FAQs

During your first consultation at South Yarra Osteopathic Clinic your osteopath will enquire the reason for your visit and take a full medical history. An osteopathic and orthopaedic examination will follow to aid your osteopath’s diagnosis. Your osteopath will then discuss the diagnosis, why it may have occurred and what treatment and management is necessary for resolution. Following your osteopathic treatment, your osteopath may make recommendations such as stretches and postural advice to aid your recovery and prevent recurrence. If further tests are warranted, your osteopath may refer you directly, or may refer you to your general practitioner for further investigations such as scans or blood tests.

Often your osteopath may ask you to remove items of your clothing to allow them to have a better understanding of your body to aid diagnosis and treatment. A gown will always be offered, however, you are welcome to bring loose fitting pants/shorts if this will make you feel more comfortable. Any past imaging or scans should be brought for the initial consultation.

An initial consultation will be approximately 45 minutes, with all follow up appointments lasting approximately 30 minutes. Prior to your initial appointment we recommend arriving 5 minutes early to fill out the appropriate paperwork.

Osteopathy is a wonderful treatment option for babies and children as it is very gentle, safe and effective. Osteopathy can help with many of the common complaints of infants, as well as experienced with older children for complaints such as scoliosis, sports injuries or just general aches and pains.

To learn more about how Osteopathy can benefit infants – click here.

Yes, osteopathic treatment has been shown to be an effective, safe and gentle way to treat mothers during pregnancy. Please CLICK HERE for more information on how osteopathy can benefit.

Osteopaths are highly qualified professionals having undertaken five years of full time university training. They will have completed a Bachelor of Applied Science as well as a Masters of Osteopathy. Osteopaths at South Yarra Osteopathic Clinic are registered with the Australian Osteopathic Board of Australia which is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). AHPRA requires that all osteopaths participate in a minimum of 25 hours Continued Professional Development each year to maintain high professional standards.

Generally speaking, osteopaths diagnose problems through functionality and work from a biomechanical model of treatment, utilising soft tissue, articulatory and manipulative techniques. Chiropractors work from a predominately neurological model. As a result their treatments tend to be manipulative based. Physiotherapy is a rehabilitation-based approach. All professions have different philosophies, principles, approaches to treatment and are quite different. Good outcomes and satisfaction with the care and treatment you receive is what matters – regardless of the profession.

Generally no. Only patients who are referred to us under the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC)/Chronic Disease Management agreement by their GP are eligible for a Medicare rebate. This referral is generally for patients who are suffering from multiple chronic conditions. Please contact your GP to review your eligibility.

Osteopathy is covered under the Extras’ option of private health insurance policies. We recommend contacting your insurer to make sure you are covered for osteopathy. We do have HICAPS so you may claim your refund immediately – your insurer can advise on refund amounts.

Yes, you can claim your private health insurance rebate immediately using HICAPS. Gap payments can be made through cash, EFTPOS, cheque or credit card (MasterCard and VISA).

Osteopaths are registered with WorkCover and will treat Workers Compensation Referrals. Please advise when booking the appointment and make sure you bring in your case number and details of the incident/injury. We do not bill third parties, except for DVA, so you will be required to pay the clinic consultation fees on the day of consultation. You will be issued with a receipt so you can claim your rebate from the appropriate third party. DVA patients are also accepted by the South Yarra Osteopathic Clinic without a referral.

No, you do not need a referral.