Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, which includes your muscles, joints, and spine. It emphasises the relationship between the body’s structure and its function, aiming to improve overall health by addressing physical imbalances and restrictions.

Osteopaths are highly trained, government-registered healthcare practitioners who use hands-on techniques (including stretching, massage, and gentle joint manipulation), exercise rehabilitation, and lifestyle recommendations to support the body's capacity to improve healing and function. Osteopaths do not just treat symptoms; they aim to identify the root cause of the problem and provide tailored treatment and management advice.

For more information about osteopathy or to see if it is right for you, get in contact with Liam for an in-depth discussion about how he may be able to help you.

In short: not much! You will still undergo an osteopathic assessment and receive treatment and advice as you would in a clinic location, just without having to travel anywhere.

Osteopathy can help manage a wide range of conditions by addressing the body's musculoskeletal system and improving overall function. Some conditions commonly treated with osteopathy include:

• Back and Neck Pain: Osteopaths often treat acute and chronic back and neck pain caused by muscle strains, poor posture, or other mechanical issues.
• Joint Pain and Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis and other joint problems can be managed with osteopathic techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
• Headaches and Migraines: Some types of headaches and migraines can be alleviated by addressing musculoskeletal tension in the neck and upper back.
• Sports Injuries: Osteopathy can help manage sports injuries, including sprains, strains, and repetitive strain injuries, by promoting healing and improving joint and muscle function.
• Postural Problems: Postural imbalances from work, lifestyle, or injury can lead to pain and discomfort, which osteopaths can address through targeted treatment.
• Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist Pain: Conditions such as frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and De Quervain's tenosynovitis can be managed through osteopathic techniques.
• Pregnancy-Related Discomfort: Osteopathy can help alleviate back pain and other musculoskeletal discomforts during pregnancy.
• Muscle Tension and Spasms: Osteopathic treatment can help relieve muscle tension and spasms, promoting relaxation and pain relief.

Osteopathy involves more than just manual therapy though! Osteopaths assess each patient individually to develop tailored treatment plans involving exercise rehabilitation, movement patterns, and lifestyle adjustments, to address the specific causes of their symptoms, aiming to improve overall well-being.

No, osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without needing a referral from a GP or other healthcare provider. Some medical professionals may refer you for osteopathic treatment for certain conditions, but this is not required. However, there are some circumstances where a referral might be beneficial or required:

• Medicare Rebates: For patients eligible for a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, a GP referral is needed to access Medicare rebates for osteopathic treatment.
• Workers' Compensation (WorkCover) or Motor Vehicle Accident (TAC) Claims: In these cases, a referral may be required to access osteopathic care under the claim.

Liam will take your contact details and address when you make your appointment booking. You will need to ensure that you have an area that can fit a portable treatment table with sufficient space for Liam to treat. An area that is at least 2.5m x 3.5m is best.

When Liam arrives for your first appointment, he will ask you to complete a short form with some further details upon his arrival, including an outline of your presenting complaint and other medical history. More information will be obtained during your case history with Liam.

Loose, comfortable clothing is best during treatments. Depending on your presenting complaint, clothing may sometimes need to be rolled up or removed for optimal assessment or treatment, but Liam ensures that this is minimal and only if you are comfortable doing so.

Approximately 45 minutes, but this may be longer or shorter, depending on your presenting complaint.

There is no “one size fits all” approach for any patient or condition, so this is a difficult question to answer. Liam will assess each patient individually and recommend an appropriate treatment plan accordingly.

Cancellation Policy

At Geelong Mobile Osteopathy, it is understood that unexpected changes can occur. However, to continue providing quality care and accommodate all clients, the following cancellation policy has been established.

1. Notice Period for Cancellations or Rescheduling:

• At least 24 hours' notice is requested if an appointment needs to be cancelled or rescheduled. This allows the appointment time to be offered to another client.

2. Late Cancellations or Missed Appointments:

• Less than 24 Hours' Notice: If a cancellation or rescheduling occurs with less than 24 hours' notice, a cancellation fee of 50% of the scheduled appointment cost will be charged.
• No Shows (i.e. no answer upon arrival): Failure to be present at an agreed appointment time and location without providing notice will result in a charge of 100% of the appointment fee.

3. Exceptions:

• In the case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, it is requested that contact be made as soon as possible. Waiving of the cancellation fee may be considered at the discretion of the practitioner.

4. Payment of Cancellation Fees:

• Cancellation fees will be applied to the payment method used at the time of booking, or an invoice will be sent for payment. The outstanding amount must be settled before any future appointments can be scheduled.

5. How to Cancel or Reschedule:

• Cancellations or rescheduling requests should be made via any of the details on the Contact page. Voicemails and emails will be considered based on the time stamp when sent.

6. Changes to This Policy:

• This cancellation policy may be amended as necessary by Geelong Mobile Osteopathy. Any changes will be communicated through the website or directly to clients when booking.

Credit card, cash, and bank transfer are all accepted payment methods. Full payment is required at the conclusion of your appointment.

Most private health insurers cover osteopathy under extras on their policies. Please check your policy for details of osteopathy being included.

Please note that you will be supplied with a payment invoice after your appointment that you will have to submit to your insurer to receive reimbursement. HICAPS is not available.

In certain cases, osteopathy can be billed under specific line items on NDIS plans that are self-managed or plan-managed. Participants and their families should consult with their NDIS planner, support coordinator, or plan manager to confirm if osteopathic services can be billed to a participant's plan.

Osteopathy can be billed to Home Care Packages, but there are specific conditions and guidelines that must be met for the services to be covered. Please contact your case manager to confirm if osteopathic services can be billed to your Home Care Package.

Yes. During your appointment, Liam may recommend products such as braces or exercise bands to help reduce your pain. Liam will carry a limited range of options with him, but can order additional items for you. You can always buy products from other sellers if you wish.

For all appointments, strict safety and hygiene measures are followed to ensure patient well-being. Sanitising of hands occurs before and after each treatment, disposable gloves are used when necessary, and all equipment and surfaces (including the treatment table) are maintained with sanitary practices between patients. Single-use items, such as wipes and paper covers, are employed to prevent cross-contamination.

Other safety precautions involve an assessment of the safety of the home environment, ensuring informed consent, and adjusting practices to meet individual needs, allowing the highest standards of care to be maintained.

Yes. During your appointment, Liam may recommend products such as braces or exercise bands to help reduce your pain. Liam will carry a limited range of options with him, but can order additional items for you. You can always buy products from other sellers if you wish.

For all appointments, strict safety and hygiene measures are followed to ensure patient well-being. Sanitising of hands occurs before and after each treatment, disposable gloves are used when necessary, and all equipment and surfaces (including the treatment table) are maintained with sanitary practices between patients. Single-use items, such as wipes and paper covers, are employed to prevent cross-contamination.

Other safety precautions involve an assessment of the safety of the home environment, ensuring informed consent, and adjusting practices to meet individual needs, allowing the highest standards of care to be maintained.