Our Pracitioners
Focus areas
Pain relief
Diarrhoea
Physical health
Overuse injuries
Poor circulation
Tight muscles
Dr David Sparavec
Osteopath D.O., Grad.Dip, M.App.Sc
David Sparavec commenced practice in 1983, after graduating from the Pacific College of Osteopathic Medicine with a Doctorate in Osteopathy. He furthered his learning some years later at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, completing a Masters in Applied Science Degree (majoring in Musculoskeletal Management) and achieving a High Distinction for his research thesis. David has also completed numerous postgraduate courses and training within the Musculoskeletal field to remain at the forefront of his profession.
Intra-professionally, he is a past president of the Australian Osteopathic Association (N.S.W.) and has held a number of committee positions on the N.S.W. Osteopathic and Chiropractors Registration Board. David has also been a key note speaker at a number of national conferences and has lectured in numerous of post-graduate seminars, speaking mainly in the field of patient treatment plan management.
During his Masters Degree studies David investigated the conservative management of lumbar spine disc herniation (or "slipped disc" as it is commonly known). His research has given him a strong understanding of the condition and its management via non-surgical methods.
David's expertise has attracted patients from all over Australia seeking a non-surgical resolution to this disabling condition, as many osteopaths and chiropractors are reluctant to treat this condition due to its complexity. David has had over 29 years of experience in managing this condition and has corrected and managed many people who would have undergone back surgery if they followed an orthopaedic surgeon's or neurosurgeon's advice.
Over the years, David has concentrated on chronic pain management and acute disc injury treatment. Some of the other conditions that David manages are:
- Pregnancy related low back pain
- Acute low back pain
- Acute neck pain
- Treatment of infants
- Chronic Degenerative Disc Disease
- Chronic and acute tendon conditions
- Headaches
- Knee and Ankle conditions
- Asthma
At your initial consultation, David takes a comprehensive history and conducts a thorough head to toe examination which will provide a diagnosis. From that diagnosis a treatment plan is developed and discussed with you prior to the commencement of treatment. Some of your examination may include:
- Computerised foot scanning to assess for pronation
- Real time diagnostic ultrasound
- X-rays or CT scans
- MRI scans
- Laboratory blood tests
David firmly believes in the Healthwise practice mission statement:
All of his patients are well educated about their condition and an emphasis on self management is encouraged.
Dr. Marcus Von Mengersen
Osteopath B.Sc(ClinSc) MHS(Osteo)
Marcus is a well-respected Osteopath who treats patients with consideration to their total health care needs.
He completed his Masters Degree in the biomechanics of lifting and has recently undertaken courses in relation to Charrett techniques (whole body adjusting and orthotics)as well as post Grad Diploma in Chiropractic techniques (activator, drop piece and manipulation).
Marcus firstly takes a comprehensive history from each patient and then performs a thorough physical examination. He provides a comprehensive report of his findings outlining the patient’s diagnosis and the treatment required.
Marcus uses traditional techniques as well as implementing the very latest technology in diagnostic and treatment equipment.
Marcus uses a combination of the following therapies:
- Soft tissue mobilisation
- gentle manipulation
- muscle energy procedures
- lymphatic drainage
- ultrasound
- laser
Patients are given home based stretching and strengthening exercises to assist in the rehabilitation process and help to prevent further injuries, as well as life style and nutritional supplement recommendations.
Marcus treats conditions relating to neck and back pain, general headaches and migraine, sciatica, jaw problems, sports injuries as well as knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries.
Marcus works closely with other health care professionals such as naturopaths and massage therapists to ensure your health requirements are met.
Dr. Steven Sparavec
Osteopath D.O(syd)
Steven graduated from the Pacific College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1983 and has been in private practice since that time. Steven employs a wide range of skills for client treatment ranging from spinal manipulation, dry needling, joint mobilisation and postural re-education using various exercise modalities. He also uses Ultrasound, Laser and Interferential therapies as an adjunct in his work to assist the overall healing process.
Emphasis is placed on patient education to assist in the overall result and success of recovery. Steven has a strong interest in health and fitness and tries to impart his enthusiasm to his patients to enable long-term results. Steven has completed numerous post graduate courses and is continuing in his quest for further knowledge to give him the leading edge in the rapidly changing world of musculoskeletal medicine.
Martin Morrissey
Acupuncturist and Masseur B.Sc App. Sc DRM
Martin has worked 26 years in the health industry, 10 as a nurse (mainly on orthopaedic wards) and the last 16 as an acupuncturist and massage therapist at Healthwise and other clinics in the city and the northside.
He has also tutored acupuncture at the University of Technology Sydney, taught massage at Meadowbank TAFE and written and presented health features for radio. Giving his clients the best possible advice on learning to take control of their own health and fitness is an important part of what he does here at Healthwise.
So much of our musculo-skeletal (and internal) health is dependant on good blood circulation throughout your body, massage and acupuncture are effective therapies in helping to achieve this. Martin combines Chinese, Japanese and Western styles of massage with Chinese acupuncture and he has experience with resistance training, yoga, tai chi and chi gong, matching the right exercise for your individual needs is an important part of health management.
Getting and staying fit and healthy is usually about doing the simple things well and consistently. Doing age appropriate regular exercise, being continuously posture conscious, sleeping and eating well, drinking enough water and creatively managing stress are things that in theory most of us accept but not all of us do. Martin has easy to learn strategies that make doing the simple things easier to integrate into your lifestyle.
Martin is fully insured, in possession of a current first aid certificate and is recognized by all of the major and most of the minor health funds. He also knows when he has done all he can for you and when it is appropriate to refer you onto other health professionals who can do the things that he cannot.
If you visit Martin’s blog at pittwaterspirit.com.au/bodywork you will get a good idea of his knowledge base and approach to his work.
Dr. Yasmin Fitton
Osteopath D.O. (UK)
Yasmin graduated from the British School of Osteopathy, London, in 1991.
Yasmin utilises a complete osteopathic approach to the body, not just focusing on the area of pain, rather looking at the whole body and its relationship to the area of dysfunction, thus providing patients with long term solutions to their problems.
Using gentle osteopathic techniques such as mobilisation, muscle release and manipulation, she is known for her success in treating:
- Knee and hip pain
- Back and neck pain
- Tendonitis/RSI injuries
- Headaches
- Heel and foot pain
- Pregnancy and post natal care
- Whiplash
- Shoulder, wrist and elbow problems
- Posture problems
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
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