Hobsons Bay Health Collective

Hobsons Bay Health Collective Our team offers expert physio, chiro, massage, acupuncture & naturopathy. After completing his V.C.E. in 1988. Chiropractic and Natural Therapies.

Established in Williamstown in 1996, Hobsons Bay Health Collective (formerly Ferguson Street Chiropractic & Natural Therapies) has cared for our community for decades. Dr Chris (Chiropractor) was introduced to Chiropractic as a four year old, growing up in Mildura. His parents had seen and experienced the benefits of complimentary health care and very quickly the family Chiropractor had Chris's m

igraine headaches under control. at Ballarat Grammar in 1987, Chris began his Chiropractic degree at R.M.I.T. The five year course focused on science, neurology, pathology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, X-ray diagnosis and the art and philosophy of Chiropractic. In fact the total number of study hours was similar to that of an under-graduate medical degree. After graduating in 1993, Chris worked and traveled extensively within Australia and overseas, and in the process had the opportunity to asses and treat many different patients and work with a number of Chiropractors in an array of settings. He then embarked on completing numerous post-graduate Chiropractic courses, seminars and studies, giving him the ultimate grounding for setting up his own clinic. And with the assistance of his wife Deborah, a fully qualified Naturopath, he did just that in February 1996, establishing Ferguson St. The aim and mission of the clinic was, and still is, to provide an excellent team of health care providers, committed to improving people's wellness and health utilizing gentle, modern and progressive techniques. As well as providing care for people of all ages, newborn through to 90+, Chris has a passionate interest in sport and athletes from all walks of life, consulting with the "weekend warriors" through to the elite, and all those in-between. Chris knows what it's like to ask a lot from the body. After an exhaustive qualification series, he represented Australia in 1998 and 2000 as an age group triathlete at the Triathlon World Championships (33rd and 11th). In 2003 he was rewarded with a qualification for the famous Hawaiian Ironman after competing well in the Australian Ironman Triathlon. Whilst family commitments prevented racing Hawaii, Chris threatens to return one day. He then finished 22nd in 2004 in the famous Melbourne to Warnnanbool bike race. In 2014 he was part of a 5 man team that won the prestigious Oppy 24hr shield, an annual Australian and International bike race where each competitor in the team is required to ride continuously for 24hrs. The team, Pane e Acqua, covered 730km each in the 24hrs. Chris has experienced first hand how Chiropractic helped his athletic ability and performance, aiding his recovery and reducing injury. Chris balances his life these days with the addition of three healthy and happy children. Having had the opportunity to work closely in a clinical setting with his kids, it has only strengthened his belief in the importance of chiropractic care for kids. The pediatric side of the clinic has consequently grown into an important aspect of the clinic. The clinic these days enjoys a multi-disciplinary approach to health care, providing services such as Naturopathy, Personal Training and Pilates, Massage, Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, in addition to the Chiropractic care.

How impressive: Acupuncture shown through multiple studies to be helpful in managing depression + anxiety! Read on, and ...
24/08/2026

How impressive: Acupuncture shown through multiple studies to be helpful in managing depression + anxiety! Read on, and if you feel like acupuncture maybe for you, give the clinic a call (93999659 or book online, www.hbhc.melbourne ) for an appointment with Dr Elisabeth Staunton, our Chinese Medicine Practitioner. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years but scientists are still figuring out what it actually does to the brain.
A new analysis combined brain-imaging data from seven clinical trials involving 357 people with major depression.
The researchers found that acupuncture was associated with changes in brain regions involved in emotion and reward, including the cingulum and caudate nucleus. More acupuncture sessions were also associated with greater changes in the amygdala, a key emotional-processing region.
Interestingly, antidepressants appeared to affect a different pattern of brain regions, particularly the hippocampus and an area involved in visual processing.
Across these studies, acupuncture was also associated with greater reductions in depression and anxiety scores than antidepressants alone. Although importantly, many receiving acupuncture were also taking antidepressants.
So this isn’t evidence that acupuncture should replace medication. But it does suggest this ancient practice may influence measurable brain networks through a different pathway, potentially making it an interesting complementary treatment to investigate further.
Source: Zhang, J., Shi, X., Wang, W., Xu, K., Li, Y., Shi, X., Shen, Y., & Zou, Y. (2026). Effects of acupuncture on brain function in patients with depression: A meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. Medicine, 105(33), e50185. DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000050185

Most people wait weeks or even months before seeing a physio, hoping the pain will disappear on its own.While some aches...
24/07/2026

Most people wait weeks or even months before seeing a physio, hoping the pain will disappear on its own.

