Chelena Chan

Osteopath                    

Philosophy and types of treatment used

Chelena was born and educated in England.  She trained and qualified from the British School of Osteopathy (London, England) in 2007.  She worked for two and a half years in various clinics in England before moving to Australia in early 2010.

Chelena has gained a lot of experience in the treatment of women through all stages of pregnancy, as well as children and babies from as young as 4 days old, from having worked at two clinics in England that specialised in these areas.  Osteopathy can help with pregnancy related symptoms such as morning sickness, pelvic instability and pain when walking, to breathing difficulties, general back pain and swollen ankles. 

The birth process is a joyous time for many women, but for some it can be very traumatic for both the mother and baby.  Labour can be physically and emotionally demanding and can put the mother's body under tremendous strain.  Osteopathic treatment can help the mother's body heal following a more complicated labour and delivery.  Postnatal care of the body is very important and osteopathic treatment can help with weakened pelvic floor muscles (and resulting stress incontinence), pelvic strains and postural changes after childbirth.  The babies themselves undergo a lot of forces during a natural labour which allows them to pass through the birth canal. Most babies recover well from this, however, some babies retain these compressions within their tissues.  This can manifest in the baby as agitation, inability to settle, problems suckling or feeding and colic.  Cranial osteopathy is a very gentle and safe way to help ease and release these tensions within the baby's body allowing them to be happier and more relaxed.   For more information on osteopathy for pregnant women, new mums, babies and children please refer back to the main osteopathy page. 

Chelena has a keen interest in keeping fit and healthy.  She attends regular pilates classes to maintain her core strength and flexibility and is currently a member of the Sydney Mavericks Dragon Boat Club.  She is a fair weather rock climber and previously spent many years practising various forms of martial art.  Through practising these activities she has developed an in-depth knowledge of how the body is used in different sports and exercise as well as rehabilitation from sports related injuries.

Chelena is able to use different techniques to treat you and your body, ranging from the stronger soft tissue and manipulation to the more gentle joint articulations and subtle cranial work.  Her approach to health is very holistic and she will look at various aspects of your life to create a unique treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. 

Osteopathy is non-invasive, safe and effective and, as such, Chelena believes this is a treatment modality that all members of the family can benefit from.

Qualifications and memberships

B.Ost (Bachelor of Osteopathy), London, England.

Post graduate course in cranial osteopathy (Sutherland Cranial College), England.