Dean O'Rourke - ATUNE Health Centres - Elite Performance Breathing Coach and Orofacial Therapist
B. Ed. Health & Phys Ed. (Hons), MBIBH.
Dean is the pioneer of Functional Breathing in the Hunter Region. As a published researcher and author, he is recognised internationally as an expert in his field. He has over 16 years of clinical experience in the detection and analysis of breathing dysfunction and in Functional Breathing training.
Dean entered this field of healthcare because of his own chronic hay fever, so severe he suffered debilitating symptoms all year round. He was taking maximum doses of strong prescribed nasal delivery drugs and antihistamine medication yet was suffering increased symptoms. Dean was allergic to virtually all grasses and his condition increasingly impacted his life and capacity to work.
In desperation Dean searched for answers and discovered the power of optimal breathing. In just a few weeks, he was symptom and medication free. He has remained so now for many years.
Inspired by the results in his own health Dean decided he would devote his life to helping others suffering from chronic respiratory and other breathing related diseases. In the last 16 years he has improved the health of many people of all ages transforming their health through the development of a highly functional breathing habit.
Dean has worked successfully with toddlers through to the elderly and can provide this service individually, in family or group settings
Who can benefit from Dean’s expertise?
Those suffering from any of the following conditions should not hesitate to have their breathing analysed:
- Sleep disorders including – snoring, insomnia, bed wetting, sleep apnoea and restless sleep
- Asthma, COPD, vocal cord pathology
- Hay fever or other respiratory allergies
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Chronic blocked nose
- Chronic dry mouth
- Anxiety and Panic disorders
- Orthodontic conditions, bruxism
- Chronic pain including migraine headaches
- Hypertension
- Elevated heart, heart palpitations
- Athletes seeking higher aerobic performance and/or management of performance anxiety
Dean’s Special Interests:
- Chronic respiratory conditions eg. asthma
- Coaching elite athletes or fitness enthusiasts in his Elite Performance Breathing System. Aquatic breathing training also available.
- Long Covid and other post-viral conditions.
- CPAP and oral device free treatment of sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnoea
- Breathing training to promote mental health.
Services Dean provides:
- Comprehensive Breathing Function assessment including Capnometry Biofeedback Analysis of Breathing Patterns and Key Breathing Parameters
- Orofacial and Postural assessment for those with orthodontic conditions.
- Functional Breathing Training for those suffering from chronic respiratory and other breathing related medical conditions
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
- Elite Performance Breathing Training for Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
- Public Speaking breathing training
- Breathing Induced Deep Relaxation Sessions
- Group seminars/workshops for the health professions, vocational and community settings
Dean’s Credentials:
- Bach Ed Health & Phys. Ed (Hons) University of Newcastle
- Member of the Australian Buteyko Institute of Breathing Health
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist (Australian Lung Foundation)
- Orofacial Myology and Myo-Therapy (Coulson Institute USA)
- Former winner of the ATUNE Practitioner of the Year Award
- International Published Co-Research Author of ‘The physiological benefits of slow breathing in the healthy human’. Now cited 200+ times.
Personal Information
Dean is 56 and a married father to two children. He was born and bred in the Hunter Region. Dean enjoys developing personal habits to minimise disease risk, slow the aging process and maximise quality of life. He has devoted his life to helping others including his clients do the same. He loves resistance training, relaxing in the infrared sauna and body surfing with his family on sunny days.