While some aches settle naturally, persistent pain, recurring injuries, or reduced movement are signs it’s time to get assessed.

Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, back or neck pain, joint pain, or recovering after surgery, early intervention can often get you back to doing what you love sooner.

If you’re unsure whether physiotherapy can help, send us a message or book an assessment—we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

📍 Hobsons Bay Health Collective, 166 Ferguson St, Williamstown

9399 9659

AI is an incredible tool for learning and understanding your symptoms—but it can’t examine you, assess your movement, te...
13/07/2026

AI is an incredible tool for learning and understanding your symptoms—but it can’t examine you, assess your movement, test your strength, or tailor a treatment plan to your goals. Every injury is different, and so is every person. If you want the best outcome, nothing replaces a thorough assessment with a qualified physiotherapist. 💪

**🚨 Here's a question...**Why do you brush your teeth every day.....even when they don't hurt? 🪥Because prevention beats...
06/07/2026

**🚨 Here's a question...**

Why do you brush your teeth every day...
..even when they don't hurt? 🪥

Because prevention beats repair.

So why wait until your back or neck is painful before looking after your spine?

Many of our patients choose a regular chiropractic "tune-up" (usually monthly) to keep their spine moving well and to catch little problems before they become bigger ones.

💥 **Now there's solid research backing this approach.**

A peer-reviewed clinical trial followed 328 people over 12 months and found that those receiving regular scheduled chiropractic care had almost 13 fewer days of bothersome low back pain than those who only came in when symptoms returned.

✨ Don't just get out of pain...

**Stay out of pain.**

Your spine carries you through life. Look after it before it asks for your attention.

📍Ready for your next spinal tune-up? We'd love to help.

💪 The Best Exercise Isn’t the “Perfect” One… It’s the One You’ll Actually Do.We often get asked:“What’s the best exercis...
02/07/2026

💪 The Best Exercise Isn’t the “Perfect” One… It’s the One You’ll Actually Do.

We often get asked:
“What’s the best exercise for my back, knee or shoulder?”

The answer might surprise you.

📚 Recent physiotherapy research continues to show that consistency beats perfection.

The most effective exercise program is one that:
✅ Fits your lifestyle
✅ Matches your goals
✅ Challenges you appropriately
✅ Is something you can stick with

You don’t need fancy equipment or the “latest” exercise trend to get results.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing arthritis, or trying to stay active, regular movement and progressive strengthening are what make the biggest difference over time.

At Hobsons Bay Health Collective, we tailor your exercise program to you—because the best plan is the one you’ll actually keep doing.

📍 Ready to move better and feel stronger? Book a 45 minute initial or review appointment with our physiotherapist Hamish today!

https://hbhc.bookings.pracsuite.com/guest

SportsPhysio Osteoarthritis InjuryRecovery Williamstown HobsonsBay MelbournePhysio

💪 The Best Exercise Isn’t the “Perfect” One… It’s the One You’ll Actually Do.We often get asked:“What’s the best exercis...
02/07/2026

💪 The Best Exercise Isn’t the “Perfect” One… It’s the One You’ll Actually Do.

We often get asked:
“What’s the best exercise for my back, knee or shoulder?”

The answer might surprise you.

📚 Recent physiotherapy research continues to show that consistency beats perfection.

