Frequently Asked Questions
Why do patients like osteopathy at head to toe healthcare?
There are many reasons why patients prefer our style of treatment. Some of these include:
What’s the difference between osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists?
We don’t believe in trying to define the role of any other health professional. The practice principal at head to toe healthcare is an osteopath and is married to a physiotherapist and he could only tell you what makes them as individuals different, but that doesn’t necessarily apply to all others. We believe that the results of treatment depend more on individual skill and experience than the particular discipline a practitioner belongs to. Among manual practitioners, regardless of their profession, some possess a real talent for their chosen discipline and consequently achieve better results than others.
At Head to Toe Healthcare we have one of the most experienced, dedicated and skilled manual practitioners in Bayside.
How effective is osteopathic treatment?
Government and medical studies over recent years have shown osteopathy to be less expensive, use fewer drugs and have higher patient satisfaction than conventional medical care alone for back, neck and other musculoskeletal pain. At head to toe healthcare we believe the best outcome is achieved by working in unison with your existing health care providers, including medical doctors and other allied health professionals.
Is osteopathic treatment available under medicare?
Yes. Under a scheme launched by the Australian government in 2005, you may receive up to 5 subsidised treatments a year from an osteopath under medicare, but only when referred from your GP for the management of a long-term chronic condition (generally greater than 6 months). Please Note: these appointments are not bulk billed. As Medicare do not cover the entire consultation fee, a gap fee will be charged to you in accordance with the clinic’s full private fees
Do I need a referral to see your practitioners?
No. Anyone can make an appointment. During a consultation it may be necessary to consult with your general practitioner and/or specialist if the problem is outside the realm of our care or if further medical tests/examinations are required to make an accurate diagnosis.
If I’m pregnant can I still get treated?
Looking after your back, pelvis and pelvic floor during pregnancy is vital. Osteopathy, physiotherapy and massage provide a safe and gentle non-invasive way to look after your body during this most important period in your life. We understand the changes that occur in the body, especially of the low back and pelvis, during the various phases of pregnancy and have many gentle and effective techniques unique to osteopaths to help you during this time and immediately following birth.
At head to toe healthcare we have a specialised pregnancy bean-bag to facilitate greater patient comfort and ease of positioning during treatment.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Most patients find it best if they wear lose comfortable clothing, such as tracksuit pants or shorts and a t-shirt.
Do you treat patients under WorkCover, TAC and Veterans Affairs?
We are registered to see these patients, however we generally do not accept new patients on WorkCover or TAC. Before booking for an appointment, please call the clinic so we may advise you as to whether we can help you.
Please note: As WorkCover and TAC insurers do not cover the entire consultation fee, a gap fee will be charged to you in accordance with the clinic’s full private fees. This fee must be paid at the time of service before any follow up appointments are confirmed. Please call the clinic on 1300 10 10 20 for further information.
Will I still be able to exercise whilst I’m having treatment?
Generally exercise is the best medicine. Your practitioner will conduct a thorough assessment of your body’s structure and function during your consultation and advise you regarding the suitability of your exercise regime for you. There may be aspects of your exercise program that are contributing to your condition, but it may only be a simple matter of incorporating some additional exercises into your routine. In some instances certain activities may need to be significantly modified, or occasionally ceased, until your condition has resolved.
What fees should I expect and how many treatments will I need?
We are very reasonably priced as we believe good health care should be available to all. Please call the clinic for current pricing.
Many patients can expect to see good results within 2 to 4 treatments; however the number of visits required by an individual depends on many factors, including age, severity of injury, general health, occupation and compliance to advice and exercises. This will be discussed with each individual at the initial consultation when we have a thorough understanding of your complaint.
We have HICAPS available at the clinic so that private health insurance rebates can be claimed immediately and you only pay the gap. We accept EFTPOS, Credit Card (Mastercard and Visa), Cheque and Cash.
Do you have parking available?
