FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About osteopathy
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an allied health profession that was founded in the 1800's. Osteopaths treat holistically, meaning we treat the entire person. We treat through the biopsychosocial model (biological, psychological and social elements of health) to address the whole person and are patient-centred in this approach. We treat using a mixture of hands-on techniques, rehabilitation, referral where necessary, take-home management strategies and lifestyle advice.
What do osteopaths treat?
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Neck and jaw pain
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Back pain
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Pelvic pain
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Hip and knee pain
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Ankle and foot pain
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Shoulder pain
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Elbow and wrist/hand pain
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Acute sports injuries - sprained ankle, muscle strains etc.
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Headaches/migraines
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Nerve pain (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica etc.)
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Pain and symptom relief related to chronic conditions (e.g. arthritis, endometriosis etc.)
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Chronic pain
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Gut complaints (e.g. constipation)
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Pregnancy related pain and discomfort
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Post-partum care
If you are unsure if an osteopath can help you, please contact me
How long do osteopaths study for?
Osteopathy is only available at three universities in Australia, the study time ranges from 4-5 years full-time. Further study can be done (masters, PhD and additional courses for skill development).
I studied at RMIT University in Melbourne Australia for 5 years. I have undertaken further courses in dry needling and counterstrain (a gentle form of manual therapy technique).
Who are osteopaths registered with?
Osteopaths are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Osteopathy Board of Australia. We are subject to profession standards from these governing bodies to ensure high quality care and safety for all patients. Most osteopaths are also registered with Osteopathy Australia.
About your appointment
What should I wear?
Wear clothing that you are comfortable removing if necessary and are not of a restrictive material (e.g. jeans). Please wear undergarments (underwear/bras)! Bras that are able to unhooked are preferable over crop top/sports bras, however not essential.
Some people like to bring "treatment clothes" with them. For example if I am treating your knee you may like to bring along a pair of shorts to put on so you don't have to roll up trousers or be in your underwear.
If you do not wish to remove items of clothing, we can work around this as your comfort and modesty is important and respected, especially for cultural reasons.
I drape patients with towels/blankets so you are covered during your treatments and only the area I'm treating is exposed.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring any of the following where necessary:
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Referral (if you have one - although not necessary to book in)
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Chronic Disease Management (formerly Enhanced Primary Care) plan documentation from your GP
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TAC/WorkCover documents/case number
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If you have any imaging relevant to the complaint you're coming in for (X-ray, MRI, CT, DEXA, ultrasound etc.)
Arriving for your appointment - what do you need to do?
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Please arrive 5 minutes early for your appointment
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If you are going to be late please call the clinic
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Come inside and sit down in the waiting area. If a receptionist is present check in with them
Where do I park?
There is free parking at both clinics!
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At Fundamental Health free parking is located at the clinic, there is a car park right in front of the clinic
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At North Canberra Osteopathy free parking is available at Hackett Shops where the clinic is located
How long is my appointment going to be?
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New patient consultations are 60 minutes as we need to take a thorough medical history before treating you
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Return consultations are 30 minutes
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Extended consultations are 60 minutes
When should I book an extended consultation?
If you have multiple complaints you are wanting treated or you have a complex presentation. I may recommend an extended consultation for you if I believe the extra time with you is necessary.
What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel/reschedule online via the Cliniko booking systems available for both clinics. Please cancel with more than 12 hours notice. Less than this (unless due to substantive circumstance - may incur a fee).
I always recommend rescheduling over cancelling your appointment so you have something available to you. During our consultations I shall discuss with you if you need follow up appointments and an estimate of how many appointments I believe may be necessary for your presenting complaint. I will always be transparent and I shall never book you in unnecessarily.
Fees, insurance and referrals
How much are appointments?
Fundamental Health
New patient - $155
Return patient - $125
Extended consult - $160
North Canberra Osteopathy
New patient - $150
Return patient - $120
Extended consult - $160
"Super session" (1hr) - $180
Cancellation / no show policy and fees
Fundamental Health
Cancellation of less than 24 hours and no shows may incur a fee of $80.
North Canberra Osteopathy
Cancellation of less than 12 hours and no shows may incur a fee of $80.
Can I claim my appointment on private health insurance?
Osteopathy is covered by most, however not all, private health insurance companies. Review your policy or call your provider to confirm coverage prior to booking in your appointment.
Do I need a referral from my GP to see you?
No you don't. The only time you may need a referral is if you are on a Chronic Disease Management plan, you have a TAC, WorkCover or DVA claim.
Do you accept patients on Chronic Disease Management plans?
Yes I do. Ensure your GP adds osteopathy to your CDM plan. You can specify your provider and have me listed as your osteopathic provider.
Do you accept DVA patients?
Unfortunately, I do not.
Do you accept TAC and/or WorkCover patients?
No I do not (this is the policy of the clinics I work at, not mine).
Other FAQs
What is your privacy policy?
Everything you say during consultation is private and confidential. If I wish to consult with another one of your care providers or a third party (e.g. insurance company), I will ask your permission. Your records are stored securely and safely. You can ask for a copy of your record at any time.
Confidentiality may be broken in the case of endangerment to self or others, for legal reasons like court subpoena or in the case of minors when there is concern for child safety. I will always discuss this with you prior where reasonable.
Privacy and confidentiality of minors can be broken to their legal parent/guardian if there is concern of risk to self (self-harm or suicidal ideation/intent), risk of harm to others or they are being harmed/are at risk of harm.
What is informed consent?
Permission granted with full knowledge of what is happening, the risks/benefits and consequences. This is a collaborative discussion. Informed consent is ongoing throughout treatment.
Your consent is reversible at any time. You are always in control of treatments. Ask as many questions as you'd like and say no or speak up if you do not like or feel comfortable with a form of treatment/management.
Do you treat children?
I currently treat adolescents and children over the age of 5 however <12 paediatric care is not my area of further training.
If you are wishing to book in a young child, I recommend book them in with:
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Lauren (Fundamental Health)
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Anna (North Canberra Osteopathy)
Children under the age of 16 require a parent at their initial consultation. Once maturity level of the child is established (Gillick competency), some teenagers may be may be permitted to come to appointments without a legal guardian present.
Are you vaccinated?
Yes I am fully vaccinated and have had my booster vaccination.