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General Information
Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure and function. Osteopaths assess and treat nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons as a whole system.
Treatment may include manual therapy, exercise programs, movement and postural advice, ergonomic assessments, and lifestyle recommendations to support overall health and recovery.
Osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors all use hands-on treatment, corrective exercises, and patient education, but their approaches can differ:
- Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach, focusing on how different systems work together. Treatment typically involves more hands-on techniques to restore movement and function.
- Chiropractic primarily targets the spine, often centred around joint adjustments in shorter, more frequent sessions.
- Physiotherapy emphasizes rehabilitation exercises and focuses on strengthening the injured area.
Osteopaths treat issues affecting joints, muscles, and nerves (neuromuscular system), including:
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Neck pain
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Headaches & migraines
For more details, explore this body map.
Hands-on therapy is gentle but may cause mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. If your pain is acute, certain techniques may feel uncomfortable, but your osteopath will check in with you throughout the session.
Your osteopath may refer you for imaging (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) if necessary. If further medical assessment is required, they may recommend seeing your GP or another specialist.
If you have previous scans, please bring them to your appointment.
- Initial consultation: ~60 minutes
- Standard return consultation: ~30 minutes
- Long return consultation: ~45 minutes (for multiple concerns or extended treatment)
Please wear loose-fitting or athletic clothing for comfort and ease of movement. You’re welcome to bring a change of clothes.
We don’t recommend taking painkillers before your appointment, as they may affect the accuracy of your assessment. Your osteopath can advise on pain management, including medication, if needed.
It’s fine to exercise before your appointment. However, we recommend waiting 48 hours after treatment before engaging in high-intensity exercise. Your osteopath will provide personalized advice.
Our osteopaths are government-registered allied health practitioners with:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Health Science
- A Master’s in Health Science (Osteopathy)
- Additional qualifications in Dry Needling and Myofascial Cupping
Appointments & Coverage
No referral is needed – 90% of patients see an osteopath without one. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners trained to recognize conditions that require medical referral.
No, osteopathy is not covered by Medicare. However, you may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan through your GP, which provides up to five subsidized treatments per year. Please note: These appointments may incur a gap or out-of-pocket fee.
Many private health insurance plans cover osteopathy. Coverage varies by provider, so we recommend checking with your insurer for details.
No, Baseline Osteopathy does not accept WorkSafe, TAC, or DVA claims.
Special Considerations
Yes, osteopaths provide manual therapy, exercise support, and postural advice to help reduce pain and improve movement during pregnancy. Treatment is tailored to your individual needs.
At Baseline Osteopathy:
- We do not treat children under 8 years old.
- We do not perform spinal manipulative techniques on children under 12.
For infant care, we recommend seeing an osteopath with further training in paediatric osteopathy.
Osteopaths can issue a certificate of workplace absence if your condition justifies time off. These certificates are commonly issued for musculoskeletal injuries or conditions.
Employers are not legally required to accept osteopath-issued certificates, but many do if deemed reasonable.
Location & Accessibility
Our clinic is located at 4 Bolingbroke Street, Pascoe Vale (rear building). There is ample parking available at the rear of the premises.