Dr. Rodney D. Puumala, Chiropractor

Dr. Rodney D. Puumala

Chiropractor in Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Rodney D. Puumala is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Alignment Chiropractic & Rehab in Thunder Bay, ON, he is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. Dr.... Read More

Verified Licensed by CCO Referrals Not Required Contact for Availability English Male 23+ Years Experience Northwestern Health Sciences University (2002), USA
Primary Practice LocationAlignment Chiropractic & Rehab
56 St. Paul St.
Thunder Bay, ON
P7A 4S6
Primary Phone(807) 766-9668
Professional Details
About

Dr. Rodney D. Puumala is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Alignment Chiropractic & Rehab in Thunder Bay, ON, he is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. Dr. Puumala’s approach focuses on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on spinal health and overall well-being. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, understanding that each individual’s health journey is unique and deserving of personalized care. His goal is to help each patient restore function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life through gentle, effective chiropractic techniques and lifestyle advice.

He completed his Doctor of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Puumala is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based chiropractic practices. His training allows him to incorporate the latest techniques and research into his patient care, ensuring safe and effective outcomes. Whether addressing acute injuries, chronic pain, or preventative health, he strives to empower his patients with the knowledge and tools necessary for long-term wellness.

Dr. Puumala’s practice philosophy centers on promoting natural, non-invasive healing and optimal body function. He adopts a holistic approach to health, understanding the vital connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall well-being. He offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and a supportive environment where patients feel heard and valued. His dedication is rooted in helping individuals achieve their health goals through compassionate, skilled chiropractic care.

Dr. Rodney D. Puumala provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back & Spine Conditions

  • Herniated, Protruded, or Bulging Discs (Symptomatic): A condition where the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes out, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, arms or legs.
  • Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Addressing pain around the rib cage, often sharp or related to breathing/movement, potentially due to rib joint dysfunction, intercostal muscle/nerve irritation, or cartilage inflammation (costochondritis).
  • Spondylolisthesis (Lower Grades): A condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially causing back pain, leg pain, or nerve compression (conservative management for lower grades).
  • Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Restoring proper motion and stability to the SI joints to alleviate pain and improve pelvic biomechanics.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

  • 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.
  • Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Helping you find relief from certain types of dizziness and vertigo by addressing underlying musculoskeletal or vestibular (inner ear) causes.
  • Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness following a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury, typically from a car accident.
  • 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.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

  • Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): As part of a multidisciplinary approach, chiropractic care can help manage the widespread musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, and tender points associated with fibromyalgia.
  • Bursitis (Various Regions): Treatment for bursitis in areas like the shoulder (subacromial), hip (trochanteric), or elbow (olecranon), aimed at reducing inflammation and restoring pain-free movement.
  • Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains (Various Regions): Comprehensive care for acute muscle and ligament injuries, focusing on reducing inflammation, promoting optimal healing, and restoring strength and flexibility.
  • Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Helping you achieve better posture to alleviate pain, improve breathing, and enhance overall physical well-being.

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

  • Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Targeted training to build a strong and stable core, essential for back health and efficient movement.
  • Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized stretching routines to alleviate stiffness and improve tissue extensibility.
  • Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: A thorough assessment including health history, postural analysis, spinal alignment checks, range of motion testing, orthopedic and neurological tests to determine the cause of your concern.
  • Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Tailored rehabilitative exercises to address specific weaknesses, imbalances, or mobility restrictions.
  • Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises: A rehabilitative approach based on developmental movement patterns to restore and stabilize locomotor function, often used for complex cases (practitioner certification dependent).
  • PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Advanced stretching techniques that involve both stretching and contracting muscle groups to quickly achieve greater flexibility and range of motion.

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

  • Dr. Rodney understands how frustrating pressure headaches almost daily can be. By aiming for turning their head fully and comfortably again, making driving and daily tasks easier, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like playing with your kids in the park with renewed confidence.
  • Getting back to cycling with your local club after struggling with a herniated disc diagnosis is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Rodney's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to a greater sense of control over their symptoms and physical well-being and a return to a more active life.
  • For those whose sore hips, especially when lying on my side at night has made walking around the mall or shopping centers a challenge, Dr. Rodney offers a path towards feeling a significant release of chronic tension and stress held in their body. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
  • Overcoming sciatica flare-ups making walking hard to achieve finding lasting solutions after trying many other approaches without success and resume kayaking or canoeing on the lake is a common success story at Dr. Rodney's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.

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

Alignment Chiropractic & Rehab is conveniently situated in the Port Arthur North (Current River, Centennial Park area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is close to Downtown Fort William (South Core) and easily accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Our location is designed to be convenient for patients coming from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
In Ontario, OHIP generally does NOT cover chiropractic services provided 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. Patients are strongly advised to check their private insurance plans for coverage and reimbursement options.
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, specialized tables, or pillows to ensure both mother and baby are comfortable and safe. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Puumala, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.
Is there parking available at or near Alignment Chiropractic & Rehab?
Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of or behind our building. Limited street parking may also be available nearby, and paid parking options are accessible in the vicinity.
What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, primarily the spine, and their effects on overall health. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation (adjustments), manual therapies, exercise, and lifestyle counseling to relieve pain, restore function, and support your body’s natural healing ability. It can help with issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint problems in your arms or legs.
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. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.
Does Alignment Chiropractic & Rehab offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
Yes, Alignment Chiropractic & Rehab offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and Green Shield. Patients should bring their insurance details and verify their coverage with their insurer, as plans and coverage amounts can vary. Patients are responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their insurance plan.
What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?
Chiropractors in Canada complete a rigorous post-secondary education, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. This typically involves at least three years of undergraduate university study followed by four years of intensive, accredited chiropractic college training. Their education includes comprehensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and chiropractic-specific techniques. Graduates must pass national and provincial licensing examinations before they can practice as licensed chiropractors.

Alignment Chiropractic & Rehab
56 St. Paul St.
Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4S6

Phone: (807) 766-9668

Dr. Rodney D. Puumala 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/2980/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcef27

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

Map