FAQs

A.

Most people have at some time been told they need to work on their core, and that a 'weak core' is the cause of all their problems.  We hear this almost every day in the clinic, and often see the results of well intended, but poorly applied core stability exercises. As osteopaths, we believe that before you can even contemplate working on 'the core',  you have to attend to underlying mechanical dysfunctions in the body, predominantly around the pelvis and in the neck. Not doing so, is like building a house on poor foundations, or stitching up a wound that hasn't been properly cleaned out.

A host of studies has found that 'core stability' is little or no more effective than general exercise for the treatment of low back pain, The University of South Australia has a very informative and well referenced article on these studies.

Professor Eyal Lederman published this paper; 'The Myth of Core Stability', which is well worth a read, before you embark on a programme to strengthen your core.

A.

We get asked this all the time, and there is no simple answer. All approaches are valid and recognised forms of manual therapy. Some explain it linearly, describing a spectrum with Chiropractic at one end, and physiotherapy at the other, with Osteopathy somewhere in the middle. The differences being in the ratios of techniques and modalities used.

A.

Osteopathy is a system of healthcare, developed in the late 1800’s by founder Andrew Taylor Still, in Kirksville, Missouri. A medical doctor through the Civil War, Still developed treatments for conditions that were previously thought untreatable by medicines of the time (most medicines then were poisonous cocktails of heavy metals and alcohol!). The main principal of Osteopathy, is that mechanical derangement in the body cause disease. For example, if a joint is not moving properly, congestion leads to poor circulation,
which leads to degeneration of the surrounding tissues, which eventually leads to
disease.
Over the years since it was founded, Osteopathy has developed into what it is
today. A sound, safe and effective approach to a wide range of health
complaints. Different techniques are selected by your osteopath, according to your
presentation, your medical history and your personal preference. Most Osteopaths are known for the techniques that involve rapid movements and cracking noises, but there is a whole range of techniques that can be employed if this approach is not suitable, including; Soft tissue techniques, indirect techniques, cranial techniques.
All Osteopaths in Australia are registered with AHPRA (Allied Health Professionals  Regulatory Authority) and undergo a minimum of 30 hours mandatory CPD (continuing professional development) per year. Australian graduates of Osteopathy complete a minimum 5 year training program.

A.

Osteopaths participate in the Enhanced Primary Care/Chronic Disease Management scheme, which allows your GP to refer you for up to 5 treatments in a year, Medicare will rebate approximately $53.00 per visit. This can be processed on the spot in our clinic. Not all conditions are eligible for the EPC/CDM scheme, please check with your GP.

A.

Most major health funds will cover varying percentages of your treatment cost. Please check with your fund for details. We use the HICAPS system in the clinic, so you can claim on the spot and only pay the gap amount on the day of your treatment.

A.

Osteopaths treat mechanical dysfunctions in the spine and elsewhere in the body. They rely heavily on their eyes and hands to diagnose and treat these problems. To fully evaluate and comfortably treat most conditions, access to the affected and surrounding areas will be needed. This often involves removing some clothing. We would ask therefore that you attend for treatment dressed appropriately, and be prepared to remove clothes if required.  Your comfort and modesty are important to us, we use towels to drape patients during treatment, and gowns are available upon request.