You do not need a referral from a GP to see an Osteopath. We are primary healthcare practitioners educated to assess for various medical conditions. If we feel osteopathic treatment cannot help you, we will refer you to your local doctor or other health professionals.

Yes, you can claim health insurance depending on your health cover with your provider. Osteopathy is under the ‘extras’ and we can claim on the spot rebates for you. Please bring your health care card and we can process this after your consultation.

Yes, we do accept Medicare referrals. You may be eligible to receive this from your GP as part of the Team Care Arrangement (TCA)/Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan. You are entitled to 5 visits as part of the plan and the current rebate is $60.35. Therefore, a ‘gap’ payment is required to cover the rest of the consultation fee.

• Initial consultations are $125 (45-60mins)

• Return consultation are $90 (30mins)

• Extended return consultation are $105 (45mins)

Initial consultations are 45-60 minutes long and the following process is conducted:

Presenting Complaint

We will begin by listening to your history and gain an overall understanding of your presenting complaint. We will ask you questions regarding your daily life and current health and medical history to achieve this.

Assessment

From there, an overall physical examination will be completed to help us gain information about your complaint, and thus form a working diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatment

The following treatment techniques may or may not be used in your consultation to help decrease pain and improve function:

• Soft/deep tissue massage

• Stretching

• Joint articulation and mobilization

• HVLA manipulation (“cracking”)

• Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

• Dry needling

We will choose the appropriate techniques based on your presenting complaint and what you are comfortable with.

Advice/Management Plan

Once your treatment has ended we shall formulate a management plan as well as give advice to better manage your condition at home. Your working diagnosis as well as prognosis will be discussed. A rehabilitation/exercise program may be given and, if necessary, referral to a GP or imaging house.

From there, an overall assessment will be conducted.

In order for your osteopath to assess you adequately, parts of your clothing may need to be removed. Ideally, it is best to wear gym gear or loose fitting clothes for them to have better access to the skin. Female clients, a bra is more suitable than a sports bra or crop top. In saying this, it is important for you to be comfortable during your consultation, if you have any concerns about this please speak to your osteopath.

If you have any imaging/scans or reports from your doctor, this may be helpful for your osteopath to assess your complaint. Other than that all we need is YOU.