Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In Australia, osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners who focus on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and management of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Osteopaths are trained to assess patients holistically, considering not only the specific symptoms but also the underlying causes and contributing factors of their condition.

Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare that recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit.

In Australia, osteopaths are government registered practitioners who complete university training (4-5 years) in general medical diagnosis, osteopathic medicine techniques, anatomy, physiology and pathology. Osteopaths are registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia and adhere to the standards and guidelines set forth by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify dysfunction in your body. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques such as stretching for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with mobilisation of specific joints and soft tissues.

Osteopaths are trained to recognise conditions that require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. Osteopaths collectively treat over 50,000 people a week.   

Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds and by Medicare's Chronic Disease Management Plans Osteopaths are registered providers for DVA patients as well as by workers compensation schemes and motor accident insurers.

The scope of practice for osteopaths in Australia typically includes:

• Assessment: Osteopaths conduct thorough assessments of patients, which may involve taking medical histories, performing physical examinations, and utilizing diagnostic imaging when necessary to evaluate neuro-musculoskeletal conditions.
• Treatment: Osteopathic treatment techniques may include manual therapy, such as manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue techniques, and stretching exercises. Osteopaths may also provide advice on posture, ergonomics, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to support overall health and wellbeing.
• Management: Osteopaths are trained to develop management plans tailored to the individual needs of their patients. This may involve ongoing treatment sessions, referrals to other healthcare professionals or specialists, and collaboration with other members of the healthcare team to ensure comprehensive care.

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the interrelationship between the structure and function of the body. According to the guidelines set forth by the Osteopathy Board of Australia, osteopathy is defined as:

"Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment that emphasizes the relationship between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues functioning smoothly together."

In essence, osteopaths view the body as a holistic unit, where optimal health depends on the harmonious interaction of its various components. They believe that disturbances or dysfunctions in one part of the body can have ripple effects on other areas, leading to pain, discomfort, or impaired function.

Osteopathic practitioners use a range of hands-on techniques to assess and treat their patients, with the aim of restoring balance and function to the body. These techniques may include:

• Manual therapy: Osteopaths employ techniques such as manipulation, mobilization, stretching, and soft tissue massage to address musculoskeletal issues and improve joint mobility.
• Exercise prescription: Osteopaths may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and support rehabilitation following injury or surgery.
• Lifestyle advice: Osteopaths provide guidance on ergonomics, posture, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors that may impact overall health and well-being.
• Patient education: Osteopaths empower their patients by educating them about their condition, treatment options, and strategies for self-management.

Overall, osteopathy aims to promote natural healing processes within the body and enhance its ability to adapt and function optimally. Osteopathic treatment is patient-centered, meaning that it is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each patient, taking into account their unique health history, goals, and circumstances.

• Headaches & Migraines
• Back and Neck Pain 
• Bursitis
• Ankle Sprain 
• Pregnancy 
• Children and Babies 
• Exercises , Movement & physical assessment
• Heel/Arch pain 
• In the workplace 
• Joints and Flexibility 
• Knee Pain 
• Arthritis pain
• Scoliosis
• Osteoporosis
• Tendon problems
• Sciatica 
• Seniors 
• Sports Injuries  

No, you can make an appointment directly with your osteopath (primary care practitioner) without a referral.

If you have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition and require complex care, you may be eligible for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) assistance. The GP must complete a special form to refer you to an osteopath for treatment.

Bring along any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have. Depending on the area of your body requiring examination, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It's important that you feel comfortable so you may want to wear bring a pair of stretchy gym shorts to change into. You may bring a chaperone you wish, Plan to attend along with your child if your child is the patient. 

Osteopathy is a manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation.

Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands- on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.

Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

There is no set time, and every patient is unique. Your initial consultation may last up to 40 minutes. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, examine you, and If suitable treat you. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter, they can take 30 minutes.

Depending on your situation, generally you may expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment. If you have any concems, your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.

Your osteopath may decide that additional investigations: such as X-rays, scans, or blood tests are required. This will enable them to make a more precise diagnosis and develop a suitable treatment plan for you. If necessary. your osteopath may refer you on to another health professional or with your permission-discuss your condition with your GP  

Osteopathy recognises the particular stresses on the body undergone by children as they grow from babies to teenagers and has developed an approach to work with children of all ages.

