OSTEOPATH MELBOURNE CBD

At Principle Four Osteopathy, we provide osteopathy treatments for all areas of the body, and will often involve a comprehensive and holistic treatment program targeting multiple areas of your body for optimal health. Some of the most common areas of the body that our clients come in to see us about include the back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, migraines​ and​ headaches, ​but ​​osteopaths able to assess and treat ​most ​conditions in just about any area​ of the body​.

Your osteopath​ will select the most appropriate and effective treatment techniques for your particular pain, injury or condition.  Some of the techniques commonly used during an osteopathic consultation may include:

• Soft tissue massage – this may involve direct or indirect treatment of the tight or tender soft tissues. Direct soft tissue massage may involve working into the muscle to relax the tissues, whereas indirect soft tissue technique may involve moving away from the tight/tender spot to help reduce tension and pain.  Some of the osteopaths at Principle Four Osteopathy may also apply instrument assisted soft tissue massage (similar to FAKTRor Graston Technique).
• Joint articulation and mobilisation – this involves moving joints through its anatomical range of movement. Sometimes following an injury a joint can become stiff and restricted and gentle joint articulation and mobilisation can help improve their mobility.
• Joint manipulation – high velocity low amplitude techniques are typically commonly known as “joint cracking” “joint cavitation” “popping” the joint.
• Stretching – which can include static, PNF, dynamic application) of the muscles. Practitioners might assist with the stretching or prescribe stretching for the client.
• Taping – such as rigid stability taping or dynamic taping (kinesiotaping, rock taping) to help with support and proprioceptive awareness.
• Dry Needling – in recent times more and more manual therapists (osteopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors & myotherapists) are training in dry needling techniques. This technique is often used for the treatment of trigger points.
• Exercise Prescription – movement based rehabilitation. ​ ​More and more osteopaths are now educating and prescribing exercise as part of the treatment and management of their client​’​s injuries or conditions. This may involve the prescription of movements, strength, endurance, flexibility or balance exercises.
• Ergonomic / Manual Handling Risk Assessment and Training – reviewing and educating on best practice ergonomics and manual handling is another common treatment and management approach by the Osteopath.

Australia was one of the first countries in the world to regulate osteopathy. Doctors of Osteopathy have been practised here for over 100 years. All Osteos at Principle Four Osteopathy have completed 5 years at University, be government registered with AHPRA​, ​and they are required to continue their education ​each year and keep up to date with the latest research and advancements in assessment and treatment techniques.​ ​

Osteopathic doctors, also called doctors of osteopathic medicine are doctors who base diagnosis and treatment on the theory that the body’s systems are interconnected. They aim to prevent or treat musculoskeletal conditions through manual medicine, which is a hands-on approach that may include massage, pressure or manipulation of an area of the body.

Most people think a physiotherapist prescribes exercises, a chiropractor cracks spines and joints, and an osteopath sort of does both. It’s important to note that ‘Osteo’, ‘Physio’ & ‘Chiro’ are professions – They’re not treatments or treatment styles. Each profession is qualified to diagnose, manage and prevent musculoskeletal conditions.

If you are trying to decide between an Osteopath, Physiotherapist or Chiropractor the real difference comes from a great practitioner, not a profession. The best practitioners get you moving and feeling better so you can get back to enjoying the things you love. That is exactly what our osteopaths aim to do with each treatment. Help you move better and feel good so you can enjoy life.

We have long consultation times which allow us to hear your story and tailor treatments specific to you and your condition.​ Private health claiming is available for all osteopathy consults. Please consult your private health fund provider to determine your osteopathy rebate.​

$120 – 140 INITIAL consultation | 60min | For clients who have not visited Principle Four Osteopathy before or if you have not been to the clinic for an osteopathy consultation for some time.

$95 STANDARD consultation | 30-40min | For clients with one regional complaint and/or simple musculoskeletal complaint or if you are receiving regular treatment as part of your treatment plan.

$120 LONG consultation | 60min | For clients who want more time to address one or more regional musculoskeletal complaints and/or complex musculoskeletal conditions.

We may also be able to provide Medicare rebates (through the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan). Additionally our osteopaths are registered Workcover and TAC service providers, and we accept all Hicaps Private Health Funds onsite so that you can claim your rebate on the spot for our osteopathy treatments.