ABOUT
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. Out of clinic, Rob is an avid rock climber, mobility enthusiast and has a keen interest in longevity research.
Registered Osteopath AUS (AOA 1281547)
RSA Insurance PA04281774
Alexander Technique Education (ATE)
SYMPTOMS WE COMMONLY TREAT
Whether you spend too many hours at your desk, tweaked a muscle in the gym, or need to get back in shape, we regularly see people with these conditions.
Neck and back pain
These are our most common complaints. They can occur with headaches, extend to either side of the spine, and refer pain or pins and needles into the arms or legs.
Arm and leg pain
These can come from a repetitive strain like tennis elbow, wear and tear in the joints or from an acute injury.
Digestion, breathing, stress
We also treat the muscles, joints and organs that are affected when digestion, posture and stress levels are not well controlled.
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy is a system of manual therapy that aims to optimise the way your muscles, joints and connective tissues work with your nervous system to integrate movement.
Goals of treatment
REDUCE THE PAIN in any sensitive tissues first. This is our priority, as it builds the confidence towards establishing better mobility and stability.
REGAIN SPECIFIC SHAPES - Many people find kneeling, squatting and sitting cross-legged very difficult positions to get into, as it highlights inflexibility in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips. We work towards owning these ranges of motion and then using this range in more dynamic sporting movements depending on your goals.
STRENGTHEN WEAK LINKS - When we can hold ourselves together better head to toe, we move more fluidly and with control. The core plays a vital role here. As we also recognise the destabilising effect that sub-optimal digestion, stress and shallow breathing can have, we promote actionable steps to clear these pathways.
SOMATIC AWARENESS - When you understand why you are in pain, and have a roadmap for controlling and improving function, you will be less likely to fall back into the same pattern. We can also provide you with videos so you can see clearly how to improve your movement.
STRATEGIES WE USE TO MOVE FORWARD
Rhythmical joint motion:
Articulating the spine, girdles and limbs to move in and out of their natural ranges of motion to encourage better range and elasticity in your structure.
Dry needling:
This is the application of sterile fine acupuncture needles to deactivate trigger points in muscles, and promote the release of 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.
Mobility exercises:
We demonstrate how to use ranges of motion that are usually neglected. Mobility in and out of these shapes and postures gives you back strength and control when performed over time. 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.
Supporting the organs:
Gentle treatment to address impaired organ systems. This uses the osteopathic principle that how well an organ functions is linked to how well that organ and its supporting structures can move.
Nutrition:
Whilst we do not claim to be qualified in the nutritional field, we recognise the role that digestion and food reactions play in the presentation of low back pain.
Breathing:
We aim to improve the mechanics of breathing by helping the rib cage to properly expand in all directions. We often see a lack of expansion in certain areas which impacts the support and range of motion of the arms.
Inner focus:
Strategies to improve energy levels using mindfulness, simple practices to enhance sleep, and synchronising with your natural circadian rhythms.
Prevention:
Proactive steps to maintain posture and suppleness with mobility. If you can use and display strength in your newly found range of motion, you are far more likely to keep it.
FAQ
WHAT WE DO 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 a plan from your medical history, work conditions, exercise habits and nutrition. This part will last 20-30 minutes, and leaves the rest of the time for treatment. If the consultation reveals the need for further investigation, these options will be explained and discussed with you.
WHAT IS TREATMENT LIKE?
See our approach and strategies above, but all techniques are performed with respect for you and the state of your tissues, and are carried out in a careful, gentle and measured manner. Side effects are rare, but please feel free to speak to your practitioner before treatment.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL BE NEEDED?
This will depend on your presentation and what you are looking for. Most people report some relief from pain after the first session, with a significant improvement in 3-5 sessions. However, not everyone wants to solve everything and we will always discuss with you how best to progress with treatment to fit in with your goals. It can be very useful to have one-off sessions as a preventative management.
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. In this instance, we will always leave the room to allow you to change, and towels or a gown will be provided to ensure your comfort.
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.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY DOCTOR?
No, you do not need a GP referral to consult with your osteopath. Osteopaths are primary health care providers. The consultation may at times necessitate being referred back to your GP if further investigation is deemed necessary.
THE CLINICS
CONTACT
Bennett Street
Bondi
NSW 2026
2hr parking is available on
Bennett Street and many of
the cross streets.
0450 624 792
Level 5, Edgecliff Centre
203-233 New South Head Road
NSW 2027
Car parks are available on
New Mclean Street. Go to
Aldi, then past the wine shop
and through to the offices.
Use the lift to the 5th floor reception.
0450 624 792