Question 1

What conditions do Osteopaths treat?

Accepted Answer

Osteopaths treat more than you think! 
Here is a non exhaustive list of the things we commonly treat.

Headaches (Cervicogenic, tension, TMJ headaches, etc.)
Migraines
Jaw pain/ TMJ dysfunction (clicking and popping of the jaw)
Shoulder pain/ injury
Rotator cuff strains/ tears/ tendonopathies  
Bursitis (shoulder, hip, knee, etc)
Tendinopathies (shoulder, knee hip, etc)
Tennis elbow
Golfers elbow
RSI (repetitive strain injuries) 
Wrist injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome (and other nerve irritations) 
Tingling in the hands 
Low back pain
Disc bulges 
Muscle strains/ spasms 
Disc degeneration/ simple wear and tear 
Lack of movement 
ACL/ PCL sprains/ tears 
Meniscus pathologies 
Muscle tightness
Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, spine, shoulder etc
Ankle sprains 
Achilles tendinopathies
General foot pathologies
Sports injuries 
Sciatica 
Scoliosis 
Vertigo/dizziness
Babies and children
Postural strain/ desk work pain
Pelvic pain (Pelvic girdle pain) 
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS and HSD)

Question 2

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

You do not require a referral from a doctor to see an Osteopath. Please give us a call and we can help you arrange your appointment.

Question 3

Can I use my private health?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your private health insurance includes the services you receive at the clinic under your extras cover, you may be eligible for a partial or full rebate on your consultation fee. Please remember to bring your private health insurance card to your appointment so we can process the claim for you on the day.

Question 4

What ages do Osteopath's treat?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathy is appropriate for any age. Whether a newborn or elderly patient, we can cater to everyone. Certain Osteopaths at the clinic have added experience treating babies and young children. To make an appointment for babies or children aged 3 and under, please call the clinic on 5229 8021 or you can book online.

Question 5

How do Osteopaths treat my baby or infant?

Accepted Answer

At our clinic, Osteopaths use either Cranial or Indirect Osteopathic treatment techniques. These may be used to influence the musculo-skeletal aspect of common conditions in babies & young children. These may include the following:-
 
Back & Neck pain
Ear infections & Glue ear 
Growing Pains – musculo-skeletal strain patterns during growth are common & may cause discomfort & pain that may be treatable
Headaches related to muscular tightening & joint stiffness in the head, neck & shoulders
Teething or Dental problems related to muscular tension & joint stiffness in the neck & jaw
Co-ordination problems & Developmental delays – Tightening of muscles and joints may inhibit your child's ability to do certain movements which may present as a developmental delay or co-ordination problem 
Speech problems – may be associated with tightening of the neck, jaw or mouth muscles and tissues
Asthma – as with adults, easing the tension within the muscles associated with respiration may assist with easier breathing

When babies communicate, this is often expressed as being unsettled & irritable which can result in poor sleeping. The following list are some of the more common signs which prompt parents to bring their babies in for Osteopathic treatment:-
 
Colic, Excessive Wind &/or constipation
Continuous crying
Difficulties with suckling, feeding or a preference to feed from only one breast
Stiffness of the neck muscles may be associated with difficulty turning the head in one direction
Baby lying with the head always to one side resulting in Plagiocephaly (flat spots on side or back of head)
A misshapen head following birth
 
Our Osteopaths aim to release the musculo-skeletal tension & strain that exists within the infants body. Some symptoms, as above, may improve as a result of the release of the muscles and tissues.
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In this Clinic, we do not practice or advocate the use of spinal manipulation (often referred to as joint cracking or adjustments) in babies or infants.
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For further information or to arrange an appointment please call the clinic on 5229 8021 or you can book online.

https://geelong-osteopathic-and-healthcare-clinic.au1.cliniko.com/bookings

Question 6

What techniques do Osteopaths use?

Accepted Answer

Treatment typically involves the specific use of manual procedures such as;

Soft tissue & stretching techniques
These work on the soft tissues surrounding joints to relax muscles which are hypertonic (too tight), move tissue fluids (oedema) & release myofascial (fibrous tissue) layers. Sometimes deep pressure (inhibition techniques), similar to shiatsu or trigger point therapy are used to release muscle tension.

