Osteopaths are practitioners of manual medicine.

We appreciate the inter related / holistic nature of the human body.

We work on the musculoskeletal system, looking for dysfunctional imbalances.

Osteopaths are guided by 4 principles:

1. The body is a unit. Dysfunction in one area can create problems in another

2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance. Osteopathic treatment aims to support and facilitate this innate healing ability.

3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated. The various systems (e.g., musculoskeletal, nervous) are interrelated with the functions of the body.

4. Rational treatment is based on understanding these principles. Pain and dysfunction are complex phenomena and there are always many reasons behind why someone feels the pain they experience.

Osteopathy is a patient-centered approach rather than a disease or injury-centered approach to health and treatment.

Similarities

In Australia we are all musculoskeletal physical therapists who have spent 4-5 years at University. After University, our professional develop courses usually have Physios, Osteos and Chiros all learning together and thus there is substantial overlap. 

Osteopathy training also includes exercise rehabilitation and high velocity low amplitude manipulations (the “joint cracking”). 

The differences: 

-Osteopaths only work in private practice.

-Osteopathy is a patient centred approach to treatment in contrast to a disease or injury focus.

-Osteopaths are guided by 4 key osteopathic principles (article coming soon!) and have an evidence informed approach to treatment. 

-Osteopaths also start hands on assessment and palpation from day one in first year of the 5 year degree. 

Treatment approaches within Osteopathy are governed by the same principles but the clinical application will greatly vary depending on the practitioners influences and priorities.

Yes we do accept Enhanced Primary Care Plans/ Chronic Disease Management Plans.

What is an EPC/ CDM?

An Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan is a referral from a GP that allows patients to access Medicare-subsidized allied health services for chronic/persistent pain presentations. To visit us on an EPC plan, the plan needs to be written up for ‘Osteopathy’. 

How do EPCs work? 

A patient visits the GP with an ongoing pain presentation (>6 months) and if the GP feels that the patient would benefit from seeing an allied healthcare provider (eg/ an Osteopath) they may write them up a EPC plan. This plan usually includes 3-5 subsidised consultations to the Osteopath and is valid for 12 months from the referral date. 

This paper work is ideally passed directly onto the Osteopathy clinic and/or it is given to the patient to hand across. 

Nothing in particular but comfortable clothing (especially tops) is advisable.

If you have any letters or reports from previous healthcare providers please bring them with you or ideally email them to admin@headsuposteopathy.com prior to your consultation. 

We do/can use Dry Needling as a treatment modality, however we do not practice acupuncture.

What is dry needling? 

Dry Needling was adapted from the eastern art of Acupuncture. The physical needles for both practices are the same, but the philosophy of dry needling is completely different to acupuncture.

The needles used are as thin as a piece of hair, so they are significantly smaller than any vaccination needle. 

Dry needles are placed in trigger points (bands of tight muscle fibres) to encourage the muscles to relax. The exact mechanism of action is still unclear. 

Dry needles aren’t appropriate for everyone and some patients prefer to not have them. Dry needling is just one treatment option, as an Osteopath we have access to a variety of potential treatment options.