Osteopathy is one of the oldest forms of “hands-on” musculoskeletal medicine. Diagnosis and treatment is based on the philosophy that the body operates as a total functional unit with all the body’s systems, like your muscles, nerves and joints, working together to maintain normal function and health. By detecting imbalances throughout these systems of the body we ensure we are treating the cause and not just the symptoms. Our osteopaths have completed 5 years of university training, attaining a Bachelor and Masters Degree in osteopathic medicine, to ensure we are expertly equipped to assess, diagnose and treat the many conditions that present in private practice. These include, but are not limited to:

• neck & back pain
• headaches & migraines
• pregnancy related musculoskeletal pain
• sciatica
• sports injuries (such as tennis & golfers elbow, shoulder/rotator cuff damage, knee pain, recurrent ankle sprains)
• muscle, joint & arthritic pain
• repetitive strain injury (RSI)
• work & motor vehicle related injuries
• arm & leg pain
• restricted mobility
• poor posture
• breathing disorders such as asthma
• hand & foot complaints
• jaw (TMJ) pain
• neuralgia
• infant concerns (such as disruption of feeding & sleep patterns)
• “tune-up” for general health and well-being

Treatment is suitable for most members of the community from infants to the elderly. If you suffer from a condition that is not listed or are concerned about the suitability of osteopathy for you, please feel free to contact us via email or telephone to see how we can help you.

Our osteopaths are registered for WorkCover, TAC and Veterans Affairs patients. Please call for further information regarding these services or visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

How will I be treated?

Your initial consultation will begin with a full case history and a thorough physical examination. The osteopath will use highly developed skills of palpation (feeling) to find areas of stress, strain or weakness in the body and after making a diagnosis, treat specific areas relating to your complaint. The techniques employed are safe, gentle and effective.

The techniques your osteopath may use include:

• soft tissue massage techniques on muscles, ligaments and tendons
• stretching
• articulation and mobilisation of joints
• gentle joint manipulation
• exercise prescription
• advice regarding healthy living behaviour
• education about your injury

It is important to understand that the patient has total control over the treatment session. We will carefully explain all treatment techniques to you prior to their use and we will not do or use anything that you are uncomfortable with. There are a wide variety of techniques that your practitioner can utilise to ensure you get the most effective and comfortable treatment possible.

Click here to download a fact sheet on Osteopathy.

Massage is the manipulation of soft tissues with the use of the hands by trained therapists for the purposes of relaxation, pain and tension reduction and to improve general mobility. Myotherapists work to achieve the same outcome through the use of massage, but combine this when appropriate with dry needling (similar to acupuncture), corrective exercises and various forms of stretching.

At head to toe healthcare our massage therapists and myotherapists work very closely to support the treatment by our osteopaths and physiotherapists and can be used as a stand alone alternative for the management of a wide range of complaints, such as:

• Muscular tension
• Headaches and migraines
• Work related stress
• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Arthritis
• Eating disorders and digestive dysfunction
• Pre-natal pregnancy conditions
• Fibromyalgia
• Spondylitis
• Whiplash, and
• Sports and dancing injuries

Massage therapy is available for WorkCover and TAC patients. Please call for further information regarding these services or visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

Click here to download a fact sheet on Massage Therapy.

We provide physiotherapy for incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction such as:

• Urinary incontinence
• Loss of bladder control
• Urgency and frequency
• Bowel symptoms
• Incontinence of faeces / wind
• Obstructed defecation and constipation
• Prolapse of pelvic organs
• Pelvic pain
• Pain in the pelvic, abdominal or vulval region related to childbirth, surgery, endometriosis and sexual pain
• Preparation for and recovery after urogential surgery, and
• Education & Rehabilitation of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.

Plus, we offer treatment for physical conditions during the pre and post natal period such as:

• Pelvic Instability (sacro-iliac and pubic symphysis joints)
• Carpal tunnel and wrist pain
• Individualised pelvic floor exercise programs
• Specific exercise modification for weakened abdominals and general fitness programs
• Childbirth education
• Instruction in use of T.E.N.S. for labour, and
• Post natal recovery of perineal and pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms

Click here to download a fact sheet on Physiotherapy.

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is the term used to describe the field of physiotherapy practice which relates to the disorders of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists are physiotherapists with advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions, particular back and neck pain.

Techniques in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy involve:

• manual handling
• active and passive examination and treatment
• therapeutic and specific exercises
• mobilisation, and
• advice on posture and movement disorders

Our physiotherapists are registered for WorkCover, TAC and Veterans Affairs patients. Please call for further information regarding these services or visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

Click here to download a fact sheet on Physiotherapy.

