Christina is an osteopath whose clinical practice is grounded in evidence-informed care and a holistic approach to musculoskeletal health. Her work focuses on thorough assessment, individualised management, and the integration of manual osteopathic techniques, exercise rehabilitation, and patient education. She works with people across a range of ages and activity levels and aims to tailor management approaches to suit each person’s presentation, health context, and goals.

Education and Professional Foundations

Christina completed both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Osteopathy at Victoria University. Her academic training provided a comprehensive foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pain science, and clinical reasoning. Throughout her studies, there was a strong emphasis on whole-person assessment, encouraging practitioners to consider not only physical findings but also lifestyle factors, movement habits, occupational demands, stress, and overall health when evaluating musculoskeletal presentations.

Christina gained experience working with a broad range of patients under supervision, which supported the development of structured assessment processes and safe, appropriate management planning. This educational background continues to inform her approach to clinical practice.

During her university training, Christina developed a particular interest in conditions involving the neck and jaw, including how cervical spine dysfunction may contribute to symptoms such as headaches, migraines, and jaw pain. This interest arose through both academic learning and clinical exposure and has remained a consistent focus throughout her professional development.

Postgraduate Training and Further Studies

Following graduation, Christina has undertaken additional postgraduate education to further develop her knowledge and clinical skills in areas of specific interest.

She has completed further studies in the Watson Headache® Approach, which provides an evidence-informed framework for the assessment and management of headache and migraine presentations. This approach focuses on detailed cervical spine assessment and the identification of potential musculoskeletal contributors to headache symptoms. The training supports a structured and methodical assessment process for patients presenting with headache-related concerns and informs her clinical reasoning when managing these presentations.

In addition, Christina has completed further education focused on menopause-related health. This training has expanded her understanding of the physical, musculoskeletal, and neurological changes that may occur during perimenopause and menopause. It informs her approach when working with women experiencing symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, headaches, postural changes, or altered physical capacity during this stage of life. Management is adapted to individual presentation, capacity, and broader health considerations.

Christina views ongoing education as an important component of clinical practice and continues to engage in professional development to maintain current knowledge and skills.

Clinical Experience and Career Path

After completing her studies, Christina spent one year working in Townsville, where she gained experience managing a wide range of musculoskeletal presentations across diverse populations. Practising in a regional setting provided exposure to acute and chronic conditions, varying activity levels, and different healthcare access considerations. This experience supported the development of adaptable assessment strategies and reinforced the importance of patient-centred care.

Following her time in Townsville, Christina joined Alpha Sports Medicine, where she has been working for three years. She practises as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, which allows for collaboration with other health professionals and coordinated care when required. Working within this environment supports shared clinical decision-making and appropriate referral pathways, depending on individual patient needs.

Experience in AFL and AFLW

Christina has experience working in AFL and AFLW environments, including with Collingwood Football Club and at local levels. These roles provided exposure to injury management and rehabilitation within both elite and community sporting contexts.

Working in these environments supported the development of skills related to assessment efficiency, load considerations, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. This experience informs her clinical reasoning when working with physically active individuals, although the principles applied are adapted to suit each patient’s context and goals.

Treatment Approach

Christina’s osteopathic approach is hands-on, individualised, and evidence-informed. Treatment may include manual techniques such as soft tissue work and joint mobilisation, dry needling & cupping, selected based on individual assessment findings and clinical reasoning.

Manual therapy is complemented by exercise rehabilitation where appropriate. Exercise programs are tailored to the individual and may address strength, mobility, movement control, or activity modification. Christina places importance on ensuring exercises are appropriate to the individual’s capacity and are integrated into daily life or training demands.

Education, Communication, and Collaboration

Christina places strong emphasis on patient education and communication. She aims to support individuals in understanding their presentation, contributing factors, and management options, allowing them to take an informed role in their care.

She also values collaboration with other healthcare professionals when appropriate and recognises the role of coordinated care in managing complex or multifactorial presentations.

Professional Practice

After three years at Alpha Sports Medicine between the Newport and Bacchus Marsh clinics, Christina continues to work with individuals presenting with a range of musculoskeletal concerns, including neck pain, headache and migraine presentations, menopause-related changes, and sports injuries. Her practice is focused on individualised assessment, considered management, and the application of current clinical knowledge within a patient-centred framework.