FAQ'S
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy is a style of manual therapy which targets a wide range of medical conditions.
Once our Osteopaths confirm a diagnosis, they use a variety of techniques in order to address the symptomatic area,
whilst also restoring correct function to your body.
Such techniques include - soft tissue therapy, joint articulation, joint manipulation, stretching and muscle mobilization.
Once our Osteopaths confirm a diagnosis, they use a variety of techniques in order to address the symptomatic area,
whilst also restoring correct function to your body.
Such techniques include - soft tissue therapy, joint articulation, joint manipulation, stretching and muscle mobilization.
what do osteopaths treat?
- Muscle Tension and Joint Pain
- Neck and Back pain
- Lower Back Pain and Sciatica
- Hip and Knee pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Foot and Ankle pain
- Sports Injuries and Muscle Strains
- Tendinopathies
- Arthritis
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Vertigo
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage therapy is the practice of kneading or manipulating a person’s muscles and other soft-tissue in order to improve their wellbeing or health. It is a form of manual therapy that includes holding, moving, and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.
The term ‘massage therapy’ is used to describe a wide variety of techniques that vary in the manner in which touch, pressure and the intensity of the treatment is applied.
The term ‘massage therapy’ is used to describe a wide variety of techniques that vary in the manner in which touch, pressure and the intensity of the treatment is applied.
WHAT CAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSIST WITH?
- Reducing stress and increasing relaxation.
- Reducing pain, muscle soreness and tension.
- Improving circulation, energy and alertness.
- Lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
- Improving immune function.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE AN OSTEOPATH?
No, an osteopath is a primary health care practitioner, which means there is no need for a referral.
Should I bring my x-rays/scans with me?
Please bring any x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or any other test results that you feel are applicable to your first consultation.
Your osteopath is also able to refer you for X-rays or further testing should they be required.
Your osteopath is also able to refer you for X-rays or further testing should they be required.
Can I claim my osteopathic treatment on private health insurance or Medicare?
Most private health plans with extras cover a portion of the treatment cost. Our clinic also has the HICAPS facility which allows you to claim this portion on-the-spot by scanning your Private Health Insurance card. Osteopathic treatment is not covered by Medicare unless you are under an Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan organised by your General Practitioner.
Claiming osteopathic treatment through Medicare with Chronic Disease Management Plan
The Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly EPC) plan is a Medicare scheme which allows eligible patients with chronic conditions up to five allied health services per year. At time of your osteopathic treatment, a standard consultation rate applies. Out of this you will then be able to claim a rebate of approximately $50 back from Medicare. A gap fee is therefore paid for as an out of pocket expense by patient. Please ring our clinic to see what standard fees are at this time. If you feel that you may be eligible to claim osteopathic treatment under a Chronic Disease Allied Health plan, please speak to your general practitioner.
Who is eligible? Patients who may be eligible for the Chronic Disease Management Plan – Allied Health Services program are those who are suffering from a chronic (long standing) condition. This may include conditions/symptoms such as arthritis, repetitive strain injuries (eg tennis elbow), neck related headaches, chronic low back pain, muscular pain etc. It is up to your GP’s discretion as to whether you are eligible to participate in the program.
Your rebate: The Chronic Disease Management Plan – Allied Health Services program entitles eligible patients to a rebate from Medicare for 5 treatment sessions per calendar year. Please note that the full cost of the osteopathic consultation is still paid for on the day of treatment, and you will be given a receipt stating that it falls under the Chronic Disease Allied Health Services program. You then have the option of either taking the receipt with you into a Medicare outlet, or alternatively if you have an eftpos card (not a credit card) we can claim it back for you on the spot with our HICAPs/Medicare terminal. The gap is still an out of pocket expense. Medicare keep a record of your out of pocket expenses, and when a threshold is met (usually $1058 depending on the individual), a higher rebate for other claims may be given (this is the extended Medicare safety net).
What you need to do:
A Chronic Disease Management Plan must be prepared by your GP (your doctor) before consulting with your osteopath. If you are experiencing musculoskeletal or related symptoms ask your GP if you are eligible to go on the Chronic Disease Management program. If so, your GP will write you out a referral form including a brief overview of your case. Then all you have to do is give this form to your osteopath. Your osteopath will then report back to your GP if necessary.
