Dr. Patricia R. Kennedy is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at First Step Family Chiropractic in Whitby, ON, she is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. Dr. Kennedy’s approach focuses on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing spinal health and overall well-being. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to individual needs and health goals.
She completed her Doctor of Chiropractic from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Kennedy remains committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based chiropractic practices. Her education and hands-on training enable her to deliver safe and effective treatments, integrating the latest techniques and research to optimize patient outcomes.
Dr. Kennedy adopts a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall vitality. She aims to help her patients in Whitby achieve better health and vitality through compassionate, informed chiropractic care. She offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding for her diverse patient community.
Dr. Patricia R. Kennedy provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains (Various Regions): Injuries to muscles (strains or 'pulls') or ligaments (sprains) due to overstretching or tearing, resulting in pain, swelling, bruising, and functional limitation in various parts of the body.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): A holistic approach to managing chronic pain by looking at the whole body's mechanics and nervous system function.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Upper Limb: Management of RSIs affecting the upper extremities by addressing tissue irritation, improving biomechanics, and providing ergonomic recommendations.
- Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Pain and tenderness around the elbow joint due to overuse and inflammation of tendons, typically on the outer (tennis elbow) or inner (golfer's elbow) side of the elbow.
- 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.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- 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.
- 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. Kennedy can assess your needs.
- Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation: Helping you recover from MVA-related injuries with a tailored treatment plan.
- Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Application of elastic therapeutic tape (e.g., Kinesio Tape®) or rigid athletic tape to support joints, reduce pain, manage swelling, facilitate or inhibit muscle function.
- Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Specialized chiropractic care for sports-related conditions and athletic enhancement.
- Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Evaluation for and fitting of custom orthotics to support optimal lower limb biomechanics.
- Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Supporting recovery from concussion through targeted therapies and guided return-to-play/learn strategies.
- Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Providing general advice on diet, supplementation (within scope), exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques to support your overall health, healing, and well-being.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Kennedy. 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 First Step Family Chiropractic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Kennedy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dr. Patricia frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by hip pain when walking long distances or climbing stairs. The common goal is a better understanding of their condition and effective self-care strategies, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, effortlessly tying your own shoelaces or putting on socks without difficulty, with greater comfort and ease.
- Imagine being able to teaching your fitness classes without that annoying crick in my neck holding you back. Dr. Patricia works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as feeling less 'locked up' or stiff after periods of sitting or inactivity, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
- Overcoming numbness or pins and needles in my arms or legs to achieve living with significantly less pain and greater freedom of movement and resume motorcycle rides is a common success story at Dr. Patricia's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- Experience the significant benefit of maintaining their independence and an active lifestyle as they age if you're dealing with arthritis pain deep in my hip joint. Dr. Patricia helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like volunteering in your community through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Kennedy, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Kennedy's practice is located at First Step Family Chiropractic, situated in the Williamsburg, Taunton North neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Whitby SmartCentres, making it easy for patients to access from various parts of the region. It is well-connected via Durham Region Transit (DRT), providing accessible public transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?
- An adjustment itself is typically not painful. You might hear a 'pop' or 'crack', which is just gas being released from the joint, not bones cracking. Some people feel a bit sore the next day, like after a workout, but this is usually mild and temporary. Your Chiropractor will ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
- 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, as well as clinical sciences like diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis. Chiropractic-specific subjects such as adjusting techniques and rehabilitation are also covered. The education involves extensive hands-on clinical internship experience. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial board examinations to become licensed to practice.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- In Ontario, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, so 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, so it is advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Generally, OHIP does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most of the population. Limited exceptions may exist through specific government programs or if care is delivered within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services, though this is rare. Patients should verify their private insurance coverage for chiropractic care.
- 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, pathology, or significant spinal degeneration, especially if your condition is not improving with conservative treatment, always following established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.
- Is there parking available at or near First Step Family Chiropractic?
- Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of or behind our building. Metered street parking is also readily available on nearby streets, and paid parking options are available in the public parkade located about one block east of the clinic. Limited free street parking may also be accessible in the vicinity.
First Step Family Chiropractic
910 Dundas St West
Whitby, ON L1P 1P7
Phone: (905) 665-9599
Dr. Patricia R. Kennedy 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/2970/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf275
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.