The Willow Clinic - Vanessa Fisher Osteopath

22/09/2025

🌍 Migraine & Headache Awareness Week | 22–26 Sept 🌍

Did you know that almost 1 in 2 people worldwide experience headaches? Migraines alone affect more than 15% of the population, often causing pain, fatigue, and disruption to daily life.

In my latest blog, I explore:
✔️ The most common types of headaches
✔️ Their symptoms and triggers
✔️ How gentle, hands-on osteopathic treatment can provide relief

✨ If headaches are interfering with your day-to-day life, there may be another way forward.
📖 Read the full blog here: [

Understanding Headaches: How Osteopathy may help. The Willow Clinic could help to resolve headaches and neck pain. Book on 9030 0352

14/09/2025

3 Things I Wish Every New Patient Knew Before Their First Osteo Session 👐
If you’ve never been to an osteopath before, here’s how to make your first visit smoother — for you and your osteo!

1️⃣ Dress for movement & comfort – Think soft, stretchy clothing you can bend in. We’ll often need to check your spine, hips, or shoulders — so avoid restrictive or delicate outfits. Please make sure you wear underwear to your appointment — it’s important for your comfort, modesty, and hygiene during treatment.

2️⃣ Watch your bra or top style – Cross-back bras, sports bras with rigid straps, or halter tops can block access to your upper spine and ribcage. A simple singlet or regular bra makes treatment easier.

3️⃣ Shoes (and feet) matter! – When treating back pain, we often assess your feet and how they move. Wear footwear that’s easy to take off and make sure your feet are clean so we can work comfortably.

✅ Small details like these make a big difference to how effective your session can be.

11/09/2025

💬 R U OK?
Sometimes a simple check-in can make all the difference.
Whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague—asking and really listening can open the door for someone to share.
You don’t need to have all the answers, just a listening ear and an open heart. 💛

10/09/2025

“No, osteopathy isn’t just ‘cracking backs’ 🙅‍♀️
We hear this a lot, but it’s only a tiny part of what we do (and sometimes, not at all!).

Osteopathy is:
👐 Gentle, hands-on techniques — including stretching, soft tissue release, and joint mobilisation
🧠 Understanding how your body’s structure affects how it works
🔄 Treating the whole person, not just the sore spot
Some treatments are so gentle you might even wonder if we’re doing anything — but the changes can be powerful.
✅ It’s not just for backs, either — we treat everything from headaches to jaw tension, pregnancy discomfort, sports injuries, and more.

06/09/2025

👶 Colic vs Reflux in Babies
It can be stressful when your baby is unsettled, and two of the most common causes are colic and reflux. While they can look similar, there are some key differences:

✨ Colic → long bouts of inconsolable crying, clenched fists, knees drawn up, unsettled mostly in the evenings.�✨ Reflux → spitting up after feeds, arching the back, crying during/after feeding, sometimes refusing to feed.
Both can be tiring for babies (and parents!).

🌿 Gentle osteopathic treatment may help ease tension in the body, support digestion, and help babies settle more comfortably. Many parents also notice improvements in feeding and sleep.

💕 At The Willow Clinic, we use gentle, safe techniques designed especially for little ones.

04/09/2025

💜 Women’s Health Week – Say Yes to You 💜
When was the last time you really checked in with your body?

Many women live with ongoing aches, pains, or fatigue and brush them off as “normal” — especially during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause. But your body is always talking to you, and those signals deserve attention.

👉 Osteopathy can support women through every stage of life:
✨ Pregnancy & Postpartum – easing back, pelvic, and rib pain, supporting recovery.
✨ Menopause – helping with stiffness, joint pain, and sleep-disrupting tension.
✨ Everyday wellbeing – managing headaches, posture strain, or stress-related tightness.

This Women’s Health Week, remember: your health matters. Saying yes to you might start with something as simple as booking that check-up or treatment you’ve been putting off.

📅 1–5 September 2025 | Women’s Health Week

03/09/2025

Asthma affects over 300 million people worldwide. While it’s commonly thought of as a lung condition, asthma also impacts the musculoskeletal system—leading to chest tightness, postural strain, stiffness, and fatigue.

Osteopathy can help by:
🌬 Supporting breathing mechanics
💪 Relieving muscular tension
✨ Enhancing mobility and comfort

👉 Learn more in our latest blog: https://www.thewillowclinic.com.au/asthma-and-the.../

Asthma and the Musculoskeletal System: How Osteopathy May Help Manage Symptoms. Book in to day to start feeling better.

31/08/2025

🌸 Women’s Health Week 🌸

This year’s theme is all about ‘Saying yes to you’ — because too often women put their own health last.

Women are more likely to delay check-ups, ignore warning signs, and push through pain while caring for others. But looking after yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential.

📅 From 1–5 September 2025, Women’s Health Week is your reminder to:
💜 Book that overdue health check
💜 Talk openly about how you’re feeling
💜 Make your wellbeing a priority

Last year, over 5 million women accessed online health resources. This year, let’s go further — together

30/08/2025

When was the last time you checked your posture?
Most of us don't realise how small daily habits—like how we stand, carry things, or even wait in line—can affect our spinal health and energy levels.

The good news? A few mindful tweaks can go a long way.
Here are 4 simple posture resets you can do anytime, anywhere to support your spine and reduce tension.👇

27/08/2025

Boost your focus and look after your body with the 40:15:5 rule.

🔹 Sit for 40 minutes
🔹 Stand for 15
🔹 Then move for 5 — every hour.

It’s a simple way to stay productive and support your health throughout the day.
Small shifts, big impact.

26/08/2025

When we’re stressed, our breath becomes shallow and fast—often shifting into our chest. Over time, this creates excess tension in the muscles of the neck and spine, feeding a cycle of tightness

😬 Shallow chest breathing can lead to: Tight shoulders Forward head posture Increased spinal stiffness

🌀 The good news? You can break the cycle. Practising diaphragmatic breathing helps: Down-regulate the nervous system Reduce muscle tension Restore spinal mobility Osteopathic care can help free up your diaphragm, release rib and spinal restrictions, and get your breath flowing with ease again.

💬 Not sure if stress is tightening your spine? Let’s chat.
Book an appointment and feel the shift—one breath at a time.

22/08/2025

Breastfeeding Challenges? Osteopathy May Help Your Baby Feed More Comfortably

Is your baby showing a preference for feeding on one side? Do they seem unsettled or tense during breastfeeding?

These may be signs of musculoskeletal tension—something gentle osteopathic care may help support.

At The Willow Clinic in Brookvale and Newport, we offer safe, hands-on osteopathic treatment for babies. Our approach is gentle, tailored to each child, and often complements the work of lactation consultants.

Parents commonly seek osteopathic support for:

🔹Feeding difficulties despite good latch techniques
🔹Baby only turning their head one way
🔹Torticollis or neck stiffness
🔹Recovery after C-sections or vacuum-assisted births
🔹Discomfort related to tongue ties (pre- or post-release)

Our goal is to gently restore mobility and comfort, helping feeding become a calmer, more comfortable experience for both baby and parent.

📍 Located inside The Lotus Centre, Brookvale and AHARA Health, Newport

📞 Call us or book online to discuss how osteopathy may support your baby's feeding journey.