Welcome to Island Optimal Health & Performance

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.

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. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you at your next 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.


Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine.


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, po... Read More

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.


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 releas... Read More

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.


Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a gentle and safe manual therapy that is centered around treating the whole person. This means that your osteopathic practitioner will listen attentively to your concerns while taking into account the various factors that can influence pain or discomfort. Your practitioner will ask you questions relating to your medical history and the details of your symptoms. This information wi... Read More

Osteopathy is a gentle and safe manual therapy that is centered around treating the whole person. This means that your osteopathic practitioner will listen attentively to your concerns while taking into account the various factors that can influence pain or discomfort. Your practitioner will ask you questions relating to your medical history and the details of your symptoms. This information will help your practitioner to develop a treatment plan with you that is tailored towards your individual needs and goals. Osteopathic practitioners understand that physical problems can be caused by emotional stress and strain, and work to help you find the source of your problem.

Osteopathy uses gentle manual techniques to help decrease or eliminate pain. These include soft-tissue techniques, which may involve light, sustained touch, or indirect techniques where the symptomatic joint is placed in a position of least discomfort to help with relaxation. Myofascial release, cranial sacral, and visceral manipulation are among the various tools that osteopathic practitioners are trained in. As well, gentle, rhythmic oscillatory joint mobilization and contract-relax type techniques may be used to try to increase the range of motion. Each treatment is tailored towards the individual’s specific needs and generally involves little to no discomfort. In other words, the hands-on treatment should feel good, and quite often has a relaxing effect.

In addition to manual techniques, osteopathy sessions often include an educational component where your osteopathic practitioner will provide you with information to help you to make sense of your pain and will provide you with movement strategies, modifications to daily activities, or exercises to give you control over your pain management.

We provide Osteopathy at our Rutherford Road location.


Registered Clinical Counselling

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help individuals with a variety of mental health issues. It focuses on the notion that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how we act ( behavior) all interact together. Specially, our thoughts determine our feelings and behavior. CBT aims to help individuals gain self awareness of when they make negative interpretations about self, oth... Read More

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help individuals with a variety of mental health issues. It focuses on the notion that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how we act ( behavior) all interact together. Specially, our thoughts determine our feelings and behavior. CBT aims to help individuals gain self awareness of when they make negative interpretations about self, other or the world and of behavior patterns which reinforce the distorted thinking. CBT helps individuals to develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving with the overall goal of reduced psychological distress.

We provide clinical counselling at our Central location.


Dental Hygiene

Independent Dental Hygienists are highly-trained professionals who are licensed in BC to work independently of dentists. Your dental hygienist specializes in clinical care (prevention and treatment of gum disease, prevention of cavities and other oral health issues), oral health education, and health promotion. During a dental hygiene appointment all care will be tailored to your individual n... Read More

Independent Dental Hygienists are highly-trained professionals who are licensed in BC to work independently of dentists. Your dental hygienist specializes in clinical care (prevention and treatment of gum disease, prevention of cavities and other oral health issues), oral health education, and health promotion.
During a dental hygiene appointment all care will be tailored to your individual needs and wants. We make every effort to ensure you are comfortable with your care and we involve you in the decision making process. Collaboration with other health care professionals is very important as not all oral health issues can be addressed during a dental hygiene appointment.
If you have any questions about dental hygiene care, book a consultation and we would be happy to go over everything with you! Hope to see you soon.

Reina was introduced to Massage Therapy while working in the hospitality industry of the backcountry ski industry in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. In 2019, she completed her diploma in Massage Therapy at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria. Later serving the communities of Victoria, Squamish, Nelson, and Creston, BC.

Originally from the Kootenays, Reina recently moved to Nanaimo and loves what the area has to offer outdoor enthusiasts. When she isn’t working, you can find her in the mountains or sea - snowboarding, biking, surfing, going to the gym and practicing yoga. Integrating all aspects of a healthy mindset and lifestyle, indoors and out. ⁠

She believes a well-rounded self-care routine is invaluable for maintaining mental and physical well-being. Seeing massage as a wonderful addition to an established routine or a great way to start one. By being fascinated by the effect that massage has on tissue and the nervous system alike, she aims to facilitate recovery and ease the daily physical demands put upon our bodies.⁠

Reina approaches each client with empathy and compassion while listening to and understanding each individual’s goals. She uses a variety of techniques in her treatments. Such as Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, active release, myofascial release, passive/active stretching, joint mobilizations, and perinatal massage. Aiming to help with stress reduction, chronic and acute pain, athletic performance, and general well-being.⁠

Please note that we are in the process of getting Reina set up for direct billing. Patients may need to pay out of pocket and submit a claim to their benefit company until she is fully set up.

