Frequently Asked Questions

Who We Help

Who benefits from osteopathic treatment?

At our Perth osteopathic clinic, we primarily care for adults aged 20 to 80 who are seeking relief from a wide range of concerns. Many of our patients come to us with neck and shoulder pain, headaches, back or pelvic pain, whiplash, to name a few. We also support people managing chronic and complex conditions such as gastrointestinal complaints, fibromyalgia, arthritis and other long-term issues. Whether you’re experiencing pain from daily activities, stress-related tension, or ongoing health challenges, our osteopathic approach offers gentle, effective treatment tailored to your needs.

Do you treat babies and children?

Our clinic is dedicated to supporting adults with a wide range of concerns. For osteopathic care of infants and children, we can help guide you to trusted Perth practitioners.

Fees & Payment Information

Consultation Fees

Initial Consultation – $145
First-time patients

Re-examination – $145
If you haven’t been to the clinic in over 12 months

Extended Consultation – $135
For complex cases or new presenting complaint

Standard Consultation – $112
All follow-up appointments

ℹ️ Non-arrival or late cancellations may incur a $55 fee.

Private Health Insurance

If your private health care policy includes Osteopathy under your extras/ancillary cover, you can claim a rebate at the time of your appointment using our HICAPS terminal. The rebate amount depends on your level of cover, so please check with your health fund for details.

Payment Options

Payment is required on the day of your appointment. We accept:

EFTPOS & Credit Card
Cash
Direct Debit

❌ We do not accept AMEX or cheques.

Our HICAPS terminal also processes private health claims immediately on the day. If you don’t have your card with you, we’ll provide a receipt so you can claim later.

Referrals

Only DVA card holders or people that are on a Chronic Disease Management Plan and are seeking osteopathic care through a Team Care Arrangement, require a GP for a referral. All paperwork needs to be received and signed prior to attending your appointment.

Similarly, if you are claiming work cover or have an insurance claim from a traffic accident, you will require a referral and claim number before we can bill ICWA directly.

What to Expect at Your First Osteopathy Consultation

When You Arrive

Please arrive 10 minutes early if you haven’t already completed your initial forms online. These include your medical history and a consent-to-treatment form, which osteopaths are legally required to complete before beginning care. All information is recorded and stored with the strictest confidentiality.

Your Consultation

Your osteopath will begin by discussing your presenting concern and reviewing your medical history. A physical assessment will then be carried out to understand the possible causes of your symptoms. This usually includes an overall postural screen, some gentle movements (active and passive), and a more detailed assessment of the specific areas most relevant to your concern.

If you have any imaging or test results available, these will also be reviewed and considered as part of your diagnosis and management plan.

If it is safe and appropriate, treatment will be provided during your first session. Your osteopath will also discuss a tailored management plan, which may include lifestyle advice, exercises, and strategies to support your recovery. At the end of your consultation, we’ll let you know whether a follow-up appointment is recommended.

What to Wear

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, as tight jeans or restrictive activewear can make assessment and treatment more difficult. Bringing a pair of loose shorts to change into is also a good option.

For women, crop tops or sports bras are best avoided as they can limit access to the shoulders, rib cage, and upper back. A traditional bra is generally more suitable for assessment and treatment.

Depending on the area being assessed, you may be asked to remove some layers of clothing. This will always be discussed with you first, and your comfort and consent are our top priority.

What to Bring

Any imaging reports or relevant test results.
A list of current medications may also be helpful.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, general health, and personal goals.

Acute conditions (less than 3 months old) may resolve in around 3–6 sessions.
Chronic conditions (longer than 3 months) often require more sessions over a longer period.

Your osteopath will discuss this with you at your first consultation and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic - How do they differ?

What is the key difference in approach?

It’s understandable that people can feel confused about osteopathy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic — at first glance, they may seem quite similar. The main difference lies in each profession’s underlying philosophy, which shapes the in-room experience. That said, ongoing professional development and individual styles of practice mean the lines often overlap.

Osteopathy → Whole-body perspective, integrating multiple systems (musculoskeletal, circulatory, nervous).

Physiotherapy → Evidence-based rehabilitation and movement science, often with a strong exercise focus.

Chiropractic → Spine and nervous system focused, primarily through spinal adjustments.

Because there are unique strengths in each approach, it’s common for practitioners to cross-refer, and for patients to see (for example) both a physiotherapist and an osteopath for the same concern.

More about osteopathy