Heather Jean West – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Heather Jean West is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre in Toronto, ON, Heather West is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Heather West focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Heather West serves adults.

Heather Jean West completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2001). With extensive clinical experience, Heather West is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Heather West has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Heather West employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; and maintaining a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Heather West offers consultations in English.

Heather Jean West provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Heather West can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Heather West, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Heather West frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Heather West believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work is hindering your ability to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back, a personalized plan focusing on achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small can make all the difference.
• Patients often come to Heather West feeling defeated by general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being and resuming playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Heather West can help you move beyond dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. The focus is on improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air.
• Struggling with the frustration of persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady? Heather West develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. This is key to helping you get back to doing attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Heather West, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Heather West's practice is located at Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre, situated in the Eringate, Bloordale Gardens, Old Burnhamthorpe neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Yorkville Shopping District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Is there parking available at or near Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre
150 Sherway Dr.
Toronto, ON, M9C 1A5

Phone: (416) 521-4142

Heather Jean West is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX05

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8c543bff-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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