Reina was introduced to Massage Therapy while working in the hospitality industry of the backcoun... Read More

Kathleena East is a Clinical Counsellor who has completed a Master of Arts Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University after over 20 years of teaching in the school system.

She works with clients from a strength-based, client-centred lens and utilises a variety of therapeutic modalities to best support the needs of each individual such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution-focused, mindfulness, and person-centred therapy.

Kathleena’s professional background gave her a solid foundation to work with youth and families and enabled her to embrace a family systems perspective. Throughout the course of her sessions, she aims to empower and guide clients towards achievable goals that promote positive and sustainable change in their lives.

Kathleena East is a Clinical Counsellor who has completed a Master of Arts Counselling Psychology... Read More

Madyson East is a recent graduate from WCCMT in Victoria and a newly Registered Massage Therapist.

She utilizes the biopsychosocial model throughout her practice, which is an approach that supports lifestyle factors (stress, sleep, and physical activity). She believes that having a good understanding of the pain mechanism can help her be more effective as a therapist. Madyson’s goal is to help people live a fulfilled life and to integrate techniques that will benefit each client’s lives.

Her passion and values include health and wellness by living an active lifestyle, building connections with people, as well as an appreciation for exploring the world by becoming globally aware. Madyson’s personal interests including spending quality time with friends and family, yoga, working out, cooking (ie. trying new recipes and different types of food) and living an outdoor active lifestyle (ie. skiing, walking my dog, hiking).

Madyson East is a recent graduate from WCCMT in Victoria and a newly Registered Massage Therapist... Read More

Ambryn is a Dental Hygiene Practitioner who aims to create a trauma-informed environment, provide education and establish a trusting relationship with her patients in order to provide comfortable care.

She graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2016 and has since taken continuing education courses on oral cancer detection to prevent oral cancers. Part of her practice is traveling to and bringing access to care to remote First Nations communities.

When she’s not with her patients, Ambyrn enjoys going to the gym, camping, reading and photography.

Ambryn is a Dental Hygiene Practitioner who aims to create a trauma-informed environment, provide... Read More

Dr.Carmen Luterbach is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 10 years of experience working in a clinical setting since completing her studies at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine.

She has a special interest in thyroid health (hormonal imbalances), auto-immune disorders, and environmental medicine and holds advanced training in prescription, IV therapy, and acupuncture.

Dr. Luterbach’s goal is to empower patients through education and informed choice. Her approach in medicine is to achieve balance physically, mentally, and emotionally. By listening to the patient, she aims to understand the events, stressors and triggers that created the imbalance. Dr. Luterbach’s goal is to treat the causative factors to establish balance again. She enjoys working with motivated and curious patients seeking an active role in their wellness journey.

One of her greatest accomplishments is being a mom to her two daughters, an experience which she brings to her practice. Outside of the clinic, she loves camping, hiking, and traveling.

Dr.Carmen Luterbach is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 10 years of experience working in a clini... Read More

Carleen is currently back from maternity leave but with limited availability.

Carleen completed her B.A. Degree in Sport, Health, and Physical Education at Vancouver Island University in 2017, and achieved her diploma from the 2200 hour Massage Therapy Program at West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2021.

Carleen grew up with a strong passion for sports, specifically soccer. At a young age, Carleen suffered an injury that led her to stop playing. From there, Carleen has developed a love for helping people with their rehabilitation, health and wellness, and she has continued to be integrated with the soccer community. Carleen has coached soccer summer camps, coached U14/15 Ladysmith soccer team, and volunteered as a medical aid during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Carleen has been on the island since 2010 and is proud to call it home. During her spare time she enjoys going on walks with her dog, strength training, camping, cooking, and trying new activities like mountain biking. Carleen also has welcomed into the world her son in November of 2021. Carleen strongly believes that everyone should integrate massage into their self-care routine due to the great benefits. Massage can help to reduce stress, modulate or decrease pain, and improve functionality.

