'Soma'
The Ancient Greek word for 'body'.
or "the body of an organism"
Welcome to Soma Osteopathy & Wellness!
Our clinic is passionate about holistic health, with a special interest in osteopathy and manual therapy to enhance your overall well-being.
With a patient-centered approach, our experienced practitioners provide personalised care tailored to your unique needs. We understand that health is a multifaceted journey and take a holistic view, addressing not just your symptoms but also the under lying cause.
Our team is here to support your path to wellness through hands on care, evidence-based guidance, and compassionate support. Our practitioners have undergone accredited programs and continually pursue professional development, ensuring a commitment to ongoing learning and the delivery of quality care.
Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your health, we're here to help. Your well-being is at the heart of what we do, and we're excited to be part of your journey to better health.
Conditions We Treat
Headaches
Whether stemming from cervicogenic origins, tension-related issues, migraines, or other causes, we use a variety of techniques to treat and help to deliver relief.
Sciatica
Regardless of whether sciatica is triggered by disc prolapses, joint sprains, or muscular problems, we are equipped with the skills necessary to alleviate discomfort.
Muscle Tears
We treat muscle tears resulting from sporting injuries and repetitive strain conditions.
Visceral Complaints
We employ techniques capable of addressing issues related to internal organs, such as reflux, bloating, and constipation.
General Aches & Pains
Our expertise extends to addressing pain and discomfort in areas such as your neck, elbow, ankle, hips, knees, shoulder & more.
Back Pain
Our capabilities extend to the management of upper back pain, lower back pain, disc injuries, postural strains, and joint sprains, with effective approaches to addressing pelvic pain as well.
Peripheral Joint pain
We treat a range of peripheral joint pain, including conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle, knee and wrist sprains and strains.
Chronic Conditions
Chronic ailments such as frozen shoulder, disc degeneration, and pain associated with arthritis, fall within our scope of treatment.
Foot Pain
We provide treatment techniques that address various foot-related concerns and alleviate pain.
And More!
Our services extend to a wide range of other issues, including, but not limited to, concussion, whiplash, 'trapped' nerves, TMJ & jaw dysfunctions, sports injuries, osteoarthritis, post-operative and post-replacement care, joint problems, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, plantar fasciitis, pelvic imbalances, structural issues during pregnancy, childhood and infantile problems, tendinitis, tendinopathies, postural issues, sinus discomfort and digestive problems.
Emma
Osteopathic Practitioner
Hello, I'm Emma, a UK-trained osteopathic practitioner with a passion for holistic health and well-being. My journey in osteopathy has taken me from the United Kingdom to the beautiful landscapes of Vancouver Island.
I completed my osteopathic education at The British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London, England, earning an M.Ost and DO in osteopathy, along with an ND (UK) in Naturopathy upon graduation. I'm a registered practitioner with the General Osteopathic Council in England and a member of OsteopathyBC in Canada.
Inspired by the breadth of osteopathy, my aim is to help patients achieve wellness and restore balance through a combination of osteopathic treatment and evidence-based therapeutic advice. In my practice, I adopt a customized approach, tailoring treatments to each individuals requirements. I combine a variety of osteopathic techniques, encompassing both structural and cranial methods, along with offering recommendations on exercise and stretching to promote your overall well-being.
Before my osteopathic training, I worked as a massage therapist, cultivating a strong interest in anatomy and the complexities of the human body. This foundation, combined with my commitment to helping patients optimize their health outcomes, ultimately led me to a fulfilling career in osteopathy.
I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, including pregnant mothers, infants, children, and patients in recovery from injuries or illnesses.
During my free time, you'll often find me out in nature, either mountain biking, kayaking, or simply savouring the beauty of the lovely island we call home.
Irene
Osteopathic Practitioner
I am very proud to be bringing over 25 years of combined clinical experience as an Osteopathic Practitioner and Athletic Therapist to Soma Osteopathy and Wellness. I look forward to meeting you and working together on your health concerns!
A little bit about myself…..
