At Selph Health Studios, chiropractic care is used to improve physical wellbeing and encourage self-healing within the body. With a focus on preventative healthcare, Selph Chiropractors consider all aspects of their clients’ health to help them achieve their wellness goals.
With more than 20 years of expertise, Gina Martins educates and treats her clients to allow them to live more balanced lives. Gina has an interest in chiropractic care during pregnancy – from preconception right through to paediatrics.
We took some time to chat with Gina to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care and her passion for helping others improve their overall health.
Hey Gina, first thing’s first. What sparked your interest in becoming a chiropractor?
My own health issues. There’s no doubt that being hospitalised on numerous occasions from birth to age ten for pneumonia and bronchitis saved my life.
In my teens I started searching for a different solution to improving my health rather than constantly being medicated. I wanted to be part of a profession that looked to the cause of the problem. So at fifteen years old I decided that’s what I wanted to do. Really help people make a change in their lives. It’s twenty years later and I’m still loving it.
What are some potential benefits of visiting you at Selph?
1. Working to discover the cause of the problem. Once you help someone figure out what’s causing their pain or symptoms it’s much easier to work together to gain better health. Taking responsibility is empowering.
2. Helping find a better version of themselves. Being pain free is great, but increased movement and improved function lead to being able to live life more fully.
Is there a link between mental/emotional health and back pain?
Yes, there’s no doubt for me. When we fail to process our emotions, physical symptoms appear. I’ve been a Chiropractor for long enough to see that some people with chronic back pain have a related emotional stress. Both structural and emotional aspects need to be addressed. We need to talk more openly about the daily stressors we all suffer from and the ways in which we can manage them more effectively, like stretching, walking and meditation.
When people think Chiropractor they often only think about back pain. What are the other benefits of seeing a chiropractor?
Pain relief is one aspect of care but there’s also improved movement, better posture, less fatigue and stress. Chiropractic works on your nervous system. When your nerves are firing properly your overall health improves. You simple feel better, have more energy and can move through life with a bit more ease.
Is there a link between the success of chiropractic treatment and nutrition?
Definitely, food is your fuel. Eating cleaner results in less inflammation, less swelling, less pressure and your joints tend to function better. Avoid sugars, refined carbs and vegetable oils. Increase your fresh veg, omega-3 fats in nuts and seeds, fermented and prebiotic foods and throw in some turmeric or ginger. A balanced gut microbiome is essential to good health and brain function. Kinesiology can also help to identify reactive foods.
Do you personally suffer from any back pain (or have you ever)? If so, how do you manage it?
I personally do not suffer from a lot of back pain but I believe that is mostly due to receiving regular adjustments. I make sure I stretch, stay hydrated, get massages, use a foam roller, rest, walk, meditate, eat well and take supplements if needed. The more aligned I am, the less pain I feel. This was especially true during my two pregnancies.
Do you have any simple tips to keeping good posture?
1. Keep your chin up and shoulders back.
2. Always sit with your spine fully supported against a chair.
3. Use backpacks so that weight is evenly distributed across your shoulders and back.
4. Avoid high heels especially at work.
5. Avoid stomach sleeping.
If you look at yourself (or your child) in a full length mirror and you’re not symmetrical, get checked by a chiropractor. Look at head tilt, shoulder or pelvic drop, uneven knees or rotated feet.
Want to learn more? Here’s where to go next.
Dr Evan and I were interviewed by Low Tox Life founder Alexx Stuart on her podcast. We talk about Neuro Emotional Technique (N.E.T) – a treatment we offer at Selph that goes hand in hand with chiropractic care.
The Australian Chiropractor’s Association has some good info on the basics of Chiropractic.
Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani wrote an amazing book on Chiropractic, preconception, pregnancy and baby care: Well Adjusted Babies — Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Babies & Beyond
Follow this link to book in a consultation with Dr Gina Martins.
If you want to find out which services at Selph would be most beneficial to you, give us a call on (02) 8313 8983 and we can organise a complimentary wellness consultation.