What to Expect
Whether you're attending for a recent injury, persistent pain, or a recurring condition, your first appointment is designed to provide a thorough understanding of your presentation and a clear plan moving forward.
Every consultation begins with listening. Taking the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals allows treatment to be tailored to your individual presentation rather than following a standard approach.
1. Understanding your symptoms
We'll begin by discussing:
Your current symptoms and how they developed
Previous injuries and relevant medical history
Your work, sport, hobbies, and daily activities
Factors that improve or aggravate your symptoms
Your goals for treatment
This information helps build a complete understanding of your presentation before beginning the physical assessment.
2. A comprehensive assessment
Assessment focuses on understanding not only where your pain is coming from, but what may be contributing to it.
Depending on your presentation, assessment may include:
Joint and spinal movement
Muscles, tendons, and connective tissues
Neurological examination where appropriate
Functional movement patterns
Related regions that may be influencing your symptoms
If further medical investigation or referral is indicated, this will be discussed with you.
3. Explanation and treatment
Following your assessment, we'll explain:
Our findings
The likely diagnosis
The factors contributing to your symptoms
Your recommended management plan
Where appropriate, treatment is usually provided during your first appointment.
Treatment is tailored to your presentation and usually blends structural, cranial and biodynamic osteopathy aimedto support the body’s healing process, together with advice to support recovery and long-term function.
4. Ongoing management
Where appropriate, your management plan may include:
Activity and load management
Exercise or rehabilitation advice
Workplace or ergonomic recommendations
Strategies to reduce recurrence
Guidance on expected recovery and follow-up
Our goal is to help you better understand your condition and provide a clear pathway towards recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners, so you can book an appointment without a referral.
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In most cases, yes. Following your assessment and discussion of the findings, treatment is usually provided during the initial consultation where appropriate.
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Yes. If your extras cover includes osteopathy, you may be able to claim an on-the-spot rebate through HICAPS.
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Comfortable clothing that allows movement is recommended. Depending on the area being assessed, you may be asked to expose part of the affected region. Your comfort and privacy will always be respected.
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The number of appointments varies depending on your condition, how long symptoms have been present, your goals, and how you respond to treatment. This will be discussed with you after your assessment.
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Yes. We welcome patients under the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) and Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC/Chronic Disease Management) programs. Please ensure you have the appropriate referral documentation before your appointment.