Chris Derkenne

Chris Derkenne has enjoyed 40 years in clinical practice. Chris offers a keen interest in the diagnosis and treatment for many common body ailments such as sciatica, headaches, neck, shoulder and lower back pain.

Chris targets specific sore, tight muscles that are often the causative culprits of pain and disability. Using a no nonsense ‘hands on’ approach, Chris works to resolve these imbalances and is accomplished in spinal and appendicular manipulation.

You do not need a referral to see Chris unless you are under workers’ compensation, DVA or EPC categories.

About Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves and vessels influence your well-being.

Using skilled diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify important types of dysfunction in your body. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with mobilisation and manipulation (if required) of specific joints.

In Australia, osteopaths are university trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions which require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.

Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds and the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) scheme (many Dr’s still refer to this scheme as EPC – Enhanced Primary Care).

Osteopaths are registered providers for workers’ compensation schemes, motor accident insurers and the Department of Veteran Affairs.

• non-operative disc trauma
• extensive sitting
• heavy lifting and twisting
• injury
• muscle strain and imbalance

Tips for back care

• keep mobile and exercise daily.
• be careful when lifting
• keep well hydrated
• eat well
• ensure you have a mattress that you love
• make sure to have a stretch, take regular breaks, and vary your rhythm during repetitive tasks or heavy labour
• observe your body’s specific likes and dislikes.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a painful syndrome caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower lumbar spine deep through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica can range from a dull ache to incapacitating pain. Symptoms may be constant or intermittent, depending on activities or time of day. Osteopathy can be useful in relieving the symptoms of sciatica

Chris will diagnose to find the cause of your sciatica. He will treat the related joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons in an attempt to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Considered spinal manipulation (back cracking) can often help.
Sciatica can often resolve quickly with the appropriate management and self-care.

Symptoms of sciatica may include the following:

• pain in the buttock, groin, hamstring, knee, calf and foot.
• numbness in any part of the leg
• muscular weakness, usually precipitating tripping.
• pins and needles or burning pain in the back of the leg
• difficulty moving or controlling the leg, especially the ankle and foot.

The pain associated with sciatica can be caused by a number of underlying conditions. These may include:

• herniated (bulging) disc in the lower back
• bony growths on the spinearthritis
• arthritis in the low back or hip
• tight muscles in the buttock or trauma to the lower back
• pregnancy, due to changes in the pelvis and lower back.

Tips for managing sciatica

• Exercise
• Stretch
• Reduce certain activities that you have identified as triggers.
• Learn to discern “when to do what”

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain has become extremely common over recent years as a result of frequent computer and smartphone usage and increased sedentary lifestyle.

Shoulder pain is often very complex. As a result, shoulder injuries can be more difficult to treat.

Your osteopath will work with you to determine the cause of your pain and decide on a course of treatment.

Common causes of shoulder pain include:

• neck problems
• rotator cuff tears
• tendonitis
• shoulder impingement (Subacromial bursitis) – when shoulder tendons are trapped and compressed during shoulder movements
• frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – when the shoulder capsule swells and stiffens, restricting mobility
• postural tension

Symptoms of shoulder pain may include:

• ‘catching’ sensation when raising the arm or reaching
• sharp pain when moving your arm
• weakness in your arm or grip
• throbbing and aching in shoulder whilst sleeping
• pain radiating down the arm
• neck and shoulder stiffness

Osteopaths can help your shoulder pain by:

• releasing muscle tension in the area
• improving range of joint motion in the neck and upper thoracic spine, shoulder blade and shoulder
• addressing postural strains and bad habits
• providing advice on maintaining flexibility and strength around the shoulder region
• providing exercises for stretching and rehabilitation

Your osteopath may also refer you to a GP for any additional medications or treatment.

Elbow Pain

Elbow pain often occurs due to a variety of sports and occupations that involve repeated pressure on the muscles and tendons near the elbow joint. This pressure can cause the muscles to become strained and tendons to become inflamed. You will often notice the pain when using your wrist or hand.

Your osteopath will work with you to determine the cause of your pain and decide on a course of treatment.

Common elbow injuries include:

• tennis elbow
• golfers elbow
• radial head ligament sprains
• ulnar nerve entrapment.

Symptoms of elbow pain:

• weak grip
• pain when twisting the wrist
• constant dull ache, worse at night
• sharp pain when moving the elbow joint

Osteopaths can help your elbow pain by:

• releasing tight muscles that can lead to elbow pain
• treating the related nerve root that can give rise to elbow pain
• providing information and advice on taking anti-inflammatories
• referring you to a GP for further investigation if needed.