Where did you study, and what did you do your Masters degree on?
I completed my Osteopathic training at Leeds Beckett University in the UK. My studies involved an integrated Masters degree where I carried out my own research as part of my final thesis. I chose to study one of the most common presenting complaints we often see in clinic – chronic lower back pain. I was particularly interested in how Osteopathic techniques could be most effective at helping to decrease pain and improve function.
What inspired you get into Osteopathy?
My love of sport and exercise from a young age sparked my interest on the function of the human body, the way it moved and an appreciation of its ability to self heal from injury or trauma. I became curious in how manual therapy could be of benefit and carried out research and work experience which further developed my interest. At the age of 18 I still didn’t quite understand what an Osteopath did, or how exactly it differed from other alternative therapies. My father was a very talented artist in his earlier adult life and I too really enjoyed the artistic and creative subjects at school, so to be able to combine art and science in a way that would help people to improve their health was something I was naturally drawn to.
What style of treatment do you use?
I integrate mostly a structural approach into my practice, this often involves a combination of techniques including soft tissue massage and muscle energy techniques, joint articulation, harmonics, BLT and spinal manipulation. I also find dry needling or kinesiology taping useful tools to integrate into my treatments. My aim is to treat the patient, not the diagnosis they are presenting with, this means that each treatment is tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
What type of injuries do you like to treat?
I really enjoy treating lower back complaints which can often present as pain or stiffness around the lower back, hips and pelvis. I enjoy assessing chronic musculoskeletal complaints and carrying out postural and movement assessments to help get to the bottom of the issue so that in addition to hand on treatment, I can support patients to play an active role in their recovery so that they can gain long lasting results.
What type of exercise do you enjoy?
I enjoy mixing up my exercise to include outdoor activities such as running, swimming, out door bootcamps and walks. I try to balance out my aerobic and resistance training so that I am working all of the energy systems and I like to incorporate lots of functional movements to develop my balance and co-ordination and ability to deal with the demands that life throws at us! I often find a regular stretching routine which can include the use of foam rollers and trigger balls useful in my recovery. I also enjoy activities that enable me to play and have fun, such as dancing, skiing, long boarding or free flowing yoga.
Do you have any hobbies?
I am a big foodie, I live for food and I love to cook and bake healthy recipes. I find that I feel my best when I eat nourishing foods so I like to buy fresh organic foods from the local farmers markets, get creative and test out new recipes and healthy alternatives to my favourite sweet treats. I love to learn and self-develop, you’ll often find me reading on the beach or listening to podcasts on all things health and wellness related.
Why did you choose the Sunshine Coast?
One reason for moving to Australia was to see more sunshine. I knew I’d be spoilt with lots of blue skies on the Sunshine Coast, and boy I haven’t been disappointed! The Sunshine coast has been a fantastic place to live. I have particularly enjoyed the sandy beaches here and the beautiful walks that the hinterland has to offer.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
It is an honour for me as a healthcare provider to have the opportunity to educate, inspire and really help people to make a difference in their life. I really enjoy the personal aspects to my role in clinic – meeting with patients from all walks of life and helping them to better understand their presenting symptoms. I love that every half hour to an hour I get to connect with somebody new and really take the time to sit down with them and talk through their concerns and most importantly how that is impacting their life and what is important for them moving forwards. Our consults are never a quick fast interaction where we get the patient quickly in and out the door. We have the luxury of that extra time with people to really listen and get to know that person over time. It’s fantastic to get to treat a person, their children, husband or siblings, getting to know the whole family and being able to make a difference in their life.
