The Willow Clinic - Vanessa Fisher Osteopath

16/06/2026

How Osteopaths View Developmental Concerns in Children
We don’t diagnose developmental delay—we look at how a child’s body is functioning as a whole system.
Tension patterns, birth history, or early growth strains can sometimes influence movement, feeding, sleep, and overall comfort.
Rather than focusing only on milestones, osteopaths assess for possible mechanical or functional contributors that may be impacting ease of development.
The goal is simple: reduce strain and support the body to move and develop more freely.
If something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s worth having a closer look.

How Osteopaths View Developmental Concerns in Children. Book an osteopathic consult in the Northern Beaches for your child.

09/06/2026

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of observing posture and spinal development in children and adolescents.
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine develops a sideways curve and rotation. While it can affect people of all ages, it most commonly develops during adolescence, particularly between the ages of 10–16 years. This period is the highest risk window because rapid growth spurts can influence how quickly a spinal curve may appear or progress.
There are also less common forms that can present earlier in childhood, and in some cases, scoliosis can develop or progress in adulthood due to age-related spinal changes.
Early signs can be subtle, such as uneven shoulders, asymmetry in posture, or changes noticed when a child bends forward. Often, these changes are first picked up by parents, school screenings, or health professionals during routine checks.
From an osteopathic perspective, we assess posture, movement, and musculoskeletal balance as a whole system. While osteopaths do not diagnose scoliosis, we can help identify areas of asymmetry, restriction, or altered movement patterns and recommend appropriate referral where needed.
Early detection is particularly important during growth phases, as this is when monitoring and management can make the greatest difference.
If you’ve noticed postural changes in your child or teenager, early assessment is always worthwhile.
📍 The Willow Clinic, Brookvale and Newport

20/05/2026

Did you know your neck pain may actually start from your feet?

In osteopathy, we often look beyond where the pain is felt — because the body works as one connected system. Changes in foot posture and movement can influence the knees, pelvis, spine and even the position of your head and neck.
If your feet aren’t functioning optimally, your body may compensate over time, potentially contributing to:

• Neck and shoulder tension
• Recurrent headaches
• Postural strain
• A feeling of imbalance
• Persistent tightness despite treatment

At The Willow Clinic in Brookvale & Newport, we take a whole-body approach to assessing and treating musculoskeletal pain patterns.

Our latest blog explores:
✔️ How your feet affect your neck
✔️ The role of fascia and posture
✔️ Why neck pain may not actually start in the neck
✔️ How osteopathy may help address these patterns
Read the full blog here:

Foot mechanics & posture can influence neck tension & whole-body alignment. Discover the osteopathic connection between your feet & neck.

05/05/2026

As we move into the cooler months, many families notice changes in their baby’s feeding, comfort, and sleep.
While it’s easy to focus on digestion alone, breathing mechanics play a key role in how babies function day-to-day.
For feeding to feel smooth and efficient, babies need to coordinate breathing, sucking, and swallowing. If there is tension through the diaphragm, rib cage, or neck (often from birth or early positioning), this coordination can be affected.

This may show up as:
• Fussiness or discomfort during feeds
• Reflux symptoms
• Difficulty settling or staying asleep
• Preference turning the head to one side

For mums, pregnancy and postpartum changes can also impact breathing patterns—often contributing to chest tightness, neck and shoulder tension, and fatigue.
Osteopathy offers a gentle, hands-on approach to support both babies and mums by improving movement and reducing tension in the body.

If you’ve been feeling like something isn’t quite right, you’re not imagining it—there may be a physical component we can help with.
✨ You can read more in my latest blog
📍 The Willow Clinic, Brookvale and Newport

Discover how breathing mechanics and osteopathy can support feeding, reflux & sleep in babies & mums - especially during colder months.

09/04/2026

To book online please go to https://the-willow-clinic.au1.cliniko.com/bookings

26/03/2026

This came from a conversation with a mum in clinic 💛
Bedwetting can feel really stressful, but sometimes the cause isn’t what you’d expect.
Mouth breathing and sleep can play a big role — here’s how 👇

24/03/2026

🍂 Autumn is here… and your body feels it too
As the weather cools, it’s common to notice more stiffness, tight shoulders, or those old niggles creeping back in.
This seasonal shift can affect how your body moves, recovers, and holds tension.
✨ Regular osteopathic care can help you:
• Stay mobile
• Reduce aches and stiffness
• Support your body through seasonal change
If you’ve been putting it off—this is your sign to book in.

26/02/2026

Tennis Elbow — and you don’t need to play tennis to get it. 🎾

Lateral elbow tendinopathy is a common overload injury caused by repetitive gripping, lifting or prolonged mouse use.
It’s not just about the elbow.
We assess:
• Wrist and shoulder mechanics
• Neck involvement
• Grip strength and load tolerance
• Work and lifestyle factors

Rest alone rarely fixes it. Tendons need progressive, guided loading to recover properly.
If your elbow pain has been hanging around, let’s get it properly assessed and moving in the right direction. To find out more read my latest blog post 📖

Struggling with tennis elbow? Discover causes, symptoms, & how osteopathic care in Brookvale & Newport can support recovery & reduce pain.

17/02/2026

Did you know 1 in 6 Australians live with back pain? That’s around 4 million people (ABS 2022).
Many cases are “non-specific”, with no clear structural cause. Hidden contributors may include:
• Sleep posture & pillow support 🛏
• Prolonged sitting 💺
• Poor ergonomics & limited movement
Osteopathy looks beyond symptoms, addressing how your body moves and heals. Small changes can make a big difference!
📍 The Willow Clinic – Brookvale and Newport | Northern Beaches

Uncovering the Hidden Causes of Back Pain: The Role of Sleep, Posture, and Osteopathic Care. Book and appointment today 9030 0352

31/12/2025

Holiday indulgence catching up with you? 🥂

Gently reset your body with a few simple, healthy habits:

✨ Stay well hydrated to support recovery and circulation
✨ Add light stretching or yoga to ease stiffness and restore mobility
✨ Consider osteopathic treatment to help realign, release tension, and feel refreshed

Appointments reopen Friday 2rd January 2026 — bookings are now open.

📖 Read my latest blog for practical tips to start the year feeling strong: https://www.thewillowclinic.com.au/resetting-posture-after-the-holidays-an-osteopathic-approach-to-moving-well-again/
#2026