http://www.johannamcfadgenchiropractic.com.au/

Dr Jo the Chiro, West Gosford (2025)

31/08/2025

🌸Women’s Health Week: September 1-5🌸

This week is all about celebrating and empowering women’s health! Did you know that chiropractic care can play a vital role in supporting women through their health concerns?

Here are the Top 5 Women’s Health Concerns and how chiropractic care can help:

1. Back and Neck Pain – Pregnancy, hormonal changes, and daily stresses often lead to discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments provide relief and improve mobility.

2. Headaches & Migraines – Misalignments can trigger headaches. Chiropractic care helps reduce tension and frequency of migraines.

3. Hormonal Imbalances – Proper spinal alignment supports nervous system function, aiding hormonal regulation.

4. Stress & Anxiety – Chiropractic care promotes relaxation and improves nervous system health to better handle stress.

5. Posture & Pelvic Health – Pregnancy and daily activities impact posture. Chiropractors optimize spinal alignment for better pelvic function.

Let’s prioritize women’s health this week and beyond and make time for health checks and open discussions about our health.

27/08/2025

Been a while since you’ve had your spine or posture checked? Book in online today with Dr Jo the Chiro for your chiropractic adjustment within Ryde Natural Health Clinic. Available Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-8pm.

24/08/2025

🧠✨ Did you know that chiropractic adjustments do more than just relieve back pain? They actually have a real impact on your brain and nervous system!

When your spine is properly aligned, it helps your brain communicate more effectively with your body. This means improved nerve signaling, which may help to boost your immune system, reduce stress, and enhance overall health.

Scientific studies have shown that chiropractic care can positively influence brain function and even reduce inflammation caused by nervous system imbalances.

Regular checkups and adjustments may help keep your nervous system functioning at its best—leading to better mood, more energy, and a healthier long-term you! Take care of your nervous system, and your body will thank you.

💡 Stay aligned, stay healthy!

13/08/2025

AI Is Evolving Fast… But It Can’t Replace the Power of Human Touch 🧠🤲

I’ve been following some fascinating discussions lately, particularly from Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X and a leading voice in AI ethics. He’s been talking about how rapidly AI technology is developing—and how, over the next 10 years, it’s going to exponentially reshape our world.

We’re talking major changes to jobs, careers, the way we live, and most significantly, how we connect as humans.

And while that sounds both exciting and a little unnerving… it’s also a reminder of how important certain things will always be—especially when it comes to health, healing, and human connection.

As a chiropractor with over two decades of hands-on experience, I believe our profession is uniquely positioned to be a grounding force in this new AI-driven world.

Because here’s the thing AI can’t do:

✅ It can’t assess the nervous system through human touch.
Chiropractic is one of the few professions that works directly with the nervous system via manual assessment and adjustment. We use our hands to detect areas of dysfunction, imbalance, and stress—and then help the body return to optimal function. This has a direct impact on the brain, helping people feel more connected, calm, and aligned.

✅ It can’t feel what we feel.
We’re trained to palpate, observe, and intuitively sense subtle changes in the body. Over years of practice, we develop the ability to recognise when someone isn’t functioning at their best—even before they tell us. That’s a refined skill honed through thousands of patient interactions. Not something AI can download.

✅ It can’t build human connection like we can.
Every day, chiropractors listen—really listen. Not just to physical symptoms, but to emotional stressors, lifestyle factors, and the full complexity of a person’s experience. We provide reassurance, education, and support. We help people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

✅ It can’t read the body the way we do.
Muscle guarding, shallow breathing, flinching, tension patterns—these subtle, non-verbal cues give us powerful insight into what’s going on. Chiropractors constantly adapt our approach based on this feedback, even mid-treatment. No AI has the sensitivity or adaptability for that.

✅ It can’t problem-solve complex cases in a holistic, human way.
Many patients come in with multifaceted issues that don’t fit into neat diagnostic boxes—and definitely can’t be solved by a quick Google search (or even ChatGPT 😉). We’re trained to think critically, draw on a wide base of knowledge, and find tailored solutions for each person.

✅ It can’t replicate trust and healing through touch.
There’s something incredibly powerful about hands-on care. The act of being touched in a therapeutic, skilled and compassionate way is itself healing—and no technology can replicate that.

Now don’t get me wrong—AI is doing amazing things. I welcome advancements that streamline the admin side of our work. Tools that help with note-taking, appointment scheduling, even analysing radiology or scans? Fantastic. Let’s use them.

But when it comes to the human body, human connection, and human healing—chiropractic is more relevant than ever.

