An Update from Spectra Health
Spectra Health has been serving Denman and Hornby Island for 4 years now! Though I have met many of you in person, many may not know much about how Spectra Health came to be. This is, of course, the abridged version.
Spectra Health began as Denman Island Physiotherapy over 10 years ago. I had graduated with a Master’s in Physical Therapy from UBC and before that, completed a Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific Rim College. At the time, I was doing home physiotherapy by referral from the physicians (practicing at the Denman Island medical clinic), for clients unable to travel off-island for therapy. However, my full-time employment was in Parksville, in a bustling clinic. Gradually, Denman Island Physiotherapy grew to a full day of practice in a shared space at the medical clinic, while still commuting for work the rest of the week.
In 2021, it was finally time to give my full attention to the Islands. I wanted the same level of reliable and quality care that local residents had to travel hours to receive. Travel that often defeated the purpose of the trip in the first place, especially when travel would exacerbate a person’s pain. It would also allow me to build from scratch an integrated and interdisciplinary practice, something I had dreamed of since 2003, when I began studying in the medical field.
I chose the name Spectra because it is the plural of Spectrum. To me, it denotes the multitude of tones by which we can approach health and wellness as a practitioner, as well as tuning to the wide array of ways a client’s nervous system, physical/emotional/spiritual being-ness may present at any given time. I was thrilled to be able to collaborate with the Denman Medical Board to lease a designated physical therapy space at the medical clinic. And on Hornby Island, the Hornby Denman Health Care Society had worked tirelessly to have an allocated wellness space that I was able to rent as well. This allowed me to purchase the necessary equipment and fill both rooms with all the medical and top-of-the-line rehabilitation devices one would expect when travelling to town for care. Small but mighty spaces.
Quality and reliability of care have been the cornerstone on which I have built Spectra Health, and what I keep coming back to as the practice grows. My goal also included bringing on board other practitioners to work together cohesively, to provide more seamless care, but also making it easier for you, as a client, to seek out care from one common source with peace of mind. As a care provider, I find myself incredibly fortunate to be able to work so closely with not only other therapists on my team but also across the islands and with the physicians as well. This is an alliance I treasure, and it is not as common as you may think in the medical system at large.
Spectra Health has continued to evolve since its inception as I brought on more practitioners. Rebecca offers Osteopathy once per month. She travels from her successful practice in Cumberland to offer her services from the Denman Island location. Hornby patients are welcome to book of course (at least it’s one less ferry, and we do hope to offer these services on Hornby Island as the demand grows). Rebecca has a background as a professional dancer and over 20 years of experience in movement education, including Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods. After completing her 5-year training with the Canadian School of Osteopathy in Vancouver, Rebecca has focused her practice not only on chronic pain, vascular and immune conditions, but also has gained extensive training in perinatal and paediatric health. The profound yet gentle approach Rebecca has is perfectly suited to help young babies and children feel at ease during their assessment and treatment.
In 2024, Christopher Mainella, an excellent Physiotherapist who had practiced on Denman and Hornby a few years ago, moved back to Denman Island, and I asked him to join Spectra Health. This would allow more diversity of care, fitting with the “spectrum” theme of Spectra Health. Christopher’s broad skill set also now includes IMS (inter-muscular stimulation) and dry needling. IMS involves inserting needles into specific muscle points, better known as trigger points, to elicit a local twitch response that helps decrease pain, improve muscle function, and promote healing. Christopher studied Physiotherapy at McGill University and graduated in 2007. He has since furthered his studies in myofascial release, acupressure, joint mobilisations, fall prevention, cranio-sacral therapy, and much more.
Having a team of therapists means that Spectra’s doors are open 4 days per week on Denman Island and 2 days per week on Hornby.
With Spectra Health taking flight, I was able to qualify the practice for the voucher program through Vancouver Island Health Authority in 2025. This has allowed patients undergoing knee and hip total joint replacement to receive their allocated post-op rehabilitation with either me or Christopher, while having the cost covered by VIHA. Spectra was one of the first 3 clinics enrolled as the program finally arrived in the Comox Valley.
2026 is just around the corner, and there are still many goals and projects in the works. The official kettlebell classes haven’t yet begun, though I am doing one-on-one kettlebell training with a physio twist at the clinic. Stay tuned to the Spectra Health blog page on the website for educational, health-related postings.
It is such an honour and pleasure to be of service to these two beautiful communities. If you’d like to learn more about me, Rebecca, or Christopher, feel free to visit the “About Us” section of the website: www.spectrahealth.net or email me directly: carmen@spectrahealth.net
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have or take on any suggestions you may have for your rehabilitation/wellness care. Sincerely, Carmen B-Gautrais, Registered Physiotherapist, Registered TCM Practitioner (Acupuncturist, Herbalist), Owner/Founder of Spectra Health
Current schedule
Christopher Mainella: Denman Tuesdays; Hornby Thursdays
Rebecca Halls: Denman 1 Friday per month
Carmen B-Gautrais: Denman Monday, Thursday, Friday; Hornby Tuesdays
