B.Sc.Chiro., B.Sc.Physiology, Dip Tert Teaching, Cert. Ex. Sci.
Craig is an experienced chiropractor with a unique blend of skills and knowledge from more than 15 years experience as a life fitness coach at Les Mills World of Fitness in New Zealand, swim coaching and lecturing in personal training at tertiary level.
He graduated from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic in 2000 and worked in a busy Auckland clinic for 18 months before moving to Sydney. After 6 months of locum work around Australia he joined the Chiropractic Connection in Parramatta developing skills and planning the next step...
Thrive Chiropractic is the new name for what was The Chiropractic Workshop. The clinic was the first to open in Potts Point, one of the highest density post-codes in Australia which until this time had no local chiropractor. Since 2003 we've had a very clear vision; to offer a refreshing approach to health care with chiropractic. The existing model for public health does not work well for individuals, for families or for the community. We aim to provide YOU with the skills and knowledge so that you take control of your health, understand how to be proactive in maintaining good health to promote longevity and happiness in the years ahead. This is the ONLY practical approach for achieving optimum health.
Life is no rehearsal, there is no second chance.
KEIRAN COSTIGAN,
Chiropractic Assistant
Kieran joined the Thrive team in October this 2008. Having been a client for the previous 3 years he was a familiar face around the clinic and is fully in tune with your needs.
After 4 years in the recruitment industry, 10 years in retail and 5 years in hospitality he is no stranger to customer service! From restaurant supervisor or barista to make-up artist or visual merchandiser, Kieran has an incredibly varied past and adds a level of enthusiasm you wont find in many places.
As well as working at Thrive Kieran is also a stand up comic. Having performed at various clubs around Sydney, worked in radio, magazines and TV, he is writing new material for shows planned in the year ahead.
KATHY FOO,
Chiropractic Assistant
Kathy joined the Thrive team part-time in April 2008, and has also provided administrative support on several occasions in the past.
She studied hospitality management at Ryde Tafe and has a background of over 8 years in the hospitality industry, working in marketing and events management for some major Sydney-based hotel groups and also for a state government department.
Kathy has recently become a full time student at UTS to study Science/Business, and plans to major in accounting.
With a love for travel, Kathy’s more recent escapades include New Zealand, Malaysia and Thailand. She now lives in Bondi with her photographer husband. In her spare time Kathy enjoys baking, bushwalking (with the occasional camping adventure), and is learning how to mountain bike!
BRAD BOWDEN,
Massage therapist
Brad has been practising as a massage therapist since 2003 and believes that incorporating massage into your life will provide increased vitality and well-being. Using a combination of massage techniques, stretches & exercises he has helped improve the lifestyle of hundreds of his clients.
A specialist for head, neck & shoulder related issues, Brad is able to help with anything from an acute sporting injury to tennis elbow.
EDUCATION
• Certificate IV in Massage 2003
• Diploma of Sports Injury Therapies 2003
• Statement of attainment in Matwork Pilates 2006
• ATMS registration
Brad’s commitment is to help guide you to achieve your best each day. If you’re tired, stressed or sore then you simply can’t perform to your maximum potential.
TOM SHAND,
Rolfing therapist, Massage therapist
Tom has over 7 years experience in the health and fitness industry in New Zealand. He has instructed at Les Mills World of Fitness in group classes including Body Attach, Body Step, Body Balance and Body Circuit.
He completed his Diploma in Massage Therapy in 1999, and in 2001 saw him working with the “Crusaders” of rugby Super 14 fame, while running his own private practice.
In 2004 Tom moved to Sydney to study Rolfing / Structural Integration. Rolfing is a form of deep tissue and movement work. It's focus is to teach the body fascia to realign and respond more appropriately to gravitational forces.
Tom’s focus is on Rolfing therapy, but also provides massage, and continues his involvement in aerobics instruction in Sydney gyms.
To find out more about Rolfing please visit www.rolf.org
ATHENA NICHOLAS,
Massage therapist / Naturopathic nutritionist
Athena offers two specialties - in remedial / sports massage and in naturopathic nutrition.
Athena’s natural vitality , knowledge and genuine passion for the benefits of natural therapies will help you create optimal health.
Her approach to treatment is a naturopathic one; believing that treatment is a partnership between the patient and the therapist, sharing the goal of learning the cause of discomfort and illness so finding the best approach to combat it.
Athena's nutritional consulting includes food coaching, weight loss, metabolic imbalance and gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel. She can create flexible eating and lifestyle plans, and incorporate management techniques with treatment. For more information please go to our nutrition page.
STEFAN HAFNER,
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal MedicineB Health Sc TCM
Stefan studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at UTS, followed by a clinical internship at a large hospital in Beijing, China. He has worked on the Central Coast for some time and has now formalised his city practice by joining the Thrive team.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a holistic approach to health, taking into consideration the interaction between body, mind, environment and lifestyle. Therefore the root cause as well as the presenting symptoms of any disease can be determined and treated.
Stefan primarily works with acupuncture but is also an expert in cupping, moxibustion, Chinese massage (Tuina) and Chinese herbal medicine. The nature of your problem will help determine the combination of treatments required.
As part of the consultation, diet and lifestyle advice may be given, as well as instructions in gentle Qi Gong and Yoga exercises.
The long history of TCM & acupuncture means a large range of conditions are treatable including musculoskeletal injuries and pain, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and neurological problems. Benefit can also be gained for gynaecology & obstetrics, paediatric health, psycho-emotional, respiratory, skin urogenital, and cosmetic conditions.
Stefan is an AACMA and ATMS member and a registered practitioner for all major health funds.
The superior practitioner is an educator! By learning about the root cause of your condition and becoming actively involved in your own healing path you gain a level of self-empowerment that you can draw upon for the rest of your life.
DEREK STIRLING KERR,
Energetic Healer
STUART FENTON,
Counsellor