Laurelle Caristo

During my final years at high school I became interested in Chiropractic. The Anatomy Department at Monash University was outstanding so I decided to study in Melbourne, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science. Whilst in Melbourne, I regularly experienced Chiropractic firsthand. I felt physically stronger and my capacity to balance studying, sporting pursuits and a lifestyle away from home greatly increased. I completed a Masters of Chiropractic at Macquarie University in Sydney in 1998.

My passion working within the Chiropractic profession took me to Newcastle. During this time I worked extensively with chronic pain, consulting alongside Inger Villadsen. The clinic had a strong referral base from local doctors, neurologists and orthopedic surgeons. The scope of Chiropractic presentations was broad. I worked on children with a range of complaints to more elderly with arthritic presentations. Clinically I experienced Chiropractic had many benefits within the community and went beyond merely treating symptoms.

I went on to establish a clinic in Swansea, Lake Macquarie with Frank Caristo and satellite practices within Medical Centres in Lake Munmorah and Gwandalan. I worked with a diverse mix of people. I particularly enjoyed working with miner’s who had sustained traumatic injuries and those who had undergone repeated surgical procedures. Working to optimize function and rehabilitate biomechanics in these individual was incredibly challenging yet immensely rewarding.

The allure of London however loomed so we sold our private practice and left Australia for adventures abroad. There I began working in Henley-On-Thames within a highly respected multi-disciplinary practice. My Chiropractic work load was full and I gained a wealth of experience working alongside other health care professionals - homeopaths, naturopaths, psychologists, acupuncturists, holistic dentists and yoga teachers. This clinic encouraged an activity of cross referral, working together with other health care professionals to achieve the best possible health solutions for individuals. In Henley, I gained a wealth of experience in treating children and attended a number of paediatric seminars.

In December 2003 I returned to Sydney and established Majors Bay Chiropractic. Drawing on all my Chiropractic experience I dedicated myself completely. My passion to apply the best Chiropractic techniques and protocols for each individual is paramount. Together with an evaluation of lifestyles factors and biomechanical rehabilitative programs this ensures long term solutions to maintain and optimize the health of each individual.

In 2005 I qualified as a Yoga Teacher and furthered my understanding of yoga and its various teachings and practices. Combined with my training in core stability and rehabilitation of muscle imbalances, I continue to implement this learning and postural awareness when generating personalized rehabilitative programs and holistic approach to better health.  In 2013 I established Springwood Chiropractic in Springwood, Blue Mountains.

I regularly complete continuing professional development post-graduate training to gain in-depth understanding of the most effective chiropractic techniques. This has included several low force chiropractic techniques (sacro-occipital technique (SOT) and cranial), spinal decompression, nutrition, and paediatrics.

Throughout my practice I have always provided Chiropractic care to women during pregnancy and young mothers to alleviate mechanical strain and to assist with optimal wellbeing and health. Now with three school age children I completely understand the challenges women’s bodies go through from carrying a child in pregnancy, during delivery, breastfeeding and beyond. The value and importance of Chiropractic in my life is paramount. I enjoy the challenges of helping patients with severe debilitating conditions and sport injuries however I advocate that prevention is better than cure. A well-functioning and maintained spine is not only less likely to be injured, it also heals faster following a trauma. I regularly have Chiropractic by colleagues to keep in optimal alignment and my children also have regular Chiropractic checkups, and not always by myself or husband. I am committed to pursuing a healthy outdoor life with my family, enjoy, yoga, meditation, bush walks and runs and playing tennis.

With over 18 years’ experience in the field of Chiropractic I am passionate and dedicated to my profession. I work with high integrity and strive for the best possible outcomes. I aim to identify postural and contributing lifestyle factors to ailments and utilize longer consultations. I understand health is multifactorial and what works for one individual will not necessary work for another.

I am an APHRA (Australia) and GCC(UK) registered Chiropractor and a member of Chiropractic and Osteopathic College of Australia.