Book an Appointment at Island Optimal Health and Performance - Dufferin Location
Welcome to Island Optimal Health & Performance
If you are looking to book an appointment related to a WSBC (Worksafe BC) or ICBC claim, please call the clinic. New online bookings are not available for ICBC or WSBC appointments.
Our updated Cancellation Policy will come into effect on June 15, 2023. Appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will result in a charge of 50% of the treatment fee. In the case of illness, we offer a 4-hour grace period, after which the cancellation fee applies.
If you have any symptoms of a cold, flu, or COVID-19 or have had direct contact with someone who has COVID-19, please cancel your appointment.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!
Book an Appointment.
Free Meet & Greet
Curious about a treatment and not sure where to start? Book a free 15-minute Meet & Greet to determine if the treatment and approach are a good fit for you. Please note that this is a quick conversation to determine fit only and not an initial assessment, which is required to begin treatment.
Chiropractic
If aching joints and muscle pain are keeping you from doing what you love, chiropractic treatment could be the remedy. At Island Optimal, our chiropractors work with you to diagnose the problem and develop an individualized treatment and management plan to help your body be at its best.
Chiropractors are regulated, primary health care practitioners who have undergone over 4,500 hours of academic and clinical education at a nationally accredited chiropractic college, after having completed a minimum of a bachelors degree of undergraduate university education. Chiropractic takes a drug-free, manual approach to health care through the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and subsequent prevention of conditions relating to the neurological, muscular and skeletal systems of the body.
We offer chiropractic care at our Central location.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a primary care, autonomous, client-focused health profession dedicated to improving quality of life by:
Promoting optimal mobility, physical activity and overall health and wellness.
Preventing disease, injury, and disability.
Managing acute and chronic conditions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.
Improving and maintaining optimal functional independence and physical performance.
Rehabilitating injury and the effects of disease or disability with therapeutic exercise programs and other interventions.
Educating and planning maintenance and support programs to prevent re-occurrence, re-injury or functional decline.
Physiotherapy is anchored in movement sciences and aims to enhance or restore function of multiple body systems. The profession is committed to health, lifestyle and quality of life. This holistic approach incorporates a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions and aids.
Physiotherapy services are those that are performed by physiotherapists or any other trained individuals working under a physiotherapist’s direction and supervision.
A Doctor’s referral is NOT required to directly access physiotherapy services.
We offer physiotherapy services at our Central (Dufferin) Clinic.
Registered Massage Therapy
Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in British Columbia are health care professionals committed to restoring and maintaining optimal health and pain-free function of the body.
They are educated and trained to accurately assess and treat with techniques that include massage and manual therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercise such as stretching, strengthening, postural exercise and patient education.
Massage Therapy is an effective approach to pain management and rehabilitation. RMTs are effective in treating and providing relief for a wide range of conditions such as migraine headaches, tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, as well as many other common conditions related to soft tissue and joint dysfunction.
We offer massage therapy at both our Central and North clinic locations.
Active Massage
Active Massage is a combination of massage and functional movement. Active massage techniques and more patient engagement are key during this type of massage treatment. In addition, be prepared to participate in home exercises such as breathing techniques, stretching or strengthening as they are crucial to progress between treatments. The approach of this treatment is to move through your physical limitations and help you meet your specific goals.
Why Book an Active Massage?
-You have physical restrictions that might feel better after a massage but return shortly after.
-You have chronic physical pain that limits certain ranges of motion.
-You seek an in-depth, active, and personalized approach to manual therapy.
-You are interested in maximizing your potential for strength and mobility.
-You want to be involved in your treatment and engage in home excercises.
What to expect in an Active Massage appointment?
Active massage will be on the treatment table for the massage portion of the appointment. Followed by 10-15mins in the physiotherapy room to review home exercises.
Please bring or wear comfortable clothing.
Initial Active Massage appointments involve: a conversation around your history and personal goals, a physical assessment, active massage, and a review of home exercises and hydrotherapy.
Returning Active Massage appointments involve: Check-in conversation, re-assessment, active massage, review or new home exercises.
What happens after an Active Massage appointment?
Patients are given home exercises at the end of each visit to continue their progress between appointments.
Appointments can be directly billed to insurance as Registered Massage Therapy.
Acupuncture
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), energy, or "Qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, or meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked Qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological processes.
Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune function, the cardiovascular system, and digestive health. It can release endorphins (the body’s natural pain-killers), manage inflammation by increasing local circulation, and modulate the immune system by increasing natural killer cells. By stimulating the body’s various internal healing mechanisms, acupuncture can help resolve pain, improve sleep, support digestive function, and improve overall health and well-being.
