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FAQ: FAQ

IS TREATMENT PAINFUL?

Osteopathy and myotherapy are forms of manual therapy. Hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, dry needling, cupping, joint mobilisation and/or manipulation* (*osteopathic treatments only).

Most osteopathic and myotherapy treatments are gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your practitioner will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.

There are techniques which may cause some short term discomfort or pain.

Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persist or increases significantly, call your practitioner to discuss your concerns.

WHAT HAPPENS IN MY FIRST CONSULTATION?

Your practitioner will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask about your medical history, any medications you are taking, as well as factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem.
Next, your practitioner will conduct varied examinations and if necessary, clinical tests, in particular if seeing an osteopath. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises that will determine how best to manage your condition. The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the practitioner lifting your arms or legs.
Your practitioner will advise you if they can treat you or you need to be referred.
Osteopathy and myotherapy practitioners take a holistic approach to treatment, so your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your practitioner may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.
Your practitioner may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between appointments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.
If your medical condition changes between appointments you should tell your practitioner at your next consultation.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY GP?

Many patients are referred to osteopaths and myotherapists by their doctors, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as osteopaths and myotherapists are primary care practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.

If you have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition and require complex care you may be eligible for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) assistance. The GP must complete a special referral form to refer you to an osteopath for treatment. (CDM not valid for myotherapy referrals)

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Bring along any X-rays, scans, reports or test results that you may have. Depending on the area of your body requiring examination, your practitioner may ask you to undress to your underwear. It’s important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to bring a pair of stretchy gym shorts to change into. You may bring a chaperone if you wish. Plan to attend along with your child if your child is the patient.

DO I NEED TO COME EARLY FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

Yes you should arrive early for your first appointment as you will need to fill out initial paperwork.

WHY WILL I BE ASKED TO COMPLETE PAPERWORK?

The practitioner will need to record your medical history to assist in discussing treatment options.
Under the law, osteopaths and myotherapists need to obtain your approval to treat you, so you may be asked to sign an ‘informed consent’ form.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

It’s important that you feel comfortable, so wear a comfortable shirt and loose pants or bring a pair of shorts to change into. We also provide shorts if they are needed.

WILL I BE ASKED TO UNDRESS?

Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your practitioner may ask you to undress some items of clothing. However this is optional for the client.
If this is the case and you consent to do so, you will be offered to undress in privacy and covered with a towel.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND OR RELATIVE?

Yes, of course, you can have someone present throughout your consultation and treatment.

If the client is a minor under 16years of age, the parent or guardian must be present at the initial consultation to sign the consent form.
Parental/ guardian attendance is optional for follow up consultations.

WHAT IF MY CONDITION CHANGES OVER TIME?

It is important you tell your practitioner if your medical condition changes over time. This includes any new injuries or change of medications.

HOW LONG WILL MY APPOINTMENT TAKE?

For myotherapy and Remedial Massage treatments, your initial consultation may last up to 60 minutes. For osteopathic treatments, your initial consultation may last 40 - 60 minutes. This will enable your practitioner to take a thorough history, examine and depending upon your condition and appropriateness treat you.
Follow-up treatments are usually shorter. Please check appointment length when booking, you practitioner will be more than happy to advise you for follow up consultation times

HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS WILL I NEED?

This depends on your condition. Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits. Long term or chronic conditions may require more treatment.
Your practitioner will discuss this with you.

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATIONS OR TREATMENTS REQUIRED?

Following treatment, your practitioner may decide that additional investigations are required.
If receiving osteopathic care, your osteopath may refer you on for further testing such as X-ray, scans or blood tests or to another health professional.

IS MY SESSION COVERED BY MEDICARE OR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE?

People with ‘extras’ cover as part of their private health insurance are able to claim a portion of their treatment costs.

Your ability to claim will depend on the level and type of private health cover you have. Please consult your health fund prior to attending to find out if you are covered for the type of session you wish to book in for.

In most cases (but not all) there will be a rebate for Osteopathy, Myotherapy and Remedial Massage.
In most cases, there will NOT be a rebate for Relaxation Massage or Deep Tissue Massage.

At Body Health Co we have the HICAPS facility so people with private health are able to claim on the spot and only pay for the remaining gap. Osteopathic treatment is not covered by Medicare unless you are on an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan. This is managed and provided by your GP.

Consult your osteopath or GP for further information.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

All payments must be made on the day of service or prior to attending your appointment. Online payment options are available for your convenience.
Online prepayment for promotional specials are not refundable or exchangeable between services. You can however reschedule your appointment with notice of 24hrs or more.

We have HICAPS terminal on site for easy private health insurance claiming. Our system supports phone tap payments for some private health insurance companies, however please wherever bring your physical card with you as the new tap services for claiming has been glichy. If you don't have your card on person at the time of your appointment you will be required to pay in full and you will be issued with a receipt for online claiming.

We accept credit and debit card payments.

We do not accept AMEX card payments

We prefer card payment or prepayment over cash payments wherever possible.

If you have a gift certificate, please refer to the expiration date prior to booking with us, and contact us if have any queries.

For medicare claims, you will be issued with a receipt in which you can claim directly through medicare. Please note medicare payments must be pre-approved and supported with your GP referral and appropriate paperwork such as EPC (enhanced primary care) or CDM plan (chronic disease management). This must be emailed through to us prior to your appointment.