About
Dr. Ryley L. Goodhand-Fulcher is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Damen Optimal Health in Strathroy, 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). With a focus on improving spinal health and overall well-being, Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher offers comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based practices and individualized care, ensuring each patient receives tailored treatment plans that address their unique health concerns.
Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher's role extends beyond symptom relief; she aims to empower her patients through education and proactive health strategies. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, understanding the diverse needs across different life stages. Her practice integrates the latest research and clinical techniques to facilitate natural healing, restore function, and promote long-term health. Whether managing acute pain or supporting ongoing wellness, Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher strives to help her patients achieve optimal physical health and improved quality of life.
With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher stays current with advances in chiropractic care. She completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and has accumulated clinical experience that underscores her commitment to excellence. Fluent in English and French, she values clear communication and strives to create a welcoming, supportive environment for all her patients.
Dr. Ryley L. Goodhand-Fulcher provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Addressing buttock and leg pain that may be related to muscular tightness deep in the gluteal region.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Helping you recover from Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis and return to activities like running or jumping without pain.
- Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Chiropractic care focusing on improving hip joint mechanics, strengthening supporting muscles, and alleviating pain from conditions like osteoarthritis or trochanteric bursitis.
- Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Management of knee pain through chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercises aimed at improving joint function, stability, and reducing symptoms from conditions like runner's knee or mild meniscal tears.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Pain, clicking, locking, or limited movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often affecting chewing, speaking, and sometimes causing ear pain or headaches.
- 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.
- Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Specialized care for whiplash injuries, focusing on restoring neck mobility, reducing pain and inflammation, and addressing associated neurological symptoms.
Back & Spine Conditions
- Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Management of sharp, stabbing, or aching pain associated with rib joints or the muscles and nerves between the ribs.
- Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): Helping you overcome lower back pain through targeted adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises to improve spinal mechanics.
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Managing the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and spondylosis to help maintain mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
- Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, often in the legs (lumbar) or arms (cervical).
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher can assess your needs.
- Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Non-invasive scanning technology used to measure electrical activity in muscles, helping to identify areas of abnormal muscle tone or imbalance along the spine (if offered).
- Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: Utilizing X-ray imaging, if necessary, to get a clear picture of your spinal health and guide precise treatment.
- Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Identifying postural faults and creating a plan to address them through ergonomic advice and corrective exercises.
- Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: Complete neuromusculoskeletal evaluation to identify biomechanical issues, nerve interferences, and areas of dysfunction.
- Functional Movement Screening (e.g., FMS™, SFMA™): Utilizing screens like FMS™ or SFMA™ to analyze your movement quality and pinpoint areas contributing to pain or predisposing you to injury (practitioner certification dependent).
- Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Targeted soft tissue work to alleviate muscle tightness, break down adhesions, and restore fascial integrity.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher. 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 Damen Optimal Health, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- If headaches starting from my neck base is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying going on peaceful fishing or challenging hunting trips, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Ryley focuses on achieving feeling a significant release of chronic tension and stress held in their body so you can engage in the things you love again.
- Experience the significant benefit of experiencing significant relief from nagging lower back pain if you're dealing with that annoying crick in my neck. Dr. Ryley helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like sailing or boating activities through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- Dr. Ryley frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by overall body soreness that doesn't go away. The common goal is enhanced athletic performance due to improved biomechanics and reduced restrictions, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, consistently running your usual 5k/10k route at a comfortable pace, with greater comfort and ease.
- Dr. Ryley understands how frustrating painful ribs when breathing deep or twisting can be. By aiming for a marked decrease in episodes of dizziness or vertigo, leading to greater confidence, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like achieving a full night's deep, restful, and uninterrupted sleep with renewed confidence.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Damen Optimal Health is situated in the heart of Strathroy, ON, within a modern, accessible clinic in the central neighborhood. The practice is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare in one location. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of reach for those using transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- 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 are encouraged to check the specifics of their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage.
- What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?
- The 'cracking' or 'popping' sound, technically called a cavitation, is thought to be 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. It’s similar to the sound made when you crack your knuckles. The sound itself is not the goal of the adjustment and does not indicate treatment effectiveness; the primary purpose is to restore proper joint motion and reduce nerve interference.
- How can I tell if chiropractic care is right for me?
- If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or dysfunction related to your spine, muscles, joints, or nerves—such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity joint issues—chiropractic care may be very beneficial. Scheduling an initial consultation allows Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher to perform a thorough assessment, discuss your health goals, and determine whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate for your condition or if another approach might be more suitable.
- What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?
- Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program, which typically requires at least three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. Their education covers comprehensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, differential diagnosis, adjusting techniques, rehabilitation, and extensive clinical internship. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial board examinations to obtain licensure to practice.
- Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
- 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 comfort and safety for both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Goodhand-Fulcher, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In Ontario, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover chiropractic services provided in private clinics for most residents. There may be very limited exceptions, such as care delivered within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services, but these are rare. Patients are advised to check with their private extended health insurance plans for coverage, as many plans include chiropractic benefits.
- Do Chiropractors work with other healthcare professionals?
- Yes, chiropractors often believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. They frequently work with and refer to other healthcare professionals such as family physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, naturopathic doctors, and specialists when it is in the best interest of the patient to ensure comprehensive and optimal care.
Damen Optimal Health
8 Front St E
Strathroy, ON N7G 1Y4
Phone: (519) 205-0329
Dr. Ryley L. Goodhand-Fulcher 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/6650/10/5f9301aac47ccb05b9bd034e
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.