Osteopathy FAQ

Osteopaths can help to treat a variety of health problems, both musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal. The best scientific evidence shows that Osteopaths are most effective for back and neck pain. Osteopathy may also provide relief and be helpful for:

• Low back pain
• Ankle injuries
• Asthma
• Fibromyalgia
• Tennis elbow
• Neck pain
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Recovery after surgery
• Menstrual pain
• Depression
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Pregnancy and labor

No, you can make an appointment directly without a referral. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition and require complex care you may be eligible for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) assistance. The GP must complete a special referral form to refer you to an osteopath for treatment.

Bring along any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have.

Yes, you should arrive 10 minutes early for your first appointment as you will need to fill out initial paperwork.

An osteopath will need to record your medical history to assist in discussing treatment options. Under the law, an osteopath needs to obtain your approval to treat you, so you will be asked to sign an ‘informed consent’ form.

It’s important that you feel comfortable, so wear a comfortable shirt and loose pants or bring a pair of loose shorts to change into.

Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. If this is the case you will be offered a gown or shorts and will be covered with a towel.

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

Your osteopath will ask about your problem and symptoms. This will include a thorough 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.
Your osteopath will conduct an examination and clinical tests. These include diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, 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 stand in your underwear. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear.
Osteopathy takes a whole of body approach to treatment. 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.
Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

It is important you tell your osteopath if your medical condition changes over time. This includes any new injuries or change of medications.

Most osteopathic treatment is manual therapy and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will aim to make you as comfortable as possible.
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 around 60 minutes. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, examine and depending upon your condition and appropriateness treat you. Follow-up treatments are up to 30 minutes.

This depends highly on your condition and maintaining factors. Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits. Long term or chronic conditions often require more treatment.
Your osteopath will discuss this with you.

Initial consultations cost $95
Return consultations cost $85
Student Under 16 / Senior Initial Consultation cost $85
Student Under 16 / Senior Initial Consultation cost $80

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

In Australia, all osteopaths complete minimum, accredited university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. They are also trained to perform standard examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. These university graduates hold either a double Bachelors or Master qualification.
Osteopaths are required, by law, to maintain ongoing professional development and education every year to stay in practice. In Australia, all osteopaths are required to be government registered practitioners. If an osteopath does not appear on this register they should not practice.
Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions which require referral to medical practitioners or other allied health.