Carleen is currently back from maternity leave but with limited availability. Carleen completed ... Read More

Osteopathic Practitioner, Lactation Counsellor B.Sc. Kin., D.O.M.P., PgCCPain

Anne-Marie graduated from the Canadian College of Osteopathy in Toronto in 2015 which includes 5 years of study in addition to a thesis. Prior to studying osteopathy, Anne-Marie obtained a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2008 from the University of Saskatchewan. She brings over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and in rehabilitative settings, including teaching yoga and various fitness classes, having moved towards more of a therapeutic movement approach over the years.

Anne-Marie has postgraduate training in the management of complex and chronic pain. She completed a graduate certificate in chronic pain management through McGill University in 2021. Anne-Marie has completed various postgraduate courses in women’s health, including pre-and postnatal support, diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse management and support for mothers who have had cesarian births. She loves to work with babies and provides a comprehensive approach to lactation support which includes a blend of latch assessment and a physical assessment of the baby’s head, neck, and body.

Anne-Marie fosters an inclusive and welcoming setting where people of all genders, cultures, racial and ethnic identifications.

Osteopathy offers a gentle and person-centred approach to providing pain relief and improving function based on individual needs and goals. Osteopathy looks at the whole person and works with the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Anne-Marie works with a biopsychosocial approach and includes her patients in the development of their treatment plan, which often includes education about their symptoms or condition while offering various resources and self-care strategies for better, long-lasting pain relief.

Anne-Marie has a wide range of clinical experience, having worked with people of all ages and with various health conditions.

Anne-Marie was brought up in a bilingual household and is happy to offer her services in both English and French and is a member of OsteopathyBC.

Osteopathic Practitioner, Lactation Counsellor B.Sc. Kin., D.O.M.P., PgCCPain Anne-Marie graduat... Read More

Ozge Stephen is a Registered Acupuncturist in good standing with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia.

Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Ozge comes from a family that believes food and laughter to be the best medicines. Upon migrating to Canada in 2007, Ozge studied Sociology and Gender Studies at the University of Victoria, where she found herself curious about healing in relation to other aspects of our human experience. She was introduced to Acupuncture in 2013 following a personal injury, and knew this was the answer to her questions. In 2017, Ozge graduated from Pacific Rim College with a Diploma in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ozge is also a full-spectrum doula and a member of the Nesting Doula Collective, where she works to provide accessible pregnancy care to BIPOC communities on Vancouver Island.

As an Acupuncturist, Ozge draws from all aspects of her education and background to offer a holistic approach to healing. Alongside acupuncture, her treatments include various Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities including: cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, shi liao (dietary therapy), and lifestyle counselling. Ozge treats a variety of conditions, including but not limited to: insomnia, psycho-emotional disharmonies (ie.anxiety, depression), musculoskeletal concerns, menstrual irregularities, chronic pain, and digestive issues. She has additional training in reproductive health, and is honoured to be a part of people’s conception, pregnancy, and postpartum journeys.

We all have an innate ability to heal. Ozge intends to provide a safe place for her clients, where they feel heard and seen, and are reminded that we all deserve to move through life with ease.

Ozge Stephen is a Registered Acupuncturist in good standing with the College of Traditional Chine... Read More

Paul Stephen is a Registered Massage Therapist in good standing with the College of Massage Therapy of British Columbia. He graduated from the 3000 hour Massage Therapy program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria, BC.

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Paul developed a deep respect for community and the natural world, as well as the harmony that can exist between the two. His career as a Massage Therapist stems from a passion for health care, balance and wellness that he believes everyone has the potential to achieve.

Paul relies on detailed case histories, orthopaedic testing and hands-on assessment to develop a treatment plan unique to the needs and goals of each of his patients. He utilizes a combination of Swedish massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Muscle Energy Technique, Positional Release, Myofascial Release and Hot Stone Therapy in order to provide a range of treatment options to every patient. At the end of each treatment, Paul advises his patients on therapeutic stretching and exercise, and works to identify lifestyle factors that may be influencing his patients pain and dysfunction. In addition to his clinical practice, Paul has taught at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy since 2015.

Paul Stephen is a Registered Massage Therapist in good standing with the College of Massage Thera... Read More

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