Nillumbik Osteopathic Health Centre is a dedicated osteopathic clinic based in Melbourne’s North Eastern suburb of Eltham. The clinic has been operating for more than 21 years and is affiliated with Dynamic Health Osteopathy in Watsonia.
Our team of highly trained osteopaths are all university qualified (completing a minimum of 5 years study) with extensive clinical experience. And being primary healthcare practitioners, our osteopaths are trained to recognise and diagnose conditions that require medical referral. As well as being government registered practitioners with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and members of Osteopathy Australia, all our practitioners are fully insured.
Lynda has been an osteopath in the local area for over 20 years after graduating from RMIT in 1993 and established Nillumbik Osteopathic Health Centre in its current location in 2001.
Lynda’s passion for Osteopathy, her depth of knowledge and clinical experience that she applies to every aspect of her clinical work may help patients achieve their full potential in health and recovery. Her comprehensive understanding of the neuromusculoskeletal system enables her to address many common and complex presenting conditions by looking not only at the area of complaint, but addressing the possible causative structures with a holistic approach to individual management.
Lynda has a clinical focus on paediatric management and supporting the mother-baby unit, both pre-and postnatal with every treatment having a strong emphasis on safety and comfort. Having active boys and being involved in sport herself, her caring approach in providing appropriate management, treatment and advice for sporting injuries in children through to adults can aid in the long-term recovery and rehabilitation from these conditions.
Lynda has previously been involved in teaching Osteopathy at an undergraduate level at RMIT University and Victoria University and is still actively involved in teaching with the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation (SCTF) on post-graduate courses to the profession.
Lynda has spent many years attending post-graduate courses in Paediatrics, Biodynamics and Cranial Osteopathy to further develop her skills.
In her spare time, Lynda enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and getting away on family holidays.
Natasha has been practicing osteopathy since 1999 and became a principal osteopath and director at the Clinic in 2005. She has undertaken extensive training in osteopathy at RMIT university, completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology in 1995 and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Clinical Science) / Bachelor of Osteopathic Science in 1999. Her vast clinical experience and passion for teaching students saw Natasha lecturing in Osteopathic Diagnosis and Technique at RMIT University from 2001 to 2011.
Natasha has a keen interest in the osteopathic treatment of babies and children and both pre and post natal pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This has led her to complete various related post-graduate courses, including many Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation courses in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (OCF), obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, myofascial release and chronic pelvic pain. Her passion for anatomy and strong belief in the principles of Osteopathic care sees her mentoring new graduates and final year students.
Natasha values the importance of communication and a patient centred approach to healthcare, spending much time talking to all her patients, making sure they are well informed and active participants in their overall care. She feels her genuine concern and empathy for her patient’s well being assists them to feel relaxed in her care. Over the years Natasha has built a strong professional network of local medical and allied health practitioners to complement her patients’ management.
When she’s not caring for her patients, Natasha enjoys cooking, entertaining and relaxing with friends, caravaning and spending time with her husband and three children.
Heather graduated from Victoria University in 2001 and has been practicing osteopathy in Eltham for the last 22 years and Greensborough/Watsonia for the last 6 years. She became a principal osteopath and director at the Clinic in 2012. Heather enjoys treating people of all ages and enjoys all aspects of osteopathic care. She has a particular interest in the osteopathic treatment of headaches and migraine, paediatrics and complex clinical presentations.
After graduating from Victoria University in 2001, she has undertaken various post-graduate courses in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field. She enjoys using this technique, along with all other aspects of osteopathic care in her day-to-day practice. Heather likes to use a holistic, empathetic approach to patient management by integrating osteopathic treatment along with advice on exercise, nutrition and mindfulness. Heather enjoys working with her patients to empower them to get the best possible outcome and to allow them to live their lives to the full. Heather also enjoys mentoring newly qualified osteopaths within the clinic environment.
When not at work Heather loves spending time with her husband and three children, catching up with friends, reading and travelling.
Rita graduated from Victoria University in 2001 as well as qualifying as a Clinical Pilates instructor through Dance Medicine Australia. She has combined her skills as an osteopath and pilates instructor to work in various practices in Melbourne and abroad in New Zealand.
Rita has also undertaken post-graduate training in Cranial Osteopathy and paediatrics. In recent times, Rita has completed a graduate certificate in neonatal and infant paediatric manual therapy. She has utilised these skills whilst volunteering in Cambodia and Northern Thailand to treat children in orphanages and ‘dump slums’. Rita was appointed Clinical Supervisor at RMIT’s Paediatric Clinic from 2010 to 2012, where she enjoyed imparting her knowledge to final year students.
She not only enjoys treating musculoskeletal issues in babies and children – she’s passionate about treating people from all walks of life. Rita is quite adventurous, and when opportunity presents, she loves nothing more than travelling overseas, and trying not only local food delicacies, but also participating in activities which take her out of her comfort zone.
Justine completed her Masters of Osteopathy at RMIT University with distinction and has completed post-graduate courses in paediatrics, pregnancy, visceral and cranial Osteopathy. She also has a strong passion for further study.
She loves the challenge of treating a broad range of conditions and uses a wide variety of osteopathic techniques, tailoring treatment to each patient’s individual needs.
