No, you do not need a referral from your GP or specialist to see an osteopath. Our osteopaths are registered Primary Health Care Practitioners and approved Allied Health Providers under the NSW Workcover Scheme, so there is no need for a doctor’s referral to be seen by us.
Note: You will need a GP referral if you are wanting a medicare rebate under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program. The referral from the GP will need to be addressed to one of our Osteopaths at Isher Osteopathy.
Your osteopath will begin by gathering details about your symptoms, general health and medical history. They will then carry out physical examinations including any necessary medical tests, observe your posture and observe simple movements to help assess how your body is functioning.
The osteopathic consultation may include orthopaedic, neurological and other system examinations to help assessment and diagnosis, ensuring your suitability for osteopathic treatment. If necessary, your osteopath may refer for other tests, such as X-rays, scans or blood tests, or to other health care providers.
The treatment is then tailored to meet individual conditions and needs of all patients and may include any of the following:
Treatment Techniques
Soft tissue massage
Manipulation – also known as the typical “crack” or “click”
Mobilisation
Stretching
Release techniques to your muscles, tendons and ligaments
Cranio-sacral therapy
Visceral techniques – treatment for organs
Cupping
Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. Most people find treatment relaxing. However, depending upon the nature of certain injuries, some treatment may require the handling of painful areas. Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment similar to that felt after unaccustomed exercise.
Your initial consultation may last up to 40 minutes because it includes a thorough case history and examination as well as a treatment*. Follow-up treatments are usually a little shorter as a case history and thorough examination is not needed. Depending on the condition and area, treatment times can vary between 20 minutes and 30 minutes.
*Treatment not included in free initial consult & examination promotion.
Your osteopath will ask to see any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have had. You may want to wear loose clothing or bring a pair of shorts should the osteopath need to work on your lower limbs.
If you are new to osteopathy, it is natural to have some questions about your treatment. This page answers some of the most common questions people ask us before their first appointment.
