What is osteopathy?

Osteopaths have extensive knowledge of functional anatomy, biomechanics and neuromusculoskeletal clinical interventions. As a defining characteristic, the osteopathic profession emphasises the neuromusculoskeletal system as integral to the body’s function, a person’s health and to patient care. 

We asses the body as several functional parts of a WHOLE system and then apply treatment and management according to our findings.

It’s all osteopathy!

You may have heard a number of terms thrown around when people refer to specific treatment styles within osteopathy. We have included a very BRIEF description of the terminology to demystify things for you, but keep in mind that the osteopath’s goal is always to achieve your optimal health goal and no matter the label, it’s all osteopathy.

Structural Osteopathy: Synonyms may include firm, direct and strong treatment. This type of treatment is very common and involves massaging, mobilising (through stretching and moving) and manipulation of joints (more commonly referred to as “cracking”). This type of treatment is always applied to meet your body where it is at and so the pressure and techniques are adjusted accordingly. Your treatment is always discussed and your informed consent gained before the techniques are applied. Your body, your choice.

Biodynamic Osteopathy: A very gentle approach using the body’s own tendency towards a healthy state as a healing principle. Biodynamic osteopathy treats the patient’s wholeness, aiming to establish contact with the body’s healing processes.
The osteopath uses his or her hands to sense, diagnose and treat. Instead of searching for symptoms, the osteopath focuses attention on recognising the priorities set by the client’s innate health and reinforces them. This is particularly useful when treating babies, children and chronic conditions, affecting overall systemic health and acute conditions, when pressure techniques are too painful.

Cranial Osteopathy: Cranial Osteopathy is a subtle form of osteopathic treatment that uses very gentle pressure to encourage the release of stresses throughout the body. It is called 'cranial' because treatment often involves the head, although other parts of the body such as the spine and tailbone can also be involved.
The osteopath can feel the very small fluctuations of movement within the body called involuntary motion. This involuntary motion can be easily disturbed by any form of trauma, such as a difficult birth, a car accident, knocks and falls and general illness. Gradually the body may accumulate these strains to the point that symptoms start to show.

How can osteopathy help me?

Osteopathy can provide treatment and relief for a wide range of conditions.

These include but are not limited to:

• Arthritis

• Foot, ankle, hip, and knee pain

• Back pain, neck pain, and sciatica

• Hand, elbow, and shoulder pain

• Headaches

• Tennis and golfer's elbow

• Postural problems due to pregnancy, sports injury, driving or work strain, or digestive issues

• Neuralgia

Osteopaths can also detect conditions that are not treatable through osteopathy, to refer patients to other specialists.

What to expect at my appointment?

Allow up to one hour for your first osteo appointment with our experienced practitioners. In this time your osteopath will ask lots of questions as part of taking your individual case history. Some of these questions may seem irrelevant or unrelated but they are important for your osteopath to be able to form the most comprehensive diagnosis they can.

The questions followed by a physical examination. This might involve you standing and performing some very simple bending or other movements or lying down while the osteopath tests your joints through their range of motion.

Your osteopath will give you a clear explanation of what they find (their diagnosis) and discuss a treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will explain the benefits and any risks of the treatment they are recommending. It is important to understand and agree what the treatment can achieve, and the likely number of sessions needed for a noticeable improvement in how you feel.

Treatment is hands-on and involves both very gentle techniques through to skilled manipulation of the spine and joints, and massage of soft tissues. Your osteopath will explain what they are doing and will always ask your permission to treat you (known as consent). Ask questions at any time if you are unsure what you have been told or if you have any concerns.

Self-help measures and advice on exercise may be offered to assist your recovery, and prevent recurrence or worsening of symptoms.

Do I need a referral?

Most patients 'self refer' to an osteopath for treatment. Although referral by a GP is not necessary, you are encouraged to keep your GP fully informed, so that your medical records are current and complete. This will ensure you receive the best possible care from both health professionals. With your permission, your osteopath may send a report to your GP with details of your condition and treatment. You can also request a letter for your employer if this is helpful.

We do accept medicare rebatable Chronic Disease Management referrals from you GP. We also welcome TAC, WorkCover, and DVA patients.

what is the cost of a treatment?

Initial 60 minute consultation $120.

Standard 30 minute consultation $96.

Long 45 minute consultation $135.

Can I use my private health insurance?

Yes. If Osteopathy is covered by your private health insurance you can swipe your card through our HICAPS machine to immediately claim your rebate at the time of your appointment.