensive hands-on clinical internship experience. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial board examinations to become licensed practitioners.

Will I need to get X-rays before starting chiropractic care?

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Your Chiropractor will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, assess spinal degeneration or instability, or if your condition is not improving as expected with conservative care. All imaging decisions adhere to established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?

Your initial consultation and examination typically last between 45 to 60 minutes to allow for a comprehensive assessment. Follow-up treatments are usually shorter, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific procedures involved and your individual needs for that day.

Leaside Sports Medicine
1929 Bayview Ave, CNIB Building Suite 203
East York, ON M4G 3E8

Phone: (647) 368-6280

Dr. Katherine Jane Hood 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/3420/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf32a

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