Chiropractic

One of the largest primary care professions in Ontario, chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors practice a manual approach, providing diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints. Chiropractors use a combination of treatments, all of which are... Read More

One of the largest primary care professions in Ontario, chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the musculoskeletal system.

Chiropractors practice a manual approach, providing diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints.

Chiropractors use a combination of treatments, all of which are predicated on the specific needs of the individual patient. After taking a complete history and diagnosing a patient, a chiropractor can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan, recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling.

For many conditions, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care is frequently the primary method of treatment. Where other conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with the condition.

Chiropractic care may also be used to provide symptomatic relief for patients with chronic conditions. According to patient surveys, by treating the musculoskeletal elements of such disorders, chiropractic treatment has been shown to improve the general well-being of the patient.

There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care:

Back pain

Neck pain

Headache

Whiplash

Strains and sprains

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Sports injuries

Arthritis

Limited range of motion in the back, shoulder, neck or limbs

General health and well-being

Chiropractic is a regulated health profession, recognized by statute in all Canadian provinces and American states. Almost 2 million patients in Ontario rely on chiropractic care every year to help them live healthy, active lives.


Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are health care practitioners that help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent reoccurring injury. A physiotherapist undergoes on average 5 years of an undergraduate degree and a 2-year Master’s Degree in Phys... Read More

Physiotherapists are health care practitioners that help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent reoccurring injury.

A physiotherapist undergoes on average 5 years of an undergraduate degree and a 2-year Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy. Throughout their profession, they will take courses to expand their knowledge and treatment techniques.

In a typical physiotherapy assessment, the physiotherapist will ask the patient the history of their physical conditions, current symptoms, and any other relevant information for what they are coming in for. From there, the physiotherapist assesses the patients’ movement in varying positions such as standing, sitting and lying down. This can be done with the patient doing the movements themselves, or the physiotherapist moving the patient passively.

Once the physiotherapist has assessed the patient’s movement, associated pain and strength, they will begin hands-on treatment with such techniques as manual therapy, Active Release Technique or soft tissue release, and strengthening. If a patient’s injury or pain is too acute, modalities such as TENS, heat, ice or therapeutic laser can be used to help symptoms and healing. Throughout or at the end of the session the patient will be educated on their diagnosis of injury and be prescribed advice and certain physical exercises for the patient to do for homework in order to start resolving the mechanical problems.

Assessing the problem, not the pain.

At Orillia Synergy Healthcare, our physiotherapist assesses the patients’ movements and strengths to assess not just WHERE the pain is coming from, but WHY they are getting pain in the first place. Pain normally arises because improper movement patterns cause joints to move poorly above or below the place of injury. In order to resolve the pain, treatment needs to be focused on areas around the painful site.

Common Conditions Treated:

Muscle strains

Joint Sprains

Pre and Post-operative rehabilitation

Nerve injuries (numbness, tingling, pins and needles)

Deconditioning

Mid back and low back pain

Neck pain

Rotator cuff dysfunction/tears

Overuse Injuries

Stiff joints

Sciatica

Carpal tunnel

Scoliosis

Tendonitis/bursitis

Disc herniation

Degenerative Disc Disease

Osteoarthritis

Osteoporosis

Other aches and pains


Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a successful non-invasive way to prevent chronic illness as well as reduce reliance upon prescription medications (and all of their side effects.) Naturopathic medicine uses a wide variety of therapies to treat, support and uncover the root cause of patient health concerns. The focus of naturopathic care is centered on the individual, their current health (physical, ... Read More

Naturopathic medicine is a successful non-invasive way to prevent chronic illness as well as reduce reliance upon prescription medications (and all of their side effects.)

Naturopathic medicine uses a wide variety of therapies to treat, support and uncover the root cause of patient health concerns. The focus of naturopathic care is centered on the individual, their current health (physical, emotional and spiritual), family history as well as lifestyle choices all of which informs the diagnosis and treatment plan offered by a naturopathic doctor.

