Firstly let’s clarify the question and restrict our answer to Australia. Because how these practitioners are trained and their scope of practice can vary greatly around the world. 

Now let’s talk about the similarities: 

We are all musculoskeletal physical therapists who have spent 4-5 years at University. After University, our professional develop courses usually have physios, osteos and chiros all learning together. 

The differences: 

Osteopaths only work in private practices (not in hospitals) and usually have a full body approach to treatment. 

We are guided by osteopathic principles (more information coming soon) and by evidence based or informed practices. 

Osteopathy training includes exercise rehabilitation and high velocity low amplitude manipulations (the “joint cracking”). 

Osteopaths also start hands on assessment and palpation from day one in first year. 

Please note that treatment approaches within Osteopathy (and in physiotherapy and chiropractics) are quite varied and each practitioner will work differently. 

Yes we do. Please ensure that you/ your general practitioner (GP) has sent through all of the required paper work prior to your first Osteopathy appointment with us. 

For more information on EPCs please keep reading. 

What is an EPC?

An Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan is a referral from a GP that allows patients to access Medicare-subsidized allied health services for chronic/persistent pain presentations. To visit us on an EPC plan, the plan needs to be written up for ‘Osteopathy’. 

How do EPCs work? 

A patient visits the GP with an ongoing pain presentation (>6 months) and if the GP feels that the patient would benefit from seeing an allied healthcare provider (eg/ an Osteopath) they may write them up a EPC plan. This plan usually includes 3-5 subsidised consultations to the Osteopath and is valid for 12 months from the referral date. 

This paper work is ideally passed directly onto the Osteopathy clinic or sometimes it is given to the patient to hand across. 

Nothing in particular but comfortable clothing (especially tops) is advisable.

If you have any letters or reports from previous healthcare providers please bring them with you or ideally email them to admin@headsuposteopathy.com prior to your consultation. 

We do/can use Dry Needling as a treatment modality, however we do not practice acupuncture.

What is dry needling? 

Dry Needling was adapted from the eastern art of Acupuncture. The physical needles for both practices are the same, but the philosophy of dry needling is completely different to acupuncture.

The needles used are as thin as a piece of hair, so they are significantly smaller than any vaccination needle. 

Dry needles are placed in trigger points (bands of tight muscle fibres) to encourage the muscles to relax. The exact mechanism of action is still unclear. 

Dry needles aren’t appropriate for everyone and some patients prefer to not have them. Dry needling is just one treatment option, as an Osteopath we have access to a variety of potential treatment options.