Any Questions?

+ What are your opening hours?

• Monday from 08:30am - 4:00pm
• Thursday from 08:30am - 1:00pm
• Saturday from 09:30am to 1:30pm

+ What can I expect from my first Osteopathic consultation?

On your first visit you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire listing important aspects of your medical history and your presenting complaint. Your osteopath will ask you a series of questions relating to your presenting complaint, medical history and overall health before performing a diagnostic examination. The osteopath will discuss your diagnosis, the treatment/rehabilitation they can offer and give you time to ask questions. If your osteopath has determined that osteopathic treatment is not suitable for your condition, you will be referred to a GP or another appropriate health professional who may be better suited to helping with your complaint. Your osteopath may also refer you for imaging if it is necessary to further investigate the cause or nature of your symptoms.

+ How many treatments will I need?

Depending on the nature of your injury or complaint, you may require only two visits or you may require twenty! Your osteopath will explain in detail the expected healing timeframe for your injury and the expected number of visits required over that time. With most acute (new) complaints, it is recommended to have a number of visits over a short period of time (eg two visits per week for two weeks) in order to assist with a quick recovery time and return to function. However this will depend upon the nature of the injury and how long it naturally takes to heal. Chronic or long-term complaints generally do not require as many visits in the short-term, however you may require a number of visits over the coming months, again depending on the nature of the complaint. For example, conditions such as osteoarthritis cannot be reversed (unless you have a joint replacement!) and will likely require ongoing ‘maintenance’ treatment and exercise rehabilitation to help you continue functioning well. This may be as frequent as weekly visits or as infrequently as once every few months, depending upon your personal needs. We will in no circumstance recommend unnecessary treatment or continue treating your condition if it is not improving within 3-4 visits.

+ 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.

+ Is Osteopathy covered by private health insurance or Medicare?

At Cultivate Health Centre we have a HICAPS facility where patients with health fund ‘extras’ can have their rebate directly debited from their fund and they are only required to pay the ‘gap’ amount. Medicare rebates for a portion of the cost of treatment are available for patients on the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Program, however you will require a referral from your GP.

+ Is Strength and Conditioning covered by private health insurance or Medicare?

Stand-alone strength and conditioning services are not covered by private health insurance or Medicare, however they may be covered when included as part of a client’s osteopathic treatment for rehabilitation of a diagnosed injury.

+ Do you accept Worker's Compensation, Work Cover, Compulsory Third Party (CTP) or Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) clients?

The short answer is yes! Osteopath Catherine is in the process of registering as a NSW Worker's Compensation/ CTP provider.You must provide a claim number and your case manager’s details if you are seeking treatment under Workers Compensation or CTP. DVA clients require a referral from their GP in order to receive treatment.

+ What do I need to bring?

If you have them, please bring along any X-rays, scans or test results. Depending on the area of your body requiring examination, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear, so you may want to bring a pair of gym shorts to change into so that you feel more comfortable. You may bring a chaperone if you wish. Plan to attend with your child if your child is the patient.

+ Is osteopathic treatment painful?

Osteopathy combines hands on manual therapy with exercise programming, dry needling and other interventions like exercise prescription and movement advice when clinically indicated. Hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. If your injuries require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible. Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

+ Will strength and conditioning be beneficial for me?

If you are an athlete at any level (even just a weekend warrior!) then the answer is yes!

Alternatively, if you are not an athlete but you are looking to improve your general fitness and strength to address an injury or rehabilitate your body after surgery, strength and conditioning concepts can also be applied to your rehabilitation at a suitable level for your current ability. Strength training can also be very beneficial for elderly people who have osteoporosis or are at risk of falls, as it can improve balance and maintain or even improve bone density.

+ How many sessions will I require?

This will depend upon many things, including your level of commitment to your sport and training, your age and the level of supervision you require. Some clients are able to train on their own after only one or two supervised sessions whereas others prefer to have a coach present to provide feedback. You may also want to continue updating your program to provide your body with new stimuli and challenges to advance your progress in your chosen sport/s.