About
Dr. Sarah Shepherd is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Discovery Chiropractic in Campbell River, 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 understanding each patient's unique health needs and crafting personalized treatment plans to facilitate optimal recovery and wellness. With a compassionate and supportive manner, Dr. Shepherd strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel empowered and informed throughout their healing journey.
Dr. Shepherd has developed a broad scope of expertise, including managing sports injuries and enhancing athletic performance for individuals of all activity levels. She also specializes in addressing headaches and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction through targeted chiropractic approaches. Her experience extends to treating injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, including whiplash and ICBC claims, helping patients regain their function and reduce pain. Additionally, Dr. Shepherd offers care for chronic or persistent pain conditions using a multimodal approach, emphasizing family wellness and caring for patients across different life stages, from infants to seniors. She is particularly attentive to the needs of office workers and those with desk jobs, helping address postural strain and related discomfort.
Educated as a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Shepherd remains committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice is grounded in evidence-based techniques. Her interests include sports injury rehabilitation, headache and TMJ disorder management, motor vehicle accident injury care, and family chiropractic care. She believes in providing individualized care plans that help her patients achieve better health and vitality. Dr. Shepherd offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and a supportive experience for her patients.
Dr. Sarah Shepherd provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Rehabilitation for acute ankle sprains and management of chronic ankle instability to restore strength, balance, and prevent recurrent injuries.
- Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Treatment for deep gluteal pain or piriformis syndrome, involving techniques to release the piriformis muscle and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- IT Band Syndrome: Pain, typically on the outside of the knee or sometimes the hip, common in runners and cyclists, caused by friction and irritation of the iliotibial (IT) band.
Back & Spine Conditions
- Spondylolisthesis (Lower Grades): Supportive care to address symptoms related to vertebral slippage, helping to maintain an active lifestyle.
- Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Conservative management options for symptomatic spinal stenosis, aiming to reduce nerve compression and improve mobility and comfort.
- Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): Helping you overcome lower back pain through targeted adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises to improve spinal mechanics.
- Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Relief for pain located in the mid-back or between the shoulder blades, often linked to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or restricted rib movement.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Addressing the underlying causes of your neck pain, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint function, and prevent future recurrences.
- 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.
- Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Ringing or other noises in the ear that may be related to issues in the neck (cervical spine) or jaw (TMJ), which chiropractic care can sometimes influence.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Shepherd can assess your needs.
- Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: A specialized table-based therapy to decompress the spine and alleviate back or neck pain.
- Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Applying therapeutic heat or cold to manage pain and inflammation as part of your treatment plan.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Electrotherapy for pain relief and muscle relaxation.
- Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for stubborn soft tissue problems that haven't responded to other treatments.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound: Use of high-frequency sound waves to generate deep heat within tissues, increase blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser): Cold laser treatment to aid in the recovery of various musculoskeletal conditions.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Shepherd. 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 Discovery Chiropractic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Shepherd frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Experience the significant benefit of a more positive outlook on their physical capabilities and future health if you're dealing with headaches starting from my neck base. Dr. Sarah helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like comfortably reading a good book for hours without neck or shoulder pain through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- Imagine being able to going on long-distance cycling adventures with your local cycling club without feeling unbalanced and like one side is higher holding you back. Dr. Sarah works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as a noticeable boost in overall energy levels and vitality, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
- Dr. Sarah understands how frustrating whiplash from a car accident can be. By aiming for accomplishing physical goals they once thought were out of reach, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like shoveling snow or raking leaves without dreading the aftermath with renewed confidence.
- Overcoming tendonitis pain in my [shoulder/elbow/knee/achilles] to achieve experiencing significant relief from nagging lower back pain and resume sitting through long meetings without pain is a common success story at Dr. Sarah's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Shepherd, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Shepherd's practice is located at Discovery Chiropractic in the heart of Downtown Campbell River, within the North Campbell River neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near local amenities and is easily accessible via the Campbell River Transit System (BC Transit). Our location makes it simple for patients to access quality chiropractic care without hassle. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?
- In British Columbia, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, which means patients can book an appointment directly with Dr. Shepherd 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 individual insurance policy to understand coverage requirements.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- In BC, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services. Eligible individuals, such as those on Premium Assistance, may receive a set amount per visit for a limited number of chiropractic treatments (currently up to 10 visits per year). Most patients will have a co-payment. It is recommended that patients check their MSP eligibility and coverage details, as well as their private insurance plans, for comprehensive information.
- What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?
- Generally, your care might involve an initial relief phase targeting acute symptoms, followed by a rehabilitative phase aimed at correcting underlying issues and improving function. Many patients then choose wellness or maintenance care to sustain their health improvements through periodic check-ups. Your Chiropractor will collaborate with you to determine the best approach based on your goals.
- Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?
- Chiropractic adjustments are typically not painful. Many patients experience immediate relief or a feeling of improved movement. Some individuals might experience mild, temporary soreness akin to post-exercise aches, especially if the treated area was inflamed or stiff. Dr. Shepherd will communicate throughout the procedure and tailor techniques to ensure your comfort. Any discomfort usually subsides quickly, often within 24 hours.
- Does Discovery Chiropractic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, Discovery Chiropractic offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and Green Shield. Patients should bring their insurance card or details and verify their coverage with their insurer, as plans and benefits can vary. Patients remain responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their insurance plan.
Discovery Chiropractic
1241 Dogwood Street
Campbell River, BC V9W 6C1
Phone: (250) 246-4011
Dr. Sarah Shepherd 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=11080
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.