No, a referral is not necessary to see an Osteopath.
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) - referrals are obtained from your GP. Please email the referral paperwork to admin@gippyosteo.com.au or bring it with you to your appointment, along with your Medicare card. The full consultation fee is payable at the time of the appointment, and the Medicare rebate will be processed within 24-48 hours.
Work Cover and Transport Accident Commission (TAC) patients - We accept Work Cover and TAC patients. However, the consultation fee is payable at the time of the appointment. A receipt will be provided for you to lodge a claim with Work Cover or TAC.
Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) - We do not currently accept DVA patients at this clinic. However, Kenneth can see DVA patients at Warragul Osteopathic Clinic. To book an appointment, please call reception at 03 5622 0237.
On your initial appointment, your Osteopath will take a detailed medical history and ask about your presenting complaint including any medications that you are taking, previous and/or current medical conditions or injuries in addition to lifestyle factors such as work, hobbies, physical activity and diet. Following history taking, your osteopath will conduct a thorough physical examination to find the root cause of your pain and discuss a tailored treatment plan for your needs.
Once a working diagnosis is discussed, your Osteopath may ask you to disrobe and lie on the treatment table for hands-on manual therapy including soft tissue massage, gentle articulation, dry needling, cupping and spinal manipulation if indicated. To ensure you are comfortable at all times, you will be draped with a towel during treatment.
Your Osteopath will talk you through each stage of the treatment and will only utilise therapies that you are comfortable with.
Towards the end of the session, your Osteopath will discuss with you what to expect from treatment, what activities to avoid and may prescribe specific stretches and exercises to help compliment the treatment.
Allow between 50-60 minutes for your initial and 30 minutes for the follow up appointments.
Wear what you will be comfortable in. Ideally, loose clothing or active wear. You may also bring shorts to change into.
Some patients may experience feeling lighter, a decrease in pain and an improvement with range of motion. For others, the relief is more gradual as the body adapts to the changes from treatment. The adjustment period may come in the form of soreness and mild discomfort which usually lasts between 24-48 hours. After treatment, we recommend to take it easy, use a heat/cold pack, keep hydrated and to introduce movements such as a light walk.
Yes, most health funds cover Osteopathic treatment under “Extras”. We recommend contacting your individual fund to check what is covered.
Please note that we have a strict 24 hr cancellation policy. We have held your appointment for you and a $60 cancellation fee will be charged if your appointment is cancelled within 24 hours of your appointment, (unless prior arrangements with us are made) this also applies to no-shows.
If you, or someone you have been in contact with is sick in any way, then we can not treat you and there is no charge. Special considerations will taken into account at the discretion of your practitioner.
