Frequently asked questions
mount + valley osteo
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Osteopathy is a hands-on healthcare approach that assesses, diagnoses and treats problems with the musculoskeletal system and related body systems. Osteopaths view the body as an integrated whole: structural alignment, joint mobility, muscle function, nervous system and circulation all interact to influence health. Treatment aims to reduce pain, restore movement and support the body’s natural ability to heal and adapt.
What to expect in a consultation:
Initial appointment typically includes a detailed history and physical assessment.
Treatment may combine several techniques, adjusted to comfort and clinical needs.
Some soreness or mild discomfort after treatment is possible but usually short-lived. Expected improvements and a follow-up plan are discussed.
Assessment:
Detailed case history covering symptoms, onset, aggravating/relieving factors, medical history and lifestyle.
Physical examination including observation of posture and movement, joint range of motion, muscle strength and length, palpation for tenderness, tissue texture and joint mobility.
Functional tests and neurological screening where indicated to rule out red flags and guide treatment planning.
A tailored treatment plan with goals, expected timeline and home advice.
Common treatment techniques:
Soft tissue techniques: Myofascial release, deep tissue massage and trigger-point work to reduce muscle tension, break down adhesions and improve tissue mobility.
Joint mobilisation: Gentle, graded oscillatory movements through a joint’s normal range to reduce stiffness and pain. Mobilisations are typically non-thrust and are suited for acute or sensitive joints.
High-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation: A quick, controlled thrust applied to a joint to restore normal motion and reduce pain. Used selectively when appropriate and after thorough assessment.
Muscle energy techniques (MET): Active patient participation where the patient gently contracts a muscle against the practitioner’s resistance to lengthen tight muscles and improve joint range.
Strain-counterstrain (positional release): Placing tissues in a position of comfort to reduce abnormal reflex muscle guarding and pain.
Active rehabilitation and exercise prescription: Strengthening, stretching and motor control retraining to address underlying biomechanical contributors, improve function and reduce recurrence.
Education and self-management: Advice on posture, ergonomics, activity modification, pacing, and home exercises to support recovery and prevent relapse.
Safety and collaboration:
Osteopaths work within their scope of practice and refer to or collaborate with GPs, specialists and other health professionals when conditions require additional investigation or different interventions. A thorough assessment screens for red flags (e.g. progressive neurological deficits, infection, malignancy, fracture) that warrant urgent medical attention or imaging.
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Yes - provided that your private health insurance policy covers Osteopathy, we may be able to claim your private health insurance on the spot and you will only need to pay the gap. Please bring your private health insurance card with you to every appointment.
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Yes — osteopathy is generally suitable and beneficial during pregnancy. Osteopaths use gentle, non-invasive manual techniques to help manage the musculoskeletal changes and symptoms that commonly occur as your body adapts to pregnancy.
Some common reasons why pregnant people seek osteopathic treatment:
Back and pelvic pain: As the centre of gravity shifts and hormone-driven ligament laxity increases, many pregnant people experience lower back, sacroiliac and pelvic girdle pain.
Rib, thoracic and neck discomfort: Progressive growth of the baby and altered posture can cause rib cage and upper back strain.
Sciatica and leg pain: Changes in pelvic alignment or pressure on nerves can cause radiating pain down the legs.
Postural strain and headaches: Increased postural load and tension in neck/shoulders may contribute to headaches and discomfort.
Preparation for birth and recovery: Osteopathic work can help promote pelvic balance and mobility both antenatally and postpartum.
How osteopaths work during pregnancy:
Assessment: A thorough history and physical assessment that considers your pregnancy stage, symptoms, obstetric history and any contraindications.
Gentle manual techniques: Techniques are modified for safety and comfort — these may include soft-tissue massage, myofascial release, gentle joint mobilisation, and muscle energy techniques. High-velocity thrust techniques are only used after thorough assessment and are avoided through the lumbar spine. Manual treatment techniques are chosen with careful consideration and are tailored around your comfort.
Positioning and comfort: Treatments are adapted so you’re comfortable — side-lying, semi-reclined or supported positions are used instead of prone.
Self-management and education: Advice on posture, safe exercises, pelvic floor awareness, sleeping positions, ergonomic adjustments and pain-relief strategies.
Collaborative care: Osteopaths will liaise with or refer to your obstetrician, midwife or GP when appropriate.
Safety considerations:
Generally safe when provided by a qualified osteopath experienced in pregnancy care.
Inform your practitioner of any high-risk pregnancy features (e.g. pre-eclampsia, threatened miscarriage, placenta previa, significant bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, serious cardiac conditions) or other medical conditions.
Some techniques and positions are avoided or modified in later pregnancy; your experienced osteopath will tailor treatment accordingly.
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No – You do not need a referral to see an Osteopath. Sometimes we receive referrals from GP’s and other health professionals, but anyone can make an appointment to see us.
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Usually not – our aim is to fix pain, not cause pain! Some complaints will be tender to work on, but we don’t subscribe to no pain = no gain. We want you to feel things change, but we don’t need you writhing in pain whilst we do it.
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Comfortable stretchy clothes than you can move freely in.
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Osteopaths are regulated primary-contact health practitioners with specific tertiary education, clinical training and registration requirements. In Australia, typical qualifications and steps to becoming an osteopath include:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Osteopathy
Entry-level practitioners complete either a four-year double-degree (often Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science plus Master of Osteopathy) or a standalone five-year program (Bachelor or Master).
Coursework covered includes anatomy (musculoskeletal, neurological and visceral), physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, biomechanics, medical sciences, osteopathic techniques, clinical reasoning and professional practice.
Supervised clinical training
Extensive on-campus clinic hours and supervised placements provide hands-on experience assessing and managing musculoskeletal and related health conditions.
Registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Osteopaths must be registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia via AHPRA to practise legally. Registration requires proof of qualification, identity checks, police/criminal history checks and meeting English language standards.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Registered osteopaths must complete ongoing CPD each year to maintain skills, learn new evidence-based practices and comply with professional standards.
Professional indemnity insurance and professional standards
Practitioners are required to hold adequate professional indemnity insurance
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Yes – We can refer for imaging such as xrays, MRI / CT etc if clinically indicated. We often liase with your GP to ensure the most appropriate testing and Medicare rebates are utilised.
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An Initial Consultation costs $125, and Standard Consultation costs $99 (as of Aug 2025). Concession card holders receive a discount of $10 off their initial appointment and $7 off return appointments. If you have private health insurance that covers Osteopathy, we can process your rebate on the spot. The exact health fund rebate depends on your particular fund and level of cover, but commonly covers between 20-60% of the consultation fee.
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Yes – If you have been referred to us with a Care Plan from your GP you can book in with us. In order to keep treatment accessible some of our osteopaths will see you without any additional gap fee, making it fully rebated.When booking please let us know that you have a Care Plan or GP Referral.
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Yes – if you have an approved claim and a claim number we can bill directly to the insurer, with no out of pocket costs to yourself.