What does an Osteopathic treatment involve?

Each treatment will look a little different as each treatment will be specific to you and your body’s needs at the time.

1. History taking: Your osteopath will ask you a series of questions about your current condition and any other areas that you would like to have assessed and treated.  During your first visit, a thorough medical history will also be taken in orderto understand your body in more detail. 

2. Assessment: Your osteopath will then ask you to perform a series of different movements in order to assess mobility and pain. The results of this assessment will assist in forming a diagnosis and designing a tailored treatment plan.

3. Hands on manual therapy: Following your assessment, your osteopath will discuss which treatment style is best suited to your diagnosed condition and discuss the benefits along with any possible risks. With your consent your osteopath will then perform this treatment.

4. Advice / Exercise prescription: Depending on your condition your osteopath may give you advice on stretches, resistance band exercises, weighted exercises or balance exercises to further assist you in managing your condition.  Your osteopath may also refer you for diagnostic imaging (ultrasounds, x-rays or MRI's), or to another health professional for a whole-body approach to health care.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see an Osteopath?

No, there is no need for a referral from your doctor if you are a private client. Just make an appointment and come on in, it’s that simple.

Can I claim my osteopathic treatment through my private health insurance?

Yes, most private health funds will cover osteopathic treatment if you have EXTRAs cover and not just HOSPITAL cover. You can contact your Health Insurer to check the details of your policy and to find out what percentage rebate you are entitled to.

What is an EPC / Medicare referral?

Some clients are eligible for Medicare rebate appointments with an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan from their doctor. This program is available to eligible to clients who have a chronic medical condition and have been assessed as eligable by their doctor. There are a maximum of 5 rebated osteopathy appointments per year.

Clients with an EPC are still required to pay the full treatment cost at the time of their appointment. If you bring your Medicare card and a savings card your Medicare rebate can also be processed at the time of your appointment.

I am pregnant can I still see an osteopath?

Yes, osteopathic treatment can be beneficial during pregnancy. At North Star Osteopathy we have special pregnancy pillows available for your comfort and to allow you to be treated in all positions.

There are also exercises that can be prescribed for you to do at home to further assist your body during this major change.

Do you treat Work Cover, or TAC clients?

Yes, our osteopathic practitioners are registered with Work Safe and TAC and are excited to work with you to get your life back on track.

TAC and Work Cover clients will be asked to pay for their appointment and send their receipt to their insurer for their rebate.

Do you treat DVA clients?

Yes, DVA clients are welcome at North Star Osteopathy. Please ensure you have a doctor’s referral and your DVA card with you at your first consultation. DVA clients will be bulk billed as per the DVA guidelines

Should I bring my x-ray reports or other medical information to my appointment?

Yes, if you think that the information could be useful, please bring it with you.

If you have not had any imaging taken prior to your appointment that is okay, you do not always require imaging prior to an osteopathic treatment.

Your osteopath is also able to refer you for further imaging should you require it

What should I wear to my treatment?

Wear something comfortable and easy to move in.

Sometimes your top or pants may need to be removed to allow better access to the area of injury and to allow the use of massage cream. Towels are used to drape sensitive areas. Depending on the area of treatmentyou may choose to leave your clothing on if you do not wish to remove it.