Welcome to Chiropractic Plus’s blog.
We’ll be posting regularly on this blog little tidbits of info, health news, chiropractic news, massage news and all sorts of wonderful things!
Make sure you check back often!
Cheers,
Simon and the Chiropractic Plus team.
Often neck issues come from motor vehicle accidents, both major and minor, involving whiplash. Likewise, sporting injuries are responsible for damage to the cervical spine affecting the joints, nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is important to consider how our lifestyle choices can impact our neck, and how susceptible it is to injury.
Poor or incorrect posture often occurs as a result of daily activities or performance of work duties. Poor posture is always related to spinal misalignment. The most common cause is improper sitting, especially for those who work in offices. Poor posture can also be linked to other factors such as job stress and strain.
While hip problems can be caused by injury, overuse, and trauma – pain in this area is always related to alignment issues. This can include: joint dysfunction, nerve interference in the spine, or nerve interference in the pelvis and lower limbs.
Nearly 80% of the population has experienced or will experience some sort of back pain in their lifetime. Back pain is always related to spinal misalignment. Back pain can range in intensity from mild to severe. Some of the causes of back pain include poor spinal alignment, and muscular or skeletal injuries. Some other causes of back pain include disc injuries, kidney infections, and kidney stones. Many of the issues relating to back pain are caused by lifestyle, and your chiropractor is able to help with a natural approach.
While leg problems can be caused by injury, overuse, and trauma – pain in this area is always related to alignment issues. This can include: joint dysfunction, nerve interference in the spine, or nerve interference in the pelvis and lower limbs.
While feet problems can be caused by injury, overuse, and trauma – pain in this area is always related to alignment issues. This can include: joint dysfunction, nerve interference in the spine, or nerve interference in the pelvis and lower limbs.
Simon’s background includes an Honours Degree in Economics & also Diploma in Remedial & Sports Massage as well as years of experience at a high level in athletics and basketball. Simon has worked closely with the Australian Netball Team, the Australian Rugby League team, the Wallabies and was the Newcastle Knights Injury & Rehabilitation Co-ordinator in 2001 when they won the NRL premiership.
He offers a comprehensive approach to natural healthcare embracing a “leave no stone unturned” philosophy in helping his patients to achieve their diverse health goals. Utilizing gentle Chiropractic systems, Dr. Pine brings a variety of techniques to our practice that address traditional Chiropractic, nutritional and metabolic needs as well as emotional stressors.
Dr. Pine’s background involves the unique combination of Chiropractic and Functional Medicine with martial arts and healing disciplines of the East. While in Chiropractic school, he studied Ayurveda with the American Institute of Vedic Studies. Later, he interned at a center for Chronic Degenerative Disease Reversal in Santa Rosa, California called TrueNorth Health. There he trained in Plant Based Nutrition and medical supervision of Water Fasting for addressing conditions including hypertension and heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid disorders, autoimmune conditions, obesity and more.
He completed his Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and Masters of Chiropractic at Macquarie University in Sydney. Peter is trained in Dry Needling and can combine this very effective therapy with chiropractic to achieve optimal results for his patients. Peter has spent over 5 years working in medical centres alongside Medical Doctors, Podiatrists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists. This has given him a lot of experience dealing with a wide variety of conditions both spinal and peripheral. He takes great pride in his ability to address shoulder, hip and foot issues. Peter is passionate about rehabilitation and encourages his patients to take an active approach in restoring their health. Outside of the office Peter enjoys the beach, spearfishing, archery and camping.
In his long career he has helped hundreds of people with back and neck related problems. John became interested in chiropractic at an early age, as his father was also a Chiropractor. John graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic from the world’s most prestigious chiropractic university – Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davonport, Iowa. John joined Chiropractic Plus in 2007.
