Every osteopath treats differently. At Lifetime Therapy Services, our osteopath treats both direct (soft tissue massage, high velocity thrusts, etc) and indirect (Balanced ligamentus tension, fascia unwinding, octeopathy in the craniosacral field).
Osteopathy uses a holistic approach and is primarily a hands on session with exercises provided to strengthen associated dysfunctional muscles.
Osteopaths can help a wide range of individuals with various conditions, focusing on the musculoskeletal system and its impact on overall health.
Methods used for osteopathy treatments
Osteopaths’ hands are their tools. They use their experienced hands when palpating and treating. At Life Osteopathy, we also use dry needling, ultrasound, and taping during treatments to help achieve the best outcome.
Dry needling is a subtype of acupuncture that involves positioning needles into muscle trigger points to help relieve muscle tension and improve body function.
Therapeutic ultrasound: This is used to complement a treatment to help increase blood flow, decrease healing time, break down scar tissue and improve tissue healing. It usually takes 2-5 minutes.
Resistance bands: During your consult, you may be prescribed exercises using resistance bands. They are low-cost and easy to use.
Taping: Both Rigid and K-tape are used in Life osteopathy. They can support or complement the movement of joints, muscles, and tendons while you are recovering.
In 2024, osteopathy marked its 150th anniversary as a profession, celebrating a rich history that began during the American Civil War. Founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, osteopathy emerged as a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body’s structure and function.
In the United States, osteopaths (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who practice similarly to medical doctors (MDs), blending traditional medical training with a hands-on approach. However, the practice has evolved differently across the globe. In Australia, we follow the UK model of osteopathy, which focuses exclusively on manual therapy, setting aside the medical component while preserving the art of hands-on care.
Australian osteopaths are highly skilled professionals who undergo five years of university training that combines in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. This rigorous education equips osteopaths to assess and treat the entire body, addressing pain, discomfort, and dysfunction by focusing on the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
Osteopathy is a gentle, non-invasive therapy suitable for people of all ages. It can help with various conditions, from musculoskeletal pain and sports injuries to headaches and postural issues. The holistic nature of osteopathy also supports general wellness, aiding in recovery, improving mobility, and preventing future problems.
With its hands-on techniques and patient-centred philosophy, osteopathy is a trusted approach to health and well-being, offering over a century of evidence-based care to people worldwide. Whether seeking relief from pain or a path to better overall health, osteopathy provides a unique and effective solution grounded in 150 years of expertise.
Osteopathy works by focusing on the body’s structure and function, aiming to restore balance and promote natural healing. It is a holistic approach that views the body as an interconnected system where muscles, bones, joints, and tissues work together. Through skilled hands-on techniques such as stretching, massage, and manipulation, osteopaths address areas of tension, misalignment, or restriction to improve mobility and circulation. These techniques stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, alleviate pain, and enhance overall function. Osteopathy also emphasizes the importance of lifestyle, posture, and exercise to support long-term health and prevent future issues, making it an effective and comprehensive treatment option for a wide range of conditions.
At your first osteopathy visit, you can expect a thorough consultation and assessment. The osteopath will begin by discussing your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and any relevant health concerns to gain a clear understanding of your needs. A physical examination will follow, where the osteopath observes your posture, movement, and body mechanics. They may gently palpate areas of tension, pain, or restriction to identify the underlying issues.
Once the assessment is complete, the osteopath will explain their findings and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition. Treatment during the first session may include hands-on techniques such as gentle stretching, massage, joint manipulation, or soft tissue release to address the identified problem areas. The osteopath may also provide advice on posture, exercise, or lifestyle adjustments to support your recovery and overall well-being.
Feel free to ask questions or share any concerns during your visit to ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
After an osteopathy treatment, it is common to feel a sense of relief, relaxation, or improved mobility, although individual experiences may vary. Some people notice immediate benefits, while others find their symptoms improve gradually over the following days as the body adjusts to the treatment. It’s also normal to feel mild soreness or fatigue in the treated areas for 24–48 hours, similar to the feeling after exercise, as your body responds to the adjustments.
Your osteopath may provide recommendations to support your recovery, such as specific stretches, exercises, or lifestyle modifications tailored to your condition. Staying hydrated, maintaining good posture, and avoiding strenuous activities immediately after your session can enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.
If you experience any unusual or prolonged discomfort, it’s important to reach out to your osteopath for guidance. Regular follow-ups, as advised, can help maintain the benefits and address any ongoing issues to support your overall health and well-being.
Yes, osteopathy is generally safe for children when performed by a qualified and experienced osteopath. Pediatric osteopathy uses gentle, non-invasive techniques tailored to the unique needs of infants and children. It can help address a range of issues, such as feeding difficulties in babies, postural imbalances, growing pains, or musculoskeletal problems caused by injuries or developmental changes.
The treatment focuses on relieving tension, improving mobility, and supporting the child’s natural growth and development. Osteopaths consider the child’s medical history and current health to ensure the treatment is appropriate and effective. If you have concerns, consult with a qualified osteopath who specializes in pediatric care to discuss your child’s specific needs.
Yes, osteopathy can be covered by Medicare in Australia under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program. This program allows General Practitioners (GPs) to coordinate care for patients with chronic or terminal medical conditions requiring multidisciplinary management. A chronic medical condition is defined as one that has been, or is likely to be, present for at least six months. Examples include musculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Under a CDM plan, your GP can refer you to an osteopath for up to five allied health services per calendar year. These five services can be a combination of different allied health services (e.g., osteopathy, physiotherapy, dietetics) or up to five services of the same type.
To access Medicare rebates for osteopathic treatment, follow these steps:
Consult Your GP: Discuss your chronic condition with your GP. If deemed appropriate, your GP will prepare a GP Management Plan (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangements (TCA), which may include a referral to an osteopath.
Obtain a Referral: Ensure you receive a referral form from your GP specifying the osteopathic services under the CDM plan.
Attend Osteopathic Appointments: Present the referral form to your osteopath during your appointments.
Claim Medicare Rebates: After paying for the service, you can claim a Medicare rebate. The current rebate for each osteopathic service under the CDM plan is $70.95, with a benefit of 85% equating to $60.35 per service.
Please note that some osteopaths may charge fees above the Medicare rebate, resulting in an out-of-pocket expense. It’s advisable to discuss any potential gap fees with your osteopath before commencing treatment. Additionally, a new referral is required each calendar year to continue accessing these services under Medicare.
For more detailed information, refer to the Medicare Benefits Schedule or consult with your GP.
Yes, most private health insurance policies in Australia with extras cover include osteopathy as part of their allied health benefits. Coverage typically varies depending on your insurance provider and the level of your policy. Extras cover can help reduce the cost of osteopathic treatments by reimbursing a portion of the fees, but the exact amount depends on your policy limits and any annual caps.
Before booking an osteopathy session, it’s a good idea to check the following with your health insurer:
- Eligibility: Confirm that your policy includes osteopathy as part of its extras cover.
- Rebate Amount: Find out how much you can claim per session and if there is a maximum annual limit.
- Preferred Providers: Some insurers may have agreements with specific osteopaths, offering higher rebates when you visit these practitioners.
- Gap Fees: Check if there will be an out-of-pocket cost after the rebate is applied.
- Claiming Process: Determine whether you can claim on the spot using HICAPS or need to submit a claim manually.
If you’re unsure about your coverage, contacting your health insurer directly will provide clarity on what costs are covered and how to maximize your benefits for osteopathy treatments.
