Vancouver Osteopathy Centre

About Us

Deirdre Byrne

Deirdre Byrne PortraitDeirdre Byrne graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, with honours, in Physiotherapy, from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. In 1998, Deirdre started her own private physiotherapy practice – Deirdre Byrne Physiotherapist and in 2008, opened the Vancouver Osteopathy Centre with business partner Caryn Seniscal. Deirdre regularly attends courses to keep abreast of current advances in evidence-based practice. Post-graduate studies are as follows:

  • Certificant of the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI) in 1994
  • Registered acupuncturist (R Ac.) by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (CTCMA) in 2000
  • Certificant and instructor of Gunns IMS (CGIMS) in 1998
  • Successfully completed osteopathic studies and exams with the Canadian College of Osteopathy (CCO) in Toronto in 2002, and is currently writing a thesis
Deirdre’s practice is a blend of osteopathy, physiotherapy and needle-based techniques and she has extensive experience treating a wide variety of conditions. Her special interests are as follows:
  • Chronic pain and misalignments
  • TMJ or jaw dysfunction
  • Chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction
  • Athletes, weekend warriors, and clients involved in the performing arts.
View Deirdre's testimonials here.

Caryn Seniscal

Caryn Seniscal received a Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice, DO(MP), in 2004 from the Canadian College of Osteopathy in Toronto. The title of Caryn’s thesis is, “A comparison of selected osteopathic treatment and relaxation exercises for patients with headaches.” An article based on the thesis research, co-authored by Caryn, was published in September, 2006 in the internationally renowned Headache Journal. Caryn is an active member of the Society for the Promotion of Manual Practice Osteopathy in British Columbia.

Caryn became a Registered Massage Therapist in 1988, graduating from the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy in Toronto, Ontario. She practiced as a massage therapist for 16 years. Caryn taught anatomy and treatment techniques at Sutherland-Chan and acted as a Student Clinic Supervisor from 1988-92. In 2004-2005, Caryn was an assistant teacher in courses on craniosacral therapy and myofascial techniques at Sheridan College in Toronto and the Ontario Medical Education Corporation.

Continuing education is a priority for Caryn. She is passionate about personal growth and healing and meditates daily. Areas of special interest would include:
  • Painful structural or myofascial dysfunction
  • TMJ (jaw) dysfunction, neck and head pain
  • Athletic injuries
  • Digestive difficulties

View Caryn's testimonials here.

To learn more about Caryn and Osteopathy, please take a look at this video:

 

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Sarah Stranan

Sarah Stranan is an Australian trained Osteopathic Practitioner who completed her 5-year double bachelor degree in Osteopathic Science at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Sarah is an active member of the Society for the Promotion of Manual Practice Osteopathy (SPMPO website: www.osteopathybc.ca) in British Columbia.

Sarah has a history in international level competitive sport which is how she first became interested in musculoskeletal medicine and osteopathy. She is interested in treating athletes of all levels.

Sarah is also involved in the osteopathic treatment of pregnant women and newborns. She believes Osteopathic treatment is beneficial in the healthy maintenance of the musculoskeletal system as it goes through the changes of pregnancy and in the recovery from labour.

Sarah is interested in treating all ages and a multitude of different conditions. She gives exercise prescriptions that help facilitate the treatment and focus on self-management.

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Scott Lawrence

Scott Lawrence graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in London after completing a 4 year Masters Degree in Osteopathy and has recently moved to Vancouver. Scott is a member of the Society for the Promotion of Manual Practice Osteopathy in British Columbia.

Scott utilises all aspects of the osteopathic approach in his treatment of illness and injury. Scott had personal experiences with injury when he was playing rugby in England and had sought help from an osteopath. He was so impressed with the effectiveness and holistic nature of the osteopathic treatment that he chose it as his career.

In addition to treating general musculoskeletal problems, Scott works to relieve headaches, arthritis and repetitive strain injuries. He has helped expectant mothers with the postural changes and discomfort sometimes associated with pregnancy. He has a particular interest in treating frozen shoulder and shoulder related problems, having completed his dissertation on this subject.

