Sarah Clement
Location: Comox Valley (Full-time) & Victoria (occasional trips down to Victoria to provide periodic care).
***Sarah is off on maternity leave from September, 2020. While she is away Matthew Campbell will be caring for the clients she sees and those wishing to work with her when she gets back in (likely) early 2021. Sarah and Matthew trained at the same school and take a similar approach to treatment.
For baby, child and pregnant clients, Sarah is back at work at Growing Bodies Wellness and will be happy to see you/your little one (please contact Sarah directly (here) if you can not find anything suitable in online bookings on the Growing Bodies Wellness side of this site).
If you have any questions for Sarah while she is away from general clinic, please don’t hesitate to email her as she will still be active behind the scenes during this time!
Hi there! I’m Sarah, an Australian trained Osteopathic Practitioner and the owner of Vancouver Island Osteopathy.
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With my husband, Paul and our dog, Mango, we relocated from Victoria, BC to the Comox Valley in December, 2015. We used to spend each weekend leaving Victoria to go on mountain biking or camping adventures, often to the Comox Valley, so we decided to make the move for good. We’re all really excited to be in this beautiful and fun part of the world and I’m excited to practice Osteopathy here.
I have completed five years of full time undergraduate and Masters studies in Osteopathy training at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.
Prior to studying Osteopathy, I completed a Bachelors of Exercise and Sport Science (Deakin University, Australia) and have both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in this area, including a Graduate Diploma in Exercise Rehabilitation (Victoria University, Australia) and a Masters of Science (Strength & Conditioning) (Edith Cowan University, Australia).
I come from Melbourne, Australia where I worked as an Osteopathic Practitioner in private practice and with various elite and junior elite athletes in a variety of sports. I have over 10 years experience in sports injury and general rehabilitation, working with both athletes and diseased and general clients and babies.
Injury prevention is a particular area of interest and experience. In Australia, I consulted for a number of elite sporting teams and institutions in injury prevention including Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club, Basketball Australia and the Victorian Institute of Sport.
Since 2006 (until relocating to Victoria, BC in 2014), I lectured in both undergraduate and postgraduate Exercise and Sport Science and Exercise Rehabilitation courses within two universities (Deakin and Victoria Universities) and various private institutions in Melbourne, Australia. I developed the fitness course and various professional development courses for sports industry professionals, including Osteopathic Practitioners, for a leading sports science institution, Exercise Research Australia.
Not limited to sports related issues I enjoy all facets of treatment. Treatment of osteoarthritis and addressing falls prevention in older adults is of particular interest also. I regularly treat pregnant Mums and love to treat their bubs post partum, too. I have completed an intensive ‘Breast Feeding for Health Professionals’ program and am excited to be able to better support the many babies and their families that I have the privilege of working with. Currently (late 2017), I am studying for a Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist designation.
I employ a number of treatment tools, depending on whom I am treating and what they are being treated for. I am trained in Craniosacral therapy and Biodynamics (including for pediatrics) and incorporate these treatment modalities into more direct treatments as well as provide these treatment styles exclusively if desired.
I have worked as an Osteopathic Practitioner, and an Injury and Rehabilitation Consultant in various locations including Melbourne and rural Australia, and a leading Sports Medicine Clinic in Mumbai India. I have also spent time in Japan working with snow sports athletes and enthusiasts. Since 2014 I have practiced on Vancouver Island.
I’d be excited to work with you to optimize your movement and health.
Irene Borecky
Location: Comox Valley
Hi, I’m Irene… I’m really happy to be joining VIO where I can be of service to so many people! I graduated from the Canadian School of Osteopathy in 2020 after completing the 5-year course and successfully defending my thesis, “The Effects of Osteopathy on Individuals with Breathing Pattern Disorders”. Our in-depth program specialized in cranial osteopathy, structural dysfunctions, and visceral (organs and their attachments) dysfunctions.
