Our People
Chiropractors, Occupational Therapist & Podiatrists
Burswood Health which is centrally located in Perth has three chiropractors, an occupational therapist, two podiatrists and a team of friendly, helpful front desk and clinical assistants. Learn more about our experienced healthcare professionals below:
Dr Paul Staerker (Chiropractor)
Paul has always had an interest in science and health. He initially achieved his degree in chemical technology after attending Erie Community College and Buffalo State University in Western New York. He then attended a five-year course at National College of Chiropractic (now National University of Health Sciences) in Lombard, Illinois, graduating in 1975. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Human Anatomy and Physiology and his Doctor of Chiropractic he established a multi-disciplinary clinic in Rimini, Italy. The Centro Medico di Chiroprassi is still the largest chiropractic clinic in that region of Italy today.
An urge to return to the academic world brought Paul to Melbourne in 1979 where he began teaching in the area of clinical diagnosis at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (then Phillip Institute of Technology).
Paul then moved his family to Western Australia to begin practice at the Minty Chiropractic Clinic, which later evolved to become Burswood Health.
Paul has conducted many seminars and lectured extensively in the area of health and personal development. He was spokesperson for the Chiropractors’ Association of Western Australia and for many years and is currently the Nightline Chiropractor on Radio 6PR’s Health and Wellbeing segment on the Graham Mabury Show.
In 1999, Paul published an acclaimed book – Tender Touch – that focuses on the importance of therapeutic touch and baby massage. Paul’s book has changed the lives of many parents and their babies. It continues to serve as a focal point for them by stressing the importance of spinal care in the newborn infant.
Dr Staerker also has a special interest in acupuncture. He first studied acupuncture in the National College of Chiropractic in 1975, which ran one of the first acupuncture courses in North America. He studied under Japanese and Chinese medical doctors who were studying chiropractic in Chicago. Since then he has become a fellow of the International College of Acupuncturists and completed further study in Melbourne in 1991 under the tutelage of Dr John Amaro.
His book on baby massage – Tender Touch – has an entire chapter on the importance of using acupressure points when massaging infants.
Paul has done considerable post-graduate study in the area of spinal rehabilitation and is currently writing another book on the importance of good posture.
Dr Peter Bryner (Chiropractor)
Peter completed his chiropractic training in 1981 and since then has completed two post-graduate qualifications – a Masters Degree in Chiropractic Science, and a Graduate Diploma in Human Services Research, each taking several years of additional training.
In his practice, Peter applies a variety of methods incorporating adjustments, manipulation, massage, dry needling/anatomical acupuncture and rehabilitative exercises. He enjoys a clinical challenge while operating quite conservatively with respect to the many and varied techniques within chiropractic. His approach is to tailor the care to suit the client’s needs and adapt his management to best solve their problem.
Peter has a particular interest in clinical research, that is, research conducted by practitioners with their clients in every day situations, rather than ‘mass, big budget’ research. As part of his research into pain, Peter has a website on pain drawings (http://www.symptomgenie.net.au) that can be used by patients to indentify the location and severity of pain for use with practitioners.
He also has several case reports in preparation one in which he and his research colleagues are collecting data on the posture device and summarising the 60 or so posture checks along with a series of posture images that can be used to highlight concepts chiropractors work with.
To read more about Dr Bryner’s research projects, click here.
Dr Abbey Chilcott (Chiropractor)
Abbey graduated from Murdoch University with a double degree in Chiropractic and is currently pursuing further studies.
Abbey gained a wealth of experience in sports chiropractic through her work with the Seattle Mariners baseball team in the USA; with surfers at the Mr Price Pro surfing competition in South Africa; and at The International Waterpolo Competition in Perth as well as with various local touch rugby and volleyball teams. In 2008, Abbey was awarded the Marcia Cerutty Award for clinical excellence from the Chiropractor’s Association of Australia, as well as the DRS Award for medical excellence in clinical imaging. Abbey is passionate about preventing injuries, improving performance and supporting and optimising the health of her patients.
Health and wellness are an enormous aspect of Abbey’s life, and she is dedicated to promoting this and assisting patients in reaching their physical potential. She is committed to providing an exceptional chiropractic experience to patients of all ages. Her interests include sports chiropractic, nutrition, family wellness and rehabilitation.
Robert Haagman (Podiatrist)
Robert’s special interests lie in sports podiatry and musculoskeletal medicine and from 1999 to 2007, he worked as the podiatrist for the Perth Glory Soccer Club and from 2007 to 2011 he has worked with the Australian men’s hockey team, the Kookaburras.
Robert has previously worked for orthotic manufacturing companies as a consultant and has been involved in orthotic manufacture at the primary stage for over ten years.
Operating his private practice within Burswood Health, he works closely with his chiropractic colleagues and attributes the positive results he achieves for his clients to the co-management of their problems between himself and the chiropractors.
Robert also liaises closely with sports doctors and physiotherapists and applies his understanding of their professional techniques to his clients’ problems.
Since the completion of his Bachelor of Science degree in Podiatry in 1997 at Curtin University of Technology, Robert has since completed post-graduate units in Health Science and a range of courses in musculoskeletal training, specialising in foot mobilisations, dry needling and muscle energy techniques. He has also lectured in podiatry at the Curtin University of Technology.
To assist him in his rehabilitation work with clients, he also completed the AFIT gym instructor course in 1995. Robert is a member of the Australian Podiatry Association and Sports Medicine Australia.
Robert is currently Director on the WA Board of Sports Medicine Australia.
After work hours, he assists in beach patrols as a member of the North Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club. He enjoys middle distance running, has an interest in soccer which he played for many years, is involved in touch rugby, cricket and enjoys relaxing and playing guitar.
Ian Cheok (Occupational Therapist)
Ian completed his Masters of Occupational Therapy degree at Curtin University, receiving the Head of the School Award, Outstanding Mentor Award and academic achievement award in an ergonomics and safety science unit. His main areas of focus include soft tissue therapy, pain management, movement rehabilitation, workplace ergonomics and assistive technology. Prior to his current role, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Australia and had worked in the areas of technology usability and human-computer interaction. He brings a unique set of diagnostic and treatment skills to the team based on his experience.
Ian strongly believes that when people are able to participate in activities they truly enjoy, their health and well-being will be greatly improved. He thrives in helping others express the best version of themselves by honouring their unique personality and working around their strengths. He achieves this by employing neuromuscular techniques to help clients manage pain and improve movement, mindfulness techniques to enhance focus and engagement, and ergonomic principles to increase efficiency in the workplace and at home.
When away from the clinic, Ian enjoys moving outdoors, long and slow walks by any waterfront, yoga, cooking and spending time with people who like to laugh out loud.
Learn more about occupational therapy.
Kate Thomas (Occupational Therapist)
From a young age Kate has always had a fascination and interest in sport and the human body. This led her to pursue a degree in Exercise and Sports Science at Edith Cowan University which she completed in 2009. As part of Kate’s Sports Science degree she studied anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and massage therapy. During that time Kate spent two years with the West Perth Football Club as a voluntary sports trainer on both training and game days, heavily involving soft tissue therapy and injury prevention/rehabilitation in the lead up and recovery of league players.
Kate subsequently completed a Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Curtin University where she gained a particular interest in the area of soft tissue rehabilitation, muscle therapy and exercise prescription. Sport and dance has played a significant part in her life with her achieving development level basketball, state level netball and a bronze medallion in swimming. Kate is still involved in netball which she enjoys playing in her spare time.
As an occupational therapist at Burswood Health, Kate enjoys facilitating people to reach their full potential in health, wellness and rehabilitation.
Read more about occupational therapy.
