Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to the human body. It is a hands-on therapy. Osteopaths study the 3 systems that make our body work as one unit:

1. Structural, which includes bones and muscles.

2. Visceral, which includes all soft organs contained in the abdominal cavity.

3. Cranio-sacaral, comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and the spinal cord.

Osteopaths approach the patient by checking these 3 systems, applying manual diagnosis and treatment. If necessary we will refer you to obtain some extra diagnostic information such as an X-ray, scan or blood test.

Which complaints do Osteopaths treat?

Structural problems such as:

1. Sports injuries and musculoskeletal problems.

2. Work related problems such as those caused by lifting or RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).

3. Arthritis.

4. Temporomandibular joint (jaw) problems such as pain during chewing.

5. Sciatic nerve problems.

6. Low back pain.

7. Torticolis (stiffness in the neck).

8. Pelvic instability (often after pregnancy)

9. Frozen shoulder.

10. Epicondylitis lateralis (tennis elbow), Epicondylitis Medialis (golfer’s elbow).

11. Carpal tunnel syndrome.

12. Peripheral nerve entrapment

What is a treatment session with an osteopath like ?

The first consultation takes about 45 minutes. Your Osteopath will take a comprehensive history followed by the physical examination and the treatment.

Your next session, which takes place 1 week later, will take about 30 minutes.

During the second session your Osteopath will assess your situation and compare it with the initial consultation and will design the follow-up treatment plan depending on the achieved results, and will discuss this with you.

Depending on the symptoms you describe, your Osteopath may ask you to remove some of your clothing to ensure the access to the area.

Does a visit to your Osteopath require a referral?

Patients may be referred by their GP or other health practitioners. However, it is not necessary since Osteopaths are primary practitioners, which means that you can make an appointment without a referral.

You may provide your Osteopath with supplementary information such as X-rays, scans or blood tests during your first consultation or at any time afterwards.

Does my private health insurance cover Osteopathic treatments?

The majority of the private health insurance funds do give refunds on Osteopathic treatments. The amount of the refund will depend on the type of plan or coverage you have taken.

If you have any inquiries regarding your coverage, you should contact your insurer.

If you are presenting with a WorkCover claim you need to provide us with the referral from your GP, a letter from your insurance company showing the acceptance of your claim and the details of the injury.

In case of VA or EPC the referral from your GP accompanied with the VA or EPC form filled by your doctor will suffice.

Once the necessary step has been taken to set up the file for your case, we will bill the insurer on your behalf. However, any outstanding gap, any cancellation or withdrawal by your insurer which may result in outstanding fees, will be your responsibility.

If you would like to have more information on Osteopathy or you have any inquiries, please call us on 08 8363 6888. Panta Rhei Osteopathy is located at 126 Portrush Road, Payneham South 5070.