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Frequently asked Questions

FAQs, or frequently asked questions, are listed below; I have attempted to answer them from the patient’s perspective.However, if you still have further questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.In addition, I welcome feedback so that I can continue to improve the information provided.

  1. What is the difference between an Osteopath, Physiotherapist and a Chiropractor?
  2. Does Osteopathic treatment hurt and is it dangerous?
  3. What training does an Osteopath have?
  4. Will I have to undress?
  5. Can I bring a chaperone?
  6. Can I get any State funding for my treatment? ie Medicare, DVA, Work Cover, NDIS etc?
  7. Do I need a referral from my GP and would they approve?
  8. What is the difference between Cranial Osteopathy and Craniosacral therapy?
  9. What will happen at my first appointment?
  10. How long have you been qualified and what experience do you have?
  11. How many treatments do I need?
  12. Do you really treat newborn babies?
  13. What conditions do you treat?
  14. What conditions do you NOT treat?
  15. Is there any scientific evidence to support Osteopathy?
  16. I have other questions not listed here?

What is the difference between an Osteopath, Physiotherapist and a Chiropractor?

All three professions complete university training and register with AHPRA as professionals. Whilst all 3 profession treat people with a hands on approach there is often a different perspective on how to treat and the diagnostic approach. The emphasis on “palpation”, what we feel under our hands is probably the defining difference between the professions. Osteopaths spend a lifetime developing this skill. To complicate this further the difference between how individual osteopaths work can be enormous too. A better question to ask is “how can you help me”?

Does Osteopathic treatment hurt and is it dangerous? If you are already in pain then we try to minimise any increase in pain during treatment but generally there is minimal discomfort in what we do.  In terms of danger and risk, Osteopathy has a very strong safety record and Osteopaths are acutely aware of the contraindications to treatment and will endeavour to keep you safe.

What training does an Osteopath have?

At least 4 years of a university approved training. The letters after the name may vary between DO, BSc or MSc but all osteopaths in Australia must have their qualifications recognised by AHPRA to be able to practice as an Osteopath.

Will I have to undress? As a new patient, we will usually ask you to undress to underwear. Part of our diagnostic process is to observe your body is functioning and especially how you move. Osteopaths are also trained to spot suspicious lumps and skin lesions (ie. melanoma) which could potentially save your life. We appreciate your modesty and have special gowns available for the ladies. For future sessions we ask you to wear loose fitting clothes.

Can I bring a chaperone? Yes, in fact we encourage it. Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Can I get any State funding for my treatment? ie Medicare, DVA, Work Cover, NDIS etc? Your GP may authorise any of these funds if you satisfy the criteria. Should you wish to use such funding you need to appreciate that we do not bulk bill. Payment is made to us on the day of the appointment and a receipt for you to claim will be sent to you.  If you are being referred by your GP on such a scheme we would really like to talk to you first to ensure you are seeing the right person for your complaint.

Do I need a referral from my GP and would they approve?

You do not need a GP referral to see an osteopath. I treat numerous GPs and medical consultants. Osteopaths are AHPRA registered Allied Health professionals and generally well regarded.

What is the difference between Cranial Osteopathy and Craniosacral therapy?Cranial Osteopathy,  applicable to every part of the body not just the head.  So very badly named was an approach developed by an Osteopath and for many decades was only taught  to qualified Osteopaths. In the 1980s’ “it escaped” and was taught initially in a simplified form to non Osteopaths that became known as Craniosacral Therapy. Craniosacral has certainly evolved since its inception and  at a tangent to Osteopathy. I have studied predominantly with Osteopathic teachers and with a brilliant one from the Craniosacral Therapy world, the late Franklin Sills.

What will happen at my first appointment?

As with any medical specialist we need to know your medical history and the specifics of your presenting complaint. You will then be examined with particular emphasis placed on your spine. Should xrays, scans and blood tests be required we will liase with your GP or specilist. Once a diagnosis has been achieved we will the discuss this with you and a suitable treatment plan. If time allows you will be treated on your first session if it is appropriate to do so.

How long have you been qualified and what experience do you have?  qualified in 1993, so 32 years in full time practice. I have deliberately kept my practice “family orientated”, so that I can help anyone from the newborn baby, the toddler, teen, adult, pregnant mum, elite athlete and grandparents. I have a particular interest  in treating babies and pain in adults.

How many treatments do I need?

There is no simple answer to this; it is dependent upon many factors like your age, severity of the problem, your health, how long its been a problem etc. A simple issue in a healthy person may take 2 or 3 sessions, sometimes its 1 and that is wonderful when it does.  A complex and  chronic situation may take longer and possibly require periodic follow up appointments. There are also the cases where we can not help or where it may not be inappropriate to intervene and we would certainly inform you of this and may a suggestion as to who might help.

You can be assured that we want you better as fast as possible.

Do you really treat newborn babies and animals? I have been treating babies, from premature to hours old for over 30 years now.  I have always liked dogs and cats, they also struggle with similar issues to humans and respond equally well to hands on treatment. Treating horses is far more specialised and I generally refer those on to my colleague Katherine Tupper.

What conditions do you treat?The majority of our patients present with musculoskeletal pain and functional disorders.

What conditions do you NOT treat?

Osteopaths are not allowed to claim to treat cancer, and epilepsy; despite many of our clients having these conditions they may also have non associated back pain which we can treat. I do not treat conditions such as Lymmes Disease, Mould Sensitivity, PTSD, FND / Functional Neurological Disorder and have not to date made any impact upon  Tinnitis at all.

Is there any scientific evidence to support Osteopathy? Yes there is and its volume is growing all the time:

I have other questions not listed here? Please feel free to contact us using the contact us form and we’ll be happy to answer your question.

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