Compassionate pain cAre
close to home
Serving Northwestern Ontario with innovative programming and supports for children and youth living with chronic pain, and building bridges to other underserved areas of pain care.
About Us
NICHE Pain Care is a community-based clinic in Thunder Bay dedicated to improving access to chronic pain services across Northwestern Ontario. Founded by pain physicians Dr. McEwen and Dr. Kotteeswaran, we bring together medical expertise with compassionate, team-based care, grounded by consultation with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, to close critical gaps in treatment.
We are home to the region’s first pediatric chronic pain program, supported by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Our committed multidisciplinary team provides holistic care that is evidence-based, yet embraces up-to-the-minute developments and ideas for pain care. We are actively seeking meaningul Indigenous partnerships to develop a network of traditional healers patients can access across the region through our program.
Our Services
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Pediatric Pain Program
A holistic, team-based program supporting children and youth with chronic pain. We address mind, body, and spirit, helping kids return to school, play, and daily life through coordinated pain education, medical treatment, occupational and physical therapy, and mental health care designed to meet each child's unique needs.
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Indigenous Approaches to Healing
A Two-Eyed Seeing approach blending Indigenous and Western health practices. Guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, care may include traditional healing, ceremony, plant-based medicines, and land-based practices, with support from an Indigenous Navigator for culturally safe, accessible care.
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Collaborative Care Hub
A carefully selected team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychotherapists are available to work on specific goals to springboard patients with a care plan that goes beyond reliance on medications and coping with pain, but with a focus on function.
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Future Care Pathways
Our community clinic is actively working on projects that will lead to additional care options. A pilot program for a Transitional Pain Service is currently being conducted to support patients at risk of chronic pain after surgery. Future treatment options may include specialized care for women with pelvic pain, regenerative medicine options, or complex pain syndromes.
Meet Our Team
Our interdisciplinary team combines medical, therapeutic, and cultural expertise to deliver holistic, patient-centered care. With backgrounds spanning pain medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and program management, each member brings unique skills to address complex pain needs.
We work closely with Indigenous communities, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to ensure care is culturally safe, accessible, and grounded in both Western and traditional approaches. United by a shared commitment to equity, innovation, and compassion, our team is here to help patients on their pain journey to live fuller, more active lives with less pain.
Ready to connect?
Whether you're seeking support, have questions, or want to learn more about our interdisciplinary approach to pain care—our team is here for you.