After two decades running a multidisciplinary clinic in Wānaka, osteopath Liana Poole has returned to the Waikato and opened Breakthrough Osteopathy in Raglan. She talks about her approach to treatment, her clinical research and why living by the ocean feels like coming home
Can you please describe your practice and what makes it unique?
I am passionate about helping people return to doing the activities they love. My practice welcomes people of all ages and focuses on creating lasting change through a combination of cranial osteopathy, gentle osteopathic manipulation and shockwave therapy. Over many years of treating complex presentations, I have developed my own techniques and research, which allows me to support patients more effectively in maintaining their long-term wellbeing.
What is your background experience in Osteo and where have you practiced?
Earlier in my career I moved to Wānaka, where I established and ran a multidisciplinary health clinic for 20 years. Living in such an active alpine community gave me extensive experience treating sporting and impact injuries. As the sole osteopath in my clinic, and for a time the only osteopath in the area, I worked with a remarkably diverse range of people and health conditions, from newborn babies through to older adults. The variety of people and conditions I encountered continues to influence my approach to treatment today. Since returning to the Waikato, I’ve been practising in Raglan and Hamilton, and am now excited to have opened my own clinic in Raglan.
How does it feel to be back in the Waikato and what attracted you to Raglan?
It feels so wonderful to live close to the ocean and my family again. I used to drive six hours most weekends just to go surfing and eventually realised I was always happiest and most relaxed at the beach. Raglan has the perfect mix of stunning natural surroundings and a strong sense of community. I love the laid-back atmosphere here and it genuinely feels like home.
Do you have a particular area of interest?
I am actively involved in original clinical research, with two main areas of focus: supporting young people on the autism spectrum and exploring human biomechanics. I am passionate about discovering new ways of helping patients, and this work has led to some interesting breakthroughs that I believe have the potential to benefit many people. I am currently preparing my autism-related research for publication with Osteopaths New Zealand.
What common conditions are you able to help with and what might be an unexpected problem that you are able to assist with?
Living in another active town, I see many people carrying the effects of falls, crashes and old injuries that they have simply learned to live with. I am particularly interested in helping people recover from the lasting effects of trauma, whether that stems from physical injuries or significant life experiences, so they can regain greater freedom, resilience and wellbeing. Shockwave therapy can also be very effective for stubborn or long-standing injuries.
Something that often surprises people is that I also treat animals, including pets, horses and farm animals, using gentle techniques to support movement and wellbeing.
When not working what do you love to do?
I’ve been making the most of having such easy access to the surf, so I’m in the water a lot, either on my board or swimming with my dog Cleo – who is obsessed with the water also.
How do you people get in touch?
You can get in touch through my clinic, Breakthrough Osteopathy, on 0800 724 767 (0800 RAGSOST). To learn more or book online, visit www.breakthroughosteopathy.co.nz.
