Osteopathy
Individualised osteopathic assessment and management tailored to your presentation, needs and goals.
Osteopathy is a system of healthcare focused primarily on the assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal and neuromusculoskeletal presentations.
Osteopaths take a broad approach to assessment, considering your symptoms alongside your movement, health history, lifestyle and other factors that may be relevant to your presentation.
Rather than assessing a painful area in isolation, your osteopath may examine related regions and consider the broader factors that could be contributing to your symptoms or function.
Following your assessment, your osteopath will discuss their clinical findings and work with you to develop an individualised management plan. This may include hands-on treatment, movement and exercise advice, education and self-management strategies.
What Is Osteopathy?
What does an osteopathic consultation involve?
We listen
Your osteopath will discuss your current concerns, health history, lifestyle and goals to better understand your presentation.
We assess
An appropriate physical assessment may include movement, orthopaedic, neurological and other clinical examinations relevant to your presentation.
We discuss your plan
Your osteopath will explain their clinical findings and discuss treatment and management options with you.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your current concerns, symptoms and goals. Your osteopath will also ask about your medical history, medications, previous injuries and other health information that may be relevant to your presentation.
A physical assessment will then be completed based on your history and symptoms. This may include observing movement, assessing relevant joints and muscles, and performing orthopaedic, neurological or other clinical examinations where appropriate.
Depending on the area being assessed, you may be asked to adjust or remove some clothing to allow an appropriate examination. Your osteopath will explain the assessment and discuss consent with you throughout your appointment.
After the assessment, your osteopath will discuss their clinical findings with you and explain the treatment and management options they consider appropriate. Where treatment is suitable, this may begin during your first appointment.
Your osteopath may also discuss movement or exercise advice, self-management strategies and whether follow-up care is appropriate for your presentation.
Preparing for your appointment
Please bring any relevant scans, imaging reports or medical information you feel may be useful. Comfortable clothing that allows you to move is recommended.
What osteopathic management looks like
Your management plan will depend on your presentation, clinical findings and individual goals.
Hands-on treatment
Manual techniques may be incorporated into treatment where clinically appropriate.
Movement and exercise advice
Individualised movement or exercise advice may be provided to support function and your management goals.
Education and self-management
Your osteopath may discuss practical strategies to help you better understand and manage your presentation.
Referral or further investigation
Where appropriate, your osteopath may discuss referral, imaging or further assessment as part of your care.
What do people commonly see an osteopath for?
Lower back pain and related leg symptoms
Neck pain
Middle and upper back or rib pain
Headache presentations associated with musculoskeletal factors
Shoulder and upper limb pain
Hip and knee pain
Ankle, elbow and wrist presentations
Sports-related injuries
Tendon and overuse presentations
Work, posture and movement-related concerns
Every presentation is different. Your osteopath will assess your individual circumstances and discuss whether osteopathic management is appropriate for you.
Referral or further investigation
Where your presentation requires further assessment or care outside your osteopath's scope, they may discuss referral to another healthcare practitioner or the need for further investigation.
Relevant imaging or test results may also be considered as part of your assessment and management. If you already have scans or reports relating to your presentation, you are welcome to bring them to your appointment.