Meet the Body Detectives of White Rock – Suzanne and Lise’s Healing Journey
If you’ve ever driven through White Rock and thought, "What exactly is an osteopath?" you’re not alone. It’s not the kind of therapy that gets a lot of buzz, but after sitting down with Suzanne Sturgess and Lise Steimer from White Rock Osteopathy, I can confidently say it should be.
Suzanne and Lise are the dynamic duo behind the only multi-practitioner osteopathy clinic in White Rock. It’s more than just a place to get your back cracked or a quick massage. These two are basically body detectives – digging into your past injuries, surgeries, and even how you walk to figure out what’s really going on with that stubborn neck pain or chronic headaches.
"We’re like detectives of the human body," Suzanne said. "You might come in complaining of foot pain, but we’re going to check how your head sits on your shoulders and everything in between. It’s all connected."
Lise, who’s originally from Switzerland, brings a fresh set of eyes to the practice. After using osteopathy herself to manage her injuries as a dancer, she decided to take the plunge and move to Canada, bringing her expertise to White Rock just under a year ago. "We’re still new here," Lise said, laughing. "But it already feels like home."
From Dancers to Detectives
Both women have backgrounds that led them to this work in unconventional ways. Suzanne started as a massage therapist before deciding to level up and pursue osteopathy. "I wanted to do more than just treat muscles. I wanted to get to the root of the problem," she said.
Lise, on the other hand, was a dancer who used osteopathy to keep herself moving through the inevitable bumps and bruises. Now, she uses that same body-awareness to help others. "I love when people come in with a mystery – like, why do I keep getting headaches? We get to play detective and figure it out," she said.
A Different Approach to Healing
At White Rock Osteopathy, it’s not just about treating the immediate pain. It’s about connecting the dots. Suzanne and Lise take a holistic approach, asking about everything from how you sleep to what you eat, and even how you were born. "Sometimes a knee problem is actually rooted in the hips or even the digestive system," Suzanne explained. "It’s all connected."
And it’s not just about fixing what’s broken. They’re all about prevention too. "You can come to us when something’s wrong, but you can also come in to keep things running smoothly. Think of it like a tune-up for your body," Lise said.
Why White Rock?
Suzanne was born and raised in White Rock, and after stints in Whistler, downtown Vancouver, and even Australia, she’s back and ready to give back. "I can’t walk down the street without seeing someone I know," she said. "It’s a close-knit community, and I love being a part of it."
Lise is newer to the area, but she’s quickly fallen in love with the ocean views and the friendly faces. "When you move to a new place, everything is exciting," she said. "I tell my clients to soak in the beauty here – go for a walk by the beach, breathe in that ocean air. It’s part of the healing."
How to Book an Appointment
🌿 If you’re ready to experience a different kind of body care, reach out to White Rock Osteopathy at (604) 364-7926 or visit their website at whiterockosteopathy.com.
🌟 And if you know another local business owner with a story to tell, encourage them to apply to be featured on The Best of White Rock. It’s all about celebrating the people who make our community so special. Apply here: https://www.bestofwhiterock.ca/get-featured
