Frequently Asked Questions

  • Many private health insurance policies include cover for osteopathy under extras cover. The amount you can claim depends on your insurer and level of cover.

    Medicare generally does not provide rebates for standard osteopathy appointments. However, if you have a chronic medical condition and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to access a Medicare rebate through the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan (formerly known as the Enhanced Primary Care plan). This requires a referral from your General Practitioner (GP).

  • People commonly see an osteopath for a range of musculoskeletal concerns, including:

    • Back and neck pain

    • Headaches related to muscle or joint tension

    • Shoulder, hip, or knee pain

    • Sports injuries

    • Joint stiffness

    • Muscle strains and sprains

    • Postural concerns

    • Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort

    • General aches and pains affecting movement

    Osteopaths can also provide advice on exercise, posture, injury prevention, and self-management strategies.

  • No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with an osteopath.

    A referral is only required if you are accessing Medicare rebates through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan or if your insurer or another organisation specifically requests one.

  • Please bring:

    • Your private health insurance card (if you intend to claim on the day)

    • Any referral letters or relevant medical reports, if applicable

    • Results of relevant scans or imaging (such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans), if available

    • Comfortable clothing that allows movement, or clothing suitable for the area being assessed

    • A list of your current medications, if relevant

  • Your first appointment usually includes:

    1. A discussion about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and health goals.

    2. A physical assessment, which may include observing your posture, movement, flexibility, strength, and joint mobility.

    3. An explanation of the findings and a proposed treatment plan.

    4. Hands-on treatment where appropriate, which may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, stretching, or other osteopathic techniques.

    5. Advice on exercises, posture, activity modification, and strategies to help manage your condition between appointments.

    The appointment is tailored to your individual needs, and your osteopath will explain any recommended treatment before proceeding.

  • Yes. Osteopathic treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy when provided by a qualified osteopath. Treatment is modified to suit each stage of pregnancy and focuses on helping manage pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort, such as:

    • Lower back pain

    • Pelvic pain

    • Hip pain

    • Rib discomfort

    • Neck and shoulder tension

    Your osteopath will ensure your positioning and treatment techniques are appropriate for your stage of pregnancy. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or any medical concerns, they may recommend discussing treatment with your maternity care provider.

  • Your initial consultation lasts 60 minutes, allowing your osteopath plenty of time to understand your concerns and develop an individualised treatment plan.

    During your first appointment, we will:

    • Take a detailed history of your current injury or condition.

    • Review your medical history and any relevant health information.

    • Perform a comprehensive physical examination.

    • Explain our findings and discuss your diagnosis.

    • Provide hands-on osteopathic treatment where appropriate.

    • Offer advice on exercises, posture, and self-management strategies to support your recovery.

    Follow-up (standard) appointments are up to 30 minutes in duration. These sessions focus on reviewing your progress, providing ongoing treatment, and adjusting your management plan as needed to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.

  • The number of appointments required varies from person to person and depends on the nature of your condition, how long you have had your symptoms, your overall health, and your treatment goals.

    Some people experience significant improvement after just one or two treatments, while others with more complex or long-standing conditions may benefit from a longer course of care.

    Your osteopath will discuss their findings with you during your initial appointment and recommend a personalised treatment plan. Your progress will be reviewed at each visit, and your treatment plan will be adjusted as needed to help you achieve the best possible outcome. We will always involve you in decisions about your care and will only recommend appointments that are clinically appropriate.