Osteopathy is an allied health profession that uses hands-on treatment to help correct restrictions in the tissues of the body.
Accidents, poor posture, repetitive strain, birth trauma, and pregnancy are common causes of tension in the muscles, restriction of joint movement, poor circulation, and more. These restrictions may show themselves through symptoms such as:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Arm or leg pain
- Sciatica
- Joint pain
Alternatively, restrictions may not cause pain but can appear as limitations in the range of motion, such as not being able to raise the arm overhead.
What We Treat
At Northside Therapies, our osteopaths specialize in the following areas:
- Pelvic Health
- Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
- Children & Babies
- Back & Neck Pain
- Headache & Migraines
- Sciatica & Disc Problems
- Arthritis & Ageing
- Extremity Pain
Osteopaths use hands-on techniques to treat the person, not just the symptom. If pain is holding you back, it’s time to act.
How Do Osteopaths Treat?
Osteopaths use a wide range of hands-on techniques to address restrictions in the tissues of the body. These techniques can include:
- Massage-style muscle release
- Articulating joints to improve range of motion
- Gentle hand placement on the body, which some patients may barely feel
Each technique is selected based on the patient’s symptoms, tissue restrictions, age, health, and personal preferences. By offering a large variety of techniques, we provide treatments suitable for everyone—from babies to the elderly.
Our osteopaths will develop an individualized treatment plan in consultation with you. They’ll explain the purpose of each technique and discuss the long-term management of your condition.
Additionally, osteopaths may provide advice on posture, exercises, diet, or refer you to other health practitioners if further management or investigations are required.
What Do Osteopaths Treat?
At Northside Therapies, we treat the person, not just the symptoms. Osteopaths have extensive knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the human body. This, combined with trained palpation skills, allows us to assess the body holistically and identify areas where restrictions may contribute to symptoms.
Osteopaths can assess and treat areas from head to toe. Common conditions we treat include:
- Pelvic health concerns (e.g., incontinence, prolapse)
- Pregnancy & postpartum-related issues
- Back & neck pain
- Headaches & migraines
- Sciatica & disc problems
- Extremity pain (e.g., shoulders, arms, knees, feet)
- Sporting injuries
Referral to an Osteopath
You do not need a referral to see an osteopath. However, certain treatments under Veteran Affairs, WorkCover, Medicare, or motor vehicle accident claims may require specific referrals or approvals. Here’s what you need to know:
Veteran Affairs Patients
Our osteopaths are registered with the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). If you have a referral from your GP, we can treat you, and payments will be billed directly to DVA.
WorkCover
We treat WorkCover patients with a GP referral and approval from WorkCover to recognize the claim. You will need to pay for treatments upfront and submit your claim to WorkCover for reimbursement. Please note that in most cases, there is a gap amount between our fees and WorkCover’s coverage, which is the patient’s responsibility.
Medicare
Doctors can refer patients to osteopaths under the Allied Health Referral Plan (AHR Plan), previously known as the Enhanced Primary Care Plan. This plan is for patients with chronic conditions, allowing up to 5 treatments eligible for a Medicare rebate. You will need a referral from your GP on the AHR Plan. For more details on eligibility, contact Medicare or your GP.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
We treat patients involved in motor vehicle accidents, with claims through third-party insurance. Prior approval for treatment is usually required.