Feel at Home in Your Body Again
Ongoing pain and tension can pull you away from the life you enjoy. At Hunter Valley Family Chiropractic in Branxton, we look after the whole person, working with your body and nervous system to help you move more freely and do more of what you love.
Care That Starts With Listening
Dr Michael Standen is a Hunter Valley chiropractor drawn to the link between physical pain, stress and the nervous system, and to the person living with all three.
With a Master of Chiropractic and Bachelor of Nursing, Michael brings clinical skill and real curiosity to every appointment. You won’t be treated as a diagnosis. He asks about your work, your stress and what you’re missing out on, so you leave understanding more about what your body is telling you. Families of all ages are welcome at his Branxton clinic, a calm, warm and unhurried space where you can slow down, breathe and be yourself.
Find the Right Starting Point
Whether you visit the clinic or join from home, each service offers a different way into the same aim: feeling more settled and connected in your body.
Chiropractic Care
Hands-on, individualised care for back and neck pain, headaches, jaw and shoulder problems. Michael considers how stress may be influencing your pain and explains what is going on, so you know how to look after it between visits.
Spinal Energetics
An experiential approach that works with your body’s innate intelligence. Sessions give you room to notice sensations, tension, emotions and patterns at your own pace, in clinic or online.
Nervous System Coaching
One-to-one sessions that build awareness of your own stress responses, with practical strategies for regulation and resilience you can use in everyday life. Offered face to face or online.
A Different Way to See Pain
Short reads from Michael on why pain can persist, what your nervous system has to do with it, and what you can do to influence how you feel.
The blog is where Michael shares what he’s learning and what he sees in clinic every day, explained simply. It’s written for curious people, not practitioners. Start with the latest articles below, or browse them all if something catches your eye.
Can Stress Cause Neck Pain, Headaches and Muscle Tension
Understanding the relationship between stress, your nervous system and physical discomfort
You finish a long day at work, and your neck feels stiff. Your shoulders are tight, your jaw is clenched, or a familiar headache begins to develop – Sound familiar?
Many people experience physical discomfort during stressful periods of their lives. While stress isn’t the only cause of neck pain or headaches, it can contribute to muscle tension, pain sensitivity and difficulty…….
Understanding the Connection Between The Nervous System & Pain
How nervous system health may influence the way you experience pain
Have you ever noticed that your pain feels worse when you are stressed, overwhelmed or not sleeping well? Or perhaps your neck and shoulders seem to carry tension even when you haven’t done anything particularly strenuous.
You’re not imagining it. Your nervous system plays an important role in how your body experiences pain, responds to stress and adapts to the demands of everyday life.
Why Does My Back Keep Hurting? Understanding Persistent Pain
When back pain keeps returning, looking beyond the painful area can help
Back pain can be frustrating, especially when it keeps coming back despite rest, stretching or treatment.
You might find yourself wondering whether something is damaged, whether you should stop exercising, or why your back hurts even when you’re not doing anything particularly strenuous. These are common concerns, and they deserve thoughtful answers.