Holistic Health Care and Pain Management in the Whitsundays
AHPRA registered Dr Sarah Cipollone marries high quality evidence-informed medicine with the artful and empathetic practice of osteopathy.
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
Osteopathy is a form of allied health care that focuses on the body’s structure—bones, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues—and how it all works together to support movement and health.
In Australia, osteopaths are registered health practitioners with five years of university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical diagnosis, and hands-on treatment techniques.
Osteopath’s assess and treat the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural ability to heal. Treatment may include manual therapy, tailored exercise programs, postural or ergonomic advice, and education around lifestyle factors that influence pain, stress, or movement.
MEET DR SARAH CIPOLLONE (osteopath)
- BSc (Clin Sci), MHSc (Osteo)
- Certified Buteyko Practitioner
- Diploma of Nutrition and Naturopathy
- Osteopath in the Paediatric Field – reflux, unsettled baby, feeding, lactation and tongue tie, plagiocephaly.
Dr Sarah Cipollone is a AHORA registered osteopath with a particular interest in lifestyle medicine and proactive, preventative health. She believes in the core principles of osteopathy—that the body is capable of self-regulation and healing, especially when supported with education and personalised care.
Sarah has developed a deep interest in supporting people living with complex or persistent pain. Her experience spans a range of conditions including headaches, neck and jaw pain, pelvic and back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and pain linked with hormonal cycles. She has undertaken extensive study in pain neuroscience and is passionate about improving how pain is understood and treated
Beyond the Clinic
Sarah is an active advocate for inclusive, accessible health care. She volunteers with The Water Well Project, delivering free health education to refugee and asylum seeker communities. She also sits on an advisory committee for Osteopathy Australia, helping shape the future of integrative health care in Australia.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONSULT?
An initial treatment with Sarah will include a thorough medical history and physical assessment, where she will determine what factors may be predisposing or compounding your injury or influencing your pain. The treatment and subsequent appointments may include;
A range of manual techniques;
soft tissue, joint mobilisation, manipulation, muscle energy techniques
Education and strategies;
to understand pain, to manage stress, to promote better sleep, to enhance nutrition, to alter ergonomics, to integrate healthier habits.
Exercise prescription;
to promote strength, mobility, balance, confidence and desensitization of the nervous system
Restoring optimal breath function;
using Buteyko techniques to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues, promote healing, reduce stress, reduce pain and improve posture.
WHAT IS THE BUTEYKO METHOD?
Breathing has a profound impact on all aspects of health. The Buteyko Method is a breathing technique designed to restore functional breathing patterns. Buteyko techniques have been shown to help asthma, rhinitis, hayfever, anxiety, panic attacks, childhood craniofascial development, snoring and sleep apnea.
Sarah integrates Buteyko techniques with an osteopathic approach to optimize your body’s mechanics, nervous system and chemistry;
Mechanics – Often persistent pain in your musculoskeletal system is a sign that you are not breathing efficiently. Restoring breath function will enhance posture, muscle function and reduce strain on the neck, jaw, shoulders and back. Optimising our breath has also been shown to take pressure off the lower back, as the diaphragm helps stabilise our core during load.
Nervous system – Slow, gentle breathing stimulates our vagus nerve and helps regulate our autonomic nervous system. It is important to reduce sympathetic dominance in cases of chronic muscle tension, chronic pain, poor gut motility, poor reproductive function, poor sleep etc.
Chemistry – These techniques help improve oxygen delivery to the lungs and body tissues and also accelerates the removal of metabolic waste products (like lactic acid).
FAQs
Do I need a referral to see an osteopath?
No, you may make your appointments directly.
If your GP determines you eligible for a Team Care Arrangement (TCA), they may write you a referral to see an osteopath and Medicare will rebate $58 of up to 5 appointments per year.
What can I claim?
You may be able to claim a rebate from a range of government agencies or private health insurers. Requirements and rebates vary across programs so please discuss with your GP, case manager, or osteopath. We accept all major health funds.
How long is an appointment?
An initial appointment may take up to an hour and subsequent appointments are 30 minutes.
What can an osteopath treat?
More than you might think! Osteopaths treat any pain or injury from your head to your toes. You can see an osteopath for headaches, TMJ pain, back pain, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, pelvic pain, pregnancy related strains/discomfort, plantar fasciitis, joint pain, sciatica, bursitis, sports injuries or any other pain related complaints.