Shelley Joe

 I was originally interested in the American model of osteopathic medicine as a more holistic approach to healthcare than the more narrowly focussed biomedical view. In the past 43 years I have expanded the knowledge gained from my original qualification from The British School of Osteopathy, and was awarded my PhD in Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Queensland in 2009.

Pain is by far the commonest reason to seek healthcare and we now understand that it must be considered from a biopsychosocial perspective, but rarely is outside of specialised practice.

I have presented my research on the biopsychosocial model and lectured in Scandinavia, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

My aim is to help my patients understand pain, and how we might work together to overcome it.

I like to

• Help people to understand the types of acute (pain that has been present or recurred less than 3 months) and how osteopathic management aids recovery

• Help people understand the difference in chronic pain (pain that has been present for more than 3 months) and tailor an individual evidence-based management plan

• Help people develop a ‘Sense of Coherence’ that the problem is comprehensible, meaningful and manageable - Coherent Health

• Integrate education and advice on paced exercise, sleep hygiene, relaxation, mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy where appropriate

I don't prescribe drugs or practice ‘interventional pain management’ (steroid injections) preferring to empower my patients to better take care of themselves, although I am happy to work in with your GP to provide optimal, evidence-based care. My specialised knowledge and care previously contributed to Integrative Pain Care Ltd consistently producing some of the best patient outcomes of any pain management provider. This approach is now available through my private practice in person or via Telehealth across New Zealand and Australia.