A range of problems may interfere with the normal development of a child. Trauma during pregnancy and birth, childhood accidents and falls, or simply the rapid changes of the body's growth can create or contribute to problems associated with bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Other issues faced by children include posture problems, inflammatory conditions and sporting injuries.

Osteopathic care is safe, gentle and effective without the use of drugs or surgery. It can assist the young body to adapt to growth-related changes which can help prevent other health problems. It can help your baby grow into a healthy child and, ultimately, a healthy young adult.

Osteopaths commonly treat babies with:

constant crying

feeding difficulties 

digestive problems and constipation

skull deformation or flat head syndrome

Conditions that osteopaths treat in children and teenagers include:

back pain and headaches

ear infections

growing pains in muscles, bones and joints

postural problems

including curvature of the spine

urinary problems

period pain

walking difficulties or foot pain

sporting injuries

the physical effects of cerebral palsy.

copyrigth of Australian Osteopathic Association 2012. 

It’s important that you feel comfortable, so wear a loose shirt or T/shirt, and loose pants or shorts. You may choose to change in the clinic if you are coming straight from work or other commitments. 

Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear.  We suggest you wear modest underwear, so you are comfortable.

If you are asked to remove outer clothes, we will offer a gown or cover you with a towel during the treatment.

You can always keep you clothes on if you prefer. Your osteopath can adapt and modify the treatment techniques to your needs.

 We ask patients to arrive at least 10 minutes before the session as you may have to fill in paperwork, general consent form, or have to change clothes to a more suitable outfit for the session. 

Please contact us for the up-to-date fees and details. 

Private Health rebates and Medicare EPC plans accepted. 

Check with your provider for your inclusions. 

OSTEOPATHY

• Initial Consultation : 30 min, $140
• Stadnard Return Consultation: 30 min, $120
• Long Return Consultation: Approx.  60 min, $230 Only subject to availability

• REDUCED FEES: Centrelink Card holders (concession, health or pension card) and students - are eligible to reduced fees of $109 initial and $99 return, and extended for $109.
• MEDICARE REBATES: $58.30 each session for up to 5 sessions per calendar year. Clients who wish to access the Medicare rebate system must present a Care Plan (EPC) from their medical practitioner (GP) and also Medicare card at reception.
• BULK BILLING: NOT available for Osteopathy.
• HICAPS, DVA & Work-Cover available (not for Telehealth)

 DRY NEEDLING 

& MYOFASCIAL TREATMENTS

• Session duration: 30 min, $120 
• Dry needling is available as individual sessions at a separate cost. 
• These techniques are also available during an osteopathic session at no extra cost when deemed suitable and appropriate.

We know your time is valuable, and ours is too.

As of 1st of January 2023 a cancellation fee of $75 will be charged for missed appointments, or for appointments that have been cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours-notice.   

** Please note – Cancellation fees are not subject to any rebate from Medicare, private health fund, DVA and Work-Cover.

Appointment Cancellation 

When you book your appointment, you are holding a space on our calendar that is no longer available to our other patients. In order to be respectful of your fellow patients, please call our reception desk as soon as you know you will not be able to make your appointment.

If cancellation or rescheduling is necessary, we require that you call at least 24 hours prior to the appointment time. Appointments are in high demand, and your advanced notice will allow another patient access to that appointment time.

How to Cancel Your Appointment 

If you need to cancel your appointment: 

• VIA PHONE CALL: please call us at Broadbeach Osteopathy on 0451691334. We will return your call as soon as possible. 
• VIA EMAIL: please email hello@broadbeachosteopathy.com with the cancellation request.
• VIA SMS: Please send us a text message (SMS, WhatsApp), the day before your appointment. 

Late Cancellations/No-Shows

A cancellation is considered late when the appointment is cancelled or rescheduled less than 24 hours before the appointed time.

A no-show is when a patient misses an appointment without cancelling or rescheduling. In either case, we will charge the patient a $75 missed/cancellation appointment fee.

The fee will be charged to your provided payment details or to be paid over the phone. A receipt of payment can be sent via email.