What is the difference between osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic?
It is understandable that people get confused over these manual therapies as at first glance they might seem to be similar. Essentially, the philosophy is what separates the three professions, and this in turn transfers to the in-room experience. Due to each practitioner’s continual professional development path these lines often become quite blurred post-graduation.
Osteopathy views the entire body as a whole, places special consideration to the inter-relationship between its structural integrity and functional capacity and highly values the body’s self-healing and self-regulation capacity. Importance is placed on all structures within the body, however the circulatory system is considered one of the most vital to overall health and wellness. When the body is balanced, it functions more efficiently with the minimum amount of wear and tear.
Physiotherapy largely follows evidence-based practice. They focus on improving movement and function and often work within a specific field such as musculoskeletal, cardiac, neurology, respiratory, orthopaedic etc. This allows them to work within the public health system such as the hospital setting.
Chiropractic follows the belief that many health problems stem from a misalignment or subluxation of the spine. Their treatment approach aims to restore the integrity of the spine and nervous system and its surrounding tissues to enhance normal body function and health.
Because there are distinct differences between these three manual therapy fields, it is not unusual for cross referrals and for someone to see (for example) a physiotherapist and osteopath concurrently for the same problem.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No, you do not require a GP referral to see an Osteopath, you can make an appointment at any time at your own discretion.
If you have a DVA card or have been diagnosed with a chronic disease you can ask your GP for a referral to claim a Medicare rebate. 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 will happen during my first consultation?
Please arrive 10 minutes early to fill in the initial paperwork (if you have not completed this online) including the consent to treatment form. By law, an osteopath is required to record your medical history and to obtain informed consent before commencing treatment. All information is collected and reordered in the strictest of confidence.
After discussing your presenting complaint and detailing your medical history, your osteopath will conduct a physical assessment to determine a diagnosis and explore the cause(s) of your symptoms. This will involve an observational screen and some active and passive movements to assess for relationships of your whole body to your presenting complaint. Then a more detailed assessment of the region(s) considered to be most significant will be performed.
Any available imaging will also be reviewed and considered when determining a diagnosis and to assist with constructing a management plan.
If it is safe to do so, treatment will be provided, and a management plan discussed - including lifestyle adjustments, how to manage your current symptoms, and exercises and/or stretches to aid your recovery. At the end of your consultation, we will recommend if/when a follow up appointment is necessary.
What do I wear to my consultation?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing - tight jeans and tight active-wear will often hinder a thorough assessment and may prevent your osteopath from providing an appropriate treatment. You may bring a pair of loose shorts to change into if you prefer.
For ladies, crop-tops/sports bras are discouraged as they prevent adequate access to the shoulders, rib cage and thoracic spine. Please refrain from wearing these to your session if you're comfortable to do so, a traditional bra is best!
Depending on the region being assessed and treated you may be asked to remove some layers of clothing. This is always up for discussion so please speak up if you are not comfortable with this.
What do I bring to my consultation?
Please bring any old imaging reports or relevant test results you have. More recent reports done in WA are accessible online and we can search for those.
A list of medications you have been prescribed may also be helpful.
How many sessions will I need for my presenting complaint?
This is highly dependent on the nature of your presenting complaint, as well as your age, lifestyle, fitness, compliance and motivation. Commonly, acute conditions - those that are less than 3 months old - may take 3-6 sessions. More chronic conditions - those greater than 3 months old - generally take more sessions over a longer time frame.
Who can be treated by an osteopath?
People of all ages can be treated at our clinic - including pregnant women, athletes, weekend warriors, sedentary office workers, labourers and more.
Do you treat babies?
No, there are currently no Osteopaths at the clinic who treat babies.
What are your available appointments and costs?
Initial consultation $145 If you have never been to Sana Osteopathy
Re-examination $145 If you have not been to the clinic in over 12 months
Extended consultation $135 If you require more time
Standard consultation $112 For all regular follow-up appointments
Non-arrival and late cancellations may incur a $55 fee.
Can I claim with my private health insurance?
Yes! If you are covered for Osteopathy under your ancillary/extras policy, you may claim on the day of your appointment using our HICAPS facilities. Your rebate is determined by the level of cover you have. For further details please contact your private health insurance provider.
How can I pay?
Payment is required on the day of your appointment. We accept EFTPOS, Credit Cards, Cash, and Direct Debit. We do not accept AMEX or Cheques.
Our HICAPS terminal allows for immediate processing of private health insurance claims. These can only be processed on the day of your appointment. If you don't have your card a receipt will be provided for later claiming.
DVA is bulked billed directly to Medicare.
CDM (Chronic Disease Management Plans) are payable in full at the time of your appointment, and you will be provided a receipt to claim your rebate with Medicare.
Work Cover and other insurance claims are now processed directly through our HICAPS terminal to the Insurance Commission of WA. The gap is payable by any of the above options.