Frequently Asked Questions

No, not for general appointments. Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners and can be seen without needing a referral. You can get a GP referral under the Enhanced Primary Care plan system which allows for 5 sessions to be claimed through Medicare if you have a chronic musculoskeletal complaint.

Can I claim Osteopathy on my health fund?

Generally yes. If you have private health insurance with extras, then most funds will cover Osteopathy. This will of course depend on the level of your cover, so check which extras you have under your cover.

Is Osteopathy covered under Medicare?

It is, but only through the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan - which is now referred to as the Chronic Pain Management Plan. You will need to get a referral from your GP which will allow five sessions to be claimed under Medicare.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no specific answer to this question as it of course depends on the complaint and a number of other factors such as duration of the problem, predisposing and maintaining issues, these would be discussed upon your initial consultation. Generally you should expect a change for the better within 1 or 2 treatments, but some patients may require 4 to 6 sessions to obtain a good long term response. The aim of Osteopathy is to enable your body to better manage itself, our Osteopaths will provide some self management techniques to improve treatment outcomes and general well being.

Often people will get maintenance treatments to keep their body on an optimal functional path. We can guide you as to when you should pop back in but you'll soon learn yourself, from what your body is telling you, when to get a treatment. Remember it is much easier to unwind strain patterns before they become painful.

FAQ - Massage

What's the difference between a relaxation massage and a remedial massage?

Generally the difference will be the style of massage techniques employed. A relaxation massage can still be a deep tissue massage but is more focused at relaxing the whole body and mind. A remedial massage might be more vigorous and targeted to specific regions of concern, and often assisted stretches will be used as a part of the treatment. Often a good indicator of which to go for might be your state of mind verses body - i.e. if you've had a really stressful week then a relaxation massage can help damp down the sympathetic nervous system and let you relax, but if you've just run a marathon then a remedial massage might be the way to go to help ease those aching muscles. If in doubt, ask your practitioner and they can advise and manage accordingly.

I'm pregnant, can I still get a massage?

Absolutely! If anything you probably need it more than most people. We have well versed practitioners in working with pregnant clients and we have lovely belly pillows which allow you to relax on your tummy - which can be a welcome change on its own. Pregnant mums can be treated right up the day they're due - to help keep you moving and ease some of the inevitable muscle tension that builds during pregnancy.

FAQ - Naturopathy

Do I need a referral to see a Naturopath?

No you don’t. Your naturopath can be your first port of call for your health, anytime you like.

Do I need to be sick to get benefit from a Naturopathic consult?

Your naturopath’s aim is to help you achieve your best state of health and wellbeing. If you are sick, this will be the first thing to tackle, but you may just be feeling a little sluggish, stressed out, or need to lose a few kilos. You might not classify yourself as ‘sick’ but you know you could feel better. Your naturopath will ensure that you achieve your goal of optimal health!

How safe are herbal medicines?

A naturopath with a bachelor degree qualification spends four years learning about the safe use of herbal medicines. This means we are highly qualified in herbal medicine safety, with our finger on the pulse with aspects such as dosage, medicine interactions, pregnancy etc. The quality of herbal medicines is also important, ensuring that there is the right dose of the active ingredients and no unwanted contamination. That’s why it is usually best to purchase high quality herbal products from a qualified naturopath.

FAQ - Nutrition

What's the difference between Nutrition and Naturopathy?

Not a lot. Naturopaths regularly deal with nutrition as a basic part of any consult. Nutrition is a major study within the four year Naturopathic course. Whether you want to loose weight or just improve your well being then our Naturopaths can assess your current diet and guide you through appropriate changes.

Liam can assist you with sports nutrition if you are in training or looking to get into training for specific events or are looking to maximize your output and recovery.

FAQ - Strength & Stretch

I've never done an exercise class before, can I do your Strength and or Stretch classes?

This will depend upon your background, any injuries or problems you have at the time. Generally most people can do the stretch class straight off, but occasionally you may need a one on one session to go through some of the more complex stretches based on your ability or sort out alternatives. The strength class can be a bit more demanding and we advise having a one on one session (personal training) to begin with so we can assess your level and allow you to learn the exercises with correct form. Either way, the classes are relaxed and welcoming.