+ WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

If you have any recent scans or x-rays that are relevant to your injury or condition, please bring them to your appointment.

If you have private health insurance, bring your card along. We have a HICAPS machine onsite that can process the claim.

Depending on the treatment area we may ask you to remove some items of clothing - leaving on your underwear. If this is required there will be towels provided for coverage. We will endeavour to keep non treatment areas covered at all times. If you feel uncomfortable please let your practitioner know. Alternatively, you are welcome to wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to move in.

Drinking water before and after your appointment is also recommended.

+ DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE AN OSTEOPATH?

No. You are welcome to make and attend an appointment without a referral from a GP or specialist.

+ HOW LONG IS MY APPOINTMENT?

For a new patient consultation please allow 60 minutes for your appointment. For a return patient consultation please allow 45 minutes for a standard appointment.

+ CAN OSTEOPATHS DIAGNOSE PATIENTS?

Yes, we use your history and medical examinations to formulate a diagnosis.

If required we will refer you appropriately for medical imaging (scans or x-rays), or to other healthcare practitioners.

Once the diagnosis is formulated your Osteopath will tailor a specific treatment plan to get you back on track.

+ WHAT SORT OF TREATMENTS CAN OSTEOPATHS OFFER?

Osteopaths offer a wide range of techniques and work with the individual to help formulate their specific treatment plan.

Patients may experience techniques such as massage, joint articulation, joint manipulation, visceral and myofascial release, balanced ligamentous techniques, biodynamic and cranial techniques in their osteopathic treatments.

The Osteopath will also provide education, advice on ergonomics, advice on exercise and rehabilitation, and suggested modifications to diet and lifestyle.

+ HOW OFTEN SHOULD SOMEONE SEE AN OSTEOPATH?

Every patient and injury is different and there may be multiple contributing factors.

Severity of the injury is one determinant of how many treatments a patient may require.

Our aim is to return our patients to function, and without continual intervention from the Osteopath.

Educating our patients on avoiding aggravating factors, the science behind pain, general advice on health and wellbeing and exercise rehabilitation are all offered to help the patient maintain their own health.

+ IS OSTEOPATHY DIFFERENT TO CHIROPRACTIC OR PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists are all registered healthcare professionals, regulated by AHPRA. We all are mostly manual therapists, and can suggest exercise and lifestyle modifications that will help a patient improve as best they can.

Osteopathy offers a point of difference in that we want to understand how the entire body functions as a whole unit. Osteopaths can use techniques to influence joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs.

+ CAN I USE MY ENHANCED PRIMARY CARE (EPC) PLAN FOR MY OSTEOPATH APPOINTMENTS?

Yes, you can. You are able to get a Medicare rebate for Osteopathy using the EPC plan.

Your doctor will assess whether or not you are eligible for this plan.

With this plan, Medicare will provide a rebate per consultation for up to five visits per year. This rebate does not cover the total fee and you will be required to pay a gap payment. We can process this rebate on the spot, straight back into your debit or savings account.

If you have been given an EPC plan by your doctor, please ensure you bring in all the paperwork to your first Osteopathy visit.

If you have any specific questions regarding the EPC plan, please contact us.