Who is eligible? Patients who may be eligible for the Chronic Disease Management Plan – Allied Health Services program are those who are suffering from a chronic (long standing) condition. This may include conditions/symptoms such as arthritis, repetitive strain injuries (eg tennis elbow), neck related headaches, chronic low back pain, muscular pain etc. It is up to your GP’s discretion as to whether you are eligible to participate in the program.
Your rebate: The Chronic Disease Management Plan – Allied Health Services program entitles eligible patients to a rebate from Medicare for 5 treatment sessions per calendar year. Please note that the full cost of the osteopathic consultation is still paid for on the day of treatment, and you will be given a receipt stating that it falls under the Chronic Disease Allied Health Services program. You then have the option of either taking the receipt with you into a Medicare outlet, or alternatively if you have an eftpos card (not a credit card) we can claim it back for you on the spot with our HICAPs/Medicare terminal. The gap is still an out of pocket expense. Medicare keep a record of your out of pocket expenses, and when a threshold is met (usually $1058 depending on the individual), a higher rebate for other claims may be given (this is the extended Medicare safety net).
What you need to do:
A Chronic Disease Management Plan must be prepared by your GP (your doctor) before consulting with your osteopath. If you are experiencing musculoskeletal or related symptoms ask your GP if you are eligible to go on the Chronic Disease Management program. If so, your GP will write you out a referral form including a brief overview of your case. Then all you have to do is give this form to your osteopath. Your osteopath will then report back to your GP if necessary.
Is Osteopathic treatment claimable under Workcover, TAC or Veterans Affairs?
Yes, osteopaths are able to treat patients supported by third-party insurers such as Workcover, the TAC or Dept of Veterans Affairs.
We do require all Workcover and TAC clients to pay their invoices in full on the day of their treatment and are given an invoice they can take to their insurer for reimbursement.
Patients who are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs must first obtain a referral from their General Practitioner made out to the osteopath they are booked in to see.
We do require all Workcover and TAC clients to pay their invoices in full on the day of their treatment and are given an invoice they can take to their insurer for reimbursement.
Patients who are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs must first obtain a referral from their General Practitioner made out to the osteopath they are booked in to see.
What happens during my first treatment?
Your osteopath will take a detailed history of your condition as well as any other relevant medical history such as previous trauma, accidents or medications.
A thorough physical examination will follow which includes analysing specific movements and hands on assessment of the problem region.
An osteopath looks at the body as a unit, which means that the examination of your body may include an assessment of adjoining regions in order to assess the overall effect of your complaint.
Once a definitive diagnosis has been made the osteopath will use a variety of hands on techniques which may include soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, stretching and gentle connective tissue balances aimed at restoring health to the effected area.
Your treatment may also include advice on postural, exercise or dietary changes you can make to aid in your recovery.
Your initial consultation will last anywhere from half an hour to 45min and any subsequent consultations, should they be required, are half an hour.
A thorough physical examination will follow which includes analysing specific movements and hands on assessment of the problem region.
An osteopath looks at the body as a unit, which means that the examination of your body may include an assessment of adjoining regions in order to assess the overall effect of your complaint.
Once a definitive diagnosis has been made the osteopath will use a variety of hands on techniques which may include soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, stretching and gentle connective tissue balances aimed at restoring health to the effected area.
Your treatment may also include advice on postural, exercise or dietary changes you can make to aid in your recovery.
Your initial consultation will last anywhere from half an hour to 45min and any subsequent consultations, should they be required, are half an hour.
How many treatments will I need?
Every patient who walks through our doors is different and is treated as such.
Osteopaths tend not to follow any ‘recipe book’ for treatments, regardless of the problem, which makes it a difficult question to answer.
In general, the longer the problem has been there, the longer the recovery, but factors such as posture, compliance with exercises and the frequency of treatment can directly affect your recovery.
Your osteopath will give you a clear idea as to your prognosis and any changes to it as your treatment progresses.
Osteopaths tend not to follow any ‘recipe book’ for treatments, regardless of the problem, which makes it a difficult question to answer.
In general, the longer the problem has been there, the longer the recovery, but factors such as posture, compliance with exercises and the frequency of treatment can directly affect your recovery.
Your osteopath will give you a clear idea as to your prognosis and any changes to it as your treatment progresses.
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