You will find that we are pretty "hands on" and really get in and work the area. Though it depends upon the problem and while it is impossible to guarantee a result online generally the results are immediate and most people feel better when they leave the office.

I use a range of osteopathic techniques that reflect the holistic nature of my training.

• Targeted massage
• specific joint manipulation ie. clicking or cracking
• stretching
• resisted muscle exercises or PNF
• Cranial Osteopathic assessment and treatment

If you need more or deeper soft tissue work I have a massage therapist on site. I will also be giving you stretches and strengthening exercises to help you become more flexible, stronger and fitter.

Cranial osteopathy or Osteopathy in the cranial field is a powerful and simple approach to balancing your body. It is a very gentle, non invasive treatment that is great for all age groups. It involves the gentle release of the skull bones as well as the spine, extremities and soft tissues. It's aim is to facilitate fluid flow in the body. It utilizes a highly trained sense of touch to alleviate disturbances and limitations to subtle movements within the body.

The Detail

Let me explain simply how it works. The brain produces fresh cerebrospinal fluid regularly into the spinal cord and around the brain - a bit like a leaky tap drips fluid. As the fluid drips into this fixed volume or space (ie. the central nervous system) from the fluid producing centres of the brain it creates a surge effect a bit like the tide in the ocean. This inherent fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) moves into and out of the skull and is often described as like the tide of the ocean. This surge actually moves the base of the cranium and creates a hydraulic pump system where the skull is partly responsible for moving this fluid throughout the body. This ebbing and flowing tide can be felt from whatever part of the body you put your hand. This fluid surge is felt anywhere because every tissue including bone is fluid based (bone is 20% fluid). As a result bone is a pliable, moveable and malleable structure in the living human being which accommodates and responds to motion.

Some people's surge is felt in a stronger way if they have a strong vitality and an uncomplicated musculoskeletal history, devoid of trauma, and other's feels more inhibited making the tissues less able to transmit clear information. A reduction in surge does not mean however that the person's vitality and innate tidal flow isn't there. Everyone has their own life force that can be accessed and teased out to manifest greater health and well being.

When my hand rests gently on any part of the body I can feel the tidal flow. It is very important that my contact is gentle. It needs to be a bit like a bird landing on a twig. As I perceive the amount of tension and fluid flow of the tissues under my hand I make slight adjustments with my hand waiting to observe a shift in the underlying fluid flow which is the aim of treatment. This increased fluid flow has a broad, stimulating and calming effect on the rest of the body helping the mobility and circulation of all structures. My role is simply to facilitate this fluid dynamic - like revving up a hydro-hydraulic system - and let the patient's body do it's own creative physiological work to find a more core stable, midline position instead of being twisted or compressed at the cranial base or sacrum (the bone at the base of the low back).

The cranium is made up of 29 bones each joined by various forms of joints. The most common form of joint is a suture. Sutures can be compared to stitching which allow yielding movement while at the same time binding the cranium tightly. The 29 bones join together to form a total of 102 joints. Early anatomists believed that the sutures ossified or fused after birth but it has now been confirmed that the cranial sutures do not ever ossify but continue to allow a yielding movement. Importantly if the bones ossify in a distorted manner this can affect our development and health. The earlier the treatment begins the better making it especially good for newborns. Adults obviously benefit enormously too.

Because there is small movement in the sutures of the skull when the wave of fluid surges it expands these sutures. Areas that are moving less well can be felt. The brain and spinal cord are further protected by a membranous sac-like covering called meninges. You will have heard of meningitis (which is inflammation of these membranes). The CSF is contained and flows between the layers of these meninges and they are anchored to the skull down at the sacrum at the base of the spine. That is why treating the sacrum and low back can affect the head and visa versa.

Inside the skull are crucial structures such as the brain, cranial nerves and pituitary gland. If any one of the joints or bones in this craniosacral mechanism become restricted in their normal movement it will impede the function of the whole system affecting the hormonal and nervous systems.

The causes of craniosacral lesions are many and varied. Trauma is probably the most common cause. This trauma can be from falls, twists, dental work, surgical procedures, postural abuse or the actual birth process itself. This is why I need to take a detailed history.

During normal labour, the child's skull is molded to accommodate the compression and relaxation of the uterine contractions. In ideal circumstances, this process is essential and beneficial for normal skull, brain and nervous system development. Problems arise if the birth labour is too long, too short, or traumatic.

These issues stay around and impact the adult skull long term if they are not addressed.

If you have simply had manipulation and massage in the past this will seem a very different approach because it is a less active technique. It is however much more specific than massage and manipulation because it is all about tuning into the body's innate rhythms and it relies on the body's innate ability when given the correct conditions to correct itself. It is a very tailored and holistic approach to imbalance.

