Meet Jacquelyn

 

My mission is to deliver the best possible osteopathic health care via manual therapy, rehabilitation and health care advice.

My journey into osteopathy began in 2003. At that time I had been teaching Pilates for many years, as well as having been an aerobics teacher and Les Mills instructor, again for many years. Having worked with people to improve fitness, muscle tone and body shape, I had a desire to extend my knowledge of the human body in a medical field. Based in London, I enrolled at the British School of Osteopathy, completing my Osteopathy training in 2007.  I received a Distinction and Dissertation Award for my work on the pelvic floor musculature and urinary incontinence, a subject I still feel very passionate about.

Having moved to New Zealand in 2013, I am now a registered osteopath with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand. As an ACC registered osteopath, I can lodge claims directly with ACC on your behalf.  You do not need to go to the Doctor before seeing me as an osteopath.

Jacquelyn Schirmer OsteopathIn addition to my clinical work as an Osteopath I also tutored on the osteopathy course at UNITEC. The students are still in contact with me and keep me on my toes with their challenging questions!

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder:

In terms of osteopathy I am also passionate in the areas of chronic pain and HSD/EDS.  I run a support group for Northland with Wendy Fairs, as part of EDS New Zealand and play an active part in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome international as well as a registered professional on their website.

My study continues through the international ECHO programmes and online summits through the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome association in the USA.  I keep up-to-date with the latest research and have access to resources for my patients that they would otherwise not find in New Zealand. I am also a member of the UK HMSA (Hypermobility Syndrome Association).

 

 

We run regular support groups for patients with HSD and EDS and their families and friends.

I work with a multi-disciplinary approach to my EDS patients and attend international conferences and monthly clinicians’ meetings. I have a role with EDS NZ to advocate on education for NZ practitioners on management and care for our patients with HSD and EDS.

In addition to being a registered osteopath I am also a fully qualified yoga and Pilates teacher and have taught in many countries, including the U.S.A., Australia, Germany, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the U.K.. Teaching and practising in New Zealand provides another challenge and one that I feel very honoured to experience.

My current challenges: 

Professionally:

Post-graduate studies in Biodynamic Osteopathy (Paediatric and adults). I am currently in my 7th year of the 9-year study.

I have completed the Ehlers-Danlos Society (USA) ECHO programmes in COVID-related issues, paediatrics, general and attend all of symposiums each year online.

I am currently studying for my IBCLC exams to become a lactation consultant.

Personally: I do long-distance swimming, and love all movement. At the moment I climb tress for mobility and strength.  I’m a bit crazy and in love with an exploration of what the human body can do. Especially, as I’m not naturally sporty!

My amazing life partner Alastair is incredibly patient with, and supportive of me, as I tend to get very focused on goals – hence my dedication to endurance sport! I have a ‘spot’ to swim the English Channel in 2025.

Jacquelyn is available Tue, Wed & Thursdays.

She sees new patients under 7 years of age and pregnancy patients.. She is not currently taking other new patients.

All practitioners have regular Police Checks. Most recent in June 2022.