Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Many patients are referred to osteopaths by their doctors, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as osteopaths are primary care practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition and require complex care you may be eligible for an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan. The GP must complete a special referral form to refer you to an osteopath for treatment.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring along any x-rays, scans or test results that you may have.
Can I bring a friend or relative?
Yes, you can have someone present throughout your consultation and treatment.
Am I required to arrive early for my first appointment?
Prior to your appointment time, you are required to fill out an initial patient form online. This will be sent to you via email once your booking is made.
If you are unable to fill out your form online, please arrive 15 minutes early to complete it at the clinic.
What happens at my first consultation?
History.
A detailed case history regarding your presenting complaint will be taken, along with a past medical history, family history, medications and lifestyle habits.
Assessment.
Your osteopath will then assess and test multiple joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons in order to provide you with a conclusive diagnosis.
Treatment.
A variety of techniques may be used (see ‘services’ for an outline of these techniques) to address the presenting complaint and the underlying cause.
Advice.
Your osteopath will provide advice and take-home tools so that you can continue progressing in between appointments. This may include ergonomic advice, specific exercises, stretches, breathing techniques, mindfulness tips etc.
What should I wear? Do I have to remove my clothes?
It’s important that you feel comfortable, so wear a comfortable shirt and loose pants or shorts. Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. We have gowns available for you to wear.
How much does an osteopathy appointment cost?
Click here to view our fees & policy page.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a registered Allied medical profession. Most people see Osteopaths for muscular or joint complaints or injuries, headaches, back and neck pain. Osteopaths use manipulative procedures to joints, muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. It is not a technique but an understanding of how to help to restore health and reduce pain through the application hands on treatment to the body.
Research into the practice of Osteopathy shows a consistent level of successful outcome, safety and a high degree of patient satisfaction.
Is osteopathic treatment painful?
Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will aim to make you as comfortable as possible.
There are techniques which may cause some short term discomfort or pain.
You may experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.
Other than pain, what else does osteopathy help with?
Osteopathy may also help to:
– decrease inflammation and discomfort from chronic conditions.
– improve respiration and breathing
– improve posture and flexibility
– improve circulation to tissues
– prevent injury
– decrease discomfort or pain during and after pregnancy
Some people may find some of the hands-on techniques relaxing which can be useful for stress relief.
What if my condition changes over time?
It is important you tell your osteopath if your medical condition changes over time. This includes any new injuries or change of medications.
How long will my appointment take?
Your initial consultation will be 45 minutes. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, examine and depending upon your condition, treat you.
Follow-up treatments are 30 minutes.
How many appointments will I need?
This depends on your condition. Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits. Long term or chronic conditions may require more treatment.
Your osteopath will discuss this with you.
Are there additional investigations or treatments?
Following treatment, your osteopath may decide that additional investigations such as X-ray, scans or blood tests are required. Your osteopath may refer you to another health professional.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment you must provide us with at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid a fee. This gives us a chance to give your appointment to others who need it.
If you miss an appointment without notice a cancellation fee of $50 will apply.
We do our best to remind you of appointments, it is ultimately the patient’s responsibility to remember their scheduled appointments. We understand that sometimes life gets in the way of scheduled appointment times, and we do take extenuating circumstances into consideration.
Can I claim Osteopathy on my private health insurance?
Yes.
However, different private health insurance companies pay different amounts and some policies may not cover you. You must check with your insurance company if you would like to find out how much you will be refunded.
On the day of consultation, your payment will be processed at the clinic and your health refund rebate will be paid directly to the clinic via our HICAPS machines leaving you with only “the gap” to pay on the day.
How are osteopaths different to physiotherapists, chiropractors and exercise physiologists?
Osteopaths focus on the health of the entire body, rather than just the injured or affected part. They look at how your skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulatory system, connective tissue and internal organs function as a whole body unit and help improve its function by correcting the overall structure.
Chiropractors tend to focus mainly (but not exclusively) on the alignment of the spine as the primary means to relieve pain by preventing any compromise of the nervous system, with their main tool of treatment being spinal joint manipulation.
Physiotherapists have a great focus on exercise, movement, and rehabilitation, often following injury or surgery, or when dealing with a physical disability, while their manual hands-on application is minimal.
What is the difference between a craniosacral therapist and an osteopath using osteopathy in the cranial field?
Although treatments may feel similar to the patient, osteopaths’ study for five years at a government accredited University course. Once qualified, Osteopaths are governed by The Australian Board of Osteopathy, and are required every year to do continuing professional development (CPD). Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners, meaning patients who see an osteopath can claim with private health funds, Medicare’s CDM and DVA, and can be referred on for further investigations such as x-rays.
Craniosacral therapists do not have any specific university qualification, and are taught in varying course structures that range from one weekend course to several months. You will not claim any health fund rebates, medicare or DVA and they are unable to send off for x-rays.
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Both dry needling and acupuncture use fine needles that are inserted into specific locations across the skin to trigger particular responses.
Dry needling is used to release trigger points in tight muscles to relieve tension and pain, and restore normal function. Dry needling is based on Western medical principles and focuses on evidence-based guidelines for application and therapeutic benefits.
Whereas with acupuncture, needles are inserted into points along meridian lines that represent the body’s organs. Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese medicine.
Which conditions might benefit from visceral manipulation?
Visceral manipulation may benefit various symptoms and disorders such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, cramps, indigestion, chronic spinal dysfunction, whiplash, headaches and migraines, peripheral joint pain, sciatica, swallowing dysfunctions, nausea and acid reflux, gastritis, chronic pelvis pain, endometriosis, bladder incontinence, prostate dysfunction, and pudendal neuralgia.