Edgeworth Osteopathy

What is the difference between an Osteopath, Chiropractor and Physiotherapist?

This is probably the most commonly asked question I ever receive. My training as an Osteopath involved completing a three year Bachelor's degree and a two year Master's degree. I have not trained as a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist, so I am not qualified to answer from experience for those therapies.

From my observations, reading, experience as a patient, and conversations with people who have experienced the other two therapies, there is a lot of common ground. We aim to improve the function of the body, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Osteopathy considers the individual's physical health, examining and treating muscles and joints, improving blood flow and range of movement. We also look at the other factors affecting health, including work, stress, hobbies and sports, posture, diet and nutrition and many other things that can be impacting on the condition.

What is "Manipulation"?

The term "manipulation" can be used in a few different ways and so can be a little bit confusing. In my experience I've heard it used it to mean any type of treatment. Here are a couple of ways that it is commonly used in a clinical setting:

Spinal manipulation: Also known as spinal adjustment or high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) technique. Manipulation is a technique used by Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists to mobilise a joint with the aim of improving its range of movement and reducing symptoms. The technique involves the careful and specific positioning of a joint and putting a small and very quick movement through the joint generally resulting in a click or pop sound. (This form of manipulation is what some people talk about colloquially as "back cracking" or "crunching").

Visceral manipulation: Also known as Visceral Osteopathy or simply just Visceral. Visceral manipulation is a form of manual therapy developed by Jean-Pierre Barral to work on the viscera (internal organs), fascia, nerves and joints using specific and soft manual forces. Treatment generally involves very small and gentle movements frequently in areas far away from the site of pain, treating the interconnecting nerves and structures to help remove the dysfunction causing the pain, so that the source of the problem is treated and not just the symptoms. For example the liver may be treated for neck pain. *click to read article*

What if I don't want to be manipulated?
You can decline to give consent for manipulation (or any part of treatment) at any time or for any reason. You can also withdraw previously given consent. I will offer what I believe to be the best treatment option appropriate to the situation, but the final decision to consent to or decline any part of treatment remains with you. If you don't like a particular treatment option or technique, I will offer an alternative one in order to provide you with the best treatment and service I can.

What is the Cost of Treatment?

The cost of an initial consultation is $129 for a 45min appointment. Follow up appointments are $95 for a 30min appointment. Children and concession prices are $110 and $88 for initial and follow up appointments respectively.

Longer appointments can be made by arrangement, if you require additional treatment, or have multiple or complex issues that are difficult to address in a normal session. The cost for a longer appointment (45mins) is $125.

If you have a large number of medical conditions, and complicating factors, you will need to book a complex appointment.Complex appointments would include a full body, posture and systems examination and complex case history information taking, far above and beyond the regular appointment and case history taking. If you feel that you have a problem that no-one is getting to the bottom of, with complex trauma, multiple problems, long term or chronic issues, this appointment would be for you. In most cases this would be a one off appointment, after which follow-up appointments would be the regular time and price.

Do you have HICAPS and EFTPOS?

Yes we do. If you are in a health fund with extras that covers Osteopathy, we can do your health fund claim for you at the time of your treatment, after which you pay the gap. If you have a care plan referral from your GP, we can process the Medicare rebate for you directly back into your account.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

If you need to cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, or fail to show for a scheduled appointment, you may incur a 100% cancellation fee, as someone could have come in your place. We understand that sometimes the unexpected occurs, so please contact us as soon as you are able if your circumstances change so that arrangements can be made.

Do I need a Referral?

No referral is necessary. Simply call to make an appointment.

For some chronic and complex conditions a GP can give you an Allied Health Medicare Referral (formerly known at an Enhanced Primary Care plan or chronic care plan). This plan allows you a Medicare rebate (currently $53.80) for up to five treatments per calendar year. The Medicare rebate is processed as a refund into a cheque or savings account after you have first paid in full.

Do you have Parking?

There is plenty of parking on both sides of the street. If you need to turn around I recommend using the roundabout 650m up the road as there is double unbroken lines on Minmi Road. For disabled and mobility access options please let me know when you book your appointment.

Please be mindful of our neighbours and not blocking access to their driveways.

Will I have to undress? / What should I wear?

In most situations you will not be required to remove clothing. Please wear loose fitting or stretchable clothing, as tight or restrictive clothing can make treatment difficult. Thick or woollen clothing is also difficult to work through. There is air-conditioning for comfort if you are required to remove thick outer layers of clothing on cold days, and towels for draping.

Do you treat Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful condition of the plantar fascia - a thick band of tissue along the arch of the foot between the toes and heel. It can be more painful at the site of the heel, and bone spurring can occur at the heel.

Osteopathic treatment of this condition considers the tensions in the heel and foot, as well as the leg, as many muscles in the leg insert into and around the foot and are integral in the functioning of the foot. In severe cases, the tension may have spread further up the leg into the pelvis and lower back. Treatment of these areas aims to reduce the strain going into the foot and speed up recovery of the condition.

Do you treat Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also called "wear and tear" arthritis generally responds well to treatment. Although the condition cannot be "cured", it is often possible to significantly improve joint function and range of movement with treatment, as well as reduce pain levels. The extent of damage is a factor so examination is necessary before discussing a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. In some cases joint replacement is the most appropriate treatment. However even in these cases it may be possible to provide some pain relief and improvement in function while waiting for surgery. We also do pre- and post-surgery treatment and management.

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