Osteopathy

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The Consultation

Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation, you will be asked a series of detailed questions regarding the reason of your visit, followed by a thorough medical history, including the state of your general health, any current medical conditions, hospitalizations, medications or relevant family history.

Then, your Osteopath will go through a physical evaluation, which may include a blood pressure reading, a series of orthopaedic tests, a postural examination and an osteopathic examination to assess the most likely cause and extent of the injury or discomfort.

The findings will be explained clearly to you, along with the number of treatments required, what treatment will involve, and whether you will need a referral to see a specialist or a GP.

Treatment will then involve a variety of manual techniques, including soft tissue and muscle stretching, massage, rhythmic passive joint movement, gentle release techniques, joint manipulation, and osteopathy in the cranial field.

At the end of the consultation, you may be prescribed different stretches and exercises as well as given advice on ergonomics, nutrition and health.

Subsequent Consultations

These consultations are shorter because there is no need for a detailed medical history. You will be asked about how your symptoms have changed since the initial consultation, and you will be taken through another physical evaluation, including a postural examination and an osteopathic examination.

Treatment will then proceed either similarly or different to the previous treatment, depending on how well you responded, and again it will all be explained clearly to you.

Depending on the severity and extent of the injury or discomfort, patients require several treatments for a resolution of the symptoms, which normally occur weekly or fortnightly.

Then, it is recommended that you see your Osteopath once every 3 or 4 months for a maintenance visit in order to prevent recurrence of the symptoms, and remain in a state of good health.

We note that Osteopathic consultations are covered by Work Cover, TAC, Veteran Affairs and under “extras” in most private health insurance companies, and under the Medicare EPC plan. HICAPS facilities are available at BHCH and CNHC for on the spot health rebates, so there is no need to go to your insurance company.

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