Do I need a Referral?

Osteopaths are primary health care professionals, so no referral from your GP is necessary. However, we frequently receive referrals from GP’s privately or through such medicare assistance schemes like Chronic Disease Management Programs. When we do, we work with your doctor to provide a treatment plan specific to your needs.  Medicare offers 5 consultations with specific health professionals each year for individuals.  This allows a subsidised fee for potentially 5 osteopathic consultations.

Can I use my private health insurance? What payment options are available?

Osteopathy is covered by most health insurers under extras/ancillary cover. We recommend contacting your private health insurer to clarify the rebates for your policy before attending an appointment. Dr Pip Osteopath uses HICAPS which means your private health insurance claim can be processed on-the-spot and you then only have to pay the gap. We also accept cash, EFTPOS, VISA, Mastercard.

Can I claim treatment charges for Workers Compensation, Motor Accident Claims or Veterans’ Affairs?

No. We do not treat 3rd party workers compensation, motor accident or Department of Veteran Affairs patients

What can I expect during my first consultation?

On your first visit to the clinic, and before any treatment occurs, a detailed health history is completed with additional questions about past and present illnesses, surgeries or injuries. You will be asked detailed and relevant questions about the pain or discomfort you are experiencing, your medical history as well as any medication you may be taking. 

The Osteopath will then make a probable diagnosis, which will be discussed with you and an examination will be carried out.  During the examination, the Osteopath will perform a comprehensive examination, using a standard medical approach, and various orthopaedic and medical examinations to diagnose your condition.  This may require a patient to undress the affected area in order to examine it fully. Towels and gowns are provided for  patients’ privacy.

Your Osteopath will explain their examination findings and if safe to do so, treatment will be given. If  the Osteopath does not feel you will benefit from osteopathic treatment, it will be explained to you and other options will be discussed.

Osteopaths utilize hands-on techniques as the basis of treatment. This may include massage, stretching, dry-needling and joint articulation and mobilisation (if required). Dr Pip Osteopath will focus on patient education; understanding their condition, and self-management techniques. This may include stretching or exercises, nutritional advice, ergonomics at work or at home, and lifestyle advice.

What is the difference between Osteopaths, Physiotherapists & Chiropractors?

This is one of the most common questions asked! Osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists often treat the same conditions with different approaches. There is a lot of crossover between the therapies.  It is important for each therapy to explain their own theories behind Physiotherapy or Chiropractic, but the main principles of Osteopathy are that the body is seen as a unit, and that the structure and function of the body are interrelated. Osteopaths look at the body in a holistic fashion. This means that dysfunction in one area of the body can have dramatic effects on other regions of the body.

Osteopaths believe in not only treating the symptoms of the problem, but the cause behind them. We also understand how the body tries to manage its pain and can create compensatory patterns in its attempt to recover.  Osteopaths work by examining and understanding all potential strain patterns as a result of this to make sure we treat the body fully. 

Therefore all Osteopathic consultations use tailored techniques which are hands-on and specific to your condition and your medical history. Osteopaths are also able to assess diet, nutrition, ergonomics and lifestyle factors to ensure a well-rounded approach to treating patients.

What do you have to bring?

Please wear comfortable clothing and don’t forget to bring your Private Health Insurance card for on the spot HICAPS rebate claiming.  

Please bring any ultrasounds, MRI, X-Ray or CT scans associated with your current condition.  Your Osteopath is also able to refer you for X-Rays or further testing should it be required.

Please also bring your Medicare card and your Enhanced Patient Care (EPC) referrals, also known as Chronic Disease Management Program (CDM) from your medical doctor for claiming a medicare rebate.

How many visits will I need?

This is very individual, depending on the pain or injury. On average most patients receive between three to six treatments to deal with acute pain. Constant ongoing treatment is usually not required, however, if you are suffering from a mechanical pain, recurring postural related pain, chronic pain or headaches, you may be advised a frequency of maintenance care.  This could vary from every four to six weeks or every three months, depending on your age, your job, hobby and lifestyle.  

How do I feel after my treatment?

Most patients will feel at least some improvement after the first osteopathic treatment. For some patients the benefit of the treatment may only be felt after a few days. In some cases patients can have a delayed reaction to the treatment and may initially feel a bit worse before improvement is seen. If you have any concerns or complaints about the care or treatment provided, please call the clinic straight away for advice.