Karina is the founder of Nelson Osteopathy and is passionate about helping people live healthy and joyful lives. Karina graduated with Distinction from the Canadian School of Osteopathy (CSO) in 2023, after completing five years intensive osteopathic studies in both Halifax and Vancouver. Previous to this, she had received a Bachelors Degree in Science specializing in Midwifery at the University of Québec at Trois Rivières in Québec in 2017.

In addition, Karina also has a Joint Honours Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies and International Studies with an Option in Peace and Conflict Studies from University of Waterloo, 2002.

“I recognize the body’s ability to heal itself and my role to help facilitate that process. I feel passionate about helping people optimize their health and improve their quality of life.”

Osteopathy is a holistic & prevention-based model of healthcare. It is premised on the belief in the Inherent Health in each person and the body’s natural desire and tendency to return to a state of homeostasis. Through advanced palpation and listening skills Osteopathic practitioners work with finding, dialoguing with and optimizing the expression of this health. By strengthening your own auto-regulation systems, we are building and strengthening your body’s vitality & resiliency.

Karina has always had a special interest in pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period as well as women’s health. Before midwifery, Karina attended a workshop as a midwifery assistant at the Farm in Tennessee with Ina May Gaskin. Previous to this, she supported many women in childbirth as a DONA certified DOULA, aka birth companion.

Although Karina will always have a passion for working with women in the perinatal period, newborns and all issues of women’s health, Karina’s current practice includes working with varied ages and situations.

Some of her current clients and areas of work include;

  • working in collaboration with orthodontics/dentistry to provide osteopathic support for paediatric and adult patients with malocclusion and temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

  • gastro-intestinal problems, nervous system support, visceral work - kidneys, lungs, heart…….

  • musculoskeletal adjustments, postural rebalancing.

  • athletic injuries including frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, ACL tears, hip and knee replacement rehabilitation

  • concussions, migraines

  • hormonal and endocrine imbalances

  • tongue tie, latching and breastfeeding issues, torticolis (wry neck) in newborns

Karina’s qualifications as a therapist:

  • Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP). Canadian School of Osteopathy, 2023. Graduated with Distinction from Five Year Intensive Program for Health Care Professionals. Halifax & Vancouver schools.

  • Final Year - Major Work. Title - Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in collaboration with orthodontics in a paediatric patient with ADHD, malocclusion, congestion and disturbed sleep: a case report.

  • Undergraduate Bachelor of Science Degree, Specialization in Midwifery. University of Québec in Trois Rivières. 2017.

  • Specific Adjustment Technique: Gerald Lamb & Alain Dubreuil 2024.

  • Assessment and Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: Anne Hartley 2024.

  • Understanding Endometriosis: OsteopathyBC 2024.

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation: Bernard Tonks. Osteopathy BC, 2023.

  • Osteopathic Plagiocephaly Treatment for Infants: The Center for Osteopathy for Children 2023.

  • Power of Presence 1: Rachel Brooks 2023.

  • Endocranial Spasm 1: The Brain, Neuroplasticity and the Effectiveness of Osteopathy: Géneviève Forget & Philippe Druelle 2023.

  • Osteopathy & Paediatrics: Canadian School of Osteopathy, 2022.

  • Auto-regulation 2: Working with the Mechanics: Merill Lalonde, 2022.

  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Canadian School of Osteopathy, 2022.

  • Manual Osteopathy for the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Anne-Marie Fafard, 2022.

  • Interpersonal Mediation Training Workshop: St. Stephen’s Community House, 2003.

  • DONA Internationally Certified DOULA, Birth Assistant, 2002.

  • Transformative Mediation: Skills for Community Mediators, Community Justice Initiatives, 2001.

  • Basic Mediation and Conflict Skills: Community Justice Initiatives, 2001.

  • 9 years of clinical and field experience in preventative healthcare through midwifery and osteopathy.

  • Over 25 years community, clinical and field experience with a wide range of populations including youth and adults in vulnerable or at risk situations, youth directed programming, and pregnancy, newborn and perinatal services.

Karina is an active member of Osteopathy BC, British Columbia’s Professional Association for Osteopathic Practitioners. Osteopathy BC is a member of the Canadian Federation of Osteopaths and the Osteopathic International Alliance. www.osteopathybc.ca