New Patients

What to Expect

Documentation
For a first visit, we will ask you to complete paperwork about your history and the reason you are coming to see us. Under the law, an osteopath must obtain your approval to treat you, so you will be asked to sign an ‘informed consent’ form.

Assessment
Throughout your first examination our osteopath will ask questions about your issue and symptoms. You will also be asked questions about your medical history, any medicines you are taking or other factors that could not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical status changes throughout the course of your osteopathic therapy, you should inform us right away.

Our Chapel Hill osteopath could also inquire about any recent X-rays, scans or test results that you could have.
Your initial assessment is usually 30 minutes but may be one hour if you have a complicated history. Follow-up treatments are typically 25-30 minutes.

Examination
It is essential that you feel comfortable, so you might want to wear loose trousers or bring a pair of shorts to change into.
Our Chapel Hill osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if essential, medical tests. This may include diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and tasks or exercises, which will assist in identifying exactly how to manage your condition.
The examination may include passive and active motions, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs. As part of the examination, you could be asked to flex or stand.
As osteopathy takes a holistic approach to therapy, our Chapel Hill professional might take a look at other parts of your body, along with the area that is troubling you. For instance, if you have an aching knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, hips and back.
You may also be supplied education and guidance to assist you manage your condition between therapies. This might consist of offering you exercises to do in your home or work.

Therapy
Osteopathy is a kind of manual treatment, so hands-on treatment might consist of extension, repetitive motions, mobilisation and manipulation. Osteopathic treatment generally should not trigger undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on therapy of uncomfortable and tender areas, we will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.
Some individuals experience light tenderness for a day or three after treatment, just like that felt after light exercise. If this tenderness continues or increases substantially, call our Chapel Hill Osteopathic center on (07) 3878 4819 to discuss your concerns.
Generally you should expect some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; nevertheless, some long-lasting or persistent conditions may need a longer course or even more regular therapy. If you have any concerns, your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.

Prices

Initial Osteopathic Consultation and Treatment (30 mins) $105
Standard follow up Osteopathic Treatment (30 mins) $105

If you have a complicated medical history or a long list of problems long consultations are available. If you are unsure which appointment length is best for you please discuss it with us when you call. Pricing for long consultations is as follows:

Initial Osteopathic Consultation and Treatment (60 mins) $210
Long follow up Osteopathic Treatment (60 mins) $210
Long follow up Osteopathic Treatment (45 mins) $160

HICAPS and EFTPOS facilities are available for automatic claiming through your private health fund. Fees for private, NDIS and Workcover patients are due at the time of service. EPC patient accounts will be sent directly to the appropriate body, however, any gap must be paid on the day of service.

FAQs

Do I need a referral from my GP?

Many patients are referred to osteopaths by their doctors, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as osteopaths are primary care practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.

What do I need to bring?

Bring along any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have.

What should I wear?

It’s important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts to change into.

What happens during my first consultation?

We will ask questions about your problem and symptoms and your medical history, any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes during the course of your osteopathic treatment, you should let us know. Next, we will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, which will help determine how best to manage your condition. The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs. As part of the examination, you may also be asked to bend over or stand in various positions. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate clothing. As osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, we may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back. We may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

Is osteopathic treatment painful?

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, we will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible. Some people experience mild soreness for up to three days after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, call us to discuss your concerns.

How long will my treatment take?

Most initial consultations are for 30 minutes but may last up to one hour. We will discuss this with you when making your appointment. Follow-up treatments are usually 25 – 30 minutes.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you need depends on the condition and person we are treating. Your age, lifestyle choices and activity levels all play a role in your recovery. We aim to keep your appointments to a minimum. Your osteopath will be able to tell you within a short period of time whether they can treat you or if they need to refer you to someone else. Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment. If you have any concerns, we will be happy to discuss these with you.

Can I claim the cost of the treatment on my health care fund?

Health funds will reimburse all or part of the cost of your treatment if it is part of your specific cover. Check with your health fund to confirm your level of cover. We offer HICAPS in our clinics for immediate payment of your claim meaning you only have to pay the balance on the day of treatment.

Are there additional investigations or treatments?

Following treatment, we may decide that additional investigations such as X-ray, scans or blood tests are required. This will enable us to make a more exact diagnosis and develop a suitable treatment plan for you. If necessary, we may refer you on to another health professional.

New Patient Forms

After making an appointment please download the form below to complete and then scan it. Please send your completed form to us using the 'Submit Your New Patient Form Here' section below. Submitting the New Patient form prior to the first appointment gives us time to review it before you arrive. If you aren’t able to submit your form using the process below, then please bring it with you to your first appointment.

Download New Patient Form