The Willow Clinic - Vanessa Fisher Osteopath

18/11/2025

This November — as we recognise Movember and International Men’s Day — it’s time to talk about an often-overlooked part of men’s wellbeing: musculoskeletal health.
Many men push through pain or dismiss early stiffness as “just getting older.” But ignoring those warning signs can lead to long-term joint damage, reduced mobility, and unnecessary discomfort.

Our latest blog explores:
➡️ Why men delay seeking help
➡️ Early signs of joint dysfunction
➡️ How osteopathy can support better joint health and performance
Let’s make joint care part of the men’s health conversation this month.
💪 Because strength isn’t ignoring pain — it’s acting early.

📖 Read the full blog: [https://www.thewillowclinic.com.au/why-men-ignore-joint-pain-habits-stigma-how-to-recognise-early-signs/]

14/11/2025

The Ultimate Friday Mood

Deeply relaxed and dreaming of the weekend 😌�
Cranial osteopathy — helping little ones (and their nervous systems) unwind since day one.�Have a chilled Friday, everyone! 💕

11/11/2025

This No Falls November, I wanted to see how much stronger and steadier I could get in just 3 months — and the results surprised me! 💪

After joining OsteoStrong Manly, my strength, balance, and confidence all improved, with measurable results:

✅ 99% average improvement across all machines
✅ 20% increase in grip strength
✅ Better balance and posture

Falls are one of the biggest risks linked to osteoporosis — and small improvements like these can make a huge difference.

Read my full blog on what OsteoStrong is, how it helps, and why it ties perfectly into No Falls November 👉

How OsteoStrong helped improve my strength, balance, & confidence in just 3 mths — & how it supports fall prevention this No Falls November

04/11/2025

👅 Tongue Tie in Babies – What You Need to Know

Did you know that a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) can affect more than just your baby’s feeding?

A tongue tie occurs when the thin piece of tissue under the tongue (the frenulum) is too tight or short, restricting the tongue’s natural movement. This can lead to a variety of challenges in those early weeks and months.

Common signs of tongue tie include:�
👶 Difficulty latching or staying latched during feeds�
🍼 Clicking or noisy feeding�
😢 Fussiness, wind or reflux symptoms after feeding�💧 Dribbling milk or poor weight gain�
🤱 Sore or damaged ni***es for mum�
🗣️ Later on – possible speech articulation issues

When the tongue can’t move freely, babies often develop compensatory muscle patterns in the mouth, jaw, and neck. This can create tension in surrounding tissues, sometimes contributing to head-turning preferences or feeding asymmetry.

How Osteopathy can help:�Gentle osteopathic treatment can help ease tension in the neck, jaw, and cranial structures, supporting better tongue movement, feeding mechanics, and comfort. While osteopaths don’t perform tongue-tie releases, treatment can be very helpful both before and after a frenotomy to assist with improved function and recovery.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs or have concerns about your baby’s feeding, we’re here to help. 💛

📍 The Willow Clinic, Brookvale and Newport�🌿 Supporting babies and mums with gentle, holistic osteopathic care.

30/10/2025

👶 Understanding Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) — What New Mums Need to Know 💛

Noticing a flat spot on your baby’s head? You’re not alone — plagiocephaly, often called flat head syndrome, is quite common in infants. It happens when a baby’s soft skull develops a flat area, often from spending a lot of time lying in one position.

✨ Signs to look out for:
One side of your baby’s head looks flatter than the other
The ears may appear slightly misaligned
The forehead or cheek on one side looks more prominent
Baby prefers to turn their head one way

👩‍⚕️ How Osteopathy can help:
Gentle osteopathic techniques can help release tension through your baby’s neck, shoulders, and cranial bones. This can improve comfort, encourage freer movement, and help restore balanced head shape. Treatment is safe, soothing, and tailored for babies.

🌿 Early assessment is key!
The earlier plagiocephaly is identified, the more effective gentle intervention can be. Osteopathic care, combined with home advice on positioning and tummy time, can make a big difference.