She began her journey as a health care practitioner at 18 as a Registered Nurse. In 2000, while working as an Athlete Care Nurse at the Sydney Olympic Games, Clairemarie saw how much these elite world class athletes appreciated and benefited from Chiropractic Care to enhance their performance. Intrigued to learn more about Chiropractic, Clairemarie started Chiropractic care, and then went on to study Chiropractic at Murdoch University (WA). For Clairemarie, Chiropractic is part of the “bigger picture” of health and is just as important as healthy eating, exercise, getting plenty of sleep, and having fun! Clairemarie see newborns through to grandparents! Chiropractic is for all ages and her techniques are modified to the patients age and requirements, including pregnancy. Clairemarie also incorporates dry needling along with Chiropractic adjustments to achieve great results for her patients.
Having only ever worked in multidisciplinary clinics, she is an advocator for having a “whole-systems” approach to care to achieve all health goals for optimal wellness and performance. She believes Chiropractic is for all ages and her techniques and approach is modified accordingly. Natalie incorporates dry needing and rehabilitation exercises along with Chiropractic adjustments to achieve the best results for her patients.
Outside of the clinic, Natalie enjoys the beach, spending time with family, netball and reading.
Peta studied at Hunter College of Massage having qualifications in Sports Injury and Treatment, Triggerpoint, Dry Needling, Myofascial cupping and Hot Stone Therapy. Peta grew up in the Hunter Valley where she found a passion for Athletics and Gymnastics, representing at regional and national levels. Peta’s highlight was representing her community in 2000 running the Olympic Torch through her home town of Greta. Peta loves to travel, spend time in her garden and playing tennis.
She has always had an interest in fitness and completed her certificate III and IV in fitness after high school. She enjoyed studying anatomy so much that she decided to study remedial massage in 2015. Chelsea worked at a physiotherapist practice before coming to Chiropractic Plus where she learnt a lot about a variety of injuries. Chelsea’s passion is injury prevention and management. She enjoy writing, reading and lots of travelling!
He has always been interested in health and fitness and has really found his niche in life with Remedial Massage. He loves spearfishing and going to the gym.
During that time, Naomi has worked with both the Wallabies & Knights and was lucky enough to massage Lady Gaga on the Newcastle leg of her 2010 tour. As an avid sports fan, she’s always been interested in the treatment & rehabilitation of chronic and acute training injuries. However after experiencing the benefits of post and pre-natal massage and Chiropractic care herself Naomi has become extremely passionate about helping new and expectant mums feel as healthy & strong as she did both during her pregnancy and after having her beautiful baby girl in 2016.
Raised in Port Macquarie, she moved to Newcastle in 2011 when she commenced work as a Remedial Massage Therapist at Chiropractic Plus. Sharyn is a skilled sports massage therapist with a lot of experience in treating athletes of all kinds. Her clients have included local football teams, Iron Man competitors, the Wallabies and the Cirque Du Soleil performing troupe while they toured through Newcastle.Sharyn has qualifications in myofascial cupping, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and has a certificate 4 in Bowen Therapy (Bowtech). Away from massage, Sharyn enjoys Travelling, bushwalking and yoga.
Nick grew up here in Newcastle, attending Bel Air Primary School and Kotara High School, where he also completed his HSC. Along with his Diploma of Remedial Massage, Nick has a Certificate II in Retail and a First Aid Certificate. A soccer fan, Nick plays for local club Broadmeadow Magic and likes to keep up with the National Premier League. Nick also likes to stay fit by going regularly to the gym. Outside of work and fitness, he enjoys shopping and music.
Alain completed his schooling in Peru, at Pukllasunchis School and went on to study a degree in Tourism at the University of Andina del Cusco. After moving to Australia, Alain completed his Diploma of Remedial Massage at the Australian College of Massage in Bondi Junction, Sydney. He also has qualifications in Dry Needling and Myofascial Cupping. When he isn’t busy working at Chiropractic Plus, Alain is interested in water sports such as white-water kayaking, wave-boarding and surfing, and also enjoys mixed martial arts and skateboarding.
She has a bachelor of Sports Science from the University of Winchester and has an interest in working with sports rehabilitation patients. Before moving to Australia in 2015, Chloe worked in the famous Canadian ski-resort of Banff. She now commutes each day from the Central Coast and currently works at our New Lambton clinic. Chloe loves snowboarding, travel and crossfit.
