Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopathic treatment is considered as a hands-on approach which means that Osteopaths use manual therapies and different Osteopathic techniques to address musculoskeletal disorders. For example, techniques like Myofascial Release, Counter-Strain, Remedial Massage, Balanced Ligamentous Tension, Muscle Energy Techniques or Spinal Manipulation involve the use of the practitioners hand on various parts of your body.

Additionally, it is important to note that Osteopathic treatment uses a holistic approach which means that nutritional advice, well-being tips, exercise regimes and lifestyle management can be implemented within the treatment.

Before any type of treatment, you will be informed about each technique, the purpose, the therapeutic application and why it is used. However, it is your right as a patient to say NO. For example, if you do not understand the technique, do not want to have a certain type of manipulative treatment or do not wish to have hands on treatment in specific areas, please let your Osteopath know.

Osteopathic care is recognised as being safe for a wide range of conditions. However, it is important to inform you that some health care procedures, such as manual therapies, can induce adverse effects or complications. Most of these adverse effects or risks are rare but you should be aware of them before the treatment.

An increase of symptoms can occur 24-48 hours after treatment and generally subside after this period. However, it is important to contact your practitioner after 2 to 3 days if increased symptoms are still present.

Manual therapies involving spinal manipulations (HVLA) of the cervical spine (neck) include some risks and side effects. Although those risks are rare, some treatments of the neck can damage blood vessels and even give rise to stroke like symptoms. It is believed the risk may be approximately 1-2 strokes per 1,000,000 neck manipulations. Research into the common responses to manual therapy treatment shows that local discomfort, tiredness, headache or stiffness can occur after treatment in approximately 10%-20% of patients.

No, you can make an appointment directly without a referral. If you have been diagnosed with a specific medical condition, consider bringing your X-ray, MRI, doctor’s reports or other related information.

Important to note – If you have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition and need complex care you may be eligible for Chronic Disease Management Assistance (CDM). Your doctor must complete a special referral form to refer you to Mana Health Clinic. EPC (Enhanced Primary Care Package) or 5 visits from your GP is usually given to you for chronic conditions. This means that medicare covers $52.95 of your sessions. As this does not cover the full rate for our length or quality of service we do charge a small gap on top of this.

Many private health funds include Osteopathy as part of their extra cover. We recommend you check your private health insurance to ensure your level of cover includes Osteopathy. We have HICAPS at the clinic and can claim any rebate applicable which means you only pay the gap.

You must bring your private health fund card to benefit from the rebate. If you forget your card, you will need to pay the full consultation fee. A receipt of payment will be provided to will allow you to claim your benefit online.

If you have sustained an injury and you are covered under your WorkCover or MVA/3rd party, you can benefit from Osteopathic care for your rehabilitation. However, you must have your claim number from your insurer and the contact details of your claims officer or insurer prior to any bookings.

In addition, in order to get Osteopathic treatments, you will need a referral letter from your GP or medical specialist. Your insurer must be advised that you have chosen Osteopathy as part of your treatment as you cannot see different Allied Health practitioners simultaneously. Every case is different and billing processes can differ. Therefore, it is imperative that you understand that you are responsible for the cost of the consultation at all times.

Your Osteopath will ask you personal questions regarding your general health, symptoms and the problems you are facing. This includes your medical history, any medications you are taking and other factors that may not appear to be directly associated with your condition.

The examination may include a physical assessment (passive or active), orthopaedic assessment, postural analysis or neurological tests.

We look at the whole body and assess the interconnection between all elements.

After discussing the possible causes of your problem, Osteopaths can use manual therapies, dry needling, soft tissue massage, vacuum cupping or taping to address the issue. We will provide you with education and management strategies to help between consultations. In addition, we will support you with specific exercise rehabilitation programs for you to maintain your optimal health and be pain free.

Cancellation Policy — Mana Health Clinic

At Mana Health Clinic, our priority is providing quality care to you and supporting as many people in our community as possible. To help us achieve this, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible when you need to change or cancel your appointment.

More than 24 hours notice: No charge — we’ll happily reschedule your appointment.

Less than 24 hours notice: If you cancel or don’t attend without rescheduling, a late cancellation fee of $65 applies.

If you need to reschedule: We’ll always try to find a time that suits you. As long as we can reschedule your appointment, no late fee will be charged.

Genuine illness or emergencies: We understand life happens. If you’re unwell or facing unexpected circumstances, please call us with as much notice as possible — we’ll work with you to reschedule and the late fee may be waived.

No-shows: Failure to attend without notice will incur the full cancellation fee.

By booking with Mana Health Clinic, you agree to this policy.