💜 Where to find help:
At The Willow Clinic, inside The Lotus Centre in Brookvale or AHARA in Newport, our experienced osteopath provides caring, evidence-informed treatment for babies and mums alike.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape or movement, we’d love to help.
📞 Book an appointment or learn more: www.thewillowclinic.com.au

19/10/2025

🦴 World Osteoporosis Day | October 20th 🌍

Our bones are living tissue — constantly breaking down and rebuilding. As we age, especially post-menopause or with hormonal changes, bone loss can accelerate, leading to osteoporosis — a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

💡 Osteopath’s Tips for Stronger Bones:

✨ Move daily — weight-bearing and resistance exercises are key!
🥦 Eat calcium-rich foods (like leafy greens, dairy, almonds, sardines).
🌞 Get enough Vitamin D — from sunlight or supplementation if needed.
⚖️ Keep hormones in balance — especially during menopause and later life.
🩺 Ask your GP about bone density screening if you’re at risk.

At The Willow Clinic, we support your musculoskeletal health at every age — helping maintain strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.

Let’s protect our bones and our independence for years to come! 💚

15/10/2025

Today is World Spine Day! 💙

This year’s focus is on Spine Health for All, raising awareness of how posture, movement, and ergonomics can prevent back pain — one of the most common health issues worldwide.

At The Willow Clinic, we see firsthand how modern lifestyles — long hours at desks, screen time, and stress — can impact spinal health.

💺 A few simple habits can make all the difference:

✨ Sit with feet flat on the floor and shoulders relaxed
✨ Take micro breaks to move and stretch every 30–45 minutes
✨ Keep screens at eye level to avoid slouching
👎 Poor posture → tight muscles, fatigue, and stiffness
👍 Good posture → efficient movement, less pain, better energy

Let’s make every day a spine health day! 💪

13/10/2025

October is National Safe Work Month — because work shouldn’t hurt. 💪

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most common workplace injury in NSW, making up 52% of all serious claims.

These include sprains, strains, and injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints — often caused by lifting, carrying, repetitive movements, or falls.

🧠 Did you know psychosocial stress (like high job demands, poor support, or fatigue) can also increase your risk of MSDs?

👉 Here are some simple ways to protect yourself and your team:

✅ Use correct lifting techniques and avoid twisting under load
✅ Take regular micro breaks — small stretches or short walks make a big difference
✅ Set up your workstation ergonomically (screen height, chair support, desk position)
✅ Foster a supportive work culture — mental wellbeing and physical health go hand in hand

Let’s make our workplaces safer, healthier, and more sustainable — one mindful movement at a time. 🌿

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day 💚 — a reminder that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies.

Stress, anxiety, and emotional strain can all show up physically — through headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, or disrupted sleep. As an osteopath, I see how closely the body and mind are connected, and how supporting one can often help the other.

Let’s keep checking in on ourselves and each other.
💬 Talk about how you feel
🤝 Reach out for support
🌸 Make time for movement, rest, and connection

Because every small act of care — for your body and your mind — truly matters. 💚

06/10/2025

💪 Healthy joints keep us moving freely, comfortably, and confidently — but over time, everyday wear and tear, posture, or injury can take their toll.

In my new blog post, “Why Joint Health Matters: An Osteopath’s Guide to Healthy Joints,” I share how osteopathic care can support joint mobility, ease stiffness, and reduce pain — so you can stay active at every stage of life.

You’ll also find simple lifestyle tips to help protect your joints, improve flexibility, and move with ease.

👉 Read more here:

Why Joint Health Matters: An Osteopath’s Guide to Healthy Joints. Suffering from joint pain book a consult today 9030 0352

02/10/2025

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀

Early detection truly makes a difference. Regular self-checks and screenings help pick up changes sooner. Here are some things to keep an eye on:

✨ A lump or swelling in the breast or underarm
✨ Changes in breast size, shape, or feel
✨ Skin changes—dimpling, puckering, redness, or rash
✨ Ni**le changes—turning inwards, unusual discharge, or pain
✨ Ongoing breast pain or discomfort

Let’s keep raising awareness together: check, screen, and support. 💗

28/09/2025

🌸 September is Pain Awareness Month 🌸

Pregnancy is a special time, but it can also bring challenges like back pain, pelvic discomfort, and muscle tension.

Osteopathy offers gentle, safe care to ease pain, improve mobility, and support your wellbeing — so you can enjoy your pregnancy more fully. 💕
✨ You don’t have to just “put up with it.”