FAQs

Osteopaths can assist with all problems related to the musculoskeletal system – bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. We are also trained in respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological assessment techniques and complete thorough questioning before commencing treatment. If we think you are suffering from another condition that could be best treated by another healthcare professional, we will discuss this with you and refer you elsewhere.

You do not need to be referred to us by any other healthcare provider; we assess and identify your needs in the first consultation. In the case of ACC, our Osteopaths are registered ACC providers and will apply for your treatment to be subsidised via an ACC45 form.

Yes, we can call the ACC to find out how many of the allocated treatments you have left and, if necessary, apply for more. We will also need to find out what the ‘read code’ (diagnosis of injured body part written on the first form) is to make sure we can help you. As long as we have the date of injury and the claim number, Active Osteopaths can call the ACC to find out all other necessary information.

At Active Osteopathy, we have your best interests in mind but are still legally bound by the rules and regulations set by the ACC. You will be asked how the ache or pain began, and if it is genuinely related to an injury (where there has been some external force – slipped, tripped, fell etc.), we will let you know that you can claim subsidised treatment from the ACC.

Most people feel an improvement within 4-5 sessions, but usually, there is some reduction in pain and increased mobility even after the first appointment. How long it takes for the symptoms to resolve satisfactorily depends on many things, including:

• How and why the pain came on – sudden onset problems generally take fewer treatments to resolve than chronic problems.
• How long the symptoms have been occurring – the more recent the injury, the shorter the number of treatments required usually.
• The general condition and ability of your body to adapt and change with the treatment administered – tired, stressed people or those with underlying medical conditions might take longer.
• What you do outside the treatment room – you will be given post-treatment advice on what to do and not do. Adhering to this gives you the best chance of symptoms resolving as soon as possible.

Although we use our expertise to guide which techniques we think your body will respond best, some people feel a little ‘worked on’ for up to 24 hours after attending their session. As Osteopaths, we usually try to persuade your body to change in some way so that it can function better – this helps reduce the pain. Sometimes, the body doesn’t know what to make of the Osteopathic encounter, especially if you haven’t had Osteopathy or manual therapy before. Please call your therapist if the pain goes on for too long or is too bad – we may be able to give you additional advice and provide reassurance.

Yes, this depends on the type of coverage you have with your provider. Rebate amounts differ between providers and the extent of your coverage- please contact your health insurance provider for details. All appointments are required to be paid in full on the day. A receipt will be issued via e-mail which can be used to lodge a claim with your insurance provider.