We aim to provide a service beyond your expectations, using a range of natural methods to get you better as quickly as possible, and provide the tools to help you take control of your good health.
THRIVE CHIROPRACTIC
DR. IVO AHLQUIST - Director - Chiropractor
M.Chiro. M.Sport.Sci
Ivo is an experienced chiropractor with a unique blend of skills and knowledge from more than 12 years experience as a paramedic, person trainer, first aid instructor, coach of several sports, sports therapist, and lecturer at tertiary level including anatomy, physiology, neurology and nutrition.
After completing his Sport Science Masters in Cologne, Germany he moved to Australia and graduated from Macquarie University in 2008. Initially working in a busy country clinic in rural Victoria he moved back to Sydney and worked in the South West and the Blue Mountains.
In late 2010 Ivo took the next exciting step of joining the Thrive Chiropractic team as it's founder was moving to Germany. Thrive Chiropractic (previously The Chiropractic Workshop) was one of the first chiropractic clinics to open in Potts Point, Australia in 2003. His vision is to offer a refreshing approach to health care with chiropractic. He aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge so you can take control of your health and understand how to be proactive in maintaining good health to promote longevity and happiness in the years ahead. Life is no rehearsal, there is no second chance.
KIERAN COSTIGAN - Clinic Manager
Kieran joined the Thrive team in October 2008. Having been a client for the previous 4 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 nearly 15 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 enjoys writing new material and keeping his very observational blog updated.
THRIVE HEALTH
TOM SHAND - Rolfing therapist, Massage Therapist
Tom completed his Diploma in Massage Therapy in 1999, and in 2001 worked with the Crusaders Super 14 rugby team while running his own private practice.
In 2004, Tom moved to Sydney to study Rolfing and 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. To find out more about Rolfing please visit www.rolf.org
Tom’s focus is on Rolfing therapy, where it has taken him to America and Hawaii in the past year to further his knowlege and skill. His depth of knowlege and understanding of the body and how it functions, is unchallenged in the Eastern Suburbs. Tom also provides all types of remedial massage, and continues his involvement in various aerobic classes in Sydney gyms. With over 10 years experience in the health and fitness industry, he has instructed at Les Mills World of Fitness in group classes including Body Attack, Body Step, Body Balance and Body Circuit.
STEFAN HAFNER, Acupuncture, Leech Therapist and Chinese Herbal Medicine
B 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. Stefan is also the only qualified Leech Therapist in Sydney.
Stefan primarily works with acupuncture and is a specialist in Leech Therapy, 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.
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. 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.
STU FENTON - Counsellor
Stuart has had many previous lives as a personal trainer, high school and primary school teacher and an actor. He graduated from UNSW in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre, Film and English Literature and a Diploma in Education in 2001. He has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Counselling at the Australian College of Applied Psychology and in 2009 he commenced studies to be a Gestalt Psychotherapist with the Sydney Gestalt Institute.
Since completing his counselling diploma he has worked in two different drug treatment centres, including WHOS Therapeutic Community in Redfern, as a Counsellor and a Community Services Worker facilitating groups and doing one on one counselling with clients around issues such as crisis support, anger issues, self esteem, life skills, the victim - rescuer triangle, body image issues and communication skills.
Stuart believes that all people have the resources to cope with and rise to the challenges they are faced with in life and in difficult times and just need the support and empathic facilitation by another to set goals, solve problems and live more joy filled and rewarding lives.
PETER HOARE - Lomi Lomi Massage, Transpersonal Counselling, Energy work and Body Readng.
Peter has been interested in personal growth and development on the body, mind and spirit for many years. Following a diagnosis of severe Sleep Apnea in his late twenties, Peter embarked on a personal journey to gain a greater understanding into the messages we receive from our body. Initially through weight loss, swimming, yoga and meditation, this journey prompted him to go further with this investigation.
Over the next few years Peter studied several energy healing techniques, including Reiki and Pranic Healing, completed a Diploma in Transpersonal Counselling, and studied Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage under several teachers and Kahuna’s in Australia and Hawaii. Peter combines all his training and wisdom into the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage sessions.
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage is quite a unique style. The massage actively works on the physical, emotional and energetic bodies at the same time. The aim of this massage is to shift stuck energy that manifests as muscle knots or other ailments in the muscles, bones and meridians. Using more oil than other massage styles, the recipient is massaged with long flowing strokes above and below the body, enabling the masseur to intuitively follow stuck energy points throughout the body. The massage incorporates a combination of deep tissue and gentle relaxation massage strokes based on the needs of the recipient on the day.
During the massage the recipient is naked, however modesty is assured at all times, ensuring all genital areas are covered. When the recipient is lying on their back, the chest region is exposed to enable the chest/breast area to be included in the massage.
(If you choose to wear underwear during the massage, please bring a spare set as they will soak up quite a lot of oil during the session.)
ATHENA NICHOLAS - Massage Therapist, Naturopathic Nutritionist
Athena specialises in remedial and sports massage and naturopathic nutrition. Her natural vitality, knowledge and genuine passion for the benefits of natural therapies will help you create optimal health. Athe
na believes that treatment is a partnership between the patient and therapist. Sharing the goal of learning the cause of discomfort and illness and 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.