Parking is available in the public access carpark located at the rear of our building - entry from South Road (4 hour limit)
There are many reasons why patients prefer our style of treatment. Some of these include:
- treatment is one on one (no multiple rooms or running between patients)
- all treatment is hands-on manual therapy
- follow up appointment are up to 30 minutes and initial consults are up to 1 hour
- strong interest in fitness & sport injury management
- passionate & dedicated practitioners
- we take the time to listen to you
- we get results
What’s the difference between osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists?
We don’t believe in trying to define the role of any other health professional. The practice principal at head to toe healthcare is an osteopath and is married to a physiotherapist and he could only tell you what makes them as individuals different, but that doesn’t necessarily apply to all others. We believe that the results of treatment depend more on individual skill and experience than the particular discipline a practitioner belongs to. Among manual practitioners, regardless of their profession, some possess a real talent for their chosen discipline and consequently achieve better results than others.
At Head to Toe Healthcare we have one of the most experienced, dedicated and skilled manual practitioners in Bayside.
How effective is osteopathic treatment?
Government and medical studies over recent years have shown osteopathy to be less expensive, use fewer drugs and have higher patient satisfaction than conventional medical care alone for back, neck and other musculoskeletal pain. At head to toe healthcare we believe the best outcome is achieved by working in unison with your existing health care providers, including medical doctors and other allied health professionals.
Is osteopathic treatment available under medicare?
Yes. Under a scheme launched by the Australian government in 2005, you may receive up to 5 subsidised treatments a year from an osteopath under medicare, but only when referred from your GP for the management of a long-term chronic condition (generally greater than 6 months). Please Note: these appointments are not bulk billed. As Medicare do not cover the entire consultation fee, a gap fee will be charged to you in accordance with the clinic’s full private fees
Do I need a referral to see your practitioners?
No. Anyone can make an appointment. During a consultation it may be necessary to consult with your general practitioner and/or specialist if the problem is outside the realm of our care or if further medical tests/examinations are required to make an accurate diagnosis.
If I’m pregnant can I still get treated?
Looking after your back, pelvis and pelvic floor during pregnancy is vital. Osteopathy, physiotherapy and massage provide a safe and gentle non-invasive way to look after your body during this most important period in your life. We understand the changes that occur in the body, especially of the low back and pelvis, during the various phases of pregnancy and have many gentle and effective techniques unique to osteopaths to help you during this time and immediately following birth.
At head to toe healthcare we have a specialised pregnancy bean-bag to facilitate greater patient comfort and ease of positioning during treatment.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Most patients find it best if they wear lose comfortable clothing, such as tracksuit pants or shorts and a t-shirt.
Do you treat patients under WorkCover, TAC and Veterans Affairs?
We are registered to see these patients, however we generally do not accept new patients on WorkCover or TAC. Before booking for an appointment, please call the clinic so we may advise you as to whether we can help you.
Please note: As WorkCover and TAC insurers do not cover the entire consultation fee, a gap fee will be charged to you in accordance with the clinic’s full private fees. This fee must be paid at the time of service before any follow up appointments are confirmed. Please call the clinic on 1300 10 10 20 for further information.
Will I still be able to exercise whilst I’m having treatment?
Generally exercise is the best medicine. Your practitioner will conduct a thorough assessment of your body’s structure and function during your consultation and advise you regarding the suitability of your exercise regime for you. There may be aspects of your exercise program that are contributing to your condition, but it may only be a simple matter of incorporating some additional exercises into your routine. In some instances certain activities may need to be significantly modified, or occasionally ceased, until your condition has resolved.
What fees should I expect and how many treatments will I need?
We are very reasonably priced as we believe good health care should be available to all. Please call the clinic for current pricing.
Many patients can expect to see good results within 2 to 4 treatments; however the number of visits required by an individual depends on many factors, including age, severity of injury, general health, occupation and compliance to advice and exercises. This will be discussed with each individual at the initial consultation when we have a thorough understanding of your complaint.
We have HICAPS available at the clinic so that private health insurance rebates can be claimed immediately and you only pay the gap. We accept EFTPOS, Credit Card (Mastercard and Visa), Cheque and Cash.
Do you have parking available?
Parking is available in the public access carpark located at the rear of our building - entry from South Road (4 hour limit)