What qualifications do osteopaths have?
Osteopaths are government registered health care practitioners, who undergo rigorous clinical training over a 5 year period. They are required to continue with training post-qualification, which ensures a high standard of care and reinforces the belief that osteopathy is centred on the patient.
What do osteopaths do?
Osteopaths are classified as manual (using their hands) medicine therapists that specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of physical injuries. Osteopaths treat and provide rehab for all areas of the physical body. See Our Treatment Process which details how we assess and treat you in detail.
What else do osteopaths do?
Osteopaths provide advice on supplements and can prescribe orthotics. Some osteopaths are trained in dry needling (or 'western acupuncture'). Osteopaths can provide second opinions on complex injuries that may require surgery. Osteopaths can show you exercises and advise if joint braces or supports are needed.
What conditions do osteopaths treat?
As an example, osteopaths treat conditions such as back pain, sciatica, prolapsed discs, nerve injuries, referred pain, muscular pain, arthritis, chronic pain, headaches, migraines, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain, knee injuries, ligament tears, sprains, all sporting injuries, achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.
What is the difference between an osteopath, chiropractor and physiotherapist?
Osteopaths use hands-on techniques, such as massage, stretching and manipulation - so typically you won't be just hooked up to a machine and left alone. You won't just be given exercises and you won't be in and out in five minutes. Osteopathic treatment takes in all facets of a patient's problem. As an example, neck problems may be influenced by problems in the middle back - which will mean that both the neck and back will be assessed and treated. 5 years training in medical subjects, allows Osteopaths to accurately diagnose and treat a large range of conditions. All osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists are government registered primary health care practitioners. Ultimately, it comes down to the practitioner who does the best job for you.
Can I see an osteopath if I'm already being treated elsewhere?
Yes. Osteopaths are qualified as primary health care practitioners (like GPs, physiotherapists and dentists) which means osteopaths can help manage your complaint alongside other professionals, or even be the centre-point of your care.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners and you don't need a referral for an appointment. However, for those that want to claim a rebate through Medicare, WC, TAC and DVA you should see your GP first to set up the paper work.
Should I bring in my scans?
Yes. Osteopaths can refer for spinal X-rays, as well as assess other scans you might have such as MRI & CT scans.
What makes osteopathy unique?
Osteopaths can call upon what is probably the largest range of techniques used in any manual therapy. Osteopathy was one of the first professions to incorporate biomechanical analysis (a rapidly developing area of recent medicine) about how injuries occur and what effects they have on other body parts.
Is osteopathic treatment safe?
Treatment is safe and gentle for children, the elderly and during pregnancy. Osteopaths provide a diagnosis based upon training in the medical sciences. Osteopaths are knowledgeable in muscle and joint pathology, illness and injury processes, anatomy, physiology, radiology, orthopaedics and pharmacology.
Will I get a rebate on my private heath fund?
Yes. Osteopathic treatment is covered under the ancillary or extras cover of all major health funds. The Hosford Health Clinic provides "instant rebates" so bring your card to the consultation, and you only pay the gap. The rebate varies depending on your insurer, so check the details of your policy.
Is treatment claimable under Medicare?
In certain circumstances, your GP can refer you for up to 5 sessions under the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) / Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program. This is only applicable for chronic care patients. Check with your GP first. For further information call reception for a hand-out.
Is treatment claimable under WorkCover, TAC or Veterans Affairs?
Yes. Our osteopaths treat patients from third-party insurers such as WorkCover, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Go to your GP first and initiate the claim, stipulating the Hosford Health Clinic or one of its Osteopaths as a provider. Payment for treatment is required in full at the time of consultation according to our normal schedule of fees. Once payment is received, you'll be issued a receipt to send to the Insurer and claim back the rebate.
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 solutions for complex or chronic conditions may require more treatment.
Is osteopathic treatment painful?
Mostly osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of already tender areas, your osteopath will aim to make you as comfortable as possible. There are some techniques which may cause short term discomfort or pain. You may experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, contact the clinic to discuss your concerns.
What should I wear?
We recommend you wear clothes that are comfortable to stretch in. Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. If this is the case you will be offered a gown.
Can I bring a friend or relative?
Yes. You can have someone with you throughout your consultation and treatment.
Why choose us?
Hosford Health Clinic is both well established and highly respected in the community. Our forward thinking practitioners are skilled and dedicated to health and well being. We are focused on providing personally tailored, quality service to maximise whole body health and reduce pain. See 8 Reasons Why Patients Love Us.
The clinic has many practitioners. Who should I see?
Our practitioners are all highly qualified. This helps ensure that each client is getting the best possible care. Individual skills and interests come together between our practitioners so that we work together and share knowledge. Any practitioner you see can provide you with top quality service. However, if you have special requirements, please call reception and ask which practitioner may suit your needs the best.
Is it OK if I see a different practitioner at the clinic from my regular practitioner?
Of course. You can feel confident that every practitioner at our clinic is skilled and passionate about health and well being. Continuity in your care is fostered on many levels. Should you need a treatment by another practitioner, they will have read your file and continue your management according to your needs.
What happens in a treatment and what are the costs?
Go to our Services and Costs page where we detail what happens in a treatment, the costs, and how long a treatment lasts.
How do I make an appointment?
Simply call our friendly reception staff on 03 9752 6880, or Book Online.
Where do I park?
Go to our Contact Us page to see a simple map of how to find us and where to park. We are located at 1 Main St, Upwey VIC 3158.
