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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Why visit an Osteopath?
Osteopathy is natural and takes an holistic view of the body. Treatment is safe and gentle. The Osteopath takes time to compile a full case history then perform a comprehensive examination of the injured region of the body and related areas. Time is taken to explain the cause of your complaint, how your complaint will be treated, and if necessary, managed.

You may have been prescribed analgesic (pain reliever), anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant medication and felt that you were not receiving adequate relief or your current treatment is not working. Therefore, you may wish to try a natural approach.
Do I need a referral to an Osteopath?
No. You can contact an Osteopath directly as they are trained as primary health care professionals. Whilst general practitioners and other health care practitioners refer patients to osteopaths, most patients self-refer.
If I have had radiological investigations (x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound) performed, should I bring them with me?
Yes. As Osteopaths undergo the study of radiology during their training, radiological films can be viewed and interpreted, which may provide important information regarding your complaint.
What should I expect at the first consultation?
After compiling a thorough case history and performing a comprehensive examination to find the cause of your symptoms, an accurate working diagnosis is determined in order for effective treatment to commence. Osteopaths treat by using "hands on" techniques.

Prior to examination you may be asked to remove some of your clothing for the Osteopath to observe the injured or painful region(s). Then you will be asked to perform some simple movements, followed by neurological and orthopaedic tests to identify and locate the cause of your complaint.

Exercise (stretching, strengthening), postural and nutritional advice may be provided to manage your complaint and prevent relapse or further injury by aiding the restoration of normal body function.

Osteopathic consultations may take 30-40 minutes depending on the nature of your complaint.
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What conditions do Osteopaths treat?
  • Back pain, including disc injuries, abdominal or pelvic instability, scoliosis
  • Neck pain, including whiplash
  • Limb pain, including knee, hip ankle, hip, groin, shoulder or elbow pain
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Nerve pain, including sciatica or referred pain
  • Sports injuries, including tendonitis, tennis elbow, shin splints or muscle strains
  • Arthritis / joint pain
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Workplace or Repetitive/ Stress related strains - including RSI or mid back stiffness
  • Pregnancy related conditions including pelvic pain
  • Asthma, including shortness of breath, rib dysfunction and chest pain or tightness
How many sessions will be required?
The number of treatments required will depend on the nature of your complaint. Therefore, you may know someone with the same complaint, and a different treatment plan. This is because osteopathic treatment is focussed on the patient as an individual. 

It may be difficult to ascertain how many treatments will be required, however, at the end of your initial consultation, your osteopath will be able to give an indication of how many sessions may be required. Chronic or longstanding complaints may require ongoing treatment at intervals of two months or longer, whereas acute complaints often only require one to three sessions.
What is the difference between Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?
Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists generally treat the same conditions and patients, however, from different perspectives. Within each profession there may be diversity from practitioner to practitioner depending upon their individual specialities, interests and experience. On the other hand practitioners of either profession may treat similarly to practitioners of other professions.

Osteopathy takes a holistic view of the whole person in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of illness, diseases and injury. Osteopaths treat not only the site of pain but address the underlying cause of the problem. This may include treating biomechanically related areas that are distant to the symptomatic location.

Chiropractic philosophy focuses on a displaced (subluxed) spinal vertebrae, which interferes with nerve function and treatment consists of spinal adjustments to relieve nerve compression. Osteopathic treatment consists of a wider range of techniques including joint articulation (mobilisation), soft tissue (massage), muscle energy technique (contract-relax exercises), joint manipulation and craniosacral technique. Osteopaths tend spend more time with you, which means you require less treatments.

Physiotherapy aims to restore maximum movement and functional ability of the body to enhance the health and welfare of the community from an individual or population perspective. Treatment may be administered by use of manual therapy, electrophysical agents, and therapeutic exercise.

Finally, we do not propose to be experts in the theory and practice of chiropractic and physiotherapy and for more information on the definition of other health care professionals, you would be advised to contact their professional regulatory or registration associations

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Can I claim Osteopathic Treatment through health insurance?
Yes. Medibank Private, Bupa, St.Lukes and other health insurers offer rebates for Osteopathic services. We also have a Hicaps facility, which provides on-the-spot rebates
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