Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopathy is a manual medicine that uses a hands-on approach to the treatment of structural and functional injuries of the human body.

Osteopathic health care focuses on treatment of the physical body, the joints, muscles, internal organs, nerves, circulation and connective tissue with ‘hands on’ techniques, such as stretching and massage for general treatment of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) along with the manipulation of joint and tissue restrictions.

An Osteopath is a primary healthcare practitioner that specialises in the delivery of manual medicine, which is a hands-on approach to the treatment of medical conditions. Osteopaths are registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia and AHPRA.

To qualify as an Osteopath, a person has to undergo a 4-5 year University qualification, that includes extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neuroscience, pharmacology and clinical diagnostics.

Furthermore, Osteopaths must complete years of practical clinical training with patients to qualify as a practitioner.

The patients that Osteopaths treat come from all walks of life. Some of the common conditions that Osteopaths treat are back pain, neck pain, headaches, repetitive strain injuries, pregnancy related pain, sporting injuries, sprains and strains.

Our pricing depends on your appointment and consultation type. Please see our pricing page for detailed information about pricing options.

During the first visit to an Osteopath, a complete medical history is taken as well as questions involving diet, lifestyle and any details of past accidents or trauma.

The patient may be asked to perform some simple movements and remove some outer clothing (a gown will be supplied). This is so the Osteopath can observe patients movement and mobility.

As primary health care practitioners, Osteopaths are trained to diagnose medical conditions, although most people consult an Osteopath for musculoskeletal injuries or dysfunctions.

If the diagnosis requires further investigation the patient may be referred for imaging (Xray, MRI, Ultrasound etc) or to another specialist area. Osteopaths treat in conjunction with a GP, dentist, podiatrists or other health care professionals.

A treatment at the Queensland Osteopathic Clinic will generally take between 20-30 minutes in most cases. All treatment programs are highly individualized and depend on the patient’s current condition, history and ability to adapt to change. Most simple problems often require only 3-4 treatments.

At the Queensland Osteopathic Clinic, we provide all of our patients with a fabric gown to wear. This allows for you to change into the gown with discretion and feel comfortable during the examination and treatment.

No. It is not necessary to have a Doctors referral to consult an Osteopath as they are Primary Health Care Providers. However, it is essential for patients with chronic conditions, Department of Veteran Affairs or patients on WorkCover to provide a referral under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan.

All Osteopaths at the Queensland Osteopathic Clinic are registered practitioners with the Osteopathic Board of Australia and AHPRA.

Osteopathy is recognised with most Private Health Insurers and rebates are available under the extras cover. There are different levels of protection depending on how much premium you want to pay and what services you might want. Please note that your osteopath most commonly will charge a gap fee (i.e. the difference between the rebate the health insurer offers you and the total amount of the service).

If you are not happy with the level of the rebate, then speak to your health insurer, as the osteopath has no control over the rebate the insurer gives you. If you are unsure whether you are covered for osteopathy, simply check with your health care provider directly.

Osteopathic services may be covered under Medicare when patients are referred by their GP under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan. For information concerning this Medicare plan please visit this page.

Osteopaths are registered providers for workers’ compensation schemes, motor accident insurers and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Please ask our friendly reception staff about referral requirements for these services.

All Osteopaths at the Queensland Osteopathic Clinic are registered practitioners with the Osteopathic Board of Australia and AHPRA. Osteopathy is covered by most private health funds, and may be covered under Medicare when referred by their GP under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan.

For information concerning this Medicare plan please visit this page.

Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners that are registered with the Osteopathic Board of Australia and AHPRA and as such are registered the treat Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) patients. A referral from a Doctor is required, please visit this page.

STANDARD CONSULTATION PRICING

Initial Consultation: $120

Standard Consultation: $110

CONCESSION PRICING

Initial Consultation: $115

Standard Consultation: $105

Yes, osteopaths are qualified to provide treatment and management for a range of musculoskeletal complaints associated with pregnancy and postpartum. It is recommended that regular treatment during pregnancy may assist with the associated changes that occur and reduce the potential for injury and musculoskeletal birth complications. It is also recommended that women attend a follow up consultation before 6 weeks postpartum to manage any birth trauma, postpartum pain and management.

Some common conditions that we treat are;

• Pelvic Pain
• Lower Back Pain
• Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Pain
• Headaches
• Neck and Shoulder Pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Mid Back and Rib Pain
• Optimal Foetal Positioning

For further information, please check out our Blog on Osteopathy and Pregnancy.

You can take your baby to an osteopath from birth.

Birth is physically demanding for both mum and bub, and an osteopathic visit during the first 6 weeks is a great way to identify any musculoskeletal strains or restriction before they become an issue.

Some indications for newborns:

• Prolonged or very fast labour
• Instrumental delivery – forceps or vacuum
• Excessive moulding of the bubs head

At the Queensland Osteopathic Clinic, Dr Bronwyn Baillie provides gentle Osteopathic treatment and breastfeeding and/or latching issue management. If you would like to read her team biography and book and appointment with Dr Bronwyn.

It is also recommended that mum’s schedule an appointment for themselves before 6 weeks postpartum to treat any postpartum pain and implement management plans or referrals for co-management of any conditions (for example, pelvic pain, lower back pain, breastfeeding/latching issues.)