What happens when nearly a decade of hands-on work in chronic pain meets fresh PhD research? Osteopath Alison Sim has the answer. Now working at La Trobe University and at The University of Sydney, Alison is breaking new ground in how we support people navigating pain, stress and recovery.

In this episode, fellow titled pain management osteopath, Angie Bruce, sits down with Alison to explore Alison’s latest work with TAC road traffic claimants. You’ll hear how innovative early intervention strategies, designed to reduce stress and improve continuity of care, are not only changing lives but also catching the attention of insurers.

Alison also shares details about the exciting PACE-RURAL trial, a project aimed at cutting through unnecessary healthcare layers and delivering better support for people living with musculoskeletal conditions in rural Australia.

If you’re interested in participating in the PACE-RURAL trial or would like more information, please reach out to Alison at [email protected]

As we wrap up season 2 of Osteo Talk, Osteopathy Australia warmly acknowledges the generosity of all our guests and presenters who shared their time and expertise on the podcast. We’re excited to bring you another exceptional line-up of osteopaths and special guests when season 3 launches in early 2026.

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What does it take to swap city life for rural practice? In this inspiring episode, osteopath Catherine McDuling shares her journey of moving to the country, navigating challenges, embracing opportunities, and uncovering the unique rewards of serving a close-knit community.

From managing diverse caseloads to building a reputation through word-of-mouth and earning the trust of her patients, Catherine offers a refreshing perspective on the realities of rural healthcare. While many regional areas struggle to attract and retain practitioners, her story, marked by adaptability and resilience, shows how rewarding rural practice can be.

Whether you’re a practitioner considering a move or a student exploring opportunities, this is a must-listen for anyone curious about healthcare beyond the city limits.

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Systemic inflammatory conditions and chronic pain continue to place a heavy burden on Australia’s healthcare system. In this episode, osteopath, naturopath, and nutritionist Andrea Robertson sits down with her friend and fellow osteopath and functional medicine practitioner Shari Trimble. The two budding practitioners explore how nutrition can be integrated into osteopathic practice.

You’ll hear how expanding skills in nutrition can enhance and complement core osteopathic approaches, the professional requirements for osteopaths when prescribing supplements and offering nutritional guidance, plus, you’ll gain practical insights into key nutritional advice, including a surprising use of fish oil

Whether you’re an osteopath curious about incorporating nutrition into your work or simply interested in the intersection of diet and musculoskeletal health, this conversation offers valuable takeaways.

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Which matters more, the length of sleep or its quality? How does sleep deprivation intensify pain? And in what ways can sleep support those with mental health? In this episode, we go beyond the headlines to explore the science of sleep and bust some of the most common myths.

Osteopath George Michael and respiratory & sleep medicine physician Dr Nick Antoniades join osteopath Beth Yule for a fascinating conversation about the hidden connections between sleep, the nervous system and musculoskeletal health.

Together, they unpack what practitioners should be asking patients who struggle with sleep apnoea, insomnia, or poor sleep hygiene, and why sleep is often the missing piece in managing pain and wellbeing.

George Michael and Dr Nick Antoniades appeared on Osteo Talk thanks to Osteopathy Australia’s partner, Dr Rest. Osteopathy Australia extends its gratitude to Dr Rest for their ongoing support, especially during this month, as they proudly celebrate their 3rd birthday. 

Osteopathy Australia extends their appreciation to George Michael, Nick Antoniades and Beth Yule for generously sharing their time and insights with Osteo Talk and for their valued contributions to the osteopathic profession.

 

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Recognise, remove, record and refer. These four guiding principles now define how head injuries in sport are addressed. From mandatory stand-downs in sporting codes to the critical early stages of diagnosis, Australian osteopath Cliff Butler and New Zealand’s Neil Holmes share a passion for player welfare in this engaging podcast. 

Their commitment to advancing post-concussion care is evident as they explore the unique role osteopaths play in identifying, treating, managing, and referring patients with concussion. 

Across both sides of the Tasman, Cliff and Neil unpack resources such as the ANZ Concussion Guidelines, digital apps, and sport-specific policies, all of which are empowering practitioners to deliver better outcomes and, above all, prioritise player safety in the management of concussion and related head injuries. 

Part 2 is coming in 2026

Resources: 

1. ANZ Concussion Guidelines: anzconcussionguidelines.com
2. SCAT6 Sport Concussion Assessment Tool for Adolescents https://sma.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SCAT6.pdf
3. World Rugby Passport: Player welfare/medical and Injury prevention e-learning modules  https://passport.world.rugby/

Instagram: cliff_butler and neil_theosteo

 

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In this episode, osteopaths Steph Kellett and Betsy Foskett bring their passion, knowledge and clinical experience to the world of paediatric osteopathy. Whether you're a practitioner, parent or simply curious about osteopathic approaches to infant health, this conversation is packed with insights into gut issues and reflux in babies, plagiocephaly, tongue ties, hip dysplasia, caliper bracing, jaw dysfunction and more.

