About Us
Our team of dedicated therapists primary focus is an individually tailored treatment for each and every person who attends the clinic. Total Balance is an Osteopathy and Natural Therapies business offering services in Port Macquarie from our private clinic.Meet The Team
The qualified team at Total Balance can assist you in repairing and strengthening your body.
Dr Kim Ritchie • Osteopath
Kim is the principal Osteopath at Total Balance Osteopathy & Natural Therapies. She completed her training at University of Western Sydney (UWS) – earning a Bach of Science (Osteopathy), and a Masters of Osteopathy. She honed her clinical knowledge working in Sydney for a couple of years before opening her practice, Total Balance Osteopathy & Natural Therapies, in Port Macquarie.
Prior to her Osteopathic studies, Kim gained a Cert IV in health, fitness and sport training and an Associate diploma in Massage Therapy. Kim has has also completed her CrossFit Level 1 Trainers certificate.
During her years in private practice Kim has continued to develop her skills by completing extra training in Paediatrics, Visceral Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy, Biodynamic Osteopathy and several courses in Dry Needling, Kinesiology and Rocktaping. She has also completed the 10 years training, completing all 10 phases of Biodynamics. These additional skills allow Kim to offer a more personalised treatment protocols across a broad range of modalities.
Kim utilises her extra training in her roles as a therapist treating on the Rocktape Recovery team at the Australian CrossFit regionals, The Australian CrossFit Championship, and the Downunder CrossFit Championships as well as volunteering to treat at numerous local CrossFit competitions.
Kim loves the challenges and rewards of treating these high-level athletes during high volume competitions. She sees these as opportunities to hone skills, or sharpen the sword, so to speak, in a high-pressure environment.
Kim is a course presenter for Rocktape Australia, conducting courses both locally and at the Universities. She is also ateaching member of the Australian Biobasics group and has lectured for Southern Cross University.
Kim loves to keep physically fit and active, and she loves to keep her patients engaged in the physical activities they choose by supporting the wellbeing of her patients.
Outside of the clinic Kim can be found training at CrossFit herself or enjoying the beautiful coastal lifestyle in Port Macquarie. She also loves to geek out on a great science or health and well-being podcast so be sure to ask her about these if you visit the clinic.
Dr Tallow Baillie • Osteopath
Tallow is an energetic and motivated osteopath who graduated from RMIT University Melbourne in 2021. Tallow studied a 5 year double degree in a bachelor of health science and a bachelor of applied science (osteopathy). Tallow was drawn to the profession of osteopathy through his love of sport and human movement.
Growing up in the snowy mountains of Rural NSW sport became Tallows passion. Engaging in skiing, mountain biking and playing rugby has driven him to a profession in which he can better understand and manage the human body and the way it functions. Through Osteopathy he has developed these skills and loves to apply this knowledge in his management of patients, to empower them on their rehabilitation journey. It was through this process that he became driven to engage and improve access to healthcare throughout regional Australia.
Tallow uses a broad range of techniques to manage pain and dysfunction in the body; from hands on osteopathic manual therapies, education, exercise and mindfulness. These techniques allow him to consider the whole patient including their entire biopsychosocial experience and confront the complex nature of pain in a holistic manner that is Osteopathy.
Alongside his studies Tallow was engaged in managing high performance athletes in basketball, AFL and gym goers which allowed him to refine his approach to treating acute injuries and post surgical management. It was here that Tallow picked up his knowledge on taping and furthered his professional development with Dry Needling and cupping (level 1- manual medicine Australasia), alongside deepening his love for exercise and human movement. These skills have translated well into his management of Chronic Pain patients, enjoying managing the complexity of pain to accept the differences between individuals to tailor a person-centred approach to each patient he encounters.
When Tallow is out of the clinic you may find him down the beach, off camping with his partner, or immersed in the bush running, riding or bush walking. This allows him to maintain an active lifestyle to compliment his work in the physical therapy profession.
Dr Marcjey Mateo • Osteopath
Marc enjoys treating people across the lifespan and has experience managing a diverse range of conditions, from waking up with a sore neck to chronic pain that has impacted everyday life.
With a keen interest in sports injuries and rehabilitation, not only does he provide hands on relief from your pain, but has a focus on enhancing your performance long term.
Marc utilises techniques such as deep tissue massage, articulation, muscle energy techniques, joint manipulation and dry needling.
Away from the treatment room, Marc enjoys all things active and the outdoors. He enjoys time at the gym and is keen on getting involved in any sports. When not spending time at the gym, he appreciates catching up with friends, relaxing at the beach or appreciating a glass of red.
Marc grew up in Melbourne and studied at Victoria University completing his Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science) and Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) in 2016. Marc practised Osteopathy as an associate for four years and worked in his own practice for two years before relocating to the Mid North Coast in 2024.
Zach Brown • Massage Therapist
Zach is a recent graduate from TAFE NSW, holding a Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy. Now currently studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science with the University of Newcastle.
Effective treatment must be tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances. By a holistic approach to health with education Zach takes pride to help you improve your health and wellbeing.
Zach enjoys using his previous experience in exercise prescription, to tailor exercises and stretches to your specific needs. He strongly believes in the body’s ability to adapt and overcome injury. Using a range of soft tissue techniques, Zach encourages feedback to tailor the treatment to what works best for you. Focusing on trigger points and myofascial release to restore movement and reduce pain.
With an active upbringing on a farm and playing many years of competitive rugby league and touch football, Zach understands the benefits of being active and the positive impact it can have on your physical and mental health.
Tina Sharp • Support
Tina is the new face at reception and voice over the phone at the clinic. She is an ex-Victorian although considers herself a local having lived her now for over 30 years. Her three adult children were born and raised here with her fellow ex-Vic husband. They are both AFL supporters.
Tina enjoys reading, going to the theatre and travelling whether it be in Australia or overseas. She enjoys walking the dog, Sherman the pound “puppy”, and exploring her environment wherever that may be.
Tina’s work background is in Local Government and customer service; always looking for ways to assist and navigate best results for all involved. She will make you feel welcome and she looks forward to meeting you all.
Book an Appointment
Make an appointment using the Make a Booking button above or call us directly on 02 6584 6122
We accept private health claims through HICAPS.
