Meet our Osteopathy team
NADIA MERTENS
B.Sci.(Clin.Sci.), M.H.Sci.(Osteo.)
Helping people move and feel better is one of the most rewarding parts of my work as an osteopath. I enjoy supporting people to understand the underlying cause of their complaint and working together toward meaningful and lasting improvements in their health and wellbeing.
Osteopathy appeals to me because of its holistic philosophy and its emphasis on how the structure and function of the body are deeply interconnected. Rather than focusing solely on where symptoms are felt, I enjoy exploring the relationships between the organs, musculoskeletal system and connective tissues to better understand what may be contributing to a person’s concern. Often, identifying these connections can help shed light on stubborn or complex presentations that have been difficult to resolve.
Much of my postgraduate training over the past 13 years has focused on visceral manipulation through the Barral Institute. This work has become an important part of my professional development and has strongly influenced the way I approach patient care. Alongside visceral manipulation techniques, I incorporate a range of osteopathic approaches including myofascial release, strain–counterstrain, functional techniques, joint mobilisation and osteopathy in the cranial field.
I value the hands-on nature of osteopathy and combine manual therapy with practical home management strategies and lifestyle guidance to support long-term health and wellbeing, tailoring this approach to the needs of each individual. Outside of practice, I am a proud mother of two beautiful girls and wife to an awesome husband. I also work as an instructor with RockTape Australia. When I’m not in the clinic or teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dog, playing floorball and swimming.
DR HAYLEE NGUYEN
B.H.Sci., B.App.Sci.(Osteo.)
Recently completing my degree at RMIT University in Melbourne, I am excited to move back to my home state where the sun shines a little longer, family is closer and to help a new community as an Osteopath. Osteopathy really drew me in, as it uses aspects from multiple healthcare modalities and combines it into one. Meaning a wide range of treatment approaches available to help different patient
presentations.
I believe there are multiple puzzle pieces that make up the presentation in front of me. That’s why I may communicate about your personal life, social life, and work environment, alongside observe what may be happening anatomically, to provide an individualised treatment. This may include a combination of patient education, rehabilitation, direct and indirect techniques. I have completed further training in dry needling and cupping which can be used in treatment, and clinical Pilates, which can be incorporated in rehabilitation exercises.
Outside of work, I like to fill my cup by spending quality time with family and friends, enjoying nature, listening to music and podcasts, travelling, and trying different cuisines.
I’m really excited to join the Sana team and to help the Mount Hawthorn and surrounding communities move freer and feel better.