I started working as an Athletic Therapist in a variety of clinics treating clients recovering from work place injuries, motor vehicle accidents, post-surgical procedures, post-concussion, sports injuries, and pediatric conditions. I have also worked extensively with different rugby teams in Ontario, England, and BC providing pre-game preparation, treatment, taping, and on-field emergency care.
I began my journey in osteopathy in 2013 after finding most of my clinical clients primarily had complex and chronic conditions. I felt that the traditional orthopedic assessments and treatment techniques in my skill-set were only helping to a point and enrolled at the Canadian School of Osteopathy, Manual Practice (Vancouver). This 5-year program is one of the most intensive hands-on programs offered anywhere, with an emphasis on structure, cranial osteopathy, and the viscera (organs and their attachments). After completing the coursework, I spent two years working on research, and in April 2020 I successfully defended my thesis “The Effect of Osteopathy on Individuals with Breathing Pattern Disorders”. My skill-set has expanded into working within the different “fields” of the body—structural, fluid, EMF, and embryological—to find out where trauma is being held within the body.
I am perpetually learning and taking courses, with a special interest in concussion care and recovery from physical trauma. I am currently enrolled in EVOST—a program from Belgium that looks at Evolutionary Osteopathy and how life exists from its roots in biology, physiology and physics. I also hold a Masters in Rehabilitation Science from the University of British Columbia.
Although osteopathy is fun, my down-time passions are snowboarding, kayaking, tennis, biking, and being at the back of the pack. While I do not excel in speed, I do in adventuring and stopping to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Caitlin
Athletic Therapist
I grew up playing sports and it has always been my happy place. When I'm not in the clinic, you can find me in the trails - hiking, running, and biking. This love for sport overflows into my passion for helping my clients get back to their own version of work/play balance.
I graduated from a Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy at Camosun College in 2016. My schooling included in-depth studies in Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, taping and emergency care, as well as a comprehensive understanding of orthopedic assessment for injury rehabilitation and exercise prescription. I have a passion for working one-on-one with clients in the clinic, and I am also trained for on-field injury assessment and immediate/emergency care as a First Responder.
Whether you're an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, injuries are more than just a physical burden; the emotional and mental drain of being in pain or not knowing when you will be able to get back to your sport or hobby is excruciating. I've been there - I understand what you're going through and I'll work with you on a treatment plan and provide a safe space for your recovery.
Catherine
Cranio Sacral Therapist
I have trained in Craniosacral, Neural and Visceral Manipulation, Intuitive Healing and Therahealing modalities. Craniosacral Therapy works to enhance and restore rhythmic balance in both the physical and energetic bodies. All treatments respond specifically to what is needed in the moment and are designed to brighten your alignment and bring ease and acceptance into the field of awareness. Deeply grounded and joyful, I support your nervous system to regulate.
Heather
RMT - Registered Massage Therapist
I believe in promoting wellness and injury prevention to my clients and I am very motivated to help support you on your personal wellness journey. I graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2005 and I have had a very busy home-based practice in the Cowichan Valley, BC since graduation. I believe in optimizing the well -being of my clients and continue to pursue training in different techniques and disciplines to provide a more diversified therapeutic treatment approach tailored to each client’s specific needs. I have relocated to the Comox Valley and I am excited to be joining the team at Soma Osteopathy and Wellness and to be now working in a dynamic clinic environment alongside other Health Care practitioners.
As a Registered Massage Therapist, I provide a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body which has a therapeutic effect on the health and well being on an individuals muscular, nervous and circulatory system. I specialize in Therapeutic deep tissue massage, Myofascial Release techniques, Craniosacral Therapy and I am a Certified Foundation Training Instructor. Foundation Training is a series of bodyweight exercises designed to restore natural movement patterns by teaching you how to move more efficiently. This is a movement practice that I incorporate into the treatment session as home-care exercises for clients interested in improving mobility in their activities of daily life and help correct imbalances and reduce pain in the body caused by poor posture habits.
I have a deep appreciation for being in nature and spending time exploring outdoors. My passion for Stand-Up paddle boarding, bike riding and Cross-Country skiing along with a desire for working in a team environment has brought me to the Comox Valley. I look forward meeting you and to helping you improve mobility and resilience in your body.
