Question 1

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring any relevant scans, xrays, CT's or MRI, or any other Medical information that you think may be important. Make sure you wear loose comfortable clothes that will allow you to move around easily.

Question 2

What might you see an Osteopath for?

Accepted Answer

Osteopaths may help with a range of pain or movement issues including problems with muscles and tendons, hip, knee ankle and foot pain, back and neck pain, shoulder, elbow and wrist pain, sports injuries, some headaches and chronic pain management.
 
You don't have to have pain to visit an Osteopath, we can also help you with motivation and guide you through making healthy lifestyle changes to keep you on track.

Question 3

What is the difference between a physio, osteo and chiro?"

Accepted Answer

"If a physio and a chiro had a baby it would be an osteopath"

Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths all work with pain and movement issues (the neuro-musculoskeltal system). The professions were once quite different philosophically however as research has been conducted over the years, they are gradually converging.

The important thing is to look for an individual practitioner who is up to date and takes the time to listen to your story, every profession is full of individuals who have their own experience and knowledge. Each profession and every individual within them can treat vastly different, its about finding what works for you.

Question 4

What are hands on Therapies?

Accepted Answer

These are therapies where the practitioner assists you with touch, for example, massage or mobilisation techniques. You are in safe hands when it comes to our skilled clinicians using their hands for treatment due to our 4-5 years of university training. For many conditions, manual and manipulative therapy can provide relief from symptoms. Examples of hands on therapies that all of our osteopaths are trained in are in the FAQ below.​

Question 5

What techniques can Osteopaths do?

Accepted Answer

Osteopaths use a range of approaches to enhance function, including manual therapy (mobilisation, stretching, massage and manipulation for ligaments and joints), exercise therapy and programming, equipment prescription, lifestyle advice and patient education. Osteopaths determine the mix and frequency of treatment and management approaches using skilled clinical evaluation and diagnostic approaches. 
 
 • Massage
 • Mobilisation
 • Manipulation
 • Dry Needling
 • Muscle push-relax techniques (MET & PNF)
 • Stretching
 • Myofascial release (direct & indirect)
 • Counter-strain technique
 • Functional technique
 • Cranial Technique (for cranial request Kevin)

Question 6

What is Exercise Therapy?

Accepted Answer

At Balance Health our Osteopaths understand that the stressors of life sometimes prevent you from doing exercise in a mindful and productive way. We see you as a person, not a weak muscle or a joint that needs rehab. By coming up with realistic goals, we can adapt exercises to suit your lifestyle, and come up with creative ways to get you moving. We want your exercise to make sense to you and to achieve this some people need a flexible and adaptable rehab program that involves activities that you want to do and is fun! (Exercise only with Adam & Maddy)

Question 7

Do you do Dry Needling?

Accepted Answer

Maddy is qualified in dry needling. Wondering what dry needling is? Read all about it here in our educational article.(https://www.balance-health.com.au/post/dry-needling)

Question 8

What is lifestyle advice?

Accepted Answer

You don’t have to be in pain to visit us at Balance Health - Osteopathy, any time is a good time to start making healthy choices. We can help you make a plan to lead a healthier life! Sometimes you just need a little guidance and some help connecting with the right people and places, coming up with an exercise routine or discovering what you need to do to achieve your goals.

Our osteopaths are great motivators, but most importantly they strive to help you find the internal motivation that will keep you on track long term.

Question 9

Is Osteopathy covered by private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Private health funds provide varying levels of cover for Osteopathy. Please contact your health fund for details of your entitled benefits.

Question 10

Is Osteopathy covered by medicare?

Accepted Answer

If you have had pain for longer than expected you can visit your doctor and request a Medicare plan referral. If you doctor deems you eligible they may print and fill out the Medicare Care Plan Referral form. For more information about eligability you can download this PDF.(undefined)
 
Please keep in mind that medicare rebates do NOT cover the full costs of treatment. You will be required to pay for the appointment in full. We complete the Medicare claim on your behalf and you will receive the rebate for your appointment within 48 hours.

Question 11

Does Balance Health accept TAC, Workcover and DVA patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Additionally, DVA patients are bulk-billed, Worksafe & TAC patients may be required to pay a gap fee.

Question 12

What training do Osteopaths go through?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, all Osteopaths complete minimum 4-5 years accredited university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. They are also trained to perform standard examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. These university graduates hold either a double Bachelors or Master qualification.

Osteopaths are required, by law, to maintain ongoing professional development and education every year to stay in practice. In Australia, all osteopaths are required to be government registered practitioners. If an Osteopath does not appear on this register they should not practice.

Osteopaths are Primary Healthcare Practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions which require referral to Medical Practitioners or other Allied Health.

Question 13

Do I need a referral to see an Osteopath?

Accepted Answer

No, you can make an appointment directly without a referral. A referral is generally not required to see an Osteopath as a private patient.

All WorkSafe and TAC clients can make an appointment without a referral, however, they must have an approved claim number for entitlement to osteopathy services.
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The only time you will need a referral is if you wish to consult an Osteopath under Medicare’s Enhanced Primary Care program or access Veteran Affairs funding. A GP must complete a specific referral to access either Medicare or DVA funding.

OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy