Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a healthcare provider is an important decision, and it’s natural to have questions before booking your first appointment. Below are some of the questions we’re asked most often at Gateway Osteopathy & Pilates.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please feel free to contact our clinic. We’d be happy to help.
About Osteopathy
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of allied health care that focuses on helping people move more comfortably and confidently. While hands-on treatment is often part of what we do, it’s only one aspect of osteopathic care.
Our consultations begin by understanding your symptoms, your medical history and, most importantly, what you’re hoping to achieve. From there, we develop an individual management plan which may include hands-on treatment, exercise, education and advice to help you better understand your condition and support your recovery.
No two people are the same, so treatment is always tailored to the individual rather than simply the diagnosis.
What happens during my first appointment?
Your first consultation usually begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, general health, lifestyle and any previous injuries or investigations such as X-rays or MRI scans.
We’ll then perform an assessment to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms. This may include looking at your posture, movement, strength, flexibility or other relevant physical tests.
Where appropriate, treatment is often provided during the same appointment, followed by a discussion about your diagnosis, expected recovery and any exercises or self-management strategies that may help.
Our goal is for you to leave understanding not only what we think is happening, but also what you can do to help yourself moving forward.
Do I need a referral to see an osteopath?
No.
Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners, which means you can book an appointment directly without needing a referral from your GP.
If you’re attending under Medicare, WorkCover, TAC, DVA or another third-party funding arrangement, there may be additional paperwork required. If you’re unsure, simply contact our reception team and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Will my back or neck be “cracked”?
Not unless it’s appropriate and you’re comfortable with it.
Joint manipulation is just one of many techniques osteopaths may use, and it isn’t suitable or necessary for everyone.
Your treatment may include soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, stretching, exercise rehabilitation, education, dry needling or simply advice about managing your symptoms.
We’ll always explain what we’re recommending before beginning treatment, and you’re welcome to ask questions or decline any technique.
Does treatment hurt?
Most osteopathic treatment is comfortable and well tolerated.
Some techniques may create temporary discomfort, particularly if muscles or joints are already quite sensitive. It’s also not uncommon to experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to what you might notice after returning to the gym.
Your practitioner will discuss treatment options with you throughout your consultation and adjust techniques according to your comfort.
How many treatments will I need?
Every person and every condition is different, so there isn’t a simple answer.
Some people improve after only a few visits, while others recovering from more complex injuries or long-standing conditions may require a longer rehabilitation plan.
During your consultation we’ll discuss what we expect your recovery may look like and review your progress as treatment continues.
Our aim is always to help you become more confident managing your condition, not simply to have you attending indefinitely.
Your Appointment
Do I need to bring my MRI or X-rays?
If you’ve had imaging performed, it’s often helpful to bring the reports or make them available to us.
However, many people don’t need imaging before seeing an osteopath. A thorough history and physical examination often provides the information we need to begin appropriate management.
If we believe further investigation would be beneficial, we’ll explain why and discuss the most appropriate options with you.
Do I need to get undressed?
Not necessarily.
Every patient has different comfort levels, so before we begin your examination or treatment, your practitioner will explain the available options. Generally, you have three choices:
- Remain fully clothed. In many cases, assessment and treatment can be carried out without removing any clothing.
- Expose only the area being assessed or treated. If it would be helpful to examine a particular region more closely, you may choose to uncover only that area while remaining dressed elsewhere.
- Wear a clinic gown. If this provides greater comfort or allows for a more thorough assessment, we can provide a gown for you to wear.
Your practitioner will explain why they may recommend one option over another, but the decision is always yours. Your comfort, privacy and dignity are important to us, and we’ll always work within your preferences wherever possible.
Who We Treat
Do you treat children?
Yes.
Our practitioners regularly see children and adolescents for a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns.
Every consultation is tailored to the child’s age, development and individual needs. We also take time to explain our findings to both the child and their parents so everyone understands the proposed management plan.
Can I see an osteopath during pregnancy?
Yes.
Pregnancy places unique demands on the body, and many women seek osteopathic care to help manage musculoskeletal discomfort as their pregnancy progresses.
Treatment is always modified to suit the stage of pregnancy, with techniques chosen to ensure both comfort and safety.
Can osteopathy help with my condition?
Osteopaths commonly assist people experiencing neck pain, low back pain, headaches, sporting injuries, joint pain and many other musculoskeletal conditions.
Every person is different, so rather than making assumptions based solely on a diagnosis, we begin by understanding your individual situation and discussing the most appropriate management options.
If we believe another healthcare professional or further investigation would better serve your needs, we’ll discuss that with you openly.
Fees, Rebates & Funding
Is osteopathic treatment covered by my private health insurance?
In most cases, yes.
If your health fund includes extras cover for osteopathy, you’ll usually be able to claim part of the cost of your consultation. The amount you receive back will depend on your individual level of cover and your health fund.
At Gateway Osteopathy & Pilates we offer HICAPS, allowing most patients to claim their rebate on the spot using their private health insurance card. If you’re unable to claim at the time of your appointment, we’ll provide you with a receipt that can be submitted directly to your health fund.
If you’re unsure whether osteopathy is included in your policy, we recommend contacting your health fund before your appointment.
Is osteopathy covered by Medicare?
In some circumstances.
Patients with a Chronic Disease Management Plan arranged through their GP may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for a limited number of allied health consultations each calendar year.
Your GP can advise whether you meet the eligibility requirements.
Do you treat Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) patients?
Yes.
The practitioners at Gateway Osteopathy & Pilates are proud to provide care for eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) patients.
To receive DVA-funded treatment, you’ll need a current referral from your GP. Eligible Gold Card holders are generally covered for clinically necessary osteopathic treatment under current DVA arrangements, with no out-of-pocket expense for approved consultations.
If you have any questions about your eligibility or the referral process, our reception team will be happy to help.
Do you treat WorkCover and TAC patients?
Yes.
Our practitioners regularly assist patients recovering from workplace injuries and motor vehicle accidents under WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
Before your first appointment, we’ll ask you to provide your claim number along with any relevant approval or referral details.
At Gateway Osteopathy & Pilates, patients are responsible for paying for their consultation on the day of their appointment. We do not invoice WorkCover or TAC directly. After your consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to WorkCover or TAC for reimbursement in accordance with your claim entitlements.
If you’re unsure what information you’ll need before your appointment, please contact our reception team and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process.
Our Practitioners
What qualifications do your osteopaths have?
In Australia, osteopaths are university-trained allied health professionals who are registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Our osteopaths have completed either:
- A double degree in Clinical Science and Osteopathic Science, or
- A Bachelor degree followed by a Master of Osteopathy.
Australian osteopaths currently complete their university training through accredited programs such as RMIT University, Victoria University and Southern Cross University.
To maintain registration, all osteopaths are required to complete ongoing continuing professional development each year, ensuring their knowledge and skills remain current.
What’s the difference between an osteopath, physiotherapist and chiropractor?
All three professions assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions, but they have different philosophies, training pathways and approaches to treatment.
Rather than focusing on what makes one profession better than another, we believe the most important factor is finding a healthcare practitioner who listens, communicates well and works collaboratively with you towards your goals.
At Gateway Osteopathy & Pilates, our approach is centred on understanding the person as well as the condition. Alongside hands-on treatment, we place a strong emphasis on education, exercise and helping people better understand their body so they can make informed decisions about their health.
Still have a question?
If your question hasn’t been answered here, we’d love to help.
Please contact Gateway Osteopathy & Pilates and our friendly reception team will be happy to answer your questions before you book your appointment.
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