About Heather
INSPIRATION
When I was 10 years old I told my parents I was going to be a Physiotherapist. I watched a Physiotherapist practicing and was amazed at how they could treat injuries, relieve pain and get people back to doing what they love with just their hands. I can't imagine a more rewarding profession and I am grateful to have the opportunity to help people achieve their goals.
LIVES BY
Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome. - Arthur Ashe
INTERESTS
Figure skating, gym workouts, swimming, reading a great book and baking yummy treats!
Heather Ritchie, BHSc (Kin), MSc (PT), FCAMPT, CIDN
Registered Physiotherapist | Advanced Manipulative Therapy | Orthopaedic & Concussion Rehabilitation
Heather is an experienced and versatile physiotherapist with over 20 years of orthopaedic private practice experience, a passion for helping people of all ages and activity levels move better and live more fully. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from McMaster University and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto — two of Canada’s most respected institutions for health science education.
Heather is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT) — a designation held by fewer than 5% of physiotherapists in Canada, representing the highest standard of post-graduate training in advanced manual therapy and clinical reasoning. She also holds a diploma in Certified Integrated Dry Needling (CIDN) and has completed advanced diplomas in Manual and Manipulative Therapy. Her most recent continuing education has focused on the assessment and management of concussions and post-concussion syndrome — an increasingly important and specialized area of physiotherapy practice.
What Heather Treats
Heather has a strong clinical skill set in assessing and treating a wide range of spinal and peripheral musculoskeletal conditions across all age groups, including:
- Lower back and neck pain
- Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder impingement
- Osteoarthritis and other joint conditions
- Sports injuries, including running and skating-related injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Joint sprains and muscle strains
- Concussion and post-concussion syndrome
- Mobility, independence, and quality of life for older adults and seniors
Heather’s Approach to Care
Heather’s treatment approach combines skilled manual therapy with a strong emphasis on individualized exercise prescription and patient education. She believes that lasting recovery comes not just from hands-on treatment, but from empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to manage their own health, prevent re-injury, and stay active for the long term.
Every treatment plan is personalized to the individual — built around their specific goals, lifestyle, and activity level. Whether a patient is a competitive athlete, an active senior, or someone simply looking to get back to daily life without pain, Heather is committed to helping them get there as efficiently and confidently as possible.
A Little More About Heather
Heather’s path to physiotherapy was shaped by a lifelong love of sport and a genuine desire to help people stay active and enjoy life to the fullest. She grew up as a competitive figure skater and went on to play tennis and Australian Rules Football — a sporting background that gives her a firsthand understanding of what it means to be sidelined by injury, and what it takes to get back.
Her connection to the skating world didn’t end when her own competitive days did. Heather volunteered as a physiotherapist with Skate Canada at national and international events, blending her clinical expertise with her passion for the sport at the highest level.
Having experienced her own share of injuries over the years, Heather brings a unique level of empathy and practical understanding to every patient interaction. She knows that being unable to do the things you love affects far more than just physical health — and she is deeply motivated by helping patients bridge that gap.
Outside the clinic, you’ll find Heather at the rink or in the gym — or at home baking, knitting, or getting lost in a good book.
Professional Memberships & Credentials
- Fellow, Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT)
- Member, Canadian Physiotherapy Association
- Certified Integrated Dry Needling (CIDN)
- Advanced Diplomas in Manual and Manipulative Therapy
- Concussion Assessment & Management — continuing education focus
Is Heather the Right Fit for You?
Heather is an excellent choice if you are dealing with a spinal or joint condition, recovering from surgery or a sports injury, managing the effects of a concussion, or looking for a physiotherapist with the experience and empathy to work with patients at any age or activity level. Her combination of advanced manual therapy credentials, dry needling expertise, and a genuine personal connection to sport and active living makes her exceptionally well-suited to patients who want personalized, goal-focused care.
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