Scott gained a lot of experience working pitch side with several elite football clubs. He enjoys the high pressure involved when treating athletes. He also volunteers his time coaching the U15 rugby team at the Meraloma Club and has in the past coached swimming from beginner level to elite triathlete level.

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Donna Hudon

Donna graduated from The West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Vancouver in 1996 and has spent the past 10 years practicing as a RMT in a busy physiotherapy clinic in Whistler. Working in this dynamic environment, Donna gained a great deal of experience treating individuals of all athletic levels with acute and chronic sports injuries, chronic postural and ergonomic issues.

In 2004, to expand her knowledge and treatment skills, Donna enrolled in The Canadian College of Osteopathy (CCO) in Vancouver. She graduated from the 5 year theoretical and practical portion of the program in May 2009. She is continuing to work towards obtaining her Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice and is currently writing her thesis. Donna integrates her knowledge of massage therapy and years of experience as a therapist in her osteopathic approach to treatment using the methodology taught by the CCO.

Donna has experience in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions and injuries. One of her goals during treatment is to educate her patients so they can participate in their own healing, prevent further injury and improve their overall health and well being.

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Marie-Pierre Traversy 

Marie-Pierre Traversy

Marie-Pierre Traversy graduated in June 2011, with a Diploma in Manual Osteopathy from the Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques of Montreal. Her thesis examined the "Osteopathic Point of View on the Effects of Vaccination on Children."

During a volunteer mission to Mali working to help needy children, Marie-Pierre discovered her passion for pediatrics and decided to study osteopathy. Over the next seven years, she developed a very precise touch and intuitive approach. By the time she completed her training, she had acquired considerable work experience with a variety of clients especially small children and pregnant women.

In 2010, she attended a workshop with Dr Viola Frymman, one of the most important cornerstones in pediatric osteopathy. Having the opportunity to work with her at 89 years of age was for Marie-Pierre a very inspiring experience.

What she finds fascinating about osteopathy is that the principles are simple, basic and true and mobilise the healer within. Osteopathic treatment requires all the senses of the therapist, especially that of touch and Marie-Pierre loves the fact that even the smallest changes can be so transforming and lead to an improved state of health.

Marie-Pierre recently moved from Montreal to Vancouver. She speaks French and English and is a member of the Society for the Promotion of Manual Practice Osteopathy (SPMPO) in British Columbia.

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Anie Rodier

Born in Quebec, Anie Rodier offers osteopathic treatments in French or English. Anie received her Diploma in Osteopathy Manual Practice (DOMP) in 2010 from the Collège d'Études Ostéopathiques of Montreal. Previously, she completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy and worked for 8 years in Mental Health at a hospital in Quebec.

The philosophy and concepts of osteopathy allow Anie to intervene at a deep level to truly help her clients. When dealing with her clients' physical difficulties, Anie subscribes to a holistic approach, combining osteopathy with her occupational therapy experience. She totally believes in the mind-body connection.

She treats conditions that alter the psycho-physiological relationship of an individual - lack of energy, chronic pain, cancer, depression, anxiety and others. The body undergoes changes and traumas throughout its entire evolution, forcing it to continually adapt to new stresses. Life circumstances constantly challenge the state of mental balance, just like the physical body finds ways to adjust itself and return to equilibrium. Thanks to her knowledge and caring, she succeeds in helping patients reach an improved state of health and well being. Her primary concerns are to help people feel better in their body and soul, to help them express their true nature, realise their full potential and fully live their lives.

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Call us: 604.732.0606

Our practitioners:

Testimonials:

"I had been in chronic pain from a head trauma and whiplash. After seeing Caryn, I’m starting to do things again that I haven’t done in years. I feel like I have my life back."

- Patti L.

“If it weren’t for Deirdre and her magic hands I wouldn’t be as mobile as I am….If anyone can help you it’s [her].”

- Joanne C.

Did you know?

Osteopathic practitioners in Canada study for 5 years and then must complete a thesis which usually takes at least another 2 years.

Osteopathic practitioners develop very sensitive palpation skills that enable them to detect the subtleties of disturbed tissue or rhythms in the body.