Osteopathy

An Osteopath is trained in Osteopathy - A registered allied health practice that focuses on the interrelationship between the body’s structure and function. It focuses on the neuro-musculoskeletal system, which comprises bones, muscles, nerves and other tissues that support the human body and control its movements. It is a form of manual therapy which has emerged as a holistic healthcare profession with the intention that by restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system, the body’s ability to self-heal and self-regulate will be enhanced.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy may help you with a wide range of conditions and symptoms from head to toe. Some of the reasons why people may go to see their local Osteopath are for:

  • Neck and shoulder pain

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Jaw pain

  • Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain

  • Upper and lower back pain

  • Sciatica

  • Hip, knee and ankle injuries

  • Workplace injuries

  • Pregnancy and Postpartum care

  • Pelvic Health

What conditions do Osteopaths treat?

What to expect during your initial Osteopathic consultation

History

Osteopaths take a comprehensive history about family and medical history, past injuries as well as addressing factors that could impact on your recovery including your sleep, diet, exercise, occupation, stress levels and more. We then discuss your current injury, symptoms and concerns. This ensures we take a holistic approach to your health and assists us in creating the most appropriate management plan for you. It also helps us get to know you!

Assessment

During the assessment, your Osteopath will go through a range of tests to help determine how to best treat and manage your condition. This may include orthopaedic testing, neurological testing, movement testing or postural assessments. This guides us about your complaint to ensure a working diagnosis is formed, a collaborative approach is then taken with you to ensure informed consent is obtained before commencing with treatment.

Treatment

Treatment can involve a variety of different hands on techniques. These include massage, joint articulations, stretching, dry needling, cupping and/or high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) manipulations. We will always ensure we explain to you our treatment plan so that you are comfortable and provide informed consent to proceed with treatment.

Management Plan

Education and advice are one of the most important parts of an Osteopathic consult, we want you to leave the appointment feeling empowered. Management plans can include clinical rehabilitation programs, movement and postural guidance as well as support and educational advice on lifestyle, stress management and general dietary information that could influence your complaint as well as the recovery timeframe.

We want you to leave your appointment feeling empowered.

Our holistic approach of Osteopathy involves:

-       Considering the biopsychosocial model of health which emphasises the interconnection between biological, psychological and socio-environmental factors on an individual’s well-being and risk of illness, impacting on recovery time.

-       Providing a safe and collaborative space to promote and empower individuals to take an active role in their own health and self-care journey.

What techniques does an Osteopath use?

These are just some of the techniques that Recovery Room Melbourne uses. During a consultation and assessment, it will be determined what would be most beneficial to you and with consent these will be implemented.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques like massage and joint mobilisation to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal issues. It aims to reduce pain, improve mobility and enhance healing.

Cupping

Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction helps to mobilise blood flow, loosen tight muscles, and promote healing. Cupping is often used to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

Dr. Dani is qualified in both suction and flame cupping.

Dry Needling

Dry needling treats musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting thin needles into trigger points or tight bands of muscle to elicit a therapeutic response. Dry needling targets specific areas of muscular tension and pain, aiming to release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain by inducing a localised healing response in the affected tissues.

HVLA/Manipulations

High velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) or manipulation is a technique where you may hear a 'pop' or 'click' of a joint. This sound is said to be due to the gas bubbles that are released from the fluid within the joint at the time of the manipulation. It aims to restore proper alignment, improve mobility and reduce pain by breaking up adhesions, releasing tension and facilitating the body's natural healing processes.

FAQs

  • When you book your first appointment, you will receive a welcome email to the clinic. This will be followed by a second email with a link to a “New Patient form” with some general questions, medical history questions as well as information regarding our reschedule and cancellation policy which requires your signature to confirm you have read and answered the questions to the best of your ability as well as understood and accepted our policy.

  • We ask that patients provide at least 12 hours notice if they need to reschedule or cancel their appointment. If no notification is given, you will be charged a $50 fee at your next appointment. We understand that emergencies can happen, and we will do our best to accommodate these situations on a case-by-case basis. However, we kindly ask that patients respect our policy and provide adequate notice when they are unable to keep their appointment.

  • If you have any diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray, CT, MRI reports, please bring them along or you can email them prior to your appointment for us to save to your patient file.

  • We want you to feel comfortable, wearing a loose-fitting shirt and loose pants or shorts is preferable. Depending on the area of concern, you may be asked to remove some items of clothing for assessment and/or treatment. This would be with your consent and appropriate draping techniques are practiced ensuring you feel comfortable. If you prefer to keep clothing on that’s ok, we want to provide a safe and supportive environment for you to achieve the best possible results for your recovery.

  • Osteopathic treatment is covered by most major health funds to those with extras cover. They are dependent on your health fund so please contact your provider if you are unsure. You can claim instantly via the HICAPS terminal so ensure you have your card with you or an invoice can be provided to be claimed at a later date.

  • You do not need a referral to see an Osteopath from your GP or any other practitioner.

  • Yes we do. This is a written referral from your GP which provides eligible patients with Medicare-subsidised allied health appointments such as Osteopathy.

    Please note:

    -       You need to ensure your CDM referral from your GP has the correct clinic address and practitioner name in order to be processed.

    o   31/107 Wells Road, Chelsea Heights

    o   Dr.Danielle Tjahjana

    -       You will be required to bring the referral (or provide via email in advance), your Medicare card and Savings card to your appointments.

    -       You will be required to pay the entire consultation fee and then be reimbursed the Medicare rebate back on the spot.

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