GET WELL WITH
ROB STALBOW
INTEGRATED OSTEOPATHY
Keeping You Moving
If you prefer to speak to the osteopath directly about your individual needs, please call 0450 624 792.
HOW WE MAY HELP
A well-established system of healthcare, osteopathy aims to optimise the structure and function of the body. By treating muscles, joints and even organs, the tissues of the body may become more aligned and find relief from the strain of imbalance.
To help your body to function better, osteopathy also seeks to address weaknesses in the mechanics of movement, digestion and breathing so that the body can coordinate all of its working parts into a more seamless whole.
Issues people typically present with:
JOINTS
Neck and back pain, sciatic pain, stiff joints.
MUSCLES:
Acute sprains, chronic injuries.
POSTURE:
Slumping, curvatures of the spine, dropped foot arches.
DIGESTION:
Bloating, constipation, irritable bowel.
BREATHING:
Shallow respiration, rib pain.
STRESS:
Tension in shoulders, abdomen, jaw and headaches.
PREGNANCY:
Hands and feet swelling, tingling in wrists/hands.
ABOUT ME
Dr Rob Stalbow (Osteopath) BSc (Hons) Ost. Med. DO
Rob qualified with Honours from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, and has been in practice since 1999. He also completed a Bachelor degree in Applied Psychology, and is a certified Alexander Technique teacher.
The first goal of treatment is to reduce the pain in any sensitive tissues, before formulating a rehabilitation plan to build a stable and mobile body.
Gentle manual techniques aim to restore the organisation of your structure from resting postures through to dynamic sporting movements. We target asymmetries, lost ranges of motion and the weak links in the system that prevent effortless coordination. We then encourage building "space" in the body through clearer digestion, breathing and mindful pathways.
With a better understanding of why you are in pain, and a roadmap for controlling and improving function, we are best placed to prevent recurrences.
BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine DO
BA (Hons) Applied Psychology
Alexander Technique teacher
Chi Nei Tsang practitioner
(Applied chi kung for the organs)
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Registrations:
Osteopathy Board of Australia
AHPRA
Australian Osteopathic Association
Alexander Technique Education (ATE)
OSTEOPATHIC STRATEGIES
Dry Needling
This is the application of sterile fine acupuncture needles to deactivate trigger points in muscles, and promote the release anti-inflammatory substances. Typically the needles are in for between 10 seconds and a couple of minutes. Not everyone needs or wants needling so we discuss this prior to treatment.
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Alignment
Manual biomechanical techniques that follow the principles of normal (coupled) spinal motion and stability.​
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Movement
We encourage the use of active movements that are efficient, coordinated and controlled. Exercises can be regressed or progressed to ensure that wherever you are at now, there is a starting point from which you can move forward and improve.
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Organ Function
​Gentle treatment to address impaired organ systems. This uses the osteopathic principle that how well an organ works is inextricably linked
to how well that organ and its supporting structures can move in its environment. ​
Nutrition
Food choices that aim to improve resilience and metabolism. Whilst we do not claim to be qualified in the nutritional field, we factor in the role that digestion plays in relation to the movement production. Small changes may impact function greatly.
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Breathing
We aim to open and deepen the breath, so that the rib cage can properly expand in all directions. We often see a lack of expansion in certain directions that impacts the support and range of the arms.
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Inner Focus
Strategies to improve energy levels using mindfulness, practices that aim to enhance sleep, and synchronising with natural circadian rhythms.
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Prevention
Proactive steps to maintain posture and suppleness with mobility. If you can use and display strength in your your newly found range of motion, you are far more likely to keep it.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE CONSULTATION
The initial consultation serves to pull together all the strands that contribute to your symptoms. We will go through the history of your complaint, and build the relevant information from your medical history, work conditions, exercise habits and nutrition. This part will last 15 minutes, and leaves the rest of the time for treatment, where appropriate.
WHAT IS TREATMENT LIKE?
Manual techniques are performed with respect for you and the state of your tissues, and are carried out in a careful, gentle and measured manner. They include:
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DRY NEEDLING
To down-regulate the signal of overactive muscles, so they can lengthen again.
MASSAGE, STRETCH AND RELEASE
To target short, stiff muscles and connective tissue, often done with patient-initiated active movements with the aim of developing new neural pathways.
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JOINT ARTICULATION AND MANIPULATION
To improve range and quality of movement, by decompressing the joint.
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GENTLE ABDOMINAL TECHNIQUES
To the internal organs and their fascia to try to improve their position, and the fluid transfer of forces through the whole kinetic system. These techniques address deep tension and are comfortable to receive. They are particularly appropriate for shallow breathing and all digestive complaints.
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EXERCISES PRESCRIPTION
To encourage the body to keep and strengthen the range of motion we aim to achieve during treatment. We are also seeking to support the head, neck and back in a better balance to one another to promote better stability and integration of movement. In health, the spine leads the girdles, and the girdles leads the limbs.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL BE NEEDED?
This will depend on your presentation. Most people report relief from pain after the first session, with a significant improvement in 3-5
sessions, but choose to continue their progress towards stability and ease in their structure over time. Longer term goals will involve:
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Greater awareness of the underlying causes of your complaint.
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Strategies to prevent recurrences.
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Tools to continue improving your own posture, balance and physiology.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
It is best to wear shorts and a singlet/gym top. At times, in order to allow the osteopath to observe and work on different areas, it may be necessary to undress to underwear. Towels or a gown will then be used to ensure your comfort and modesty are maintained.
Contact me to find out more about my services.
FAQS
CAN I MAKE A CLAIM WITH MY HEALTH PROVIDER?
Yes. Rob Stalbow is covered by most private health funds. Check your level of cover for details. We offer HICAPS so you need only pay the gap after treatment. We accept AMEX.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL?
It is not a requirement to have a GP referral in order to consult with your osteopath. Osteopaths are primary healthcare providers. The consultation may at times necessitate being referred back to your GP if further investigation is deemed necessary.