Muscle energy technique
In this technique, contracted muscles are released by alternately being stretched & made to work against resistance.

Articulation
Joints are passively (& usually repeatedly) taken through their range of movement to work on the joints themselves & any surrounding soft tissues e.g. ligaments which may be restricting their movement.

Functional technique
This involves gentle movement of joints in a way which identifies & then challenges the barriers to normal movement until the restriction to motion is released & normal joint function is restored.

Manipulation/Mobilisation
Involves rapidly moving a joint through a very small range of movement to restore the normal range of motion. This technique is well known for the audible release (crack or pop) that is often produced. Osteopathic manipulation is carried out using minimal force in order to maximise safety & minimise patient discomfort.

Cranio-sacral technique.
A gentle release technique applied mainly to the skull & sacrum which is particularly suited to babies, young children and the physically frail.

Dry Needling
Some Osteopaths at the clinic use this techniques , which is similar to Acupuncture. Please call the clinic to make an appointment on 5229 8021 if you require this technique.

Cupping 
This technique is aimed at creating a local stretch in the tissues and increasing blood flow which in turn aids the healing process. 
 
Other treatment modalities are sometimes employed, such as ultrasound, in conjunction with the above. We always aim to use the most gentle techniques we can, but if you are experiencing discomfort at any stage, please let the Osteopath know. Similarly, if there are any procedures or techniques which you do not wish to be used, please advise us.

At Geelong Osteopathic & Healthcare Clinic, the Osteopaths do not believe that just treating a patient is enough. As part of the treatment programme, patients may also be given advice on diet, exercise, posture, lifestyle and stress. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in the therapeutic process and are often given advice on home management strategies. In many cases, exercises will be prescribed to help manage the condition and prevent recurrence. We can write individual patient management plans to optimise improvement.

NOTE: For WorkSafe patients, Osteopaths work together with rehabilitation officers and structure individual return to work programmes, ergonomic assessment and advice.

Question 7

Can I see an Osteopath if I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes absolutely! It goes without saying there are huge changes in the body as a woman goes through pregnancy. We have successfully treated many women throughout their pregnancies, and find that Osteopathic treatment can bring great relief whilst having the added advantage of avoiding drugs. Additionally, Osteopathy can help the body prepare for birth and help restore normal function when the baby is born

Question 8

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

There are several on street parking spots available outside the clinic. If you are unable to find a park there, we have a car park situated at the back of the building just off Emerald Street.

Question 9

What do I wear?

Accepted Answer

Please wear whatever you feel most at ease in for your appointment. Comfortable, flexible clothing is ideal, as it can make movement and access to the treatment area easier during your session. In some cases, your practitioner may suggest adjusting or removing certain clothing items to assist with assessment or treatment, but this is completely optional. We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable at all times, so please feel free to let your practitioner know if you would prefer to stay fully clothed.

Question 10

Do you take TAC, DVA, WorkSafe and CDM (EPC) patients?

Accepted Answer

We frequently see patients who are on plans of any of the above schemes. 
For patients with a CDM, we offer HICAPS facilities, enabling you to instantly process your claim. For full pricing and rebate information please give us a call on 5229 8021.

Question 11

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to provide quality healthcare to all our patients in a timely manner. We pride ourselves on the fact that patients requiring an appointment can usually access an appointment on the same day. We also continually manage a wait list for patients requiring treatment on specific days or with specific Osteopaths.
 
When you book your appointment, you are reserving a time on our calendar that is no longer available to our other patients, some of whom may require urgent attention. We therefore ask you to please give us 24 hours notice should you wish to cancel your appointment. Appointments are in high demand, & your advanced notice will allow another patient access to that appointment time.
 
Should less than 24 hours notice be given, or if an appointment is missed, you may be charged the full consultation fee.
 
To cancel an appointment, please call during our reception hours between 9 – 6.30 pm Monday – Friday & Saturday 9 - 1 pm, or you may leave a voicemail message after hours.
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Thank you for your understanding.

Frequently asked questions