HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SEE AN OSTEOPATH?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SEE AN OSTEOPATH? This can vary, depending on your general health, and the physical demands you place on your body. Optimal
Murwillumbah Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which uses hand-on techniques to affect the structures and functioning of the physical body. It is based upon a number of principles relating the to interconnected nature of all regions and systems within the body, and has been practised worldwide for over 120 years. In Australia, osteopaths are registered allied health professionals, whose services are recognised by all major health funds. Osteopaths have a minimum of 4 years university level training and are required to undertake continuing professional development to keep abreast of developments in the healthcare system, and to maintain and develop their clinical skills.
Practitioners
Dr. Rudi Gerhardt
Senior Osteopath
Rudi Gerhardt studied Sports-Physiotherapy in Munich, graduating in 1984, and Osteopathy in Belgium (IAO) graduating in 1999. He moved to Australia over 20 years ago and while waiting for his qualifications to be recognised in Australia gained his B.Sc. Anatomy at UNSW, graduating in 2002. He is a registered Doctor of Osteopathy.
Rudi considers study of the human body and mind a life-long task and tries not to specialise. But if he had to choose it would be Neuroscience. He has a special clinical interest in Dizziness & Balance and has done extensive education in this field including a ‘Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation’ and a ‘Certificate of Vestibular Rehabilitation’.
has spent 18 years self-employed in his own clinics in Sydney and in Murwillumbah (Life Quality & Health). His previous employment included 7 years Hospital employment (Germany), 1 year in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Germany) and 5 years self-employed in his own clinic (Germany). In his capacity as a Sports physiotherapist in Germany he was often called in to support International events like Marathons or Triathlons throughout Europe.
Rudi has been teaching part time for 19 years including 1 year tutoring Anatomy at UNSW, 5 years at UWS lecturing Neuroanatomy, Clinical Reasoning and 6 years at SCU lecturing Neuroscience, Histology, Embryology, and Osteopathy skills. He has also taught Master classes and presented at conferences and CPD seminars for more than 10 years.
Dr. Virginia Howard
Associate Osteopath
Virginia graduated from Southern Cross University with a Bachelor of Clinical Science and Masters of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011.
Virginia has experience treating many conditions however has special interest in headaches, neck pain, women’s health, pelvic pain, pregnancy/post pregnancy, and the gut.
Her treatment approach is tailored to each individual and may include soft tissue, dry needling, myofascial techniques, manipulation when required, balanced ligamentous tension, visceral, and pain education.
Dr. Daniel Hawkins
Associate Osteopath
Osteopath Daniel Hawkins has been working in clinics in Murwillumbah and on the Gold Coast since 2011, after graduating with both Bachelor and Masters degrees from Southern Cross University. He has completed numerous post graduate courses and trainings, including study in neurodynamics, Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, Balanced Ligamentous Tension, workplace ergonomics, and exercise prescription.
Daniel has broad experience using an osteopathic approach to treating back pain, neck pain, headaches, jaw pain, shoulder and arm pain, hip, knee and foot pain. Treatments involve the use of a variety of osteopathic techniques and approaches, adapted to best meet the needs of the individual. Daniel’s aim through treatment, and self-empowering education and advice, is to help you return to pain-free functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Prior to training and working as an osteopath, Daniel worked as a yoga and pilates teacher, having undertaken over 1000 hours of teacher training. Music has also been and continues to be a strong interest – Daniel studied jazz guitar at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University, and has taught guitar and performed in many different contexts over the years.
Dr. Lisa Singh
Graduate Osteopath
Lisa is a proud Murwillumbah native and has always been drawn back to the beautiful tweed valley that raised her, even during her time away. Now, returning with a mission: to give back to the community that has unwaveringly supported her family’s local business.
Her passion is people and providing comprehensive wholesome care to individuals from varied walks of life. Lisa is dedicated to helping her patients regain mobility and vitality to get you back to feeling your best you. Her own journey of overcoming various injuries, back ailments, and major surgeries through osteopathic care inspired her to delve deeply into the field. Armed with a diverse array of osteopathic
techniques, Lisa crafts personalised treatment plans aimed at alleviating pain, enhancing mobility, and fostering overall wellness.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lisa finds joy in socialising with loved ones and supporting local sports events, including league, hockey, touch football, and netball matches.
FAQs
During your first consultation your osteopath take a comprehensive history, asking questions related to your presenting complaint, as well as questions about your medical history, and lifestyle (diet, exercise, work).
Your osteopath will then conduct a physical examination, assessing muscles, joints, and connective tissues. Based on the findings of the history and the physical examination, your osteopath will tell you what is likely to be causing your pain, what sort of treatment is may help you to feel better, and how long this may take.
With your consent the osteopath will then use hands on osteopathic treatment, treating the areas that are contributing to your condition. At the end of the session, your osteopath may give some advice regarding movements or activities to avoid, and may recommend specific exercises that may support the treatment process.
During your follow up consultation your osteopath will ask you how you responded to the last treatment, specifically whether you fell better, the same, or worse. This is important information , which provides more information related to the nature of the problem, and how much further treatment will be needed.
You do not need a referral from your GP to access osteopathic treatment. If you have a chronic or terminal condition you may be eligible for a GP management plan you may be able to receive up to 5 Medicare subsidised treatments per year. Medicare pays $52.95, you pay the remainder of the appointment fee. To see if you are eligible, speak to your doctor.
This depends of the nature of your complaint (e.g. how long you have been in pain, and how severe the pain is), and your general health . Generally allow for 2-3 treatments for a recent strain, and up to 6-10 for a chronic long term complaint.
Initially 1 treatment per week is usually sufficient to create the the needed change to get you feeling and moving better. In cases of acute pain, 2 treatments per week for several weeks may be needed.
This depends on a number of factors, e.g. general health, age, and level of physical activity. Some people benefit from a monthly or 6 weekly treatment to keep them feeling and moving well.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily e.g. shorts, leggings. Depending on the area involved you may be asked to undress to your underwear to allow for easier access to the muscles and joints
Initial appointments are 60 minutes to allow for initial consultation paperwork. Follow appointments are 40-45 minutes.
Patients Resources
MY SENSITIVE NERVOUS SYSTEM PT 2
MY SENSITIVE NERVOUS SYSTEM PT 2. “You’re making me nervous” “My nerves got the better of me…” Strain and Sprain When we strain
MY SENSITIVE NERVOUS SYSTEM PT 1
MY SENSITIVE NERVOUS SYSTEM PT 1. “You’re getting on my nerves!” “Oh you’ve gotta nerve, boyo!” Nerves 101. Nerves are basically of two varieties: sensory,
WHY AM I IN PAIN?
WHY AM I IN PAIN? Pain is a normal protective mechanism that a) warns us against potential damage to the body, and b) if we
SOFT TISSUE INJURIES
SOFT TISSUE INJURIES Soft Tissue injury? Pulled a “hammy” at football? Sprained your ankle? Suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident? These and many
Contact
Location
Suite 3, 7 Nullum Street, Murwillumbah NSW 2484
Opening time
Mon – Fri: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone number
02 6672 7796
Email address
murwillumbahosteopathy@gmail.com