The most effective exercise program is one that:
✅ Fits your lifestyle
✅ Matches your goals
✅ Challenges you appropriately
✅ Is something you can stick with

You don’t need fancy equipment or the “latest” exercise trend to get results.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing arthritis, or trying to stay active, regular movement and progressive strengthening are what make the biggest difference over time.

At Hobsons Bay Health Collective, we tailor your exercise program to you—because the best plan is the one you’ll actually keep doing.

📍 Ready to move better and feel stronger? Book a 45 minute initial or review appointment with our physiotherapist Hamish today!

https://hbhc.bookings.pracsuite.com/guest

When you get overwhelmed by the thought of a big workout, or a tough exercise plan the physio has written you, commit to...
29/06/2026

When you get overwhelmed by the thought of a big workout, or a tough exercise plan the physio has written you, commit to taking a 5 minute walk. Once you get moving you’ll probably want to keep on moving 🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

💐 Thank You, Conny 💐After 18 years of congenial, delightful and affable service to every patient who has walked through ...
24/06/2026

💐 Thank You, Conny 💐

After 18 years of congenial, delightful and affable service to every patient who has walked through the doors of Hobsons Bay Health Collective (and previously Ferguson St. Chiropractic & Natural Therapies), our amazing receptionist, Conny, is moving on to the next exciting chapter of her life… retirement.

Conny joined our clinic in 2008 and was instantly recognisable to many locals, having previously spent 10 years as manager of the iconic Williamstown clothing store, Detroit.

She quickly adapted to life in a healthcare clinic and became an incredible advocate for the many benefits our practitioners provide, having experienced them firsthand herself. Through the wonderful times and the challenging times (hello, COVID-19!), Conny always brought her beautiful smile to work. Her warmth and infectious positivity lit up the days of countless patients, many of whom arrived in pain or facing difficult circumstances.

To us, Conny has been so much more than a receptionist. She has been a friendly face, a comforting presence, a listening ear, and an integral part of our clinic family.

She will be deeply missed by all of us here at HBHC and by the many patients whose lives she has touched over the years.

But retirement brings exciting new adventures—more time with her beloved grandchildren, pulling monster snapper into the boat out on the bay, travelling along Australia’s eastern seaboard, cheering on her much loved Bombers, and tending to her incredibly productive garden.

Conny, you leave behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty and genuine care that can never be replaced.

We wish you nothing but love, happiness and wonderful adventures in this next chapter of your life.

Danke. Merci. Muchas Gracias… Thank you for everything, Conny. ❤️

Please join us in the comments by wishing Conny a very happy and well-deserved retirement.

One of the most common questions we get here at HBHC - "Should I use heat or cold treatment ?"Good question and one that...
22/06/2026

One of the most common questions we get here at HBHC -

"Should I use heat or cold treatment ?"

Good question and one that we would hear most days in clinic. Now, there's a really long complicated answer, and there is a more general concise one. Let's run with concise.......

ICE is for injuries and tissue damage. Best used in the first 48 hours after the injury. If something is swollen, red, hot, and clearly inflamed then an ICE pack is your best friend. Not only will it reduce the inflammation but it's a great natural analgesic (pain killer). However, be careful using ICE on a muscle spasm or trigger point in the neck, lower back, or elsewhere in the body.....sometimes it can make it worse. Your best bet may be......

HEAT. After 48 hours following injury a heat pack can be soothing, relieving pain and stiffness of musculoskeletal aches. Heat brings more blood into the area of application which can help stimulate healing of damaged tissue.

Both would usually be applied for 15-20 minutes and repeated as often as possible.

PRECAUTIONS when using heat and ice:

Do not use cold packs or heat:

Over areas of skin that are in poor condition.
Over areas of skin with poor sensation to heat or cold.
Over areas of the body with known poor circulation.
If you have diabetes.
In the presence of infection.

And please don't make it too hot or too cold.

Address

Williamstown North, VIC

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 7pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 7pm
Thursday 8:30am - 7pm
Friday 8:30am - 7pm
Saturday 8:30am - 12pm

Telephone

+61393999659

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hobsons Bay Health Collective posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share