Justine relates well to people of all ages and is particularly interested in the treatment of headaches, acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, paediatrics, teenagers and assisting women with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Justine has two daughters and loves spending time with her family and friends (including Ruby the groodle). Whilst fitness and nutrition are major focuses in her life she also enjoys going out for good food and wine and travelling the world.
Danielle completed her osteopathic studies at RMIT University in 2016 and has worked alongside orthopaedic surgeons in India during her placement – providing osteopathic management and treatment of patients (pre and post operative) for shoulders and knees.
With a long history of playing a variety of sports including netball, football, swimming and basketball, she has seen and experienced a number of injuries. Having her sporting injuries successfully treated began her love for osteopathy.
Danielle is passionate and committed to her patients. She wishes to empower her patients to achieve their functional goals. She applies a holistic approach, tailoring the treatment and management to the needs of the individual, while using a wide variety of osteopathic techniques. She enjoys treating a variety of patients of all ages and presentations,having a particular interest in the musculoskeletal aspects of headaches,neck and rib pain, children’s growth complaints and assisting women throughout pregnancy.
Danielle has a strong interest in osteopathy for babies and children, which sees her wanting to continue further studies in this area in the near future.
When Danielle isn’t working, she enjoys cooking, keeping fit, heading to the beach and travelling overseas.
Eloise completed her double degree in a Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) at RMIT University. Through visiting Osteopaths herself, Eloise found her fascination and love for helping people and treating the human body.
Eloise enjoys implementing physical therapy, rehabilitation and prevention programs to best support patients in their health management. She is a passionate and empathetic individual who aims at creating long lasting relationships with her patients, and supporting them through their treatment and management. She has undertaken her Pilates mat work training with Unite Health, and loves involving Pilates in her rehabilitation plans for her patients. She has a keen interest in supporting women through their pregnancy, as well as child musculoskeletal complaints and hopes to continue to further her knowledge and skills in these areas to be able to deliver a high standard of osteopathic care to people of all ages.
When she’s not working at the clinic, Eloise enjoys spending time with all of her animals and leading an active and healthy lifestyle preferably in the outdoors. She keeps herself busy by regularly attending the gym and with her love of sports, especially basketball and water skiing. She’s a keen supporter of the mighty Hawks, and enjoys going to football games on weekends.
Georgia completed her Bachelor of Health Science/ Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) degrees at RMIT in 2023. She has always had a keen interest in health and the human body, partaking in a range of different sports growing up, namely swimming, netball, dance, athletics and tennis. This combined with her eagerness to help others is what initially drew her to osteopathy.
In the future, Georgia hopes to undertake additional studies which will enable her to work with paediatric patients and support women through their pregnancies. Georgia aims to provide holistic care to her patients by addressing variables that impede on their ability to engage with and function meaningfully in society. She is also incredibly passionate about patient education and autonomy, enabling patients to make informed decisions regarding their own treatment and management.
Outside of work hours, Georgia enjoys swimming, running, watching the mighty Bombers as well as spending time with her family (Golden retriever Samson included) and friends.
Julie has worked on reception at our clinic since 2002. Julie enjoys providing quality customer service to all the patients ensuring they feel welcomed to the clinic. She also lives in Eltham and has been an active member of the local community for the last 26 years.
Susanne has worked in reception for many years and is looking forward to welcoming patients to the clinic. She has lived in the area for 7 years and enjoys getting outdoors with her young family.
Nikki enjoys providing a warm, welcoming environment for all patients visiting the clinic. She has lived locally for 10 years and enjoys travelling, being in nature and spending time with her family, friends and pets. Nikki has studied Psychology and also enjoys yoga and meditation in her spare time.
Celine is currently a 3rd year student, studying a double degree of Health Science / Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy). Celine enjoys helping patients and working in a clinical environment.
Emily is in her second year of studying Osteopathy at RMIT university. Emily was interested in the health care field since she was a child and found a particular interest in osteopathy in high school. She loves learning more about clinic life while assisting patients with their needs.
Tayla is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science at Latrobe University and has always been passionate about the human body. She loves welcoming new patients into the clinic with a warm welcoming smile upon arrival.
75. Guiney PA, Chou R, Vianna A, Lovenheim J. (2005). “Effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment on pediatric patients with asthma: a randomized controlled trial.” J Am Osteopath Assoc Jan; 105(1):7-12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15710659
76. Pepino VC, Ribeiro JD, Ribeiro MA, de Noronha M, Mezzacappa MA, Schivinski CI. (2013). “Manual therapy for childhood respiratory disease: a systematic review.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics Jan; 36(1):57-65. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23380215
113. Gonzalez-Alvarez F.J., Valenza M.C., Cabrera-Martos, I., Torres-Sanchez I. & Valenza-Demet G. (2015). “Effects of a diaphragm stretching technique on pulmonary function in healthy participants: A randomized-controlled trial.” International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, Vol 18(1): 5-12. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1746068914000650
114. Engel R.M. & Vemulpad S. (2007). “The Effect of Combining Manual Therapy with Exercise on the Respiratory Function of Normal Individuals: A Randomized Control Trial.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Vol 30(7): 509-513. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17870419
115. Benjamin J.G., Bacon C.J., Verhoeff W.J. & Moran R.W. (2016). “Preliminary development of a complex intervention for osteopathic management of dysfunctional breathing.” International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, Vol 21: 29-39. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1746068916300116