The main representative body for Osteopaths Australia wide is the Australian Osteopathic Association (A.O.A.) which deals with issues specific to the profession ie. Continuing education, promotion and legislation issues.

Additionally, as of July 2004, people with chronic conditions and complex care needs who are being managed through an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan may be eligible for up to five allied health services per year on referral from their General Practitioner.

Osteopaths fall under the umbrella of eligible allied health professionals in this scheme. I am a registered provider with the health insurance commission (HIC).

There is an out of pocket expense of $20.05 after the $44.95 Medicare benefit has been claimed.

People often see us practically as a blend of all of the disciplines as we typically use a range of techniques that are used by both Chiropractors and Physiotherapists. We are possibly the most complete of all of the modern day manual medicines. The holistic nature of treatment enables us to treat the whole range of joint or soft tissue injuries.

Osteopaths rely mainly on hands on techniques such as massage, stretching and manipulation so typically you won't be just hooked up to a machine and left alone or just given exercises. Because our appointments are generally longer we also attend to the soft tissues before we do manipulation. Also because of the holistic nature of our approach we will often treat other areas than just the sore spot to reduce the likelihood of the problem recurring. In other words we look at the big picture not just the painful area.

If you are here for an Osteopathic treatment I will look at your posture ask you to move certain parts, draw a picture of your postural imbalance and explain the course of action. I will then treat you.

If you want Naturopathy then I will begin to discuss diet and suggest a range of supplements that you can take to address your deficiencies and begin on a path to better health.

For Acupuncture you will get a half an hour treatment.

Generally a course of 4-6 Osteopathic treatments is required for recently developed problems. Factors that can affect the speed of recovery will also need to be addressed and appropriate lifestyle changes instituted.

I will be using traditional Chines method of pulse and tongue diagnosis to assess your imbalances and vitality. I will then select acupuncture points to help your body heal itself.

And by the way … it is almost painless. Just ask any of my clients who have it done.

What problems can be treated by Acupuncture?

The World Health Organisation has said that Acupuncture is suitable for treating the following:

1. Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
   Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, earaches, sinus inflammation or dryness.
2. Respiratory Disorders
   Uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children or adults.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders
   Digestive tract problems, hiccoughs, inflammation of the stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery caused by certain bacteria.
4. Eye Disorders
   Inflammation of the conjunctiva and central retina, nearsightedness (in children) and uncomplicated cataracts.
5. Nervous System and Muscular Disorders
   Headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, inflammation of the nerve endings, bed wetting, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain and osteoarthritis

Generally no but frequently when the needle is stimulated you may feel some cramping, heaviness, tingling or electric sensation either around the needle or travelling up or down the affected meridian or energy pathway.

Discomfort is usually mild to non extistent. If a needle is sharp it is immediately removed as it may indicate a little blood vessel has been pricked. The pain will immediately go when the needle is removed.

There are a number of theories involving reducing muscular spasm and trigger points in muscle and affecting nerve flow but these are inadequate to explain the broad range of health disorders that Acupuncture is useful for.

Traditional Acupuncture is based upon ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi (energy) and Xue (blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like nerves and blood vessels. According to ancient theory acupuncture allows qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is in excess. In this way Acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body.

In Chinese there is a saying "There is no pain if there is free flow: if there is pain there is no free flow".

This will mean a better result for you. The other benefit of seeing me is that I am trained in a broad range of disciplines and you will benefit from my experience in combining them to get you the best outcome in the quickest time.

You may notice a spot of blood or bruise at the site of the needles after the treatment. These should not be harmful but please discuss this with me if you are concerned. People can also feel relaxed and occasionally a bit light headed after treatment. You may also find you sleep more peacefully, feel more energetic, relaxed and your bowels regulate.

Typically 3-4 months of supplements constitute a course of treatment. This is because the body does not respond immediately and needs time for repair and cell turnover. Supplements may include vitamins, minerals and herbs which will not only treat your specific complaint but also address broadly other areas that are contributing to your imbalance. Hence I will be treating the various causes and not just the symptoms. We also aim to keep you well after this initial improvement phase so it is recommended that a maintenance regimen of supplements be taken. This might just be a tailored multivitamin for your needs or some other supplements to maintain detoxification and your energy up.

Naturopathy does not interfere with orthodox prescriptions – drug-supplement interactions are well known now – rather it is vital to enhance the immune system, detoxify any unwanted and stored toxins, address nutritional insufficiencies which are common in the western diet and lifestyle and improve the body's capacity for self healing.

Pressure is applied to various tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and some joint structures.

Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves.

Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.