As we head into an increasingly digitised future, we need more grounding, more touch, and more connection—not less.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just not quite yourself… don’t underestimate the power of chiropractic to bring you back to centre.

We’re here. With our hands, our hearts, and our whole focus—just for you.

Warmly,
Dr Jo

07/08/2025

🌿 Do You Really Need to Hear a "Crack" for Chiropractic to Work? 🤔💥

Not at all! That *pop* sound some people associate with chiropractic care is simply gas releasing from a joint—but it’s **not** the only thing that makes the treatment effective.

There are many different chiropractic techniques, and each suits different bodies and nervous systems. Some involve high-velocity adjustments (those fast movements that often produce a crack), while others use low-force techniques that are more subtle and gentle.

👉 So, what’s the difference?

🔹 High-velocity adjustments: Quick, targeted movements to restore joint mobility. While effective, they aren’t always suitable—especially for patients with osteoporosis, spinal instability, chronic inflammation, paediatrics or anxiety about manual manipulation.

🔹 Low-force techniques: These are slower, more controlled, and often involve tools like the **Activator** or techniques like **Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT)** and **Applied Kinesiology**. They work by stimulating the nervous system and releasing tension in a way that feels calming and safe.

✨ **The Activator** is a small, hand-held instrument that delivers a gentle impulse to the spine. It helps improve joint movement, reduce pain, and regulate nervous system function—without the crack!

🙋‍♀️ At my clinic, while I still do still occasionally use manual high-velocity adjustments, most of your care will include:

✔️ Activator
✔️ Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)
✔️ Applied Kinesiology
✔️ Acupuncture
✔️ Soft tissue therapy
✔️ Drop table
✔️ Gentle stretches + rehab advice

Everything is focused on gentle, targeted work to support your nervous system, relieve pain, and restore natural movement.

🌸 So if you're looking to be cracked and crunched from head to toe... I’m probably not the right chiro for you! 😉 But if you want personalised, nervous system-focused care that meets your body where it’s at—gently—then you're in the right place.

📍 DM to book or learn more.

28/07/2025

🖐️ Understanding De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: aka “Mummy Thumb”

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It occurs when these tendons become inflamed or swollen, making thumb movement painful and difficult.

Why is it called “Mummy Thumb”? Because it was initially observed in women who regularly lifted or carried their heavy baby. Now, it’s common among anyone engaging in repetitive thumb motions, like texting, gaming, or lifting.

Who’s at risk? Repetitive hand and wrist movements, stretchy ligaments in new mums, or those with wrist injuries or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are more prone.

How can chiropractic help? Chiropractors can offer targeted adjustments to improve wrist alignment, along with strapping or splints to reduce strain. Supportive braces can also relieve pressure, promoting healing.

Recovery time varies—from a few weeks to several months— depending on severity and treatment. Early intervention is key!

If you’re experiencing thumb pain, consider consulting a healthcare professional to explore your options for relief.

13/07/2025

Boost your health with a weighted Rukvest!

I recently did a DEXA body composition scan riverside_bodyscan. This quick bodyscan gave me an accurate way to see what my baseline health is and how I need to improve in my overall body composition.

Surprisingly, I really needed to boost my lean muscle mass. As a time-poor working mum, weight sessions at the gym just didn’t fit in with my schedule at the moment. So after much research, I have invested in the weighted rukvest to wear while doing my daily walks, cleaning the house or any other incidental activity.

Why did I choose the ruksak weighted vest?

1. It builds muscle by carrying extra weight and resistance throughout your body.

2. It improves cardiovascular health. By increasing your weight your heart is pumping harder improving VO2.

3. It improves bone density by increasing weight and resistance on the bones. This is so important for women like me who are in perimenopause and are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis as our hormones change.

4. It improves posture, balance and back health. The rukvest helps to keep you in a good upright posture pattern by pulling your torso up and back.

5. Increases Weight loss. The rukvest also helps to burn more fat while preserving muscle. Sometimes burning 2-3 times more calories than you would when unweighted!

6. Improves Longevity. Increasing cardiovascular health, bone density and lean muscle mass whilst staying active is linked to increased lifespan and positive health outcomes.

I can’t wait to see what my next DEXA scan review in 3 months shows after trialling my new rukvest for my daily walks and activity. Its slimline fit means it’s really comfortable to wear and a very simple way to improve health outcomes in an inexpensive and convenient way.

