Dr Nathaniel Thorpe - Chiropractor - Gondstead Technique
Qualifications
- Masters of Chiropractic Science, Macquarie University NSW
- Bachelor of Chiropractic Science, Macquarie University NSW
- Gonstead Technique (Competent)
- Soft Tissue & Diversified Techniques (Competent)
About Dr Nathaniel
Originally from the Adelaide hills, Dr Nathaniel moved to Sydney to pursue his studies, completing his Bachelor's degree (2015) and Masters degree (2017) in Chiropractic science at Macquarie University.
With 7 years experience across practices in Mount Gambier, Adelaide and most recently Kilkenny in the Republic of Ireland.
He is passionate about providing chiropractic care to people of all ages and backgrounds. This stems from his first experience of chiropractic at 6 years of age, from which he saw the varied positive impacts adjustments had on his whole family.
This first encounter has led him to follow his passion and share the powers of chiropractic care with our local community.
As a keen sports fan and player Dr Nathaniel enjoys helping athletes perform at their optimal capacity and recover well.
He has a special interest in the Gonstead Chiropractic Technique, and also practices diversified, activator and SOT techniques when appropriate.
When not adjusting, Nathaniel loves to be out and about with his wife Niamh whether that’s going for a hike, running or climbing at the bouldering gym.
As keen travellers they spent 2023 and 2024 working in Ireland whilst travelling around Europe.
My goal is to work in a multi practitioner practice to help provide the community with the best quality care, which is why I'm excited to join the Chiropractic On Winston Team!
Get To Know Our Practitioners - Dr Nathaniel Thorpe
What inspired you to become a Chiropractor?
When I started to get adjustments aged 6, I stopped missing school for sick days. As I got older, I noticed I played sport better after being adjusted. By my teenage years it seemed a no brainer to then join the profession as I enjoyed helping people, the hands-on nature of the work and the steady flow of new challenges we face with each new case.
What’s a common condition you treat, and how can Chiropractic help?
Headaches. Firstly, we assess and diagnose the type of headache. There are well over 100 types, but we focus on cervicogenic (neck joints), Tension Type Headaches (tight muscles) and Migraines. By restoring proper joint function and decreasing muscle tension symptoms will likely decrease. We then need to discover if there is an external source like poor posture or receptive movements that are causing the joint dysfunction or muscle tightness. With correction to any lifestyle factors and restoration of joint and muscle movement Headaches can be reduced significantly.
Do you have any tips for maintaining spinal health at home or at work?
Keep moving. The brain needs to interpret movement to maintain strength in your spinal muscles. Frequent small local movements will create much better spinal strength than larger less frequent movements.
How is Chiropractic Care tailored during pregnancy or postpartum?
Each individual is different; we may change the techniques we use to lower force if you are normally adjusted manually. We may do more adjusting on your back rather than on your tummy. Each visit during pregnancy may be different too depending on how you are feeling on the day.
What’s something people are often surprised to learn about Chiropractic Care?
That we study for a minimum of 5 years at university depending on which pathway we take.
What do you enjoy most about working at Chiropractic on Winston?
The friendly team environment. We all work together to help our patients reach their goals.
What’s your favourite part of being a Chiropractor?
Helping people to achieve their health goals, especially when someone has a personal goal they want to achieve that is being limited due to pain or movement limitations.
What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving all the time?
Lay on the floor flat and let gravity do the hard work for you.
Do you have a favourite area of the body to treat—or a condition you love helping with?
Necks are always great to work on. Not everyone loves it which keeps it interesting. Seeing frequent headache sufferers have freedom from debilitating headaches is fantastic.
What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy day in the clinic?
Spend a relaxing evening with my wife planning our next adventure.
If you weren’t a Chiropractor, what do you think you’d be doing?
No idea, my uni back up was marine biology but I couldn’t see myself doing anything else now that I’m a chiropractor.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Chiropractic Care?
We can help with more than just pain. Having a healthy functioning spine may improve sleep quality, immune function amongst other things.
What’s the most exciting part of your career that’s happened so far?
Working and living in the Republic of Ireland.
What’s your go-to lunch on a busy clinic day?
Bahn Mi
What’s something on your bucket list?
Go to an ashes match in England
What’s your favourite way to move your body outside of work?
Playing soccer, running or just wandering around a national park somewhere
Do you have a hidden talent or fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I’m learning to speak German.
MY SPECIALTY CHIROPRACTIC FIELDS OF INTEREST...
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions By Nathaniel
What is the Gonstead Chiropractic Technique, and how is it beneficial for athletes?
The Gonstead Chiropractic Technique is a precise and thorough chiropractic method focusing on analysing and correcting misalignments in the spine to restore proper function and mobility. For athletes, this technique helps to:
•Enhance performance by improving nerve function.
•Prevent injuries by ensuring proper joint alignment and muscle balance.
•Accelerate recovery by reducing inflammation and restoring optimal biomechanics.
Can Gonstead Chiropractic care help with sports injuries?
Yes, Gonstead Chiropractic care is highly effective for managing and rehabilitating sports injuries. It addresses issues like sprains, strains, joint dysfunctions, and repetitive stress injuries by restoring alignment and promoting natural healing. This approach ensures minimal downtime and supports athletes in returning to peak performance safely.
How often should athletes visit a Gonstead Chiropractor?
The frequency of visits depends on the athlete’s condition, activity level, and goals. For injury recovery, sessions may be more frequent initially. For maintenance and performance optimisation, regular check-ups (e.g., bi-weekly, or monthly) are often recommended to ensure the body stays in alignment, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing overall performance.
Can chiropractic care benefit children?
Of course. Chiropractic may benefit every age group. We all share the same physical loads from a young age. Caring for children is important to assist in their growth and development.
Is an adjustment painful?
Generally no, however in some cases it may be depending on various factors. We will discuss these with you on a case by case basis and provide which adjusting options are most clinically relevant to you.
Do I have to be cracked?
No, not all adjustments involve making a noise, when appropriate low force techniques such as activator or pelvic blocks will be used. Sometimes this will be due to inflammation or pain tolerance and other times due to clinical relevance.
