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DR james morgan (osteopath)

Masters of Osteopathic Medicine (Honours)

Bachelor of Clinical Science (Osteopathic Studies)

Anatomy & Physiology Tutor Southern Cross University

Strength & Conditioning Performance Consultant

Myofascial Dry Needling

Gold Coast Osteopath and Performance Coaching

Welcome to Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast. At the heart of my practice lies a deep understanding that “Movement Matters”, and it matters now. I believe that movement through osteopathic manipulative treatment, physical exercise, strength training and cardiovascular health plays a vital role in our mental, emotional and physical health.

Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast is an evidence based patient centred osteopathic practice. All treatment modalities that I offer my patients including our spinal decompression traction therapy at our Bundall practice and management plans prescribed to my patients are grounded in the latest scientific evidence and research. This ensures that the interventions align with proven approaches, creating a responsive framework that evolves alongside emerging research. Whether it’s an acute injury or chronic pain, our osteopathic practice offers patients the holistic care that they need to ensure optimal recovery and long-term results. I believe in empowering my patients through education and knowledge to engage in their own health journey and to recognise the power of the bodies natural ability to self regulate and heal. I also recognise the significant role that hydration, nutrition, quality sleep and stress management play in optimising ones health and wellbeing.

Join me at Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast, where osteopathy is not just a treatment it’s a holistic philosophy. Let’s embark together on a transformative journey, making movement a lifestyle, turning exercise into empowerment, and embracing a well-rounded approach to health that considers the physical, mental, emotional, and purpose-driven aspects of life. Your well-being matters, and at Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast, we’re here to make it a priority.

You can visit me at two locations on the Gold Coast. At Markeri Street Mermaid Waters within the Mermaid Family Practice and Bundall Road Bundall within the Spine and Body Centre for Allied Health. View my osteopathic consultation fees or contact me now.  

My 6 Step Patient Process

Gold Coast Osteopath Movement Matters Osteopathy medical history
Gold Coast Osteopath Movement Matters Osteopathy examination and assessment
Gold Coast Osteopath Movement Matters Osteopathy treatment
Gold Coast Osteopath Movement Matters Osteopathy exercise prescription
Gold Coast Osteopath Movement Matters Osteopathy stretching and mobility
Gold Coast Osteopath Movement Matters Osteopathy management and follow up

Common Conditions That I Treat

Be the change that you wish to see in the world

My Approach to Patient Treatments

All patients at Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast receive an individually tailored treatment and management plan.

Osteopath at movement matters osteopathy gold coast treating a patient with neck pain

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that emphasises the interconnectedness between the body’s structure and function. Fundamental principles include the recognition of the body’s inherent self-healing mechanisms, the close interconnection of the body’s structure (bones, muscles, fascia, organs, etc.) and function, and the concept of the body as a unified whole—where each part influences the others, known as the principle of unity. Additionally, osteopathy underscores the importance of enhancing circulation and lymphatic drainage for tissue health and recovery. Osteopathic principles also acknowledge the critical role of the central nervous system in maintaining health. It is understood that restrictions or dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal system can impede nerve function.

Osteopathic treatment primarily involves hands-on techniques such as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to restore motion, alleviate restrictions, and enhance the body’s ability to self-heal.

women lifting a kettle bell exercise therapy strength training movement matters osteopathy gold coast

Exercise Therapy

At Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast, we believe regular physical activity is a powerful prescription for a healthy life, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal and thrive. The benefits of exercise extend far beyond a sculpted physique, it is the foundation of mental and emotional resilience, providing clarity, focus, and a sense of accomplishment. As we age we naturally lose skeletal muscle mass, strength, power and function referred to as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia can lead to reduced mobility, increased frailty, and a higher risk of falls and fractures. That’s why at Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast we are committed to educating our patients about the long term health benefits of maintaining muscle mass, strength, and power through resistance-based strength training. A commitment to regular physical activity is a pledge to a higher quality of life, as it enhances mobility, flexibility, and resilience against the challenges of aging.

Couple running Exercise therapy cardiovascular health movement matters osteopathy gold coast

Cardiovascular Health

At Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast, we’re committed to educating our patients about the many health benefits of cardiovascular exercise. Engaging in regular aerobic and anaerobic cardiovascular exercise not only strengthens the heart and lungs but also improves circulation, leading to enhanced oxygen delivery to various parts of the body including the brain. Contributing to better endurance, stamina, cognitive function and memory. Cardiovascular exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. At Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast, we emphasise the importance of incorporating tailored movement strategies into holistic health plans. Through our personalised approach, clients can experience improved cardiovascular fitness, better respiratory function, and a range of associated health benefits that positively impact their overall well-being. At Movement Matters Osteopathy, we are committed to empowering our patients to optimise their cardiovascular health, enabling them to lead fuller, healthier lives.

sports performance coaching golfer swinging club Osteopathy gold coast movement matters osteopathy

Performance Coaching

Achieving peak athletic and sports performance requires a holistic approach that goes beyond rigorous training routines and intense workouts. One crucial element often overlooked is the optimisation of physical structure and function. Embracing a comprehensive strategy that includes movement-based therapies, such as osteopathy, strength and cardiovascular training can significantly enhance performance. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, ensuring that your body moves efficiently and effectively can make a significant difference in your ability to excel in your chosen sport or activity. Some key benefits of optimising your physical structure and function on athletic performance include injury prevention and rehabilitation, enhanced range of motion and flexibility, muscle balance and symmetry. Consulting with Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast can provide athletes with the personalised care needed to achieve their full athletic potential.

