Frequently Asked Questions
Your Local Glen Iris & Malvern Osteopath — Everything You Need to Know
Appointments & Bookings
Do i need a referral to see an Osteopath?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or call the clinic at any time. However if your GP refers you under a Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan you may be entitled to up to 5 subsidised appointments per year — ask your GP if this applies to you.
How long will my first appointment be?
Your initial consultation is up to 60 minutes. This includes a thorough case history, physical assessment, hands-on treatment and a discussion of your personalised management plan. Follow-up appointments are 30 and 40 minutes
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing if possible. Depending on your complaint, you may need to remove some clothing for assessment — shorts, t-shirt, or singlet are ideal.
Costs & Health Funds
How much does an appointment cost?
The standard price for your first consultation is $149. Follow up 30 minute appointments are $105, and 40 minute appointments are $125
Do you accept health funds rebates?
Yes — we are recognised by all major Australian health funds. Rebates are processed on the spot via HICAPS, so you only pay the gap on the day. The amount you receive back depends on your level of extras cover — check with your fund for your specific rebate amount.
Is osteopathy covered by Medicare?
Osteopathy is not typically covered by Medicare. However if your GP has referred you under a Medicare EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) plan you may be eligible for a partial rebate on up to 5 appointments per year. Please speak to your GP about whether this applies to your situation.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, EFTPOS and HICAPS for on-the-spot health fund claiming.
Treatment & What to Expect
What happens during my first
appointment?
Your first appointment begins with a detailed case history — we'll discuss your current complaint, medical history, lifestyle and goals. This is followed by a physical assessment including movement tests and hands-on examination to identify the source of your problem. We'll then provide hands-on osteopathic treatment and discuss a personalised plan to get you back to feeling your best.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends entirely on your individual situation — the nature of your complaint, how long you've had it, and your goals. Most people notice improvement within 2-4 sessions. We'll give you a clear indication of what to expect at your first appointment and will always aim to get you better as efficiently as possible.
Should I bring any scans or imaging
reports?
Yes — if you have any relevant X-rays, MRI scans or specialist reports please bring them along. They help inform our assessment and decision making.
What techniques does an osteopath use?
Osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques tailored to each patient. These may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, stretching, dry needling and exercise prescription. At Melbourne Sports Osteopathy we combine manual therapy with personalised exercise rehabilitation to address not just your symptoms but the underlying cause.
About Osteopathy
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a hands-on healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating and preventing musculoskeletal problems. Osteopaths take a whole-body approach — considering how your muscles, joints, nerves and lifestyle all interact — to reduce pain, restore movement and improve function.
What qualifications does an osteopath
have?
Osteopaths in Australia complete a 5 year university double degree and must maintain registration with AHPRA — the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. They are also required to complete a minimum of 25 hours of continuing professional development each year to keep their registration current.
What's the difference between an osteo and a physio?
Both professions treat musculoskeletal conditions but with different approaches. Osteopaths take a whole-body perspective, looking at how different parts of the body influence each other, and typically use more hands-on manual therapy techniques. Physiotherapists tend to focus more specifically on the site of injury and exercise-based rehabilitation. Many patients find osteopathy particularly effective for complex or recurring problems that haven't resolved with other treatments.
What conditions do osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, headaches, sports injuries, postural issues, and workplace-related injuries. If you're unsure whether osteopathy is right for your condition, feel free to call us and we'll let you know.
About the Clinic
Where are you located?
Melbourne Sports Osteopathy is located at 1442 Malvern Rd, Glen Iris VIC 3146 — right on the border of Malvern, easily accessible from surrounding suburbs such as Hawthorn, Camberwell, Toorak, Armadale, South Yarra, and Prahran.
Is parking available?
Street parking is available on Malvern Road and surrounding streets.
Why should I choose Melbourne Sports Osteopathy?
As a solo practitioner clinic you'll always see the same osteopath. There's no revolving door of practitioners, no being handed off to someone new each visit. Every appointment is personalised, consistent and focused entirely on your recovery and long term wellbeing.