About
Dr. Dawn Harwijne is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Dr. Dawn Harwijne in Courtenay, BC. Dawn is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). She provides comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on spinal health and overall well-being. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based practices to ensure safe, effective, and individualized care for each patient. Dr. Harwijne’s clinic welcomes patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, offering tailored interventions that address both acute and chronic conditions. For patient convenience, the clinic also offers direct billing to select extended health providers, making access to care more seamless and efficient.
With a strong foundation in clinical knowledge and ongoing professional development, Dr. Dawn Harwijne completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and continually updates her skills through evidence-based practices. Her experience spans a variety of neuromusculoskeletal issues, enabling her to diagnose and manage complex cases effectively. She prides herself on fostering a collaborative environment where patients are empowered with education about their health and strategies to maintain wellness beyond their visits. Dr. Harwijne’s philosophy revolves around empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and proactive strategies for long-term health; helping the Courtenay community achieve better health and vitality through chiropractic care.
Dr. Dawn Harwijne is fluent in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, which allows her to serve a diverse community and communicate effectively with a wide range of patients. Her goal is to help individuals regain function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life through personalized, evidence-informed chiropractic care.
Dr. Dawn Harwijne provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): Helping fibromyalgia patients improve their quality of life by addressing musculoskeletal components of their condition.
- Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Discomfort, muscle strain, and joint stress resulting from poor or sustained body alignment during daily activities like sitting, standing, or working.
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Management of Achilles tendon pain and dysfunction through targeted therapies to promote healing, improve tendon load tolerance, and address contributing factors.
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Chiropractic care to support healing after an ankle sprain, including joint mobilization and proprioceptive exercises.
- Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Chiropractic care focusing on improving hip joint mechanics, strengthening supporting muscles, and alleviating pain from conditions like osteoarthritis or trochanteric bursitis.
- Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Addressing buttock and leg pain that may be related to muscular tightness deep in the gluteal region.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Management strategies for tinnitus when somatic (body-related) factors, particularly from the upper cervical spine or TMJ, are suspected contributors.
- Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness following a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury, typically from a car accident.
- Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Comprehensive assessment to determine if your headaches have a musculoskeletal origin, followed by tailored treatment to alleviate pain and improve function.
- Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand due to nerve root compression in the cervical spine.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Harwijne can assess your needs.
- Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Providing general advice on diet, supplementation (within scope), exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques to support your overall health, healing, and well-being.
- Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Comprehensive care for athletes including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries, with strategies to enhance performance and prevent future injuries.
- Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Biomechanical assessment of your feet and gait, followed by casting or scanning for custom-made foot orthotics to address foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain related to foot mechanics.
- Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Application of elastic therapeutic tape (e.g., Kinesio Tape®) or rigid athletic tape to support joints, reduce pain, manage swelling, facilitate or inhibit muscle function.
- Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive chiropractic care for injuries sustained in car accidents, such as whiplash, neck pain, back pain, and soft tissue damage, focusing on pain relief and functional restoration.
- Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Assessment, management, and rehabilitation protocols for concussion, focusing on musculoskeletal components, cervicogenic dizziness, and a safe return to activity (requires specialized training).
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Harwijne. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.
All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).
At Dr. Dawn Harwijne, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Harwijne frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Patients often share how really bad low back pain affected their ability to passionately teaching your group fitness or yoga classes again. With Dr. Dawn's help and a focus on feeling more comfortable and supported throughout pregnancy, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
- Experience the significant benefit of being able to lift everyday objects without the fear of pain or re-injury if you're dealing with numbness and tingling in my hands, especially at night. Dr. Dawn helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like effectively performing all your physically demanding job duties with renewed vigor through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- Imagine being able to playing a full 18 holes of golf without lower back stiffness or hip pain without that runner's knee grinding feeling holding you back. Dr. Dawn works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as improved core stability, leading to better support for their spine and reduced strain, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
- Getting back to tying your own shoelaces without difficulty after struggling with recovering slowly after a nasty fall is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Dawn's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to waking up feeling more rested and with less morning stiffness and a return to a more active life.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Harwijne, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Dawn Harwijne's practice is situated in the heart of Courtenay, BC, within the vibrant and accessible Comox Valley community. The clinic is conveniently located in Courtenay City, serving residents from nearby neighborhoods such as Comox, Cumberland, and the broader Rural Comox Valley area. It is positioned near Lewis Park, making it easy for local patients to visit. The clinic is accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit), allowing easy public transportation access. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?
- The 'cracking' or 'popping' sound, technically called a cavitation, is thought to be caused by the release of gas (mainly nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) from the synovial fluid within a joint when it is stretched or moved quickly during an adjustment. It's similar to the sound made when you crack your knuckles. The sound itself is not the goal of the adjustment and is not indicative of whether the treatment was effective; the primary aim is to restore proper joint motion and relieve nerve pressure.
- Do chiropractors only treat back pain?
- No, not at all! Although back pain is a common reason people visit a Chiropractor, we are trained to diagnose and treat many different conditions related to your spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. This can include neck pain, headaches, sciatica, sports injuries, arthritis-related pain, and pain in your arms or legs.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?
- Chiropractors in British Columbia are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policy.
- Will I need to get X-rays before starting chiropractic care?
- X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Your Chiropractor will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is needed to rule out serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, or to assess spinal degeneration or instability. Imaging is always used judiciously, following established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure and ensure clinical necessity.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- MSP provides limited coverage for chiropractic services, typically offering a set number of visits per year for eligible individuals, such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It is important to verify your eligibility with MSP and check your private insurance coverage for additional benefits.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?
- We recommend wearing clothing that you can move comfortably in, such as gym attire or loose pants and a top. This helps with the physical examination and any active components of your treatment.
- Is there parking available at or near Dr. Dawn Harwijne?
- Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of our building. Alternatively, metered street parking is readily available on nearby streets, and paid parking options are available in the public parkade located a short walk away. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity.
Dr. Dawn Harwijne
2425A Rosewall Crescent
Courtenay, BC V9N 8R9
Phone: (604) 274-2692
Dr. Dawn Harwijne is regulated by the Health Professions Act in BC and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).
Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC): https://find.bcchiro.com/code/find.php?doctor=10569
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.