Freedom Physio & Acupuncture

Welcome to Freedom Physio & Acupuncture
Are you feeling stressed, tired and unable to relax even on your days off?
Are you struggling with Chronic Pain and want a long term solution?
Do you feel you are only getting short term relief from other health practitioners?

Welcome. If you are in pain, exhausted and frustrated with stubborn health problems that have not resolved with traditional care, you have made it to the right place.

When you feel like your current state of health is preventing you from enjoying your life, doing the things you love, or affecting your relationships, it is time to do something about it.

Maybe you just need some acute pain relief from sciatica or a sports injury. Or, perhaps you are looking for a solution to your chronic low back or neck pain. Maybe you have migraine headaches, insomina, stress or a general lack of vitality and energy.

If you have been suffering from health problems for more than a couple of months, even tough you have tried other types of care, it's time to entertain the idea that things are not going to improve on their own.

Michael Johnston is one of the few Physiotherapist who is also a qualified Acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Medicine so he is uniquely placed to offer you a complete well-being solution.

THERE IS A SOLUTION......
If you want to take control of you health once and for all, call our office on 93118271 so we can discuss your healthcare needs or set up your first appointment.

About Us
Michael Johnston is a health practitioner with 15 years clinical experience. Michael graduated from Latrobe University in Physiotherapy in 1995. He worked initially in Australia and from there worked and lived in the United Kingdom for 7 years. After completing initial studied in acupuncture in London he returned to Australia to complete his Masters degree in Acupuncture form RMIT. Michael graduated from RMIT in 2006 where he was awarded the Outstanding academic achievement award for achieving the highest grades over the three year Masters program.

Michael's work passion is for his clients to be free of chronic pain, have optimal energy levels and to be able to control life's stresses.

Outside of work Michael practises mindfulness meditation and likes to bring this focused attention into the treatment room. He keeps active by chasing his two young boys around and also by regular jogging which led to him completing the Melbourne Marathon last year.

Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a scientific based health profession that aims to maximise human moveement with freedom of stress and pain. Physiotherapy will regain optimal movement and function following injury or illness and improve quality of life through freedom of movement.

Michael Johnston has 15 years experience in Physiotherapy so is well placed to acurately assess and diagnose your conditon. Treatment is then planned and administered with a real focus on educating you as to why the injury has occured and how you can prevent it ocurring in the future.

Physiotherapy treatment normally uses a combination of manual therapy, deep tissue muscle release, exercise prescription, lifestyle advice and as required acupuncture or clinical pilates

Michael specialises in the treatment of:

• Migraines & Headaches
  
• Back pain & Sciatica
  
• Neck pain
  
• Shoulder & Knee injuries
  
• Osteo & Rheumatoid Arthitis
  
• Sports injuries
  
• Clinical Pilates
  
• Tennis elbow & Plantar fasciitis
  
• Biomechanics & Orthotics

Acupuncture
For a complete look at acupuncture and how it can help you thrive in the modern world download my free Ebook. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles that promote the flow of Chi (energy), blood and nutirents to the tissues. Acupuncture has the effect of bringing balance back to the body.

Many acupuncturists assert that the ritual of needling specific points is primararily a way of making therapeutic suggestions to the body. It is like offering the body some new input to work with so it can disentangle itself from the feedback loop and habit of chronic pain, imbalance, or weakness. Our bodies are miraculous self-healing organisms. When prompted and guided the right way, the body has an amazing ability to heal itself. Inserting a needle into an acupuncture point is a way of communicating with the patients body. it is like saying "WAKE UP" or "RELAX"... in fact, there are a number of intentions and suggestions a skilled acupuncturist can utilize when working on a patient.

Acupuncture achieves what western medicine often fails to do and that is to offer a non invasive, gentle, yet potent method of intervention that naturally offers the body what it needs itself.

At Freedom you get the amazing benefits of Chinese Medicne along with the benefits of clinical Western techniques providing a powerful treatment to get you back on the way to health.

Michael specialises Acupuncture for the treatment of:

• Headaches
  
• Anxiety
  
• Depression
  
• Poor energy & Vitality
  
• Back & Neck pain
  
• Osteo & Rheumatoid Arthirtis
  
• Infertility
  
• PMS + menstrual pain
  
• Menopausal Syndrome
  
• Allergiers
  
• Addictions
  
• Insomina
  
• Digestive disorders

Clinical Pilates
Clinical Pilates is the fusion of current Australian phjysiotherapy spinal stability research and traditional Pilates. Clinical Pilates exercise focuses on developing a strong "core" (Deep abdomina, pelvic floorl and spinal muscles) which allows for stronger, more balanced body movement. This is achieved by performing specific controlled movement on a sping loaded reformer.

The advantage of clinical pilates is that you are instructed by a physiotherapist who can navigate you through the exercises safely and with your injury rehabilitation in mind. Clinical Pilates physiotherapy is particualrly useful for rehabilitation of low back and spinal injuries.

Your first session will involve an assessment by a Physiotherapist who will then devise a program for you based on your individual needs. At Freedom all the initial clinical pilates is one on one but once you are confident you can progress to a one on 4 class which makes ongoing care more affordable.

Benefits of Clinical Pilates:

• Improves posture, co-ordination & strength
  
• Improves muscle tone & decreases pain
  
• Decreases stress and tension in the body

FAQ
Does Acupuncture hurt?
No, Acupuncture should not hurt. Acupuncture involves the insertion of a very fine needle that will create a dull pressure or tingling around the area being treated. The sensation is totally different to an injection. Most people are amazed how relaxed they feel during and after the treatment in fact a lot of people actually fall asleep during the treatment. This of course only ocurs because the treatment is conmfortable and gentle.

Is Acupuncture safe?
As long as it is performed by a competent practitioner, acupuncture is extremely safe. Acupuncture has minimal side effects unlike many Western medicines. Acupuncturist are required to use disposable needles that are discarded after one use.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?
As Michael is registered both as a Physiotherapist and an Acupuncturist you can claim with all major funds with extras cover under Physiotherapy or Acupuncture. We have Hicaps onsite so you can claim automatically.

How many treatments will I need?
This is unique to the individual. For most chronic conditions, 6-8 sessions on a weekly to fortnightly basis tends to offer the best outcomes. some people notice immediate improveemnt in their health while for others acupuncture tends to have a cumulative effect over several visits.