Complete Health Clinic FAQ

No there is no need for a referral. All you need to do is call and make an appointment.

Most Private Health Plans with “extras” cover a portion of the treatment cost. Our clinic also has the HICAPS facility which allows you to claim this portion on-the-spot by scanning your Private Health Insurance card.

Osteopathic treatment is not covered by Medicare unless you are under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan organised by your General Practitioner.

The Chronic Disease Allied Health Services (formerly EPC) plan is a Medicare scheme which allows eligible patients with chronic conditions up to five allied health services per year. At time of your Osteopathic treatment, you will pay the fee in full. Out of this you will then be able to claim a rebate of approximately $50 back from Medicare. A gap fee is therefore paid for as an out of pocket expense by patient. If you feel that you may be eligible to claim Osteopathic treatment under a Chronic Disease Allied Health plan, please speak to your General Practitioner.

Who is eligible?

Patients who may be eligible for the Chronic Disease Allied Health Services program are those who are suffering from a chronic (long standing) condition. This may include conditions/symptoms such as arthritis, repetitive strain injuries (eg tennis elbow), neck related headaches, chronic low back pain, muscular pain etc. It is up to your GP’s discretion as to whether you are eligible to participate in the program.

What you need to do:

A Chronic Disease Allied Health Services program must be prepared by your GP(your doctor) before consulting with your osteopath. If you are experiencing musculoskeletal or related symptoms ask your GP if you are eligible to go on the Chronic Disease Allied Health Services program. If so, your GP will write you out a referral form including a brief overview of your case. Then all you have to do is give this form to your osteopath.

Only if you are comfortable with this. We provide gowns and our practitioners will leave the room whilst you are getting undressed.

Yes, Osteopaths are able to treat patients supported by third-party insurers such as Workcover, the TAC or Dept of Veterans Affairs,

Please bring any x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or any other test results that you feel are applicable to your first consultation.

Your Osteopath is also able to refer you for x-rays or further testing should they be required.

Upon arrival you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire which details your past medical history and presenting complaint. Your Osteopath will then take a detailed history of your condition as well as any other relevant medical history such as previous trauma, accidents or medications.

A thorough physical examination will follow which includes analysing specific movements and hands on assessment of the problem region. An Osteopath looks at the body as a unit, which means that the examination of your body may include an assessment of adjoining regions in order to assess the overall effect of your complaint.

Once a definitive diagnosis has been made the practitioner will use a variety of hands on techniques which may include soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, stretching and gentle connective tissue balances aimed at restoring health to the effected area.

Your treatment may also include advice on postural, exercise or dietary changes you can make to aid in your recovery.

Your initial consultation will last anywhere from half an hour to an hour and any subsequent consultations, should they be required, are 20-30mins.

How long is a piece of string??. In general, the longer the problem has been there, the longer the recovery, but factors such as posture, compliance with exercises and the frequency of treatment can directly affect your recovery. Your Osteopath will give you a clear idea as to your prognosis and any changes to it as your treatment progresses. Generally, our aim is to get you out of acute pain (on average 1-3 sessions), and then manage your rehabilitation/wellness depending on your recovery.

This is one of the most common questions we are asked. There are some similarities between the three modalities in both conditions treated and in some of the techniques used. The main differences are found in the philosophies behind each modality and how the principles of treatment are applied.

It is not for us to explain the theories behind Physiotherapy, but the main principles of Osteopathy and chiropractic are that the body is a unit and that the structure and function of the body are interrelated. This means that dysfunction, or damage, to one area of the body can have drastic effects on other regions of the body. We aim not only to treat the symptoms of the problem, but the cause behind them. In doing so, all of our techniques are hands-on and are specific to your condition and your medical history. The differences between chiro and osteo generally relate to the techniques used, and consultation times.

Pilates is a system of physical exercise as developed and perfected by Joseph H. Pilates, which emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility, and awareness in order to support efficient movement.

A regular Pilates practice reshapes your body by lengthening your body and strengthening your core muscles. You will stand with better posture, improve your circulation, realign your body, tone your muscles without bulking up and increase your strength and flexibility. Pilates is the ultimate mind/body exercise. It involves the disciplined use of custom apparatus, and hundreds of tailored exercises. Pilates is a mindful approach that demands centering, concentration, precise movement, and breath and control.

Indeed, one of the best things about the Pilates method is that it works so well for a wide range of people. Sports people really enjoy it, as do seniors, women pre / post pregnancy, and people who are at various stages of fitness levels. It also helps rehabilitate, which is very helpful for those niggly back/neck/shoulder problems.

At the Complete health clinic, all exercises are developed with modifications that can make a workout safe and challenging for a person at any level. This is best done at first on a one on one basis. Sessions range from 45-60mins. Wear comfortable clothing!