Before you attend Principle Four Osteopathy for a consultation, please read some of the most common questions asked by clients.  We have tried to include some of the most commonly asked questions and detailed answers below.

What Qualifications Does My Osteopath Have?

Osteopaths in Australia undertake 5 years of full time study. This consists of a 3 year Bachelor Science (clinical science) and 2 years Masters Degree in Health Science (Osteopathy).

Osteopaths are required by law to register with the Australian Board of Osteopaths and complete 25 hours of continued professional development annually.

The majority of Osteopath’s in Australia register with the Australian Osteopathic Association or Chiropractic and Osteopathic Association (COCA) who represent the Osteopathic profession within Australia.

Do I need a referral to see my Osteopath?

No, anyone can make an appointment with an Osteopath. However, your general practitioner or specialist may recommend osteopathic treatment for certain conditions or problems. If you are unsure as to whether your specific complaint can be helped by Osteopathy, please call or email Principle Four Osteopathy

How long will my appointment take?

Osteopathic appointments take between 30 – 40 minutes, depending on the complexity and nature of the problem.

Training and Conditioning consultations take 30 minutes.

Should I bring my X-rays with me?

Yes. If you have any relevant information (X-rays, CT, MRI, Ultrasound scans or doctors letters and reports), please bring these with you so that your Osteopath can review these.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Osteopathic Consults
Osteopaths perform a detailed physical examination of the body to identify the problem. You may be asked by the Osteopath to dress down to your underwear (so please ensure you dress appropriately). Gowns are available to clients if they so choose to wear one.

Training & Conditioning Consults
If you are attending Principle 4 for training and conditioning, your Osteopath will ask that you bring appropriate footwear, exercise clothing and a towel to the consult. Jon Weller PT studios/Principle Four Osteopathy do not have shower facilities.

What happens during my first appointment?

Your first Osteopathic consultation will involve a detailed case history, physical examination and explanation of what they suspect is going on. If treatment is appropriate, manual therapy and further management advice and a prognosis will be given. If your Osteopath believes a referral for further investigation or an appointment with a GP is required, then they will refer you as required.

All clients should expect to have a clearer understanding as to what the cause of their complaint is and the best way of managing it.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of osteopathic treatments required can vary greatly depending on the nature of the complaint. Some individuals only require a few (1-3) treatments, whereas other more chronic complaints may require more.

Your osteopath will discuss with you during the consultation as to what they think is most appropriate for your particular condition. Principle Four Osteopathy philosophy is to work with the client in attaining their goals, whether this be to move more freely without pain or to reach a specific goal. At Principle Four Osteopathy believe our role is to help provide the client with the tools and strategies to help facilitate the change required for them to achieve their goals. Therefore it is expected and required that all clients take an active role in the process of recovery or pathway to reaching their specific goals.

What if I need a referral for assessment or investigation?

If the Osteopath thinks you would benefit from further investigations or other treatment modalities, the will discuss this with you and refer directly for imaging or to the appropriate professional.

Do you charge for referral letters?

No. All referral letters are inclusive of the consultation. At Principle 4 we believe in offering clients the best comprehensive service possible. The Osteopath may ask you if you are happy for them to update your GP on their condition and progress of treatment.

If the Osteopath believes they cannot help you or that there are more effective means of treatment and management of your particular condition, they will refer you to those who can best assist you.

What is the Enhanced Primary Care Program?

The Enhanced Primary Care Program has been established for individuals with chronic conditions and complex care needs. A medicare rebate is available for a maximum of 5 treatments per calendar year and patients must have a GP management plan and team care arrangements organised by their GP. If you think that you might be eligible for this, then it is recommended that you speak with our GP regarding this. Once referred to the Osteopath under the EPC program, the Osteopath will report back to the GP regarding the referral.

What does functional training and conditioning involve?

Training & Conditioning with a functional training approach involves training the body how it was meant to function. Exercises prescribed are prescribed according to the individual’s movement patterns, limitations and objective goals. Some traditional resistance training methods are adopted for certain areas of the body, however most integrate the most common movement patterns that we perform on a day-to-day basis. These include the fundamental movements of push/pull, lunge, squat and rotation.

How do I make an appointment?

Book An Appointment Online or call  03 9670 9290

Location

Principle Four Osteopathy is located at 29 Somerset Place, Melbourne City CBD 3000 (near the corner of Little Bourke and Elizabeth St.