Spinal Decompression Gold coast Spinal traction movement matters osteopathy

Spinal Decompression

For patients that are experiencing chronic back and neck pain we offer non-surgical spinal decompression traction therapy at our Bundall practice on the Gold Coast. Spinal decompression traction is a therapeutic technique used to treat certain spinal conditions, particularly those associated with disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or facet joint syndrome. It’s a form of mechanical traction therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. 

Spinal decompression traction is utilised alongside osteopathic manual therapy approaches to optimise outcomes within an expedited timeframe. The therapy can deliver impressive outcomes without resorting to invasive interventions and at a modest expense. 

Spinal decompression traction therapy can be beneficial for numerous chronic arthritic, joint, and certain disc-related issues, spinal traction holds the potential to swiftly alleviate pain and enhance movement without discomfort.

"The choices that we make today will determine the life we live tomorrow".

Gold Coast Osteopath FAQs

What is an osteopath
Osteopathy is a manual medicine that uses a hands-on approach to the treatment of structural and functional injuries of the human body. Osteopaths can also prescribe exercises for injury rehabilitation or performance, general nutritional advice and lifestyle coaching.

Osteopathic health care focuses on treatment of the mental, emotional and physical body including the joints, muscles, internal organs, nerves, circulation and connective tissue with ‘hands on’ techniques, such as muscle energy techniques, stretching and myofascial release techniques for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with the mobilisation, joint articulation and manipulation of joint and tissue restrictions.

What can expect when I visit an osteopath
As a primary health care practitioners, Osteopaths are trained to examine, treat, diagnose, manage and prevent musculoskeletal disorders, injuries or dysfunctions.

During your first visit to Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast, a complete medical history is taken which will include questions about your current and past diet, sleep quality and habits, exercise and lifestyle choices. We will also ask about any current or past accidents or trauma.

We will take a thorough history about your presenting complaint (current pain or concern). A physical examination will be performed which will involve some simple movements. These movements are designed to reproduce your familiar pain, reproducing the familiar pain helps us as osteopaths to formulate our diagnosis. Most treatments can be administered whilst remaining in your clothing. If clothing needs to be removed a gown will be supplied.

If further investigation are required, you will either be referred directly for x-ray imaging by your osteopath or referred back to your GP for X-ray ,MRI, Ultrasound and pathology. Osteopaths treat in conjunction with GPs, dentists, podiatrists and other health care specialists.

An initial treatment for a new patient at Movement Matters Osteopathy will take 45 minutes. Treatment times for return patients will be 30 minutes. All treatment are highly individualised and depend on the patient’s current condition, history and ability to adapt to change. Most simple problems often require only 3-5 treatments.

What should I wear to my appointment
At Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast we may ask you to remove some of your outer clothing. We ask that you wear loose and comfortable clothing. Underwear, shorts and sports bra. For your comfort and privacy you will be draped with a towel or a couple of towels. When working on the mid to upper back a bra that can be undone from the back works better than a sports bra. But your comfort is our priority so we will work with whatever you feel most comfortable in. Your osteopath will continue to check in with you regularly about your comfort, any concerns or questions you may have and if you are happy to continue with the treatment. Informed consent from you as the patient is one of the cornerstones of the patient practitioner relationship in osteopathy.
Do I need a referral from a doctor to see an osteopath
No. It is not necessary to have a doctors referral to consult an Osteopath as they are Primary Health Care Providers. However, it is essential for patients with chronic conditions (on a Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan), Department of Veteran Affairs or patients on WorkCover to provide a referral from your doctor.
What do I need to bring to my appointment
Please bring any past x-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound scans and reports.. To clam private health insurance you will need your health fund card. If you have a referral from your GP please bring the referral letter, medicare card and related documentation with you.
Is osteopathy covered by private health insurance
All Osteopaths at Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast are registered practitioners with the Osteopathic Board of Australia and Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Osteopathy is recognised with most Private Health Insurers and rebates are available under your extras cover. There are different levels of cover depending on how much premium you want to pay and what services you might want. Please note there will be a gap fee which will be the difference between our osteopathic clinic fees and the health fund rebate you receive. If you are unsure whether you are covered for osteopathy, simply check with your health care provider directly.

Can I get a Medicare rebate on osteopathy
Osteopathic services are partially covered under Medicare when patients are referred by their GP under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan. For information concerning this Medicare plan please visit this page. You will need a valid referral from your GP, medicare card and EFTPOS debit card. The full consultation fee is charged at the time of the consultation (view fees). The medicare rebate of $58.30 can be processed immediately at the clinic.
Do you treat workers compensation and DVA patients
Yes our Osteopaths are registered providers for workers’ compensation schemes, motor accident insurers and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Please ask our friendly reception staff about referral requirements for these services.
How much is an osteopath appointment

An initial patient consultation costs $129 for 45 minutes. Return patient appointments are $99 for 30 minutes. For further information about our clinic fees please visit our Clinic Fees Page.

Our Blog

Our mission with our blog is to empower you with knowledge and insight that will not only enhance your understanding of the intricate connections within the human body but also guide you towards a balanced and active lifestyle.

Shoulder Bursitis Gold Coast

Shoulder Bursitis Gold Coast

At Movement Matters Osteopathy we treat many different shoulder pathologies. One of the most common yet debilitating condition that affects many individuals, hindering their ability to perform daily tasks and participate in physical activities is shoulder bursitis. In...

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Shoulder Pain Gold Coast

Shoulder Pain Gold Coast

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that we treat at Gold Coast Osteopath Movement Matters Osteopathy. Shoulder pain can arise from various underlying conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the shoulder complex. From acute injuries to...

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Neck Pain Gold Coast

Neck Pain Gold Coast

Neck pain is a common issue that we treat at Gold Coast Osteopath Movement Matters Osteopathy. Neck pain can arise from various sources. One prevalent cause is muscle strain, often resulting from poor posture, sudden movements, or overuse of neck muscles....

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