Osteopath in Collingwood

BOOK NOW

Take the first step toward feeling better. Book your osteopathic treatment now.

Why Book With Me

  • 10 years clinical experience

  • I treat the root cause of your pain

  • I bridge structural treatment with Nervous system regulation

  • Trauma-aware, gentle, and patient-centered care

  • Evidence-informed osteopathy for chronic pain, movement restrictions, and nervous system support

  • Collaborative and supportive approach, tailored to your body and needs

  • Private health rebates available

A young man with long brown hair, a nose piercing, and light skin is sitting on rocks at the beach during sunset. He is wearing a cream-colored short-sleeve button-up shirt, light blue rolled-up jeans. He is an Osteopath

Dr Rusty Gaddes

Osteopath — BAppSc (Human Anatomy), Master of Osteopathy

Hi, I’m Dr Rusty — Your Collingwood Osteopath, with a special interest in chronic pain, nervous system health, and helping people reconnect with their bodies to regain movement, function, and wellbeing.

My approach blends hands-on osteopathic care with a deep understanding of how stress, trauma, posture, and life experiences shape the way our bodies function.

Philosophy

I believe pain isn’t just structural, it’s often the result of patterns your body and nervous system have developed over time.

I blend hands-on osteopathy with nervous system-informed care creating a treatment that is collaborative, informative, and tailored to your body and capacity on the day, ensuring you feel safe and empowered throughout the process.

Training & Approach

I use a combination of:

  • manual osteopathic techniques

  • functional movement assessment

  • nervous system regulation strategies

  • breath and body awareness work

My goal is simple:
To identify and treat the underlying drivers of your pain, while helping your body regain movement, resilience, and ease — so you can get back to living and functioning at your best.

BOOK NOW

Core Osteopathic Principles in each treatment

1. Structure and Function

Osteopathy is based on the idea that the body’s structure and function are closely linked. The musculoskeletal system supports the health of other systems. By correcting imbalances in joints, muscles, and connective tissues, we can improve circulation, nerve function, and organ performance. Through hands-on therapy, my goal is to restore alignment and help your body function optimally for overall well-being

2. The Self-Regulatory Mechanism

The body possesses self-regulating mechanism which are self healing in nature. Osteopathy leverages these mechanisms to better your healing journey. Together, I wish to work in partnership with you to help correct any obstruction to your body’s ability to heal.

3. The Body is a Single, Dynamic Unity of Function

Osteopathy views the body as an interconnected, rather than a collection of isolated systems. I take the time to understand your unique story and history, allowing us to work together to address the root causes of your concerns and achieve the well-being you deserve.

4. Rational Treatment

An osteopathic approach involves crafting a personalized treatment and management plan based on these principles. Together, we will explore every aspect of your well-being, working to realign structure and function and activate your body’s inherent healing abilities.

Conditions Osteopathy can Support

Osteopathy can provide support people experiencing:

  • Chronic pain

  • Neck & back pain

  • Headaches & migraines

  • Jaw tension

  • Stress-related tension

  • Nervous system dysregulation

  • Burnout & overwhelm

  • Postural strain

  • Movement restrictions

Treatment Approach

Osteopathy uses a whole-body perspective, looking at:

  • Physical structure and alignment

  • Movement habits and patterns

  • Breathing and nervous system regulation

  • Lifestyle factors that impact your health

Osteopaths tailor treatment to your body, your goals, and your capacity on the day.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Your first session is designed to be safe, informative, and effective. It typically includes:

  1. Discussion & Clinical History – understanding your concerns, past injuries, and lifestyle.

  2. Clinical Assessment – movement, posture, and nervous system evaluation.

  3. Hands-on Osteopathic Treatment – tailored to your needs and comfort level.

  4. Practical Strategies for Home – exercises, posture advice, and tools to help your body continue improving between sessions.

BOOK NOW