Question – What is an Osteopath?
Answer – A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (or short Osteopath), is a licensed physician and health professional specialising in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Our Osteopaths aim to improve your overall health and wellness through a combination of stretching, massaging, and moving the musculoskeletal system. Hands-on osteopathic treatments not only reduce pain, but can increase physical mobility, and blood circulation.
Question – What and who do Osteopaths treat?
Answer – Osteopaths treat people of all ages and walks of life. From babies and small children to pregnant women, athletes or office professionals. Anyone in need of pain treatments or with conditions that affect the muscles, bones and joints is welcome.
Whether you suffer from lower back or neck pain, sore muscles, headaches and migraines or are dealing with a sports injury, your local Osteopath has the answers to ease your pain.
Question – How many Osteopathy treatments will I need?
Answer – You can expect to see positive results within one to four visits, depending on the underlying condition. Acute pain, depending on its severity, may be treated in less time. Some patients, including those suffering from chronic illnesses, benefit from long-term treatment plans. We treat each patient as an individual and will assess your overall health to create a tailor-made treatment plan that suits your needs and preferences.
Rest assured that although we love our clients, the ultimate goal for us always is to send you off into a pain-free life. We will only have you return for further treatments and check-ups when it is necessary to ensure the long-term benefit of your osteopathic treatment and to prevent similar issues in the future.
Question – Are Osteopathic treatments painful?
Answer – Osteopathic treatments at OsteoPlace aren’t usually painful. Our therapists aim to improve your pain and ease your discomfort. They will always take all due care to make you as comfortable as possible.
Your Osteopath will use their hands to find areas of weakness, tenderness or restriction in your body and then treat those with gentle and sometimes forceful techniques. Some of those areas may be sensitive to touch. If you do ever experience any kind of pain during or after your treatment, do not hesitate to tell your Osteopath.
Please note; it is not uncommon to experience mild soreness for a day or two after a treatment, since your body may be unaccustomed to this type of treatment and exercise.
Question – Do I need a referral from my GP?
Answer – No, you won’t need a referral. Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners. All you need to do is
give us a call or
book your appointment online. Make sure to bring any relevant reports and imaging to help your Osteopath make an accurate assessment.
If you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for Osteopathy, make insurance claims after an accident or would like to claim a work injury, you will, however, need to see your GP first. If you have any questions in regards to this,
get in touch with us.
Question – Are osteopathic treatments covered by Medicare?
Answer – Yes, Medicare now covers a range of osteopathic treatments. If you have been referred to an Osteopath by your GP and have presented with chronic pain for six weeks and more, Medicare may cover up to five treatments per calendar year.
Please note; to claim Medicare benefits, you must have a referral from your GP. Visit the Department of Health website to learn more about
Individual Allied Health Services under Medicare.
Question – Are osteopathic treatments covered by my private health fund?
Answer – Yes, osteopathic treatments are covered under the extras cover of most major Australian health insurances. We offer instant rebates via HICAPS when you are paying for your appointment. Since rebates vary depending on your health insurer, we recommend checking the details of your policy.