The philosophy of naturopathic medicine is to work with the patient to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. In naturopathic medicine symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and lifestyle habits that may interfere with your optimal level of health.

Think of it as your gateway to optimal health. From diet and exercise, to understanding your body’s unique chemistry, naturopathic medicine allows you to boost your immune system, prevent and treat chronic disease and increase your overall energy level.

Naturopathic treatment draws from a number of modalities and is tailored to the individual. Depending on the doctor’s approach and the needs of the individual patient, treatments may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical treatments, acupuncture and Asian medicine, lifestyle counselling, or a combination of these.


Acupuncture

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is a precise peripheral nerve stimulation technique, in which fine solid needles (acupuncture needles) are inserted into anatomically defined neurofunctional sites, and stimulated manually or with electricity for the therapeutic purpose of modulating abnormal activity of the nervous system and/or the endocrine, exocrine and immune systems, in pain syndromes, fun... Read More

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is a precise peripheral nerve stimulation technique, in which fine solid needles (acupuncture needles) are inserted into anatomically defined neurofunctional sites, and stimulated manually or with electricity for the therapeutic purpose of modulating abnormal activity of the nervous system and/or the endocrine, exocrine and immune systems, in pain syndromes, functional problems, and any diseases in which these modulatory mechanisms are available. Neuromodulation occurs through neurological and neurohumoral mechanisms at multiple levels, namely: peripheral nerves, spinal cord, brain stem, brain and cerebellum.

Dr. Koughan is thrilled to be a member of the talented team at Orillia Synergy Healthcare and is eager to give back to the community that makes her proud to call Orillia home. She has experience managing a wide variety of musculoskeletal and persistent pain conditions using an active approach and utilizes multiple treatment techniques including individualized rehabilitation/exercise prescription, patient education, chiropractic manipulations/mobilizations, and manual and instrument assisted soft tissue therapies. Dr. Koughan is passionate about providing inclusive and patient-centered care for individuals across all activity levels and life stages. She works with each of her patients to develop personalized treatment plans to help them to meet their health and wellness goals, and return to the activities they find meaningful.

Dr. Koughan is thrilled to be a member of the talented team at Orillia Synergy Healthcare and is ... Read More

Dr. Kitchen has aspired to become a chiropractor since her first chiropractic visit at the age of eleven. She began her academic path at the University of Waterloo in the Kinesiology Co-operative Education Program. She was fortunate to complement her classroom learning with work placements at the Huronia Regional Centre, Kubota Metal Corporation, and Back to Function. In 2010, Dr. Kitchen graduated from her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with Honors and eagerly began the Doctor of Chiropractic program at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

During her education at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Dr. Kitchen earned a place on the Dean’s list each year. At the start of her clinical year she was selected to be one of seven interns to have an additional placement at the Muki Baum Treatment Centre (now called the Aptus Treatment Centre), where she spent one day each week providing chiropractic care and tailored exercise programs to adults with complex disabilities. Dr. Kitchen was fortunate to have completed the clinical requirements of her final year three months early, allowing her to spend the remainder of the school year in a community placement under the supervision of her mentor and friend, Dr. Deborah Collins.

Dr. Kitchen graduated magna cum laude from the Doctor of Chiropractic program in 2014 with clinic honours. She is a full time Chiropractor at Synergy Healthcare. Dr. Kitchen is thrilled to be working in her hometown of Orillia and to be a part of this incredible team of professionals. Dr. Kitchen is a certified Active Release Techniques® provider, Graston Techniques® provider, is certified in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture (McMaster University), and is a trained provider of the Shift Concussion Management program. Dr. Kitchen’s strong background in rehabilitation exercise prescription and enthusiasm for helping people have served to shape her clinical practice.

