Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve placed our most commonly asked questions here for easy reference. If you have a question that’s not already been asked, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

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General Questions

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy for the whole body including muscles, bones and joints.
Our osteopathic team work using our S.M.A.R.T© approach to help get you moving again.
In Australia, Osteopaths require a minimum of five years of training at university level, attaining a Bachelor and/or a Masters Degree in Osteopathic Medicine to ensure you are in the best possible hands.

COMMON PROBLEMS OSTEOPATHS TREAT

Osteopaths treat a range of conditions, including:

Acute or chronic muscular pain
Work injuries
Headaches and migraines
Back Pain and Neck pain
Sciatica
Joint injuries
Tennis Elbow
Shoulder problems/pain
Postural problems
Injuries after a car accident
Sports Injuries
Pregnancy Related Pain

WHAT DOES MY FIRST OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT INVOLVE?

Your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. This will also include history of the complaint(s) and general health, any medications you are taking, as well as factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem.

If your health condition changes between osteopathic consultations, you should tell your osteopath at your next consultation. The osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic assessment involving clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments, movement and functional assessments.

Following this, the osteopath will commence treatment of your condition/complaint.

WHAT FEES SHOULD I EXPECT AND HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments you require is entirely dependent on the nature of your condition. This will be assessed during your initial consultation. At this time your Osteopath will discuss your treatment plan with you. For our schedule of fees please call 9338 2585 during clinic hours and one of our team will be happy to assist you.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE AN OSTEOPATH?

As primary care practitioners, you do not need to obtain a referral to see an osteopath. To arrange an appointment to see and osteopath, simply call our clinic to book an appointment. Please bring any relevant reports or imaging to your appointment to help your Osteopath make an accurate assessment of your condition.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY APPOINTMENT?

Patients are advised to wear loose-fitting, casual clothing to appointments, if possible. It is usual during an appointment to undress into underwear or have your top off so that we can see your spine. The clinic provides gowns for your comfort and convenience. If you are uncomfortable at any stage during your consultation, please let your practitioner know.

IS OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT COVERED BY PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE?

Most Private Health Funds cover Osteopathy in their ‘Extras’ packages. Please check with your insurer that you are covered. Our clinic is equipped with Hicaps facilities which allow you to claim your private health rebate on the spot at the time of your consultation.

IS OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT COVERED BY MEDICARE?

Osteopathy is only covered by Medicare if you are eligible for an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan. EPC Plans are approved by your GP. Please consult your GP to see if you are eligible.

If you are eligible, Medicare will subsidise a portion of your consultation fee. Any out of pocket expenses must be paid at time of consultation.

For further information regarding the billing and payment under an EPC Plan, please contact the Clinic on 9338 2585 and our team will be more than happy to advise you of any out of pocket costs.

DO YOU TREAT PATIENTS UNDER WORKCOVER OR TAC?

In the unfortunate situation where you are injured at work or on the road (passenger or driver or pedestrian) you are as entitled as anyone to receive the best care possible. Hume Osteopathic Clinic welcomes all patients and will work with the associated organisation to ensure your claim is handled as smoothly as possible.

Please advise our receptionist you will be claiming your treatments through insurance when you call to make your first appointment. You will be asked to provide your claim number and your insurer’s details at this time so that we can get the ball rolling on your claim to make the process easier for you. Please make sure you bring all relevant documentation with you to your initial consultation so we can add these to your file.

Please be advised that there may be out of pocket expenses for treatment with any insurance claim. This is referred to as a “Gap payment”. For further information regarding payments and out of pocket expenses, please call our Clinic on 9338 2585.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OSTEOPATHY AND MYOTHERAPY?

Osteopathy is a hands on therapy for the treatment of the musculoskeletal system with the goal of restoring function to the affected area to relieve your pain or discomfort.

Osteopaths use a range of techniques including soft tissue massage and stretching, joint mobilisation, spinal mobilisation and trigger point release. Osteopaths not only look at the symptoms but seek out the source of your problem.

Myotherapy is the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions, which may cause muscular dysfunction and pain thus affecting movement and mobility. Myotherapists utilise a wide range of evidence based treatment approaches and skill, which in addition to manual therapy, assists with muscular pain and dysfunction.