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OUR SERVICES
STRUCTURAL OSTEOPATHY
VISCERAL OSTEOPATHY
CRANIAL
OSTEOPATHY
Structural techniques help by mobilising joints and relieving tension within: muscles, ligaments and fascia, in addition to improving nerve function, arterial and lymphatic circulation. Pain and restrictions can develop throughout the body as a result of poor movement, posture, injury or trauma.
A gentle approach for the organs and their surrounding fascia, to improve function by restoring movement. The organ function may be affected by restrictions from scars, previous infections, restricted joints, altered nerve function or after surgery. Please note that all techniques are done externally.
Cranio-sacral therapy is a very subtle treatment approach. The practitioner aims to restore balance and ease through the cerebrospinal fluid and dura. It can help by improving circulation, calming the nervous system and by removing patterns of strain throughout the body.
OSTEOPATHY FOR PREGNANCY
OSTEOPATHY FOR CHILDREN
EXERCISE REHABILITATION
There is no other time in life where the body changes shape as rapidly as it does during pregnancy. The changes in overall posture that this leads to, coupled with hormonal changes which cause relaxing and lengthening in many body tissues, can result in areas of discomfort. The aim of the treatment is to assist the body adapt to these changes. Treatment can be provided pre-conception, during pregnancy and after delivery.
As a result of the birthing process, stresses and strains can be placed on the baby's body. Babies typically show signs of these stresses and strains through: feeding difficulties, digestion issues, a flat area on their head or excessive crying. Children and teenagers go through stages of rapid development, placing a considerable amount stress on their musculoskeletal system. Babies, children and teenagers can benefit from a gentle osteopathic approach to optimise their health.
It can be hard to return to sport after an injury or pain, many people experience re-injury when they return to sport without the guidance from a rehabilitation specialist.
With your permission, we can collaborate with your trainer. Providing relevant information from the assessment findings to help guide your fitness regime.
Our aim is to get you back to doing what you love and enjoy, whilst being functional and pain free.
WHAT WE TREAT
Lower back pain and tension
Sciatica
Neck pain and tension
Headaches and migraines
Sleep or energy issues
Sports injuries
Injuries from car accidents
Repetitive strain injuries
Joint, ligament, tendon or muscle pain
Digestive, respiratory or menstrual problems
Pre and post-natal support
Jaw pain and dysfunction
Flat head syndrome in babies
Feeding and digestive issues in babies
Thoracic (disc, muscle, ligament, joint)
Rib (muscle, ligament, and joint)
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Frozen shoulder and impingement syndromes
Shoulder pain
Tennis and golfers elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Trigger finger or thumb
Wrist tendinitis
Arthritic thumb
Coccyx pain
Hip bursitis, pain, and degeneration
Hamstring, quadricep, calf muscle strains
Groin pain and strains
Knee degeneration and pain (meniscus, ligament, bursa, joint, muscle)
Shin splints / pain
Plantar fasciitis, pain on sole of foot or heel
Achilles tendon pain
Toe pain
MEET OUR TEAM
ABBIE THOMAS, M.OST.
OSTEOPATHIC PRACTITIONER & FOUNDER
Abbie attained a Distinction in her Master of Osteopathy at Leeds Beckett University, UK. On graduation from her 5 years of full-time study, she was also awarded the Dean’s Prize for Academic Achievement in Osteopathy. Additionally, she was awarded a commendation for her results by the Osteopathic external examining board. Abbie's Master's research project and thesis was on the subject of treating tension-type and cervicogenic headaches.
Abbie opened Comox Valley Osteopathy, in 2020, when she moved to the Comox Valley. She has several years of experience working both in the NHS (UK) and in private multidisciplinary clinics.
In her spare time, Abbie enjoys keeping active outdoors: hiking, backcountry camping, running, biking, skiing and spending time out on the water!
Abbie is an active member of Osteopathy BC.
COURTNEY OSBORNE, M.OST.
OSTEOPATHIC PRACTITIONER
Courtney attained a Distinction in her Master of Osteopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University, AUS. Courtney's Master's research project was on nasal breathing rehabilitation. Her research group conducted a randomised controlled trial on people with symptoms of nasal obstruction and self-reported mouth breathing that underwent function nasal breathing re-training. Her article was published in the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy.
Courtney has completed further training in obstetrics, paediatrics and Pilates. She has several years of experience working in private multidisciplinary clinics, private practices, Pilates studios, mobile medical camps and aged care facilities across Australia, Kenya and now Vancouver Island. She specialises in hands-on treatment and individualised exercise rehabilitation to help people return to what they love doing, pain-free and with total confidence.
Courtney enjoys keeping active through Pilates, hiking, snowboarding and diving.
Courtney is a member of Osteopathy BC.
BARLEY
CLINIC DOG
Barley is a red/golden retriever, born April 22nd 2024. She will be joining the team in July 2024. She loves her role as a clinic dog, but is still in training. She is eager to greet everyone she meets.
Please let your practitioner know if you have pet allergies, or if you would prefer for the clinic dog to not be present during your session.
TESTIMONIALS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
Osteopathy is a holistic (whole body) type of manual therapy. It is a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to help patients restore circulatory, nervous and lymphatic system function, find relief from pain, achieve balance in the body, and improve overall health. The aim of Osteopathic treatment is to restore optimal health by assessing and treating the cause, not just treating the symptoms. The art of Osteopathy is understanding how all the bodily systems interact and how to blend treatment techniques for the greatest therapeutic effect.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY APPOINTMENT?
The practitioner should to be able to see and assess the areas of the body causing you concern. If you feel uncomfortable undressing to your underwear, it would also be suitable to wear comfortable flexible clothing such as shorts and a vest top.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?
If you have any x-rays, test results or relevant medical notes bring these with you. If you can’t easily remember all the medications or supplements you are on, you should also bring these along too.
CAN I GET MY TREATMENTS COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Extended health benefits often include the services provided by Osteopathic Practitioners. Please contact your insurance provider prior to your appointment to find out what coverage you have. After you have paid for your appointment, you will be issued a receipt, which can then in turn be submitted to your health insurance company for you to be reimbursed.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Each person is different depending on how long they have had their symptoms, what sort of lifestyle they lead, and their state of health. Most people usually start their treatment plan with three to four treatments, spaced one to two weeks apart. Some people with less serious conditions may feel better right away. Other people with more difficult or chronic conditions usually benefit from ongoing 'maintenance' treatments every month to six weeks. You are reassessed at every visit and your treatment plan will be tailored to meet your individual needs.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY APPOINTMENT?
At the start of your first appointment, your Osteopathic Practitioner will ask you questions about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as any symptoms you may be experiencing. This is very important as it will help them to make an accurate assessment and suggest appropriate treatment. Your Osteopathic Practitioner will need to examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort. Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, (For example, pain in your lower arm may be linked to the nerves in your neck) so they may need to examine your whole body. They will need to feel for any tightness in the muscles and stiffness in the joints and may need to touch these areas to identify problems. They will explain what they are doing as they go along.
IS OSTEOPATHY GENTLE AND SAFE?
Manual osteopathy is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal and joints complaints. Although manual osteopathy has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Many patients feel immediate relief following manual osteopathy treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching (24-48 hours post-treatment), just as they do after some forms of exercise or massage.
LOCATION
ADDRESS
AS OF JULY 1ST 2024 WE WILL BE IN OUR NEW LOCATION
526B Cumberland Road, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7.
We are located in downtown Courtenay - at the 8th Street and Fitzgerald intersection.
PARKING
You can park right outside, we have 3 parking spaces allocated to our clinic!
