Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine which aims to restore the body to optimal function through a combination of hands on techniques and patient education.

Osteopaths recognise the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. With a vast knowledge of how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs all function together as a holistic unit we aim to restore freedom of movement using a variety of hands on techniques.

Osteopaths are trained to recognise conditions that require referral to other health practitioners and take a ‘patient centred care’ approach, aiming to equip you with knowledge and skills to manage your own condition and improve your wellbeing. This means as part of treatment you will receive exercise and stretch prescription, postural advice, lifestyle modifications and any further referrals/investigations required to help resolve your issue.

When you arrive for your first appointment you will be asked to fill out some paperwork, including signing a general consent form. You will have the opportunity to consider and consent (or not) to specific techniques during the consultation. Your osteopath will ask questions about your symptoms, as well as asking about your medical history, medications and other lifestyle factors. Even if they don’t seem directly relevant to your condition, they are all important factors in determining the treatment is safe and effective, and helping to find the root cause of your problem. If your health condition changes between consultations, you should tell your osteopath at the next appointment.

Next, your osteopath will conduct an osteopathic examination including clinical tests,  which may involve your osteopath asking you to perform certain movements while they observe, or moving parts of your body for you. 

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, so your practitioner may look at other parts of your body as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore elbow, your osteopath may also look at your neck, shoulder and hand.

Each treatment is individualised based on the assessment conducted during the consultation and may involve a mixture of massage, articulation of joints, stretching, manipulation and more gentle tissue disengagement techniques.

Your osteopath will also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between appointments. This may include giving you stretches or exercises to do.

As a manual therapy,Osteopathic treatment may involve techniques such as stretching, massage and joint manipulation. Osteopaths have a wide range of techniques available so there is always an alternative technique that can be used if there is something that causes undue discomfort. Your osteopath will ask for feedback on your pain levels throughout treatment. It can be normal to experience some mild tenderness for a day or two after treatment, however if this soreness persists or increases significantly, it is advisable to contact your osteopath.

Absolutely not. Many people make an appointment in a similar manner to going for a massage- to relieve tension, help with stress relief and do maintenance or preventative treatment. Liken it to servicing your car! A little attention may help prevent more major problems down the track. 

Stretchy, comfortable clothing is ideal but we can work around any type of clothing. Depending on the area of your body requiring examination, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It is important that you feel comfortable, so you may prefer to bring along some stretchy gym shorts to change into. Towels are always provided for patient modesty.

Please bring any imaging or test results you have from from investigations such as  xrays, MRI, CT or Ultrasound as well as any information you have about current medical conditions or medications you are taking.

Allow 1 hour for your initial consultation, and 40 minutes for follow-up appointments. Please arrive 10 minutes early for your first appointment, as you will need to fill out some forms.

No, osteopaths are primary care practitioners so you can make an appointment directly without a referral.

Your osteopath will discuss your expected prognosis and recovery with you (specific to your condition) and will outline a plan for treatment, which usually includes an estimation of how many treatments are likely to be required. Generally speaking,  you would expect to see some improvement in your symptoms after 1-2 visits. Longer term or chronic injuries may require more treatment. Osteopaths are always aiming for patient independent self management, meaning they attempt to provide you with the tools to manage your condition yourself without requiring ongoing treatment. 

Your osteopath will determine whether further investigations may be required to help confirm a diagnosis for your symptoms. This may include x-rays, CT or MRI scans, or blood tests. If necessary, your osteopath may refer you to another health professional.

Most health funds include Osteopaths in their extras cover. Check with your health fund as to their specific rebate offered for Osteopathy.

Medicare Rebates are only available for patients who are under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan organised by your GP. 

This is a Medicare funded scheme that offers eligible patients with a chronic or complex condition a rebate of $52.95 for up to 5 allied health services per year. 

The same thing they can do for adults! Osteopaths can assess tightness and restriction in the body and assist with relieving tension and improving biomechanics. When treating babies and children, osteopaths apply no more pressure than would be used when holding or dressing the child.

It’s important to note that very little research has been done in the field of pediatric osteopathy, mostly because the osteopathic profession does not have the resources to conduct research on a large scale. However, osteopathic treatment is commonly provided to babies and children. Osteopathic care does not claim to cure any of the conditions listed below. The osteopath’s role is to remove any physical tension in the body that may be associated with common childhood conditions and help restore balance in the biomechanics to aid healing. 

People frequently bring children and babies for Osteopathic Treatment for issues such as:

Babies

• Feeding difficulties

• Traumatic/instrumental birth

• Head shape concerns/asymmetry (plagiocephaly)

• Colic/Unsettled behaviour

• Sleep disturbances

• Asymmetrical crawling or walking patterns

• General wellbeing

Children

• Growing pains

• Wry neck

• General tension/tightness

• Scoliosis

• Postural imbalances

• Sprains/strains/injuries

• Falls

• General wellbeing

It is advisable to check with the Osteopath whether they have completed additional training in the treatment of babies and children before booking an appointment. If you have any questions prior to booking the appointment please do not hesitate to contact the clinic.