Question 1

What should I expect at my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Treatment aims to return your body to its normal to allow the inherent healing mechanisms to function optimally. In doing this, hands-on treatment will be performed. A treatment may involve a combination of direct stronger techniques and more gentle techniques depending on the individual's most appropriate course of action. A thorough examination of the local area where you may be
experiencing pain will be performed. The Osteopath may treat other areas of the body from where you’re experiencing pain, with your consent, as there may be a need to address another area to aid in healing your tissue. Hands-on treatments can include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or
manipulation. At times you may be encouraged to work with the Osteopath in a muscular contraction/relaxation cycle to increase the range of motion to a specific joint.

Question 2

How long will a treatment take?

Accepted Answer

An Initial Osteopathic Appointment takes up to 1 hour. Your initial appointment involves taking a thorough medical history, a thorough Osteopathic assessment/examination and treatment.

A Return Osteopathic Appointment takes up to 40 minutes. The Return Osteopathic appointment involves checking in on your progress, re-assessment and treatment.

An Extended Osteopathic Appointment takes up to 1 hour. This Osteopathic appointment involves checking in on your progress, re-assessment and treatment and is appropriate for more complex cases or more than one area of the body.

Question 3

Where will treatment be applied?

Accepted Answer

Treatment will be applied to all tissues of the body, including muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, fascia, membranes, fluid (blood/lymphatics), viscera (organs).

Question 4

What techniques will be used during the treatment?

Accepted Answer

Muscle Energy Technique (MET): patient-assisted techniques using cyclic muscle contractions to
increase joint range of motion
Inhibition: A direct pressure applied to a specific area of soft tissue to release and relax that tissue
Positional Release: Positioning of specific muscles in a relaxed position, allowing a release for
inflamed or injured joints
Myofascial Release: To release fascial restrictions
Balanced Ligamentous Tension: to balance the tension in soft tissues throughout the body between
the bones
Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (OCF): techniques used to balance the inherent movement within
the Central Nervous System

Soft Tissue Massage: to increase body temperature and blood flow and relax muscles
Manipulation: A force applied to a joint with a high velocity and low amplitude to reduce restriction
in joints. Sometimes, there is a popping noise, also known as cavitation, which is air being released
within the joint due to pressure change.
Exercise Prescription: Self-maintenance is prescribed by the osteopath, which is part of the
treatment plan to allow you to return to your normal state as quickly as possible.

Question 5

What do I bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

There is no requirement to see a GP for imaging before your initial appointment; however, please bring any X-rays, scans, diagnostic imaging, test results or reports for your injury or condition that you may already have.

Question 6

Can I get a medicare rebate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, see a GP for an Allied Health Care Plan, Chronic Disease Management Plan, to qualify you need to have had the pain or condition for at least 3 months. Once approved, you will get 5 allied health appointments, covered by a Medicare Rebate. To receive the rebate you must first pay the standard consultation fee, then the medicare rebate will be processed and deposited into your chosen bank account.