About Us
The Clinic
Our clinic is designed as a multidisciplinary clinic with two physiotherapists, a chiropractor and a massage therapist, it is easy to access any type of treatment you need all in one place. We have large bright modern treatment rooms and a full gym area with a stationary bike and a treadmill.
FAQ’s
How do I know which practitioner to book?
Sometimes this question is difficult to answer without more information. If you are not sure which treatment is right for you, contact us and one of our practitioners can answer your questions and ensure you get the treatment you need.
Do I need a Doctor’s referral?
In most cases, clients can access all of our health care services without a Doctors referral. Some health care plans and some organizations such as Veterans Affairs, or Worksafe BC may require a Doctor’s note before allowing access to our services.
Does Hemlock Health offer direct billing?
Yes we are able to direct bill to many of the major health care plans including Blue Cross, Green Shield and Sunlife. We are also able to direct bill to MSP, Worksafe, ICBC, Veterans Affairs, and Department of National Defence. Click here for more information!
How do I access health care services after an accident through ICBC?
You do not have to wait for a support and recovery specialist to contact you before getting treatment under Enhanced Accident Benefits. For the first 12 weeks after your crash, you can go for treatment with the healthcare practitioners listed in the table below for the listed number of treatments without the need for a doctor’s referral. Just make sure you have your ICBC claim number when getting treatment.
Am I covered by MSP?
Individuals receiving premium assistance may be covered by MSP for Physiotherapy treatments. Please be aware that the total cost of an MSP treatment at Hemlock Health is $68. MSP will cover $23 and you will be responsible to pay for the remaining $45.
What should I wear for my appointment?
Wear something comfortable that gives you the freedom to move. Keep in mind that the therapist will want to look at the area of your body that you are getting treatment for. Shorts, tank-tops and t-shirts make it easier to do the assessment.
What should I expect for my first appointment?
Depending on the practitioner you see, your first appointment can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. During that time you will be assessed and given an initial treatment. Depending on the results of the assessment, you may be given stretches, exercises or education on what you can do at home to help yourself recover.
I was injured at work, do you treat Worksafe BC clients?
Yes, Hemlock Health is able to provide Physiotherapy treatment to injured workers. To ensure that your visits are covered by WorksafeBC, please ensure that you have a Doctor’s referral and a claim number before booking your visit for Physiotherapy. Once you have obtained a claim number, you are eligible for an assessment regardless of whether WorksafeBC accepts the claim. Please contact the clinic if your injury was more than three months previous so we can check your claim coverage before booking an appointment. Unfortunately we are not accepting massage therapy or Chiropractic clients with WorksafeBC claims at this time.
The Team
Ben Chatterson | Physiotherapist
With over 20 years of experience as a Physiotherapist, Ben founded Hemlock Health in November 2021. Ben enjoys working with a variety of different clients including people injured at work, to people who have been in car accidents, or athletes who have injured themselves playing their chosen sport. He believes in using assessment techniques to get to the heart of the problem, then using treatments to change the problem, not just the symptoms.
Specialities:
Manual Therapy, Aquatic Physiotherapy, Dry Needling, Orthotics
Sara Anderson | Massage Therapist
Graduating from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2018, Sara likes to fix muscle related problems and enjoys learning about human anatomy and physiology. She has worked with many conditions as well as people with diverse disabilities, older adults and people in palliative care.
Specialities:
Swedish Massage, Petrissage, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Joint Mobilizations, Trigger Point Release Techniques
Dr. Cory Niedjalski | Chiropractor
Dr. Cory utilizes a patient-centered, evidence-based approach to help patients from all walks of life reach their own personal health and activity goals. He utilizes education, advice, manual therapy (including soft tissue therapy and chiropractic adjustments), and exercise prescription in conjunction with a collaborative approach to care to help his patients move better and move more. While Dr. Cory is passionate about helping all patients, he has specific expertise in concussion management, athletic injury care, and golf performance and injury management.
Specialities:
Athletic Injuries, Active Release Technique (ART), Golf Performance & Injury Management (TPI), Concussion Management, Shockwave Therapy
Simo Simic | Physiotherapist
Simo graduated from UBC with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy from the University College Dublin. Involved with sports most of his life, Simo’s active lifestyle has inspired him to pursue a career in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and pain management.
Specialities:
Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, Pain Management, Weightlifting, Vestibular Therapy
Toshi Hasegawa | Registered Massage Therapist
Toshi graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1999. After successfully obtaining a license in March 2000, he has
been practicing massage therapy in the lower mainland until he and his wife moved to the Comox Valley in the Spring of 2023. A native of Japan, Toshi immigrated to Canada in 1991. He loves North
American nature and enjoys camping and travelling with his wife to different parts of this continent.
His main approach for treatment is to help patients achieve well-balanced soft tissue function by utilizing his manual techniques. During each session he observes orthopaedic alignment integrity through
comprehensive assessment, to better understand the condition of the patient. He guides his patients to an understanding of the detailed situation of their soft tissue by utilizing manual assessment techniques he has developed himself through many years of experience. It is his belief that self-awareness of the physical condition is an essential part of the
process for effective recovery. Toshi truly enjoys his work, as his passion is to see his patients
improve from his treatments. For that purpose, he continues the pursuit of learning and developing newer techniques and approaches to advance himself as a therapist.
Specialities:
Swedish Massage, Petrissage, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Trigger Point Release Techniques
Dean Silvester
Dean was inspired to study Massage Therapy after successful rehabilitation following a serious ATV accident; it was an integral part of his recovery. He became a Registered Massage Therapist after completing his studies at West Coast College of Massage Therapy and operated his own private practice here in the Comox Valley from 2002 until joining the team of practitioners at Hemlock Health early in 2023. Dean has a thorough knowledge of anatomy and an intuitive skill to assess and areas of dysfunction. He uses Therapeutic Massage to address each client’s specific needs and help each person return to routine daily activities with an improved sense of wellbeing.
Dean spent his early years in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and several years tree planting and travelling abroad before calling BC his home. In his free time Dean enjoys sailing, hiking, and gardening. You may find him exploring local nurseries on the weekends, he is still a tree planter at heart.
Alina Baker
Alina is registered acupuncturist with a special interest in treating pain and injuries. She combines the wisdom of Chinese meridian theory with modern perspectives on human biomechanics, and the myofascial system. Her treatments incorporate traditional needling techniques, with or without electrical stimulation, as well as soft tissue techniques such as Gua Sha and Cupping to create an holistic and effective approach to healing.
Specialities:
Acupuncture, Cupping, Gua Sha