Frequently Asked Questions

At your first appointment and in any subsequent session(s), you may receive any of the below osteopathic treatments following the clinical assessment conducted by your osteopath.

• Musculoskeletal and nervous system assessments– Your osteopath will use a range of tools to identify what might be happening in the body.
• Manual therapy– A range of ‘hands-on’ techniques that may give relief from musculoskeletal pain, discomfort and may help tissues in the body.
• Clinical exercise programs– Activities and movement strategies for use at home, work or in other settings. Exercise may help you return to activities you enjoy, for example after an injury or surgery.
• Body function assessments– Movement, postural, positioning advice and ergonomic assessments.
• Patient education and advice– Lifestyle, stress management, diet or other factors that may influence your pain, injury or movement.

• Each person, condition and injury is unique, so osteopathic treatments and interventions will vary from person to person.
• Osteopathy combines hands on treatment, exercise prescription, movement and lifestyle advice,
• Hands-on treatments can include massage, stretching, soft tissue or joint mobilisation and/or manipulation. 
• 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 at work.

No, you can make an appointment directly with your preferred clinic without a referral.

Under certain schemes you may need a referral.

If you have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition and require complex care, you may be eligible for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) assistance. Your GP will assess your eligibility.

An osteopath will need to record your medical history to assist in making a diagnosis and discussing your treatment options. This may involve completing a history questionnaire. You will also be asked to give your residential address and other relevant contact information.

It’s important that you feel comfortable, so wear a loose shirt or T/shirt, and loose pants or shorts, or bring loose clothes with you to change into at the appointment.

You can check with the clinic beforehand, however often you will be asked to remove some clothing for treatment.

Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear.  We suggest you wear modest underwear or gym wear, so you are comfortable.

If you are asked to remove outer clothes, you should be offered a gown or covered with a towel during the treatment.

Yes, you can have someone present throughout your consultation and treatment.

If a baby or young child or is being treated, the parent or guardian will be required to stay in the room during treatment.

Teenagers may be requested to have a parent or guardian present in a consultation. Discuss this with the clinic and your osteopath before your appointment. 

Your osteopath will ask about your problem and symptoms. This will include your medical history, any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem.

Your osteopath will advise you if they can treat you or you need to be referred to another health practitioner.

Your osteopath will conduct an examination and clinical tests. These include diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, movement and postural assessments, which determine how best to manage your condition.

The examination may include passive and active movements. The osteopath may lift your arms or legs and you may be asked to bend over, or be asked to perform an activity. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear and clothing. Osteopathy takes a whole of body approach to assessment and clinical management, so your osteopath may look at the area that is troubling you, as well as other parts of your body. For example if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

Osteopaths provide a broad range of treatments. Osteopaths prescribe clinical exercises for you to do at home or work, provide manual therapy, lifestyle interventions and recommend equipment to help you manage your condition and function. 

If your injuries do require treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will aim to make you as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately some conditions are painful and may be tender during movement, stretching or treatment.

There are techniques which may cause some short term discomfort or pain.

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

Your initial consultation may last up to 60 minutes. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, to examine you and depending upon your condition, to treat you.

Follow-up treatments are usually shorter, (allow up to 45 mins).

Depending on your condition or any concerns you have raised, your osteopath may require some further testing or referral to another health practitioner.

Following treatment and depending on your condition, your osteopath may decide that additional investigations such as X-ray, scans or blood tests are needed. Your osteopath may refer you to another health professional or to your GP.