13/07/2025

🌟 School holidays are here! A perfect time for families to relax, recharge, and enjoy quality moments together. 😊✨

If your school aged kids are feeling a bit out of sync after a busy school term, perhaps recovering from sickness, spending too much time on devices or they are feeling out of sorts from holiday travels, consider booking a chiropractic appointment! 🩺👶

Chiropractic care can help keep your kids active and healthy by gently adjusting their nervous system back into balance. Helping to boost movement, sleep, mood and their general immune system health. Don't wait—schedule your next appointment today and keep those healthy habits going! 📅💙

29/06/2025

🌟 Unlock Your Body's Full Potential! 🌟 Did you know that approximately 90% of your brain’s nutrition comes from proper spinal movement? 🧠💧 When your spine is in proper alignment, it ensures optimal communication between your brain and body, enhancing your overall health.Research shows that chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal mobility, reduce pain, and support the nervous system’s function—leading to better focus, energy, and balance. 💆‍♂️✨Invest in your health today—because a healthy spine equals a healthier you! Your brain and body will thank you! 🙌 Central Coast Spinal Care Centre Ryde Natural Health Clinic

23/06/2025

🩺 Did you know Medicare can help cover visits to your chiropractor or allied health provider? If you have a chronic condition, you may be eligible under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan! 💙

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ What is the CDM Plan?
It’s a Medicare program that gives eligible patients access to up to 5 subsidised visits per year to allied health professionals—including chiropractors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, dietitians, and more.

✅ Am I eligible?
If you have a chronic medical condition (lasting 6 months or more—like arthritis, diabetes, back pain, asthma, etc.), you may qualify. Your GP will decide if you’re eligible and prepare a care plan for you.

✅ How do I get started?

Book a standard appointment with your GP.
Ask about a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
If eligible, your GP will create a plan and refer you to a provider (like your chiropractor!).

💰 What’s the cost?
Medicare covers part or all of the fee, depending on your provider. Some bulk bill (no gap), others may charge a small out-of-pocket fee. Ask the clinic in advance.

📅 You get 5 visits per calendar year, which can be split between providers.

Take control of your health—ask your GP today about a Medicare CDM plan. Your body (and wallet) will thank you! 🙌

$🩻 Compression Fractures: What You Need to Know & How Chiropractic Care Can Help 🩻Did you know that compression fractures...$

23/06/2025

🩻 Compression Fractures: What You Need to Know & How Chiropractic Care Can Help 🩻

Did you know that compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis or trauma, can sometimes present as localized back pain, stiffness, or even nerve issues? These fractures often occur in the vertebrae and may develop gradually or suddenly.

👉 Why might a chiropractor see a patient with a compression fracture?

Because many symptoms overlap with musculoskeletal issues, and early detection is key. Chiropractors use gentle, targeted techniques to assess spinal health, improve mobility, and reduce pain—always in coordination with medical professionals when fractures are involved.

💡 How can chiropractic care help?

- Pain relief through safe, non-invasive adjustments
- Improving spinal alignment and stability
- Supporting overall back health and preventing further injury
- Guiding you to appropriate medical treatment if a fracture is suspected.

⚠️ Important: If you experience sudden, severe, or persistent back pain, further imaging such as X-rays or MRI may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Chiropractors will typically refer you for these tests to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Always consult your healthcare provider if you suspect a compression fracture. Combining medical diagnosis with chiropractic care can promote healing and restore your quality of life.

16/06/2025

😴 Sleep, Spine & Chiropractic: What You NEED to Know! 🛏️✨

Your sleep position + mattress + pillow = MAJOR impact on your posture and spinal health! 🧠💤

✅ Best Sleep Positions:

On your back with a small pillow under your knees – supports natural spine alignment.

On your side with a pillow between your knees – reduces pressure on hips and lower back.

❌ Avoid These:

Sleeping on your stomach – twists the neck, strains your lower back, and causes long-term misalignment.

🛏️ Best Mattress Types:

Medium-firm mattresses – support your body’s natural curves while keeping your spine neutral.

Avoid mattresses that are too soft or saggy – they let your spine sink and strain.

🛏️ Best Pillow Types:

Use a contoured or cervical pillow to support the curve of your neck.

Avoid overly high or flat pillows that push your neck out of alignment.

💡Why It Matters:

We spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping. Poor posture at night = pain, stiffness, and misalignment during the day. Consistent poor sleep posture can even contribute to long-term spine degeneration!

🌀 Chiropractic care helps:

Align your spine for better sleep posture
Reduce pain and tension that disrupt quality sleep
Educate you on the right sleep ergonomics tailored to your body
Wake up refreshed and pain-free — not stiff and sore. Your spine will thank you. 🙌

Dr Jo the Chiro

31/08/2025

27/08/2025

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28/07/2025

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