MY MACEDON RANGES: Dave Fairclough

David Fairclough

What is your connection to Macedon Ranges?

 

My connection to Macedon Ranges is that I live here and have run successful osteopathic businesses in the Ranges with my wife for 17 years.

 

What are you passionate about?

 

We are passionate about osteopathic manual medicine and the way manipulative intervention can act as a catalyst for the body to use its own mechanisms to heal itself. We now love the fact that we can treat animals in the same way.

 

How did you become an osteopath for animals?

 

To become a qualified animal practitioner I completed a two year post graduate programme in animal biomechanical medicine (ABM) that is open to experienced osteopaths, veterinary surgeons and chiropractors that are university degree registered health practitioners registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

 

What animals do you work with and why would they typically need your help?

 

We can work on most animals but typically horses, dogs and cats. Animals have musculoskeletal problems as we do which often manifests itself as lameness, pain and inability to move normally. These cases are rewarding to treat as they respond well to ABM.

 

What other hats do you wear in the community?

 

I also treat horse and rider to balance their movement for optimal performance in the competitive ring.

 

What would people be surprised to know about you?

 

I am and have been the local osteopath in the Macedon ranges for 17 years, high level martial artist, I learned from Bruce Lee’s teacher, neuroscience lecturer and current author of a paper for peer review on the limbic motor system in horses.

 

What is the best thing about living in Macedon Ranges?

 

The best thing about living in Newham and the Macedon ranges is lifestyle, good rural community, beautiful views and excellent wine region, horse and dog area and community, activities, the wildlife and hanging rock.

 

If you could change anything about the area, what would it be?

 

There is nothing I would change.