River Heights Physiotherapy

From a small clinic to a River Heights practice

River Heights Physiotherapy’s story begins in a smaller space at the far end of the Winnipeg building it still calls home. Co-owner Jessica Ness recalls that Heather Howdle started the practice, Amanda McLean later became an owner, and Mandy Connell joined Amanda in ownership about 15 years ago. Today, Mandy and Jessica lead the clinic together.

Jessica arrived seven years ago as a new physiotherapist. She had interviewed at several clinics, but chose River Heights because she liked its smaller, community-based setting. When Amanda later decided to sell her share, Jessica was preparing to open a clinic of her own. Mandy invited her to stay and become a co-owner instead. Jessica welcomed the chance to build on Amanda’s work at a clinic she already knew, alongside someone with Mandy’s experience. The two now share the work of running the practice.

Two Winnipeg physiotherapists, two paths through sport

Mandy and Jessica both grew up in Winnipeg. Mandy studied in the United States on a tennis scholarship before entering physiotherapy. Jessica completed her physiotherapy education in Winnipeg. By the time Jessica joined River Heights for her first job, Mandy had already spent years helping to lead the clinic.

Sport remains part of their lives outside work. Jessica says Mandy plays tennis and is active in the pickleball community. Jessica played competitive soccer for Manitoba and now enjoys running; she recently completed a 100-kilometre backyard ultra, covering a 6.7-kilometre loop every hour for 15 hours.

Jaw care and other services across the team

Mandy helped develop the clinic’s jaw treatment practice and its connections with the dental community, Jessica says. Several clinicians now work with people who have jaw concerns. Jessica also treats jaw and vestibular concerns, including balance and inner-ear issues. Megan casts custom orthotics, and the clinic offers acupuncture, dry needling, and athletic therapy alongside physiotherapy.

For Jessica, care also includes helping people understand what they can do between visits. She wants clients to leave feeling heard and able to take an active role in their health. In describing her work, she returns to practical things: answering questions, explaining the next steps, and giving people ways to manage at home.

The people clients remember

After a bike accident affected the movement in her elbow, Shelley wrote that physiotherapist Nirro helped her regain a functional range of motion. She appreciated his encouragement and his respect for her limits. Ella also described Nirro as patient and supportive during her recovery. She thanked receptionist Svitlana for being kind and for taking an interest in clients’ progress.

Mindy wrote about Jessica’s care for her lower-back injury and thanked Tyler for his support. Another client described returning to activities they enjoy with help from Jessica’s treatment plans and found the online exercise portal useful for following the exercises.

Continuing the work in River Heights

Jessica speaks with gratitude about the years Amanda put into the clinic and the experience Mandy brings to their partnership. Mandy’s work developing jaw care, Jessica’s focus on helping clients understand their health, and the contributions of their colleagues all have a place in the practice today. Clients have mentioned support from physiotherapists and front-desk staff alike, along with exercises they can use at home.

The clinic has grown beyond the small space where its story began, but it remains in the same River Heights building. Mandy and Jessica now share responsibility for carrying that work forward: helping people feel heard, take part in their care, and return to the activities that matter to them.