Pilates as it is practiced today is a complete and thorough program of mental and physical conditioning. Clinical Pilates is an adaptation of the original Pilates method developed by Joseph Pilates. Many of the small therapeutic movements in Pilates can be modified for people recovering from injuries or intensified to enhance the skill base of elite athletes and dancers. Clinical Pilates has a role in preventing the recurrence of injuries such as chronic low back pain, postural related neck pain, headaches and recurrent ankle sprains.

Attracting people of all ages and levels of fitness, the Pilates method of exercise has become extremely popular worldwide. Its benefits include correcting muscular imbalances, realigning the body, and building core strength. Pilates works the deeper muscles to achieve more efficient movement, improve alignment and breathing, and increase body awareness. Your program will deliver simultaneous stretching and strengthening of the body in a non-impact balanced system of body/mind exercise.

Abdominal and low-back strength is essential for everyday life, sports, and recreational activities. Learning to stabilise the core properly in all daily activities will help to prevent injury and make for a stronger overall body. Through regular practice of clinical Pilates one can experience a whole range of benefits including:

• improved muscular flexibility
• improved strength
• increased range of movement
• improved balance
• enhanced muscular control (especially back and limbs)
• relief from low back pain and other joint and muscular related stresses
• relaxation of the shoulders, neck and upper back.

Pilates will help you to improve your posture and the spine will become more stable thus preventing musculoskeletal injuries and accelerate recovery if you do have an injury.

The two basic forms of Pilates include mat based and equipment based exercises.

• Mat-based Pilates - this is a series of exercises performed on the floor using gravity and your own body weight to provide the resistance. The central aim is to condition the deeper, supporting muscles of the body to improve posture, balance and coordination.
• Equipment-based Pilates - includes specific equipment including the 'reformer', which looks like a moveable carriage that you push and pull along the floor. Pilates may also include springs and weights and be delivered using a trapeze table, wunda chair, foam rollers, wobble boards and more! All of this equipment is available in our studio at head to toe healthcare.

Clinical Pilates is available for WorkCover and TAC patients when provided by our osteopaths and/or physiotherapists. Please call for further information regarding these services.

Click here to download a fact sheet on Pilates.

Psychologists are trained to understand the key process by which people develop across their lifespan. This includes how people form relationships, experience emotions, think, learn and solve problems. Psychologists work with people of all ages, with many different kinds of problems. Some of the conditions commonly treated include but are not limited to:

• Stress and coping
• Coping with physical illness
• Panic Disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression and other mood disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Eating disorders
• Relationships difficulties
• Coping and stress management
• Grief and loss issues
• Behavioural problems and/ or social skills difficulties in children
• Parenting issues

head to toe healthcare offers high quality psychological services to individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents across a range of issues. Our psychologist will work with you to help develop a deeper understanding of your difficulties and develop the knowledge and skills to help overcome personal difficulties and achieve meaningful change.

Subsidised psychological services are available under a range of government initiatives including Medicare. Please contact our staff or your general practitioner regarding this.

Click here to download a fact sheet on Psychology.

Yoga practitioners endorse yoga for its many varied benefits. Some of them include:
 

• Improved health, flexibility, stamina, appearance and vitality
• Increased suppleness and mobility of the spine and joints
• Stimulation of the glands and relaxation of the nervous system
• Release from tension, anxiety and emotional blocks
• Positive attitude to life and it’s challenges and changes
• Improvement of the digestive and eliminative powers of the body
• Relief from some chronic conditions
• Balance, harmony and union of the physical, mental and emotional states of our being

These benefits are achieved through groups of ‘Asana’ (physical posture) incorporating ‘Pranayama’ (breathing practice) and ‘Yoga Nidra’ (deep relaxation).  There are many variations of postures suitable for everyone, irrespective of age or levels of fitness.
 
Regular practice of yoga also enhances clarity of mind.   The postures (Asanas) and breathing practices (Pranayana) help the body naturally relax and find its own rhythms. As muscle tension and strain are released, the mind becomes quiet and open to meditation.  At the end of class, participants say they feel energized, refreshed and better able to meet the challenges of everyday life.
 
The practice of yoga embraces a wide variety of disciplines and points of view.  Although all yoga practice has the same essential goals, individual teachers have founded schools that emphasize certain methods over others.  Yoga classes range from relaxing sessions of stretching to rigorous workouts.  
 
The practice of yoga is appropriate for everyone, regardless of age, gender or physical ability.  Specialty classes include yoga for sports, children, teens, pregnancy, seniors and more!