ABOUT YOUR COMOX VALLEY CHIROPRACTOR

Dr. Houlgrave was born and raised in the Comox Valley. He represents the fourth generation of his family to have lived here. During his school years, he attended Village Park Elementary, Robb Road Junior Secondary and Highland Senior Secondary Schools. While attending school he participated in many different extra-curricular activities including volleyball, basketball, baseball, skiing, and band.

In 1990, Dr. Houlgrave graduated from Highland Senior Secondary School in Comox BC and enrolled in the Science Department at the University of Victoria. During his studies, he volunteered in a Physiotherapist Mentor Program at both the Royal Jubilee and Gorge Road Hospitals. He graduated from UVic in 1995, with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biology.

His interest in chiropractic came in 1996, when he observed his mother being treated by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. He was thrilled by chiropractic’s drug free approach to patient wellness. He devoted himself to learn more about chiropractic and in 1997, he applied and was accepted to Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon.

While at WSCC, Dr. Houlgrave immersed himself in his studies. He received an award for “Outstanding Clinical Excellence in the Student Health Center.” In 2000, he passed several licensing exams which enabled him to practice in Canada and both the states of Oregon and Washington. In December of that same year, he graduated third in his class, with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude, from Western States Chiropractic College.

In 2001, Dr. Houlgrave chose to return to his roots in the Comox Valley to start his career in chiropractic health care. He decided to return to the Comox Valley for many reasons. Firstly, to be with his family and friends. Secondly, to enjoy the camaraderie of a small community. Thirdly, to enjoy the beauty of an ocean-side town. And finally, to enjoy the many recreational opportunities the Comox Valley has to offer.

Dr. Houlgrave has many passions, some of which are: weight training, softball, yoga, golf, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, gardening, woodworking, and last but not least, chiropractic.

Dr. Houlgrave has always appreciated the freedom of running his own health care office. He and his staff work hard to make their patients feel appreciated and like they are one of the family. His goal as a chiropractor is to provide a comfortable atmosphere where patients of all ages can receive chiropractic health care to help them carry on pain-free, active and healthy lifestyles.

Dr. Houlgrave, his wife Erin, their cat Meisha, and their families, celebrated the birth of their first child, Rowan Benjamin Houlgrave, on April 7, 2011. Rick and Erin are enjoying all of the rewards and challenges that come with parenthood.