“Let me help you move better, feel stronger, and perform at your best. for life.”

Movement Matters osteopathy Registrations and memberships Gold coast osteopath......

Mermaid Waters Osteopath and Exercise Therapy

Welcome to Movement Matters Osteopathy Mermaid Waters. We firmly believe that prioritising movement is essential for optimal health and well-being. The scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the benefits of regular physical activity for our mental, emotional, and physical wellness.

Our practice at Movement Matters Osteopathy Mermaid Waters is centered around evidence-based care, tailored to each patient’s needs. We offer a range of services including osteopathic manipulative treatment, dry needling, exercise therapy through strength training, and cardiovascular health management. All our treatment modalities and patient care plans are grounded in the latest scientific research and evidence. By staying abreast of the most current research, we ensure that our interventions are effective and evidence-based.

We are committed to educating our patients about the underlying causes of their health issues. We take the time to explain the contributing factors to their pain or discomfort and offer straightforward strategies to facilitate recovery. Empowering our patients to take an active role in their health journey is paramount to us. We emphasise the body’s natural ability to heal and self-regulate, while also emphasising the importance of hydration, nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management in achieving overall well-being.

Let’s work together to make movement a fundamental aspect of your lifestyle, transforming exercise into a source of empowerment. We believe in a holistic approach to health that addresses not only the physical but also the mental, emotional, and purpose-driven aspects of life. Your well-being is our priority, and at Movement Matters Osteopathy Mermaid Waters, we are dedicated to helping you achieve it.

My 6 Step "Wholistic" Patient Process

Gold Coast osteopath discussing a patient's medical and case history during an initial consultation in a clinic setting
Gold Coast osteopath performing a back examination and assessment on a male patient during a consultation.
Gold Coast osteopath providing hands-on treatment to a male patient's back during a therapy session
Gold Coast osteopath guiding a female patient through exercise therapy and performance coaching for back health
Gold Coast osteopath assisting a male patient with techniques to support cardiovascular health and overall wellness
Gold Coast osteopath conducting a follow-up session with a patient to manage ongoing health concerns.

BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL

Not sure if osteopathy, exercise rehabilitation or performance coaching is right for you?

Let’s connect for a relaxed, no-obligation 15-minute Discovery Call. This isn’t a sales pitch — it’s a chance for you to share your story and goals, and for me to guide you on whether Gold Coast osteopathy, exercise rehabilitation and performance coaching could be the right next step.

During the call, I’ll:

  • Listen to what’s been holding you back — pain, injury, or simply feeling stuck.

  • Explain how Osteopathy and my "Movement 4 Life Program" works to rebuild strength, protect bone and joint health, and improve confidence in movement.

  • Give you clarity on your best next step, whether that’s starting with foundation-level rehab or progressing toward higher performance.

This is about helping you make an informed choice and feeling confident about your path forward.

👉 Book your free call now and take the first step toward moving better, feeling stronger, and staying active for life.

Move Better

Experience improvements in your mobility, flexibility and strength. Our tailored osteopathic treatments and exercise programs help you regain ease and confidence in every movement

Feel Better

Escape the cycle of discomfort for good. Our proven, movement-based methods address the root cause of your pain, delivering lasting relief and helping you reclaim a life free from pain.

Perform Better

Elevate your performance in life by embracing a healthier, more active approach. With the right mindset and movement, you can achieve more, feel better, and thrive in all that you do.

Dr. James Morgan, Gold Coast osteopath and performance coach, providing personal fitness training.

About Me

Hello, my name is Dr James Morgan. I’m a performance coach and registered Osteopath with the Osteopathic Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). I have a Masters degree in Osteopathic Medicine and a Bachelor degree in Clinical Science (Osteopathic Studies) from Southern Cross University.

I have a passion for educating my patients about the health benefits of movement at all stages of life through resistance based weight training and cardiovascular exercise. Guiding others on the journey to age gracefully and maintain vitality has become central to my purpose, driving me to continually deepen my expertise and broaden my impact in the field of health and wellness. 

My commitment to health and wellbeing extends beyond personal fulfilment; it’s about empowering individuals to optimise their performance and extend their lifespan and improve their healthspan. 

Save $300 with Medicare Rebates and Claim Private Health Insurance

At Movement Matters Osteopathy Mermaid Waters, we are pleased to inform our patients that Medicare and Private Health Insurance rebates are available for osteopathic treatments.

Eligible patients with a doctor’s referral under a Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly Enhanced Primary Care Plan – EPC) can receive a rebate of $60.35 per osteopathy and exercise therapy session, for up to five visits per calendar year.

Additionally, many private health insurance policies cover a percentage of osteopathic treatment costs, up to the annual limit. This allows you to prioritize your health and recovery with added financial support. For more information on eligibility and claims, consult your GP or health fund.

Private Health Insurance Rebates Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold coast

Common Conditions That We Treat at Mermaid Waters

MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE

My Approach to Patient Treatments

All patients at Movement Matters Osteopathy Mermaid Waters receive an individually tailored osteopathic treatment and management plan.

Gold Coast osteopath performing a neck assessment for pain relief and mobility improvement

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.

Gold Coast personal fitness trainer and osteopath coaching a client in proper squatting technique for strength and mobility.

Exercise Therapy

At Movement Matters Osteopathy Gold Coast, we believe regular physical activity and strength training 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 our osteopaths Gold Coast 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 activity is a pledge to a higher quality of life, as it enhances mobility, flexibility, and resilience against the challenges of aging.

Gold Coast personal fitness trainer and osteopath coaching a client on treadmill training for performance and endurance.

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 our osteopaths Gold Coast, 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.

Gold Coast osteopath, personal fitness trainer, and sports trainer offering performance coaching near me.

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 best osteopaths Gold Coast can provide athletes with the personalised care needed to achieve their full atheltic potential.

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

Mermaid Waters Osteopathy 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.

Mermaid Waters Family Practice

Call the Practice

Practice Location

Shop 5 / 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218

Hours

Monday 7.30 – 2.00pm

Tuesday 7.30 – 2.00pm

Wednesday 8.00 – 5.00pm

Our Blog

Our mission with our blog is to equip you with knowledge and insight that will not only deepen your comprehension of the complex interrelations within the human body but also steer you towards a well-rounded and dynamic lifestyle.

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