Steph and Betsy dive into the importance they place on parental support when early challenges unfold, the importance of building a trusted referral network and even top tips on baby apps.

Tune in to hear how osteopathy is perfectly positioned to support infants through common developmental hurdles and how collaboration and compassion shape better outcomes for families.

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In this episode of Osteo Talk by Osteopathy Australia, Advanced Sports Osteopath Louise Bibby is joined by two highly respected colleagues - Bruce Duncan (Director, North Carlton Osteopathy) and Jason Stone (Director, Wantirna Osteopathy).

Together, they share stories from their involvement in sport, reflect on the origins of the Advanced Practice Groups, and unpack their pathways into sports osteopathy.

The conversation explores what sets sports osteopathy apart, including:

• Clinical reasoning differences when managing athletes.
• Common injuries and how sports osteopaths approach them.
• Athlete movement and performance qualities — strength, power, speed, stability, and control.
• The milestones of return-to-activity, return-to-play, and return-to-performance.
• Working collaboratively with surgeons, physicians, coaches, and allied health.
• The ongoing role of monitoring and athlete wellbeing throughout competition.

With moments of humour and reflection, this episode offers valuable insights for osteopaths at every stage - from students considering sport pathways, to practitioners curious about advanced practice recognition, to seasoned clinicians shaping the future of osteopathy in sport.

Osteopathy Australia extends their appreciation to Louise Bibby, Bruce Duncan and Jason Stone. for generously sharing their time and insights with Osteo Talk and for their valued contributions to the osteopathic profession.

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In this episode, Prue Eddie and Michael Solano, who are both faculty of the Rule of the Artery Program for the Australian Research College of Osteopathic Medicine (aka ARCOM), delve into the enduring wisdom of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, unpacking one of his foundational insights that “the rule of the artery is supreme.” Guided by host and fellow osteopath, Sonia Wainberg, the conversation explores how osteopathic principles support the body’s innate ability to self-regulate when blood and lymphatic flow are unobstructed and cellular vitality can thrive.

With a recognition that injuries and chronic conditions are deeply influenced by vascular health and an understanding that “the veins are the drains” is more than a metaphor, Prue and Michael offer a rich perspective on how manual therapy intersects with the body’s circulatory function and that without proper drainage, tissues may not be nourished, repaired, or restored.

Osteopathy Australia extends their appreciation to Prue Eddie, Michael Solano and Sonia Wainberg for generously sharing their time and insights with Osteo Talk and for their valued contributions to the osteopathic profession.

Resource reference: How We Feel by Brett Shirvington https://hub-j3weyd15xv.membership.io/login

To find out more, visit: The Rule of The Artery http://ruleoftheartery.com.au/

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In this empowering episode, we dive into the theme of Women's Health Week: Our respected podcast panellists reflect on years of clinical practice and lived experiences as they highlight how education and access to information can transform patient outcomes, especially for women navigating chronic pain.

After decades of unresolved symptoms, having seen multiple practitioners and tried countless treatments, scores of female patients are still being dismissed, misdiagnosed or ignored. What they often lack is not another prescription, but knowledge, knowledge that enables them to understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their health.

The episode underscores the importance of self-advocacy and the power of information in dismantling outdated norms. Whether you're a practitioner, patient, or simply curious, this conversation is a call to raise your voice, make informed choices and help reshape the future of women's health.

Osteopathy Australia extends their appreciation to our Women's health week panellists for generously sharing their time and insights with Osteo Talk and for their valued contributions to the osteopathic profession and women's health.

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Join Australia’s first Advanced Sports Osteopath, Louise Bibby, as she sits down to chat with Hannah Moore, PhD candidate, researcher, and Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Western Bulldogs AFLW team.

This extended episode follows the arc of Hannah's expertise, from her foundational work on the menstrual cycle and athlete monitoring, through to the transformation of her approach following overseas travel and exposure to leading international systems. It starts with what osteopaths and health professionals need to understand about female physiology, and builds into cultural change, coaching language, psychological safety, and high-performance systems of care.

Osteopathy Australia extends their appreciation to Louise Bibby and Hannah Moore for generously sharing their time and insights with Osteo Talk and for their valued contributions to the osteopathic profession.

Hannah Moore's recommended resources:

Gunter J. Blood: The science, medicine, and mythology of menstruation. Los Angeles, CA: Citadel Press; 2024.

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sms.70107

The Journal of Physiology

Menstrual cycles and macrocycles: Science, not socials, is doing the heavy lifting - Minahan - 2025 - The Journal of Physiology - Wiley Online Library

We asked an expert to explain PMS - with Hannah Dower. (n.d.). Listnr KICPOD. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cgQEgBxCka0ZPuc3ykals

 

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