Do I need a referral from my GP?

No, you can make an appointment directly with The Body Doc without a referral.

You may have a Chronic Disease Management plan refferal, or other refferal but this is not required.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

If you have any X-rays, scans, diagnostic imaging, test results or reports for your injury or condition such as a hospotal dischare summary, bring them along. The more infomation you can bring, the better.

Am I required to arrive early for my initial appointment?

Yes, but remember that upon booking your online appointment, you should have filled out the initial questionnaire and consent forms to save time within the appointment. We ask that you arrive approx. 15 minutes early for your first appointment, as you will need to allow time to find the clinic and be familiar with your surroundings.

What should I wear to my appointment?

It’s important that you feel comfortable and can move freely, so wear a loose shirt or T/shirt, and loose pants or shorts, or bring loose clothes with you to change into at the appointment.

Depending on your presenting complaint, you may be asked to remove an item of clothing for assesment and/or treatmnt. We ask that you please wear modest under garments/sports wear.

We ask that if you've just finished training that you also have a shower and be clean for your appointment.

What do I do once I book?

Once you book, within 10 minutes you should revcieve an email with some basic infomation including some general policies. Please take note of the 'Initial Osteopathy Patient' form. You MUST complete this prior to your appointment.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your osteopath will ask about your problem and symptoms. This will include your medical history, any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem.

Your osteopath will advise you if they can treat you or you need to be referred to another health practitioner.

Your osteopath will conduct an examination and clinical tests. These include diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, movement and postural assessments, which determine how best to manage your condition.

The examination may include passive and active movements. The osteopath may lift your arms or legs and you may be asked to bend over, or be asked to perform an activity. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear and clothing. Osteopathy takes a whole of body approach to assessment and clinical management, so your osteopath may look at the area that is troubling you, as well as other parts of your body. For example if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

Osteopaths provide a broad range of treatments. Osteopaths prescribe clinical exercises for you to do at home or work, provide manual therapy, needling techniques, lifestyle interventions and recommend equipment to help you manage your condition and function.

Do osteopaths 'crack' you?

Osteopaths have a broad range of techniques we are able to use. 'Cracking' also known as 'High velocity low amplitude' (HVLA) is one of the techniques osteopaths are trained to use.

Osteopaths are highly trained and proficient in the testing and delivery of these techniques and there are some conditions where this technique may be indicated. However, like any other technique or assessment the use of this is a discussion between you and your practitioner.

If you are not comfortable with this style of technique, your osteopath has a number of other techniques they are able to use.

What are the types of techniques used during treatment?

Osteopaths are Masters level trained manual therapists and allied health professionals. Typical techniques that could be used during treatment include, but are not limited too;

• all variations of massage (deep tissue, calming effleurage)

• muscle energy techniques (MET)

• active and passive stretching

• muscle activation

• joint mobilization

• HVLA (High velocity low amplitude thrust)

• dry needling

• cupping

• tapping

• breathing exercises

• exercise and stretching prescription

• ergonomic advice/recommendations

• other general lifestyle advice

Osteopaths are also trained in the gentler style of techniques called ‘Indirect’ techniques. These include OCF (osteopathy in the cranial field), balanced ligamentous techniques (BLT) and other functional techniques. These techniques require some explaining to understand the mechanism of their action, sometimes they are so subtle you may even feel nothing!

Osteopaths tailor the techniques used during your consult to your unique circumstances. As with all aspects of healthcare you will be informed which techniques your osteopath believes will be best for you and you can refuse or mention which style of techniques you prefer.

Can i make an appointment if i am not in pain?

Most certainly. Osteopaths can focus on a specific area of your interest or a full body focus to give you an insight on how your body is functioning (or NOT functioning!) to give you a better understanding on how to manage and improve your fucntion.

CAn i bring someone with me?

Most certainly, there is no issue with you bringing someone with you to your appointment.

Can I get osteopathy under Medicare?

If your problem is both chronic (it has lasted over three months) and complex, your general practitioner can recommend you for up to five sessions per year under a GP Management Plan (GPMP). At our clinic we charge our usual fee for the session, and so long as the magnetic strip on your Medicare card is operational (most are) we provide an on-the-spot rebate from Medicare of about $54.60. This is usually more than one-half of the consultation fee. (In the less likely event that your card’s magnetic strip doesn’t work, we will provide you with an invoice to submit to Medicare).

Do you accept Private Health Funds?

Yes, most certainly. We have an on the spot HICAPS terminal, meaning all you need to do is swipe your card. Alternativley, we can provide an invoice for you.

What if I dont want to be touched?

This is completley fine. As osteopaths provide their service over telehealth we are adequatley trained to diagnose and help you without hands on contact. If you are still unsure, please just ask.