Dr. Kitchen has aspired to become a chiropractor since her first chiropractic visit at the age of... Read More

Dr. Collins has worked in the healthcare field since 1995. She began her career in Orillia, as a Certified Kinesiologist after earning her Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology, Co-operative Education, from the University of Waterloo. After working as a Certified Kinesiologist at Back to Function for seven years, Dr. Collins returned to school in 2002 to pursue a career in Chiropractic.

Throughout the four years of attending the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Dr. Collins worked as a Certified Kinesiologist for the Rehabilitation Department at the College; a Teaching Assistant in the Clinic Studies Department at the College; an Ergonomist specializing in office ergonomics for Optimum Performance Consultants (Toronto); and a Certified Kinesiologist Consultant for various Chiropractors in Toronto and at Back to Function in Orillia.

​Dr. Collins graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College with Clinic Honours and two prestigious Graduation Awards; one Academic Award for “outstanding excellence in clinical chiropractic diagnostic skills”, and a Citizenship award for “showing leadership and service to the student body and CMCC”.  In 4th year, Dr. Collins received the Vladimir Janda Memorial Scholarship Award for “demonstrating exceptional commitment and dedication to clinical competency and excellence in prescribing rehabilitation protocols” and the Governors’ Club Award for having “maintained an above average academic record, and contributed significantly to student life and extracurricular activities both at CMCC and in the community “.

Following graduation, Dr. Collins returned to Orillia and started her Chiropractic career at Bell Chiropractic & Soft Tissue Centre, where she worked until embarking on the next chapter of her life and pursuing her goal of owning and operating her own healthcare clinic. She is delighted to be sharing this dream and venture with her husband, Dr. Andrew Westelaken.

Dr. Collins is an Active Release Techniques® Provider, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Techniques Provider, is qualified in Acupuncture and incorporates her Kinesiology and Ergonomics background in her approach to treatment through patient education and exercise prescription.

Dr. Collins has worked in the healthcare field since 1995. She began her career in Orillia, as a ... Read More

Dr. Andrew Westelaken is a 2006 graduate from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He is a certified “Full Body” Active Release Techniques Provider and he delivers his Chiropractic care with a soft tissue focus. In addition to his skill set as a Chiropractor, he also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Western Ontario, where he specialized in Orthopedics and Surgical care at the Fowler-Kennedy Sports Injury Clinic and spoke as the graduating class valedictorian in 1999.

Dr. Westelaken has a keen interest in sports, wellness, and physical fitness. As a Registered Nurse, he also holds a diploma as a certified Occupational Health Nurse, which further broadens his scope of care to include many occupational workplace issues, focusing on return to work following injury, surgery, and workplace wellness. Andrew was fortunate to gain valuable experiences as a Nurse working in many health care settings and specialties including Emergency, Endoscopy, Ambulatory Care, and Orthopedics at University Hospital and Victoria Hospital in London, as well as in Sarnia, Ontario. He learned many orthopedic casting and bracing techniques, while working with many Orthopedic Surgeons and patients throughout their pre, and post operative care. During his time at CMCC, he was able to work as a Registered Nurse at the prestigious Shouldice Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, which provides specialized surgical care for hernia repair. Originally from the Southwestern Ontario town of Corunna, his journey to Orillia has allowed him the fortune to work with many large companies such as Ontario Power Generation, Waterville-Toyota, Campbell Soup Company, and Nestle Foods.

He is an active member in the community as a volunteer, and a participant in many local charity events. He has worked with a large number of sports teams and organizations volunteering his time as a trainer with the Lambton Lions football team, the University of Western Ontario and the Lambton College soccer, football, and volleyball teams. He has volunteered with the Orillia Tundras senior A hockey team, as well as volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy. Dr. Westelaken has also done many public speaking events for groups such as Rotary, Community Living, and the Ontario Fire College. Dr. Westelaken enjoys many sports including football, baseball, curling, & water skiing.

