Osteopath – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any additional questions to those below please email info@balanceosteopathy.com for further information.
What Qualifications Does My Osteopath Have?
Osteopaths in Australia undertake an extensive 5 year university course, and must continue to complete at least 25 hours of post graduate training each year to maintain their registration with AHPRA, a national governing body of allied health practitioners, and registration with the Australian Osteopathic Association (AOA) now known as Osteopathy Australia.
How long will my appointment take?
Appointments are between 30-40 minutes depending on the complexity of your problem.
Do I need a referral to see my Osteopath?
No referral is required and you can just call to book an appointment. However, your GP may provide you with a referral letter for information purposes, or may refer you under the medicare EPC plan which entitles you to 5 appointments per year.
Can I get a rebate from my health insurance for Osteopathy?
Yes, we are covered by all major health funds and have HICAPS available onsite for on-the-spot rebate processing.
Are Osteopathy treatments covered by medicare?
Claims can also be processed onsite if your GP has referred you through the medicare EPC plan. Please ask your doctor about this.
Do you accept Workcover, TAC, DVA patients?
Balance Osteopathy can provide services to be paid for by Work Cover and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and Traffic Accident Commission (TAC). However, clients must pay for these services on the day of the appointment and then seek re-imbursement from these third parties using the invoice receipt we will provide.
If you are intending to have your treatment costs claimed through Work Cover, DVA or TAC, please just let the receptionist know to make a note of this when booking your first appointment with us, and bring all the relevant information, insurers details and claim number so we can make this process easy for you.
What forms of payments are accepted?
We accept EFTPOS, credit cards, cash or cheque for payment of gaps (between rebate and consultation fee) or the total fee if paying privately.
Should I bring my X-rays with me?
Yes, any X-rays, reports, scans etc you are able to bring will help inform our decision making process.
What should I wear to my Osteopathy appointment?
Osteopaths conduct a detailed examination so you may need to undress to your underwear. Gowns are available if you prefer. Ideally, please bring along some shorts and a t-shirt or singlet for your appointment.
What happens during my first appointment?
After taking your case history, a movement based physical examination will be used to identify problem areas in the body, along with hands on diagnostic tests to establish a diagnosis and give you further information about your condition.
Manual therapy techniques and dynamic functional rehabilitation are employed to reduce restrictions found in the body relevant to the symptoms you are experiencing, increase range of motion and reduce pain.
How many Osteopathy treatments will I need?
This depends on what sort of problem you present with and what goals you have, but we aim to reduce pain and restore movement as quickly as possible.
What if I need a referral for assessment or investigation?
Your Osteopath will refer you for imaging (X-ray, MRI etc) if needed, to your GP or another specialist if required.
What manual therapy techniques are used?
Osteopaths use gentle hands on myofascial release techniques, joint mobilisation and manipulation. Dry needling may also be discussed as an option for your condition.
What is functional rehabilitation?
Functional rehabilitation will be part of your Osteopathic consultation that involves simple movements (lunges, squats, balance, push or pull exercises etc) with or without weight/resistance. This will simultaneously stretch and strengthen areas of your body in an integrated way to safely re-establish functional daily movements that are pain free and with improved performance.
Which suburbs are near Balance Osteopathy?
Balance Osteopathy
These areas are close to Balance Osteopathy:
Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, South Yarra, Albert Park, Burnley, Cremorne, Windsor, St Kilda,Brigton, Richmond.