What is osteopathy?
A plain-language guide to what osteopaths do, how they train, and what to expect.
In short
Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare that assesses and treats problems with muscles, joints, tendons and nerves. Osteopaths look at how the body works as a whole, not just the area that hurts.
Treatment combines hands-on techniques with exercise and advice. The aim is to ease pain, help you move better, and give you what you need to manage the problem yourself.
Training and registration
University trained
Osteopaths in Australia complete at least five years of university study, usually a bachelor's degree followed by a master's.
AHPRA registered
All osteopaths must be registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia through AHPRA to practise.
Ongoing training
Registered osteopaths complete continuing professional development every year to keep their registration.
First-contact practitioners
You don't need a referral. Osteopaths are trained to screen for problems that need a doctor and refer on when needed.
About the "Dr" title
Osteopaths may use "Dr" as a courtesy title. They are not medical practitioners and don't prescribe medication.
What osteopaths commonly treat
What a session involves
History
What's going on, your health background, and what you want to get back to.
Assessment
Movement, the painful area, and screening for anything that needs a doctor.
Treatment
Soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, and sometimes manipulation or dry needling, chosen to suit you and only with your agreement.
Exercise and advice
What to keep doing, what to hold off on, and exercises to do at home. If exercises will help, we take you through them in the session and you film them on your phone, so you know exactly how they go at home or in the gym.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between an osteopath and a physio?
Both are university-trained, AHPRA-registered first-contact practitioners. Osteopathy tends to place more emphasis on hands-on treatment and how the whole body moves; physiotherapy covers a wider range of settings, including hospitals. Many patients could see either.
Do osteopaths crack backs?
Some osteopaths use manipulation, which can make a clicking sound, but it is only one technique and not always needed. You can ask for it not to be used.
Is osteopathy covered by health funds?
Most private health funds cover osteopathy under extras. Medicare may cover part of the cost with a GP Chronic Disease Management plan.
Are osteopaths doctors?
No. Osteopaths may use "Dr" as a courtesy title, but they are not medical practitioners and do not prescribe medication.
Want to see how it works?
Book an osteopathy appointment in Kensington. No referral needed.