TCM involves acupuncture and herbal therapies to encourage natural healing. Acupuncture treatment involves insertion of very fine, sterile needles into the skin at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. Needles are inserted on points located on a network of pathways connected to the function of internal organ systems, with the goal of restoring and maintaining balance. It is a safe and effective drug-free treatment, often used as an alternative to drugs or surgery. Relief may be obtained where conventional treatments have failed. Most people feel no or minimal discomfort as the fine needles are gently placed, and during and after treatments, patients usually report feeling very relaxed.
Kinesiology
Kinesiologists are human movement specialists who help you feel better, move better and live better. Kinesiologists provide exercise and movement programs tailored to your specific needs and goals, including injury prevention and rehabilitation, personal training services, and work with people with various needs and conditions.
Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation
Kinesiologists provide assessment and treatment services for the rehabilitation of people suffering from physical injuries sustained at work, in automobile collisions, in sports and other life activities. The primary service is active rehabilitation, which consists of the assessment of physical function followed by the implementation and progression of a specifically structured and individually tailored exercise program to enhance and promote the safe and dependable return to an individual’s regular life activities.
Exercise Therapy
Kinesiologists provide exercise and lifestyle-based services to enhance the lives of those suffering from chronic diseases or physical and neurological injuries, including chronic pain.
Athletic Therapy
The Scope of Practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist, CAT(C), includes the assessment, prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. Prevention includes musculoskeletal and postural evaluation, equipment selection, fitting and repair, warm-up, conditioning programs, prophylactic or supportive taping, and adapting to the activity environment and facilities.
The provision of on-field immediate care of athletic injuries by a Certified Athletic Therapist includes: injury assessment, basic emergency life support, recognition and management of acute traumatic neurological dysfunction, provision of first aid, preparation for entrance into appropriate health care delivery systems, or, where appropriate, utilization of techniques facilitating a safe return to participation.
A Certified Athletic Therapist assesses injuries and conditions, utilizes contemporary rehabilitative techniques, therapeutic modalities, soft tissue mobilization, physical reconditioning, and supportive strapping procedures to promote an environment conducive to optimal healing in preparing the individual for safe reintegration into an active lifestyle.
The Athletic Therapist, in co-operation with all performance enhancement personnel, and members of the health care delivery team, is an integral part of a total service to maximize the performance and welfare of the individual. Concomitant with the execution of this role, the Athletic Therapist nurtures an attitude of positive health. .
A Doctor’s referral is NOT required to directly access Athletic Therapy services.
Fascial Stretch Therapist/Pain Care Yoga Therapist
Fascial Stretch Therapy is a gentle, pain-free table-based assisted stretch. FST focuses on the fascia and joint capsule and creating new neural pathways to achieve optimal range of motion, strength and pain relief. Those who participate in FST treatments notice a difference in restoring function, feel like they’re able to move better, and notice an improvement in their fitness, sports, everyday activities and overall well-being.
What is fascia?
Fascia is a network of layered connective tissue surrounding your muscles, nerves, bones, organs, and joints. Fascia provides internal structure, surrounding the joint capsule, optimizes the mechanical function and gives it nutrients.
When fascia and joint capsules are restricted, it can cause:
-Decreased joint space, leading to degenerative joint diseases and osteoarthritis
-Increased muscle tone, leading to trigger points, strains, tendonitis, and tears
-Increased nervous tissue tone, leading to headaches, trigger points, and muscle tightness
-Increased scar tissue formation
-Decreased blood flow and energy levels
-And more!
Who Should Book an FST Appointment?
-Folks of all ages, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes of all levels!
-If you’re dealing with acute or persistent low back, hip, shoulder, or neck pain, those wanting to reduce stress, increase range of motion, and improve circulation and joint health.
-It may help to relieve pain if you have an inflammatory illness.
-We recommend getting cleared by a health care practitioner if you’re unsure about stretching or active movement or are working with injuries or conditions.
What to expect in an FST appointment?
-Your first session will include a conversation about your history, goals questions, an assessment, and a Fascial Stretch Therapy treatment.
-Each session is individualized to your needs.
-Lower body treatments often use two straps. The strap holds one leg in place while the other leg gets moved and stretched to enhance stability and true range of motion.
-Wear stretchy, loose clothes, and bring water
What happens after a Fascial Stretch Therapy appointment?
-The after-experience is like you just had a massage or deep relaxing stretch.
-You may notice that mobility is improved after your first treatment. At least 3 sessions are recommended to see lasting change, with maintenance as a long-term option.
-Your FST Therapist will provide home exercises to continue the work between treatments.
ICBC Claims
For all new and current ICBC claims appointments.
Fascial Movement Workshop
In this workshop you will discover new ways to enhance your mobility, strength and durability in your hips, back, shoulders and overall body. Learn about fascia and how to maximize your fascia health with fascial movements using spring, stretch, sense and hydrate. This workshop will consist of fascia theory (or education) and movement. This offering is suitable for all levels of movement and fascial knowledge.
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Located at: 1881 Dufferin Cres, Nanaimo
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Need Help? P: 250-753-9449 dufferin@islandoptimal.com