Osteopaths assist in recovery from pain and improve general wellbeing through gentle ‘hands on’ therapy and advice on posture, activities of daily life, exercise and diet. Osteopaths have completed 5 years of study at University and are government registered.
Osteopathic treatment includes: Massage; Mobilisation and manipulation of joints (where appropriate); Exercise therapy; Advice on workplace setup, diet and other preventative strategies
Paul Driscoll B.App.Sci (Osteo)
Paul has over 15 years experience as an osteopath. He combines a variety of hands-on techniques such as mobilisation, manipulation, soft tissue release and dry needling as well as exercise advice (including real time ultrasound assessment where needed) to help his clients reduce pain and improve their wellbeing.
He believes a client’s thorough understanding of their pain and injury assists in their recovery, prevention and recurrence of injury.
Paul completed his osteopathic qualifications at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 1993. He has always worked within a multidisciplinary approach to aide a speedy recovery for his clients. Paul is a certified CHEK2 and HLC2 practitioner.
Matthew Clarke B.App.Sc. (Osteo) M.Osteo. A.Dip.H.Sc
Matthew has completed Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters in Osteopathy degree from the University of Western Sydney as well as an Associate Diploma in Health Science.
Matthew is a registered member of the NSW Osteopathic Board and a member of the Australian Osteopathic Association and has a particular interest in pelvic, lower back pain and nerve injuries and is dedicated to continuing education.
Matthew’s treatment approaches rests upon the idea of freedom of movement, identifying and removing movement impairments and Osteopathic manipulative medicine. This involves employing modern evidence based approaches as well as gentle therapies based on extensive traditional use.
Matthew’s treatment is tailored to suit each patient and their particular condition and will focus on restoring the body to its normal and optimal level of function and then maintaining this state to prevent further problems.
Melissa Rice B.App.Sci (Osteo Studies), Master Osteo
Melissa completed her osteopathic training at UWS in 2007. Melissa uses a combination of techniques, including soft tissue massage, mobilisation, stretching, manipulation and dry needling.
Melissa did her Masters research paper on the understanding of pain and believes education of patients provides the best outcomes. She educates her patients on the cause and source of their symptoms, prescribes exercises, and discusses ergonomics, to avoid reocurrance, and assist recovery.
What type of problems can Osteopath help with?
Whilst back and neck pain are the most common problems seen, Osteopathy can help with a wide variety of problems including sports injuries, headaches & migraine, arthritis, pain associated with pregnancy or menstruation, jaw pain and sciatica amongst many others.
What can I expect when I visit an Osteopath?
During your first consultation, your Osteopath will ask questions and conduct a full osteopathic and orthopaedic examination. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing, depending on the area of the body requiring treatment. Following osteopathic treatment, the Osteopath may need additional investigation such as x-ray, scans or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed for you. If needed, the Osteopath may refer you on to another health professional.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Many patients are referred to Osteopaths by their Doctor, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as Osteopaths are primary practitioners, you can make an appointment without a referral.
Can I claim for Osteopathy on my Private Health Cover?
Most private health insurance funds give refunds on osteopathic treatment. The amount of refund will depend on the insurance company and the plan you are on. If your health fund is a member of HICAPS we can swipe your card and you can be reimbursed for your refund there and then on the spot.
What is dry needling?
Trigger point dry needling is a relatively new and modern approach to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries both acute and chronic. It is based on western medicine and scientific research, and it utilizes knowledge of anatomy and principles of neurophysiology. Dry needling is not acupuncture, it is therapy based on myofascial release.
How does it work?
Dry needling involves introducing fine, sterile acupuncture needles into trigger points of muscles. A trigger point is tight irritable band or knot within a muscle and can give rise to characteristic referral pain. When the needle is inserted into a trigger point it causes a twitch response and “the muscle lets go”. This normalises blood flow and allows proper muscle function.
How does it feel?
You may feel a slight prick when the needle first touches the skin. As the needle is inserted deeper into the muscle in normal tissue it is painless. When the needle contacts a trigger point you may feel the muscle twitch or feel an ache as the muscle releases.
What can dry needling treat?
Dry needling can be used to treat back and neck pain, headaches, tennis elbow, ITB friction syndrome, shin splints, rotator cuff dysfunction and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Dry needling may only be part of your treatment as a needle won’t untwist a pelvis, it releases a muscle. You can request to have dry needling as part of your treatment and you request that it not to be used.