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Prior to osteopathy I have had over 20 years of experience as a Certified Athletic Therapist working with active individuals, post-surgery cases, post-concussion, motor vehicle injuries, and workplace injuries. It was by continuously working with complex cases that led me to study osteopathy. I seem to be perpetually learning as I have an extensive resume of continuing education courses as well as a Master of Rehabilitation Science. I am always striving to learn more about the human body.
Although learning is fun, my true passions are being in the mountains, the ocean, and the woods. I’ve recently hung up my rugby boots and look forward to more time spent snowboarding, kayaking, and biking--- often in costume!
Emma Gibson
Location: Comox Valley
Emma completed her osteopathic studies at The British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London, England. On graduating she was awarded an M.Ost and DO in Osteopathy, and an ND in Naturopathy.
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She is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and is a member of the Institute of Osteopathy in England and a member of Osteopathy BC in Canada.
Emma tailors her treatment to each individual patient by combining a variety of osteopathic methods, including structural and cranial work, and counseling on exercise, nutrition and naturopathy. Inspired by the breadth of osteopathy, she aims to help patients achieve wellness and restore balance through a combination of osteopathic treatment and scientific therapeutic advice.
Prior to qualifying, Emma worked as a massage therapist, during which time she developed a strong interest in anatomy and the human body. This, coupled with a passion for helping patients maximize their health outcomes, led her to a career in osteopathy.
Emma enjoys treating people of all ages, including pregnant mothers, infants, children, and patients recovering from injuries or illness.
Carla Hector
Location: Comox Valley
Hi! My name is Carla. I am a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) that graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2013. I am currently a student of osteopathy in my first year at the Canadian School of Osteopathy in Vancouver.
I take an osteopathic approach to how I treat as an RMT. I use a thorough assessment and clinical history to find the primary areas of dysfunction in the body, as opposed to focusing just on symptomatic areas. I choose the appropriate techniques from my toolbox of visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, muscle energy technique, active stretching and conventional massage techniques to address what we have discovered during assessment.
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I have a general practice that can address a variety of issues from back pain and whiplash, to digestive issues and headaches. I have a keen interest in working with women’s health, including during the pre- and post-natal periods. I am delighted to be joining Sarah as part of the Growing Bodies team!
I am very excited to be living in the Comox Valley! In my spare time you can find me paddling my kayak on both ocean and lake, hiking the trails with my golden retriever/lab, growing food on my patio or curled up reading a novel in my favourite armchair.
I am happy to provide my clients with direct billing to many insurance providers. I submit claims at the end of treatment, reducing the amount that needs to be paid out of pocket. I work with the following insurance providers: Pacific Blue Cross, Green Shield, Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife, Desjardins, Empire Life, SSQ Insurance, Johnston Group, Equitable Life, Geneva, Alberta Blue Cross, BPA, CCWU, Chambers of Commerce, CINUP, Coughlin, Cowan, D.A. Townley, First Canadian Insurance Corp, GMS, GroupHealth, GroupSource, Maximum Benefit, people corporation, RWAM, Union Benefits and UV Insurance.
Elysse Tomlin
Location: Comox Valley
Elysse completed the comprehensive four-year osteopathic education program through the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO) in Hamilton, Ontario. Graduating with a Masters of Practice in Osteopathic Manual Sciences, M.OMSc. Prior to her osteopathic studies she obtained a Bachelor in Physical Education, honours and a minor in business.
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She holds experience in the fitness industry, a wide variety sports and a personal life long journey of finding and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The body’s ability to heal and adapt ignited a curiosity that has grown into long-term interest in understanding the human body. Her studies at the CAO have shown her the power Osteopathy has in both its preventative and rehabilitative abilities.
Elysse works effortlessly to ensure her patients receive the best osteopathic care possible every visit. Using her strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology she is able to provide comprehensive and personalized treatment for each and every one of her patients. Elysse has an unquestionable passion for osteopathy and is excited to serve the Comox Valley and surrounding areas.