An osteopath (‘osteo’) is a registered allied health provider who provides hands-on therapy and exercises that improve mobility, relieve muscle tension and help your body’s own healing mechanisms. Osteos assess musculoskeletal conditions with a holistic or ‘whole body’ approach. For example, if you have a sore knee, the osteo may look at the condition of your hips, pelvis and back.
Providers
Osteopaths
FAQs
You don’t need a referral to see an osteo, but a GP can help you with a recommendation.
You can use Osteopathy Australia’s Find an osteo tool.
Bupa is not associated with or sponsored by Osteopathy Australia.
Your osteo can help you with reducing pain and improvement movement in your muscles and joints, using hands-on techniques such as manipulations, stretching and massage. Osteos predominantly treat spinal problems such as lower back and neck pain, but they can also manage a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions.
It is important to find one that’s the best for you. You can find this information on their website or by giving the clinic a call to discuss your condition and requirements.
Some musculoskeletal conditions that osteos treat include:
- back pain
- headaches
- sports injuries
- ligament sprains and muscle strains
- arthritis.
Your osteo will take a history of your condition and assess your posture, mobility, spine and pelvic balance to determine a treatment plan. After your treatment, you may be given exercises to help with your recovery and manage your pain at home.
Osteos may use a range of hands-on techniques including:
- spinal manipulation
- soft tissue massage
- joint mobilisation
- stretching
- visceral manipulation (gentle movement of abdominal and pelvic areas)
- muscle energy technique (MET).
You may be covered for osteo treatment if you have eligible extras cover that includes osteopathy. The gap (what you pay out-of-pocket) will depend on your cover and your osteo’s fees.
If you’re a Bupa health insurance member, you can check your cover online.
Generally, osteopathy is not covered under Medicare. But, you could be eligible for a Medicare rebate with a relevant GP referral. If you have a chronic condition, your GP may refer you under a plan, such as a GP Management Plan (GPMP) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA). Speak to your GP to see if you are eligible.
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