Dr Samuel Garner, Chiropractor
Sam completed a Bachelor of Chiropractic and Bachelor of Science at Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia.
He has since owned and run Practices in Western Australia, Scotland and London. On returning to Australia, Sam has taken his passion in chiropractic and wellness to Avalon Beach where he loves the active lifestyle and healthy habits of the locals.
While Sam has always worked as a family chiropractor, he retains a strong interest in postural correction, sports injuries and using chiropractic to maximise optimal performance.
Sam has furthered his passion for sport and chiropractic by continuing his professional development studying with the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic. He has trained in the treatment of extremities including injuries of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand and has also become accredited in dry needling technique, which uses acupuncture needles to release muscular tension.
Sam and his team work closely with the Avalon community, contributing their services to:
- Avalon Ocean Swim.
- Newport to Avalon “Around the Bends” Swim.
- Palm Beach to Whale Beach “Big Swim”.
- Avalon Soccer Club.
- Palm Beach Polo By The Sea.
Sam works closely with the local business community currently holding the following positions:
- President, BNI Pittwater Professionals.
- Committee Member, Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber.
Sam enjoys exercising five days a week and places a large emphasis on healthy nutrition to maintain his healthy lifestyle, something that he also encourages in all his patients.
Mr Joe De Sensi, Dip Remedial Massage and Chiropractor's Assistant
Joe is a massage therapist, meditation teacher and Qigong practitioner practising with our dedicated team. Joe has worked as a massage therapist since 2006 and his treatment techniques are a combination of remedial, shiatsa, acupressure and sports massage.
He has specialised in head, neck, shoulder and upper back tension which is one of the key areas of his work. Joe's other area of work is for de-stressing with the use of relaxing blends of essential oils which is very popular with the busy and active types - a great treatment for assisting in unwinding and re-focusing.
With Joe's extensive experience in the treatment of the back and neck, Joe often works alongside Chiropractor, Sam Garner, to aid Chiropractic care with soft tissue therapies.
Before coming to Avalon Joe had the opportunity to spend two years in silent retreat in the Himalayas in Northern India where his practice of meditation was refined due to total immersion into his daily practice and the surrounding environment.
Meditation is a great life skill to learn because of its profound health benefits both mentally and physically.
Ms Sarah Gartside, Dip Remedial Massage
Sarah is a highly experienced remedial massage therapist of 7 years and has joined Avalon Beach Chiropractic & Wellness after having grown up and worked as a therapist in Whistler, Canada. Sarah's experience treating athletes is extensive and her knowledge of remedial sports massage, injury assessment and prevention is vast.
Since being in Sydney Sarah has worked with many elite athletes at sporting events and enjoys taking part in community sports events. While Sarah is well renowned for her deep tissue expertise, she also caters to patient needs and adopts a swedish massage technique for those in need of gentle care or relaxation style therapies.
Coming from the snow, Sarah's passion is for snowboarding, hiking, walking and all things exercise. Sarah also has a passion for travel.
Ms Kathy Hammond, Dip Remedial Massage
Kathy completed a Diploma of Remedial Massage in 2008 at Nature Care College in St Leonards. During this time, Kathy became aware of and sensitive to the increasing needs and demands placed on people in our busy society and developed a strong interest in helping others to release stress patterns, and achieve optimal results in their lifestyle choices. Kathy achieves this by implementing a combination of relaxation and remedial techniques, with advice on corrective exercise to aid with home care of her clients.
Having previously worked as a mobile massage therapist in the last 5 years, Kathy is now enjoying working in a clinical setting. A keen surfer, who loves nature, Kathy enjoys like minded locals who embrace the active lifestyle that the northern beaches offer.
Mr Evan Johnstone, B.Pod, Dip. Fitness, Cert IV Remedial Massage
Evan, an experienced podiatrist of many years, is schooled in all areas of podiatry including general treatments, diabetic foot care and orthotics. With a Podiatry Degree from Newcastle University, Evan has a special interest in biomechanics and sports injuries, rehabilitation and training. In addition, Evan has a Diploma in Fitness & Sports (Strength and Conditioning) and a Certificate IV in Massage Therapy. Evan draws upon these skills to provide comprehensive patient care.
A keen drummer, Evan keeps fit by running and swimming. If you're up early enough you might see him running around Avalon in the mornings! Evan has spent most of his time living in Avalon, where he now resides with his wife.
Ms Poppy Osprey, Naturopath, Nutritionist and Herbalist, ND DBM Adv DNutr Adv
Poppy has extensively studied the physiology of the digestive system. Having completed 14 years of study, Poppy continues her passion for knowledge of the digestive system through continued education and close relationships with representatives from industry.
A qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist and Herbalist, Poppy believes that the majority of adverse health issues originate in the gut and she focuses her care on improving the health of the gut, detoxing and achieving weight loss as an added benefit.
Trained in a wide variety of areas, Poppy has experience with fertility, pregnancy, paediatrics, children's health, allergies, behavioural challenges, stress, menopause, anxiety, sleeping disorders and many other areas.
Poppy has been a Palm Beach resident for 25 years and loves the area because of the passion of the locals for improving and optimising health.
Ms Rachel Leslie, Clinic Manager
I was first introduced to chiropractic in Glasgow, Scotland after suffering debilitating headaches for many years. At the time I did not know anything about chiropractic but after getting adjusted I was pain free for the first time in my life!
Since becoming a chiropractic patient and having my life back I have grown extremely passionate about helping others who suffered like me. Since then I have worked with chiropractors in Scotland and London. Recently Sam and I moved to Australia for the beautiful lifestyle and weather.
Outside of chiropractic I have a passion for horse riding, regular exercise and yoga which keeps me at my optimum alongside my regular chiropractic check ups! I look forward to meeting you in the clinic!