Max Visca

Max Visca is a remedial and somatic therapist, oriental medicine acupuncturist and herbalist. He focuses on patients dealing with the after effects of trauma, chronic conditions, mental health issues, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. He draws on his experience with multiple treatment modalities to create a tailored approach to the needs of each patient.

During a prior high intensity legal career in Italy, Max experienced first-hand the toll that stress and long hours can take on the body. Whilst touring Australia in 2012 he decided to undertake a life change, and began a journey of self-discovery, education, training and clinical experience. He obtained certification in Somatic Experiencing and Neurofeedback, Anatomy Trains Structural Integration, advanced Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy and remedial and sports therapy as well as becoming a Ki Shiatsu Practitioner. Most recently Max completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Technology, Sydney.

Max’s objective is to help people manage the impact of trauma and chronic stress on their bodies through the most innovative scientific and holistic methods available. He integrates acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, lymphedema therapy, functional bodywork, somatic experiencing, and neurofeedback into his practice. His gentle style focuses on holistic results and increasing self-awareness to help restore wellbeing.

To ensure patients receive the best care Max works collaboratively with similarly-minded integrative doctors, pharmacists, psychologists, naturopaths, nutritionists and other additionally required healthcare professionals.

SERVICES

Somatic Rebalancing Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as a perfectly balanced system with the ability to self-regulate and repair. Acupuncture uses stimulation of a combination of points to restore balance and address the symptoms causing discomfort. Treating these points can reduce pain and inflammation, improve sleep, regulate menstruation, boost energy levels and improve digestion. Following treatment, patients usually report a sense of calm and a warm, relaxed sense of wellbeing.

Only superfine needles are used that are usually not felt by the patient. Where appropriate, infrared lamps, moxibustion (a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called "moxa" are burned near the surface of the skin) and light cupping therapies are also administered. Patients are also provided with oriental medicine dietary advice, longevity exercises and Daoist lifestyle tips. This treatment is suitable for children, people afraid of needles and patients with a low pain threshold.

Chinese Herbal Medicine:

Chinese Herbal Medicine has been practised for thousands of years. Herbs are used to improve the wellbeing of the entire body and not just address the symptoms. Studies have proven the safety and efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicine as both a standalone approach and when used in conjunction with other therapies.

Chinese Herbal Medicine can assist with a wide variety of conditions such as insomnia, chronic fatigue, weight loss, headaches, stress and anxiety, digestive issues, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, PMS, infertility, irregular menstruation, musculoskeletal pain and skin disorders.

Only specialised herbs, rigorously tested to exclude heavy metals and pesticides, are used. Herbs are prescribed in pill form or water-soluble granules. The prescription is tailored to each patient’s unique presentation.

Lymphoedema Therapy:

Lymphoedema arises when lymphatic nodes or vessels have either not correctly formed (primary lymphoedema) or been damaged (secondary lymphoedema). Lymph fluid drains into the soft tissue, causing swelling. Secondary lymphoedema can occur after cancer surgery, radiation treatment or with certain medical conditions.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle and specific treatment that aims to drain the excess lymphatic fluid that accumulates in body tissues. It is recommended for those with circulation problems and tired, swollen and aching limbs. MLD also relaxes the nervous system leaving a sense of deep calm.

In some cases, Complex Lymphoedema Therapy (CLT) is required – this uses additional techniques such as low-level intensity laser, multi-layer compression bandaging, skin care management and special exercises to manage the swelling.

Functional Bodywork:

Functional Bodywork refers to a treatment approach that focuses on manipulation and realignment of the body’s structure (muscles, facia, viscera, ligaments and nerves) to address underlying problems such as musculoskeletal pain, joint restriction, headaches, migraines, insomnia, chronic stress and anxiety.

Key modalities include therapeutic massage, scar tissue release, Anatomy Trains® Structural Integration and postural analysis and correction.

Therapeutic massage includes remedial, sports, Swedish and Ki Shiatsu forms. Your practitioner will determine the right massage type based on your presenting symptoms.

Scar tissue release uses the STRAIT Method (Scar Tissue Release And Integrative Therapies) to restore the original movement and ease the pain, dysfunction and abnormal sensations that can occur from adhesions.

Anatomy Trains® Structural Integration uses various myofascial release techniques to fix posture and body movement imbalances caused by physical trauma or underlying emotional patterns.

Postural analysis and correction involves gentle pressure and mobilisation of connective tissue to engage the body's natural realignment functions.

Somatic Experiencing:

Somatic Experiencing (SE®) helps patients reconnect with their inner self. This therapy involves the practitioner's active observation of the patient's body and nervous system responses to a traumatic situation.

The body's reaction to trauma can affect the autonomic nervous system by keeping it stuck in the "fight or flight" mode, meaning a person might feel constantly angry, frustrated or anxious. Even years after the trauma, these responses can linger and generate mental and physical symptoms as well as behavioural problems and addictions. Somatic Experience explains it is not the actual event that holds us back but the residual energy that creates the impact.

Unlike the traditional psychotherapy model, SE® techniques are body-oriented.

Various gentle body touch and movement techniques are used to re-regulate the patient's nervous system response and guide the patient to increase awareness of their bodily sensations. By restoring the body's awareness, patients can eliminate unwanted patterns and allow the gradual release of stress.

Neurofeedback:

Neurofeedback is designed to train the brain to achieve its own optimal state. This completely non-invasive and safe form of therapy is not a medical treatment but rather aims to enhance your mood and improve your cognitive functioning. It is useful for anybody with high stress, or anxiety, or who just wants to remove brain fog to think clearer and faster.

This therapy uses NeurOptimal® neurofeedback, a proprietary form of brain training which measures brain activity as it is occurring. A specialised machine uses small sensors that monitor brain activity 256 times per second. No electrical impulse is delivered. The training happens whilst the patient is listening to pleasant music.

Typically, patients require 10 to 15 sessions to address their presenting issue; however, many cases have shown a reduction of the signs and symptoms from the first session. Progress tracking tools are used at the end of each session to track improvements and the effectiveness of the intervention.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Somatic Experiencing Australia
• Certified Neurofeedback Practitioner
• Anatomy Trains Structural Integration Practitioner
• Certified Therapist of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy - Advanced
• Diploma Remedial Massage & Sports Therapies – Pregnancy Massage – Lymphatic Massage
• KMI Structural Bodywork
• Dry Needling Therapy
• Certificate IV Massage – Swedish
• Certificate STRAIT Method (scar tissues release)
• KMI Myofascial Anatomy Trains in Motion
• Ki Shiatsu - Sho Den
• Bachelor In Law, Italy
• Master in Intellectual Property and Copyright, Italy