Osteopathy
An Osteopath is a registered and regulated health professional trained in diagnosis and treatment musculoskeletal and other health related conditions. What we do is called Osteopathy, or Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM).
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that has been around for almost one hundred and fifty years, founded in 1874 by an American medical doctor, Andrew Taylor Still MD DO (1828-1917). Naturally, the profession has evolved significantly over time, and across several countries.
Australian Osteopaths must undertake five years full time study to register and practice in this country. Their learning extensively covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, osteopathic skills, basic medical examinations, and biomechanics, among other topics.
Through physical examination and taking a thorough history, an Osteopath is able to diagnose the source of your pain and with hands on therapy, can help you manage and understand the problem.
Osteopaths like to consider the body as one unit, and cannot ignore mechanical problems elsewhere that may be contributing to your pain.
For example, knee pain may be related to poor mechanics of the foot and ankle region. Therefore, the knee cannot be treated in isolation. Everything above and below must be considered and evaluated.
When should I see an Osteopath?
If you are suffering from musculoskeletal pain of any description, this is a great opportunity to see an Osteopath.
If you are unsure of what is the source of your pain, an Osteopath can assist you by diagnosing the issue. Sometimes pain can appear like it is of musculoskeletal origin, but this may not be the case. Pain can be for other reasons, associated with the nerves, blood vessels or organs of the body.
In some cases, further testing via your GP, or some imaging may need to be done to ascertain the correct diagnosis. Your Osteopath will refer you on as required.
An Osteopath can also refer you for some X-rays and MRI, both will incur an out of pocket amount.
Common Conditions Treated by an Osteopath
Osteopathy is not a cure for anything, but we can assist you with a range of musculoskeletal problems that may cause pain and other symptoms.
Common conditions that we see in practice are:
- Headaches & Migraines
- Jaw pain
- Neck and back pain
- Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain – e.g. rotator cuff injury, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hip, knee, ankle and foot pain – muscle strains, hip bursitis, patella tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, bruised heel etc.
- Sports injuries – e.g. ankle sprains, tendon pain of the achilles or hamstring, shoulder dislocations, acute knee pain etc.
- Arthritic conditions – Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis
- Poor posture
Medicare and Osteopathy
Under the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program, also known as the CDM program, clients who meet the criteria are eligible for up to five Medicare rebated session per calendar year. A rebate of $58.30 is available per session. Please note a referral is required from your GP to access this rebate.
Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program – is available to clients with chronic or terminal medical conditions that require multidisciplinary care from a GP and two health care providers. Your GP needs to prepare the appropriate paperwork to access this rebate.
Private Health Insurance and Osteopathy
A number of private health insurance providers offer rebates for Osteopathy services. For the exact rebate amount, please contact your health fund.
Download the Participating Health Funds for Osteo
Costs
- Initial assessments (45 mins) $120
- Review (45 mins) $99
- Concession Review (45 mins) $90 *eligible: pensioner card, health care card, other Govt issued concessions, children under the age of 18, students
- Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) (45 mins) $82.95 *Medicare rebate $58.30
TAC and WorkSafe please call the studio to discuss suitability.
Note: Private Health Insurance rebates available on Osteopathy services, please contact your provider for further information.
How to get started
Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program
Contact your GP to check your eligibility. Once you GP has completed the referral (see below) contact Strong & Stable on (03) 9762 0976 to book your first appointment.
Please note online booking is not available for CDM program sessions.
Private Osteopathy Appointments
No referral is required for clients who wish to access private Osteopath appointments, however it is often helpful if you bring any relevant medical information will you to your first appointment (e.g scan reports) as a detailed medical history will be taken.
Bookings can be made for private Osteopath appointments via the ‘book now’ button or by calling Strong & Stable on (03) 9762 0976.
At Strong and Stable we offer a range of affordable services to cover your needs. Contact us today.