Your Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?

Bring along any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have. If possible, wear something comfy to your appointment so you can move around freely. Depending on the area of your body requiring examination, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It is important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to bring a pair of stretchy gym shorts to change into but we always have some spares available too. Your Osteopath will ensure you feel completely comfortable during your treatment. Plan to attend along with your child if your child is the patient.

Your private health care card if you have EXTRAS cover, so you can claim your private health insurance. We have HICAPS so you can claim on the spot just bring your card along for your rebate, then pay the gap.

Your First Consultation

Before the consultation

It is advisable to arrive a few minutes early for your first appointment, as you will need to fill out some paperwork.

You will be asked to sign a general consent form, but you will have the opportunity to consider and consent (or not) to specific treatment in the consultation.

During the consultation

Your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask about your health history, any medications you are taking, as well as factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your health condition changes between osteopathic consultations you should tell your osteopath at your next consultation.

Your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic assessment involving clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments, movement and functional assessments. Some assessments involve the osteopath observing you while you undertake an activity or perform a sequence of movements. Assessments may also include passive and active movements - where the osteopath manually lifts your arms or legs or applies resistance while you perform a stretch or movement.

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, so your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between appointments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

Many patients are referred to osteopaths by their doctors, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as osteopaths are primary care practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.

Is osteopathic treatment painful?

Osteopathy combines hands on manual therapy with exercise programming, dry needling, other interventions like equipment prescription and movement advice when clinically indicated. Hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. If your injuries require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.

Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

Rates

Initial Consultation
$150 — 60 minutes
Standard Consultation
$95 — 30 minutes
$110 — 45 minutes
  • HICAPS is available on site. Private health rebates available for extras cover.