What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a manual form of treatment that aims to treat the cause of your problem. This is done by taking a thorough history and examination.
Osteopathy celebrated 100 years in Australia in 2007 and collectively we treat over 30 000 people per week.
“Osteopathy is not an alternative health option – osteopaths are university trained, government registered, allied health professionals. Currently an osteopath undertakes a 5-year, University Masters degree to achieve registration in Australia.”
“Most people, regardless of age or gender, will suffer from back or neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, stiffness or pain at some time. Osteopaths can help to identify the cause of the pain or injury and develop a safe and effective course of action to manage pain – so people can make the most of their active lives.” (Australian Osteopathic Association)
So what happens on your first visit?
Please arrive at least 10mins early so that you can fill out the necessary forms. Your first visit will go for approximately 45mins-1hr. You will be asked to fill out a health screen questionnaire which will help to give your osteopath an overall picture of your general health and provide you with the best possible care. This will be discussed with your osteopath. If needed, investigations such as blood pressure checks or neurological exams will be performed.
Your Osteopath will then perform a structural exam of your posture, spine, joints and muscles. Restrictions in movement and/or pain during movement as well as tenderness will be looked for.
Once this is complete the information gained from your history as well as the exam will allow your Osteopath to come up with a provisional diagnosis and treatment plan.
Subsequent treatments will be 30mins.
Treatment
Your treatment may involve a number of different techniques depending on your condition and is tailored to your specific needs. All treatment will be explained and if it is thought to be contra-indicated then it will not be performed.
Management may also include postural, ergonomic and core stability advice.
The goal of the treatment is to deal with the source of your problem and provide you with the knowledge and advice that you need to prevent its recurrence.
Workcover and TAC claims
New workcover and TAC claims will now be charged directly to the patient as a normal clinic fee. The claimant will then be reimbursed from workcover or TAC at their scheduled fees.
DVA patients
DVA patients are welcome and will not be billed by the clinic.
We are part of EPC program (extended primary care); A doctor referral for EPC is necessary
HICAPS and EFT
HICAPS and EFT is also available.
FAQs
Q. Do I need a Dr’s referral to see an Osteopath?
A. No, you don’t need a Dr.’s referral unless you are claiming from DVA or have been referred by your Dr. as an EPC patient.
Q. Do you treat work cover (W/C), Comcare, transport accident commission (TAC), department of veterans affairs clients (DVA) or extended primary care (EPC)clients?
A. Yes all of these are accepted at the clinic. You do not need a referral if you are claiming from Work cover, Comcare or TAC. Veterans affairs clients need a Dr’s referral every 12 months. TAC patients will have to pay a gap.
You can claim up to 5 visits per year with Medicare under the chronic disease management program, however you must first be referred by your Dr. and this only applies to chronic conditions. Medicare will not pay for the entire amount and you will have to pay the gap.
Q. Should i bring any scans or x-rays that i’ve had with me?
A. Yes, always bring x-rays or any other scans/test results you have recently had to your visits.
Q. What if I need an off work certificate?
A. An osteopath can provide an incapacity certificate which will usually be accepted by your employer in the same way as a medical doctors certificate. Osteopaths can provide ongoing certificates of incapacity for Workcover patients.
Q. What if I don’t like having my neck or back being manipulated (cracked)?
A. This will never under any circumstance be forced upon you. Your osteopath will explain the benefits and risks associated with any procedure and allow you to make your own decision. Your osteopath will inform you on and explain any technique being performed. Because we are armed with an array of techniques we don’t have to “crack” your joints if you are uncomfortable with this.
Q. Will I be sore after my treatment?
A. There is a chance that for the first 48hrs after your treatment you will experience tenderness associated with your treatment. This will not happen to every-one but c be a common occurrence. This is because treatment is similar to a minor form of injury so that when the healing process occurs it will heal in the correct way. Not dissimilar to pain experienced after a work out.
Q. Can I claim the treatment straight onto my health insurance?
A. Yes, we have hicaps available at the clinic so you can claim your treatments on the spot.
Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. This will depend how long you have had your problem. Generally speaking the longer you have had your problem the more treatments you will need. However you should experience some relief or change in your problem eg. Feeling looser after just a couple of visits. Your Osteopath will generally advise 2-3 treatmetns to begin with – after this time you will be reassesed and a decision will be made as to wether to continue treatment or further investigate if there is no change in your symptoms.
Q. What should I wear to the appointment?
A. It is best if you could wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing such as tracksuits, preferably no jeans.