FAQs
Do I need a referral from a GP to book an appointment?
Should I bring any X-Rays or imaging to my appointment?
No, you do not need a referral. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to detect conditions that may require further medical referral. They also have training in performing further examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. We are able to refer you to a GP or another medical specialist if we feel osteopathic treatment is not right for you.
Please bring any x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans and reports, or any other test results that you feel may be relevant to your treatment. Your osteopath is also able to refer you for further imaging if they feel it is needed.
Is Osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
Can I claim my treatment with medicare?
Yes. Osteopathy is safe and recommended during pregnancy. Our senior Osteopath has completed further osteopathic training in obstetrics and gynaecology, and is highly skilled in pre and postpartum treatment and management.
Osteopathy is safe and gentle for both the mother and the baby, and techniques used by your osteopath will be chosen to minimise any risk while helping you stay comfortable and active during pregnancy.
You may be eligible to claim some of your treatment costs back through the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan (also known as EPC), however a referral from your GP authorising you for this plan is required prior to your consultation. Please consult your GP to discuss your eligibility.
Can I claim my treatments with TAC/ DVA/ Workcover?
Can i claim my treatment on private health insurance?
Yes, Osteopaths are able to treat patients covered by third-party insurers such as WorkSafe, TAC or DVA. Make sure you notify us when booking your appointment if you will be claiming through any of these services, so our team can handle your claim smoothly.
If you are covered by WorkSafe, please ensure you bring the following details to your first treatment:
• A referral letter from your GP
• Your Insurer’s Details
• A copy of your Work Safe certificate
• Your Work Safe Claim Number
Patients who are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs must obtain a written referral from their GP, made out to the osteopath they will be seeing, before booking an appointment.
Many private health funds will cover a part of your osteopathic treatment under an extras package. The amount of your treatment that will be covered depends on your fund and level of cover. Please contact your private health fun with any queries regarding the details of your insurance.
Please ensure you bring your private health insurance card with you to your appointment, as we can instantly claim your health insurance rebate by swiping your card at the time of payment.
What is the difference between osteopathy, chiropractic, and physiotherapy?
What should I expect from my first treatment?
All of our new patient appointments are an hour long, to ensure we can properly assess and treat each individual and unique patient.
During this time, we will;
Discuss your health and medical history, and any other treatment you are receiving.
Perform a comprehensive examination, comprising of assessment of your posture and movement, and other clinical tests that may help us gather information and determine the underlying cause of your condition. Your osteopath may also conduct an examination of other bodily systems such as cardiovascular or respiratory systems, if they think it is necessary.
Discuss your diagnosis, and work with you to formulate an individualised treatment and management plan, including techniques, treatment options, and home based advice or rehabilitation exercises to involve you in your management, and encourage a speedier recovery. You may be referred for further tests or imaging if your osteopath believes it necessary.
There is a lot of overlap between the professions, with all three using their own derivative of manual therapy to treat the musculoskeletal system and it's conditions.
Physiotherapy addresses patient conditions and sites of pain with a muscular and exercise rehabilitation focus, to improve strength and mobility.
Chiropractic treatment is heavily guided by the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. They often focus on treatment including manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.
Osteopathy looks at the body as a whole, treating joints, muscles and the nervous system, while often also prescribing exercise rehabilitation to assist recovery. Osteopaths aim to treat pain and injury, and also improve performance and health by helping your body systems to be more efficient, and as such prevent future injury.