Frequently
Asked Questions

In Australia, an osteopath is recognised as a registered allied health professional that has undergone university accredited training in human structure and function, and osteopathic studies.

Osteopaths are highly skilled at diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal conditions of the whole body. Osteopaths use a wide variety of manual therapy techniques to treat any condition. These techniques may include soft-tissue massage, myofascial release, stretching that includes isometric and isotonic contraction, joint adjustment techniques including joint manipulation and articulation. We also may use other methodolgy not specific to osteopathy such as dry needling and strapping. Exercise prescription and ergonomic advice may also be discussed depending on the condition.

Common conditions to see an osteopath for:

- Lower back pain

- Neck and shoulder pain

- Disc injuries or bulges (including sciatica and nerve compression)

- Mid back pain

- Rib complaints

- Hip and knee pain

- Tendonitis, bursitis and muscular strains

- Foot and Ankle injuries

- Plantar fasciitis

- Sports injuries

- Pregnancy related complaints

- Dizziness and vestibular conditions

- Headaches

- Osteoarthitic related pain

As evidence based medicine changes with time, it can get harder to differentiate differences between osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists. Especially as each individual in their field may treat differently from others in their same field.

All three professions must have university training, be registered with the Allied Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency, and have professional insurance. All professions are skilled in diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Osteopathic principles dictate the way they treat. Osteopaths believe that structure and function are inter-related, that the body acts as a unit, and that the body has self-regulating and self-healing properties. Thus Osteopaths treat more wholistically than just the one area of pain, or dysfunction. Osteopaths generally treatments are typically longer than that of chiropractors and physiotherapist, and include more hands on manual therapy.

Chiropractors typically are more spinal centred in the approach to treatment. Chiropractors may be more dependent on joint manipulation than the other professions, and use tools such as an 'activator' that is specific to chiropractic.

Physiotherapists are generally more dependent on rehabilitive exercise prescription that the other professions mentioned, although they still may incorporate manual therapy at a smaller scale. Physiotherapy is typically more confined in the realm of evidence based practice than the other professions as well.

As stated earlier, it can be hard to generalise differences between these professions as there is overlap. All professions have in depth training in the bodies structure and function, as well as proficient ability to recognise serious pathology, and when to refer to specialists. There is no right or wrong answer on who you should see for biomechanical pain, and at the end of the day it comes down to individual preference.

Below is a reductive, but informative table simplifying similarites and differences. (source: sportsmedicineclinic)

Our clinic is located in the heart on the Nelson Bay CBD. Our address is 1/24 Donald Street, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315.

Our clinic is located in the building between Centuary 21 and BCS.

The clinic is located at the top of a flight of stairs. Unfortunatly we are unable to service those who are unable to climb stairs as thereis no lift available to the building. If this impacts your ability to attend the clinic please call us to discuss your options.

Initial Consultations (40min) - $110

Subsequent Consultation (40min) - $100

Concession card holders receive a $10 discount on all treatments. Please have your card handy at treatments

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Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) clients accepted

Care plan / Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDPM formerly EPC) accepted

Workers Compensation accepted

No, you do not need a referral from a GP. We have a quick online booking system here

Some chronic health conditions may be covered under the Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) with Medicare. Specific criteria apply, please speak to your GP to learn more. Under these initiatives, a ‘gap’ payment is applicable for all consultations following rebate.

Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) must have a GP referral to be eligible for osteopathic treatment.

Currently Dane is registered to take work cover / SIRA consultations.

Please organize with your GP and insurance provider before your appointment.

A care plan (otherwise know as a Chronic Disease Management Plan), is a Medicare subsidised scheme, used to help people treat chronic (ongoing) conditions.

Your doctor may give you a care plan for up to 5 sessions a year, with an allied health professional such as an osteopath.

Currently, Medicare re-imburses $60.30 of your treatment, and the gap is up to the patient to pay. This gap may vary depending on if it is an initial or return appointment, or if the patient has a concession card. At Resolve the maximum gap payment will be around $50, and minimum will be around $40.

If you are attending Resolve Osteopathy Clinic with a care plan, please let your osteopath know. Also please bring your medicare card, and a debit card to re-imburse the payment.

Eligible concessions include, pension card holders, disability concession card holders, and student card holders.

Please bring your card to your appointment, and mention prior to payment.

Yes. Rebates are dependent on your level of cover, please contact your private health company for advice on rebate amounts. We also have instant claiming available through medicare online to those with a chronic disease management plan from their GP.

Initial consultation code: 1804

Subsequent consultation code: 1803

If you need to cancel your appointment, we ask that you do so 24 hours prior to your appointment to allow the opportunity for this time to be offered to another client. Cancellations can be made via your appointment confirmation email, or by contacting the clinic. Please leave a message if the phone is unattended.