About
Dr. Sarah Forster is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Origin Integrated Health in Comox, BC. Sarah is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). Her approach emphasizes thorough assessment and personalized treatment strategies to address a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on spinal health and overall well-being. Dr. Forster’s practice philosophy centers on empowering patients with knowledge about their health, promoting natural, non-invasive healing methods, and fostering long-term recovery and vitality. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring that each individual receives tailored care suited to their unique needs.With a comprehensive educational background and extensive clinical experience, Dr. Sarah Forster completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited institution. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she stays current with the latest evidence-based practices in chiropractic care. Her clinical expertise encompasses a wide range of techniques and therapies designed to optimize patient outcomes and enhance quality of life. Dr. Forster’s dedication to excellence and compassionate patient care make her a trusted practitioner in the Comox community.Dr. Sarah Forster is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, enabling her to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population. Her practice philosophy emphasizes patient education, proactive health strategies, and fostering a collaborative environment where patients feel supported and informed. Through her comprehensive approach, Dr. Forster strives to help her patients achieve better health, vitality, and a balanced life.
Dr. Sarah Forster provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Addressing biomechanical factors contributing to knee pain, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve your ability to walk, run, or climb stairs.
- 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.
Specific Populations & Injury Types
- Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Supporting healthy growth and addressing common childhood musculoskeletal complaints through safe and modified chiropractic approaches.
- Work-Related Injuries (RSI, Lifting Injuries): Musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck strain, or repetitive strain injuries (RSI) that are developed or aggravated by physical demands, postures, or accidents in the workplace.
Back & Spine Conditions
- Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, often in the legs (lumbar) or arms (cervical).
- Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Care for conditions like costochondritis or rib subluxations, aiming to restore proper rib mechanics and alleviate chest wall or mid-back discomfort.
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Managing the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and spondylosis to help maintain mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
- Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): A common ailment causing pain, muscle tension, or stiffness in the lower back, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain, impacting daily activities.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Forster can assess your needs.
- Diversified Technique: Hands-on spinal and extremity manipulations to improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A specific deep transverse massage technique applied across affected tendons or ligaments to break down adhesions, reduce scar tissue, and promote an optimal healing environment.
- Active Release Techniques (ART®): ART® for targeted relief of soft tissue injuries and repetitive strain conditions.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Direct manual pressure to release 'knots' in muscles that can cause local and referred pain.
- Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Targeted soft tissue work to alleviate muscle tightness, break down adhesions, and restore fascial integrity.
- Graston Technique® / IASTM: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) using specially designed stainless steel tools to detect and treat fascial restrictions, scar tissue, and chronic inflammation (practitioner certification dependent).
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Forster. 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 Origin Integrated Health, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Forster frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Patients often share how worried about my child's posture affected their ability to performing detailed work like model building or jewelry making. With Dr. Sarah's help and a focus on experiencing a smoother and more comfortable postpartum recovery, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
- Overcoming a stiff and sore neck to achieve feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools to maintain their spinal health and resume passionately teaching your group fitness or yoga classes again is a common success story at Dr. Sarah's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- Many individuals visit Dr. Sarah because they are tired of dealing with whiplash from a car accident. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve enjoying a noticeable reduction in neck stiffness and related tension and get back to enjoying important activities like sitting comfortably through an entire movie at the cinema without needing to shift.
- For those whose a herniated disc diagnosis has made gardening for hours on end a challenge, Dr. Sarah offers a path towards improved ability to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and comfort. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Forster, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Forster's practice at Origin Integrated Health is situated in a modern clinic in the central Comox neighborhood of Comox. The location is conveniently accessible, being near local community services and pharmacies. Patients can easily reach the clinic via multiple public transit routes, making it a practical choice for those seeking expert chiropractic care. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- In British Columbia, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services through a limited number of visits, typically up to 10 per year for eligible individuals with lower incomes, such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It is important to verify your specific eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP and check your private insurance plans for additional coverage.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?
- No. 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. It is advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.
- Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?
- Most patients find chiropractic adjustments to be a comfortable procedure. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function. While there might be a brief moment of pressure, it is rarely painful. If muscles are very tight or joints inflamed, some temporary soreness may occur afterwards, but your Chiropractor will discuss this and tailor the treatment to your needs.
- How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?
- Plan for about an hour for your first visit, which includes a thorough assessment. Subsequent treatment sessions are typically shorter, often 15 to 20 minutes. Your Chiropractor will advise on the appropriate duration based on your needs.
- 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 comprehensive history and physical exam to determine if imaging is necessary, especially to rule out serious conditions such as fractures, significant degeneration, or instability. Imaging is used selectively to ensure accurate diagnosis while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.
- What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?
- These terms refer to a joint that isn't moving properly or is misaligned in a way that may affect nerve function and cause discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper joint motion and alignment, alleviating symptoms and promoting optimal function.
- What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?
- Chiropractors in Canada complete a rigorous post-secondary education, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. This typically involves at least three years of undergraduate university study followed by four years of intensive training at an accredited chiropractic college. The curriculum covers basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and biomechanics, as well as clinical sciences including diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis. Extensive hands-on clinical internships are a core part of their training, and graduates must pass national and provincial licensing examinations to practice professionally.
Origin Integrated Health
2-1261 Noel Avenue
Comox, BC V9M3Y5
Phone: (604) 270-2227
Dr. Sarah Forster 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=11082
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.