Dr Joel Lomas is an osteopath with a passion for helping people recover from injury, improve their movement and get back to the activities they love.

Joel graduated from RMIT in 2022 with a Double Bachelor of Health Science and Applied Science (Osteopathy). His interest in health began in high school, when learning about human anatomy sparked a fascination with how the body works. After experiencing sporting injuries himself and seeing an osteopath, Joel became fascinated by how an understanding of anatomy could help people recover — and knew he had found the career for him.

Before and during his osteopathy studies, Joel worked as a physiotherapy assistant and spent five years as a swim teacher, working with everyone from beginners through to squad-level swimmers. He has also worked as a sports trainer with sporting teams and events, including Boronia Football Netball Club's senior men's team and Baseball Victoria events across Victoria.

Joel particularly enjoys working with active people whose injury or pain is stopping them from participating in the activities they enjoy. Whether it's returning to sport, preparing for a marathon, getting back to work or working towards another personal goal, he enjoys helping patients progress through every stage of their recovery.

He has a particular interest in headaches, neck and jaw pain and has completed Level 1 of the Watson Headache Approach. Joel also enjoys working with people with hypermobility and has undertaken additional learning to support their recovery and build their capacity.

A collaborative approach to recovery

Joel believes that treatment should be tailored to the individual. He combines hands-on osteopathic treatment with exercise and management strategies, working with each patient to develop an approach that fits their lifestyle, preferences and goals.

His communication style is relaxed and approachable, and he likes his patients to be actively involved in their recovery. Joel takes the time to understand what matters to each person, explain their treatment options and work together on a plan that is realistic and achievable.

For Joel, recovery isn't just about getting an injury better. It's about helping people get back to the things that make their lives enjoyable. He loves hearing about the big adventures his patients are planning, as well as the little wins in their week, and finds it incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey.

Treatment approaches

Depending on the individual and their needs, Joel may incorporate:

• Soft tissue techniques
• Joint mobilisation
• HVLA techniques
• Dry needling
• Exercise and rehabilitation strategies
• Individualised management and education

Joel is committed to continually developing his knowledge and skills through further study in osteopathy, exercise, rehabilitation and headache management. He enjoys learning from the growing body of knowledge in his profession and sharing that knowledge with both patients and fellow practitioners.