Dr. Andrew Westelaken is a 2006 graduate from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He is a... Read More

Janelle has been a practicing physiotherapist for 10 years, having moved to the area and joined the Synergy team in 2016. Prior to practicing here, she lived and worked in Kingston, ON. Janelle completed her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Physical and Health Education at Queen’s University in 2010. She continued on to complete her Masters of Physical Therapy at Queen’s in 2013. She has also taken an extensive list of post graduate courses including: - Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) - Active Release Techniques (ART) - Functional Dry Needling Level 1 - Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) Level 1 and 2 - Level 2 Upper and Lower Manual Therapy - McKenzie Method for Lumbar Spine - Foot & Ankle Complex - Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Janelle’s treatment philosophy focuses on restoring proper movement patterns based on strength and flexibility. If you move better, you will feel better. She uses primarily manual therapy techniques, ART/soft tissue release and Functional Dry Needling to restore normal joint and soft tissue mobility, and complements with strengthening and corrective exercises to avoid re-injury. She is capable of treating anything from everyday injuries (repetitive or traumatic), sports injuries, post-surgical, TMJ and all ages.

Janelle believes rehabilitation is partnership of practitioner and patient, with both having to work hard for lasting success. If a patient does not work to correct imbalances and poor habits with home exercises and education, they are at risk of re-occurrence of injury and for the rehabilitation process to take longer.

In her spare-time she enjoys going to the gym, running with her dog, spending time with her two young girls, husband and friends, and playing volleyball. She was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and grew up in Kingston, Ontario, where her family still lives. She is described as energetic, friendly, hard-working and compassionate, and adds an abundance of positive energy to the team.

Janelle has been a practicing physiotherapist for 10 years, having moved to the area and joined t... Read More

Dr. Perryman utilizes a combination of soft tissue therapy and joint manipulative techniques in order to decrease muscle/nerve/joint-related pain, correct faulty movement patterns, and optimize overall well-being. She is also certified in contemporary medical acupuncture from McMaster University, which she frequently uses to treat nerve-related pain and chronic concerns (e.g. headaches, arthritis, old stubborn injuries). Dr. Perryman is also passionate about health education and awareness, in order to give her patients the tools to actively participate in managing their well-being.

Dr. Perryman loves working with everyone from young children to older adults, new and expecting parents, athletes, office workers, and a variety of other professionals. She believes in a multidisciplinary approach to care and works closely with a phenomenal team of practitioners at Synergy Healthcare Group. This allows her to develop a treatment plan that is catered to each individual patient’s needs. Dr. Perryman also loves working with her patients of the four legged variety! She is a certified animal chiropractor and runs a part-time animal practice out of Oro Medonte.

Dr. Perryman utilizes a combination of soft tissue therapy and joint manipulative techniques in ... Read More

I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND), registered with TC-CONO. I completed my undergraduate degree at Acadia University with honours in Psychology. In 2010, I graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, ON., one of the six schools in North America eligible to grant the designation of Naturopathic Doctor. I have a deep respect for the field of naturopathic medicine, how powerful its tools and treatments are, and how profoundly they can change a life for the better. What you put into your body is directly related to how much you get out of it, how resilient your physiology is and how healthy you feel. I believe in empowering my patients to be proactive and involved in their own health goals. I pride myself on providing an environment free of judgment, one in which you feel safe to discuss whatever is on your mind. I am not perfect, nor do I expect perfection from my patients. I have recently begun to focus my practice more on mental health and specifically nutrition and lifestyle habits that are simple yet absolutely essential to supporting mood and mindset.

I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND), registered with TC-CONO. I completed my undergraduate d... Read More

Mara has been actively working in the healthcare field, as a Registered Massage Therapist and more recently, as a Registered Acupuncturist. Mara looks forward to working alongside the team at Orillia Synergy Healthcare.

Mara has been actively working in the healthcare field, as a Registered Massage Therapist and mor... Read More

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Located at: 129 Front Street South, Orillia
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