During the 19 years Andrew has been with Chiropractic Plus he has had the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s elite sportspeople, including the Australia Rugby League team, the Australia Netball team and the Newcastle Knights, but undoubtedly the highlight of his career was the two year period he toured with the Wallabies as their Massage Therapist – arguably the most sought after Massage Therapy position in the country.
Kirralee graduated in 2009 to begin her Diploma of Remedial Massage at Body-Lee Massage College. During her remedial massage course, Kirralee was given the opportunity to massage the Newcastle Knights; some invaluable experience for treating sports-specific injuries and muscular damage. Kirralee enjoys dancing and listening to music.
He studied Agriculture at Tocal then completed his Bachelor of Agribusiness at the University of New England before finally changing track completely – following his heart and entering the health sector with his Diploma in Remedial Massage. Ty grew up predominantly around Newcastle and enjoys keeping fit, travelling, history, agriculture, and a going to the movies.
Dru places a great emphasis on a structural integrated approach to treating chronic pain; correcting the underlying postural and biomechanical dysfunctions which contribute to long term problems through a combination of manual therapy, lifestyle modification and corrective exercises. Dru brings unique insight to his practice as a remedial massage therapist through his experience training and working with athletes in numerous sports and martial arts including Boxing, Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. Dru is a strong advocate for the Health At Every Size approach and is one of only two currently registered HAES practitioners in Newcastle. Having completed diplomas in both Fitness and Remedial Massage, Dru is now studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science at the University of Newcastle.
She also has a certificate in fitness and Aromatouch and is a qualified CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach. Tressa is Passionate about helping people on the path towards health and wellness. Another Central Coast commuter, Tressa’s interests outside work include Health and fitness, cooking and camping.
During her Diploma of Remedial Massage studies at TAFE she worked with the Newcastle Knights and went on to be part of the massage team for Fiji in the Rugby League World Cup. With a background in gymnastics and yoga, Kara has always had an avid interest in human physiology and movement, which compelled her to study and complete certificate III & IV in Fitness. A Novocastrian through and through she loves her footy, the Knights and can often be found at the local league or soccer. Kara has a holistic approach to work and life – she surrounding herself with nature, the beach, music and her beautiful family and friends.
Maddy joined our team in late 2010 and has enjoyed being a part of the admin staff ever since. Maddy grew up in Newcastle and completed her HSC at Hunter Valley Grammar in 2008. Before joining the team at Chiropractic Plus, Maddy undertook a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Newcastle University. Maddy is now a proud mum and when she has time, enjoys keeping fit any way she can.
She is a chiropractic student with a big passion for health and fitness. Her other qualifications include being a Remedial massage therapist and fitness trainer. Praena loves learning how the human body works and how we can reach our full potential. Away from work you can find Praena outside running in the sunshine or at the gym powerlifting.
She moved to Newcastle in 2015 after graduating high school to study Biomedical Science at the University of Newcastle, she is still studying this and hopes to transfer to Medicine soon. Her hobbies include martial arts, listening to music while singing along terribly and doing volunteer work at John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
Jess is passionate about health. She is currently studying Exercise and Sport Science at University
where she will continue onto Physiotherapy in the years to come.
She then moved to Calgary, Alberta to complete her undergraduate degree in exercise physiology at the University of Calgary and has now ended up in Newcastle. Kate has a strong passion for sports and adventures, particularly surfing, touch footy and more recently mountain biking. She aims to continue to grow and be a positive influence within the health industry.
Before joining the team at Chiropractic Plus Gemma studied at the University of Newcastle. Outside of work she spends a lot of time making the most of the outdoor facilities available throughout Lake Macquarie, especially walking her dog around the lake.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the Victorian College of the Arts and has recently relocated to Newcastle to continue her studies in Occupational Therapy. Jenna is always on the go – she loves Dance, of course, but she also keeps fit by running.
Eliza completed her HSC at St Francis Xavier’s College and then went on to study Business Administration and Human Resources.
She loves travel and recently took some time off to travel extensively in Canada. She comes
from a large, tight-knit family in Newcastle and has a passion for travel.
