Mark Baer

Member of the Australian Osteopathic Association
Masters of Osteopathy, Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy)
Diploma of Remedial Therapies, Diploma of Myofacial Release
Diploma of Remedial Massage, Certificate of Myofacial Release
Certificate of Trigger Point Therapy, Certificate of Therapeutic Massage

The one question we as osteopaths get most frequently is “What is an Osteopath?”, and understandably so.

The best simple way to answer that is we are University educated primary health care professionals that have studied a 5 year course based in anatomy and physiology, and also the physiology of injury and disease. We apply our knowledge and skills to help people who are suffering from painful conditions and from ill health in a clinical setting.

We are primary health care professionals because we realise that in order for our profession to take its place in today’s health care system, we need to recognise and diagnose serious health conditions, and refer onto a doctor and work in conjunction with other health care professionals where it is necessary.

These are where the strengths of our profession lie, in our knowledge of how the body works, and our recognition by the health care system as primary carers with the ability to communicate with your doctor or specialist for the benefit of your health.

The way that we treat in clinic is mostly with hands on manipulation which includes joint mobilisation, stretching, massage, spinal adjustments, and gentle holding techniques aimed at the joints, muscles and other tissues of the body. These are safe and effective ways to approach the body, and are suitable for all people, no matter what your age or condition. I treat people from the ages of 5 to 90 (my oldest client is my own grandmother at 90 years of age!).

Common ailments that we see in clinic are most commonly lower back pain, ranging from a simple ache to pinched nerves, sciatica, and rehabilitation after spinal surgery, we also treat a wide range of sporting injuries, postural complaints, neck pain and headaches, injuries from motor vehicle accidents and painful feet, knees, shoulders, elbows and hands.
We can also help in the management of complaints like menstrual pain, reflux and indigestion, chronic pain and management of pain medication, asthma and other medical conditions.

It is with great pleasure that I am able to work at All Natural Therapies with so many other talented health professionals from so many different fields all in the one establishment, and I look forward to being able to work in conjunction with them to bring you the best for your health.

Mark has been working in the field of natural health and bodywork for over 10 years and has had the opportunity to work in massage clinics, health resorts and rehabilitation centres, and osteopathic clinics during this time. He is also an avid gardener and community volunteer, and is a founding member of “The Garden” at North Wollongong PCYC, which has been operational since 1999. The Garden has 20 regular volunteers, and now boasts a ¼ acre of “Food Forest” on site incorporating artwork and effort from local Youth At Risk & Juvenile Justice, and has 6 satellite gardens established in local primary schools through the Illawarra.