416 Ilam Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 8052

Clinic Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 8pm

416 Ilam Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 8052

Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-8pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a number of frequently asked questions that our patients often have in advance of their first treatment. Please take your time to go through these, and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact our team, and someone will get back to you promptly.

1. What Is An Osteopath?

An osteopath is a primary healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing, examining, and treating musculoskeletal conditions. Osteopaths use hands-on techniques to assess and treat the body as a whole. They use a variety of manual techniques such as soft tissue mobilisation and joint manipulation to reduce pain, improve range of motion and assist in the healing process.

2. What Conditions Do Osteopaths Treat?

Your Osteopath can help with a variety of complaints, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, sporting injuries, rotator cuff injuries, knee and ankle pain, etc. Osteopaths will always seek out the root cause of your injury. Your Osteopath will not just treat the symptomatic area but will look at the body as one whole unit. Osteopaths are also trained in providing lifestyle advice and exercise rehabilitation to help reduce symptoms and prevent further injury.  Make sure to advise your Osteopath of all your injuries, as most injuries are interrelated and can impact on the entire body and your presenting complaint. Click here for more information on the conditions that our Osteopaths can help you with.

3. What Qualifications Does An Osteopath Have In New Zealand?

Osteopaths in New Zealand must be registered with the New Zealand Osteopathic Council and must hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Osteopathy qualification or equivalent as approved by the council. Additionally, they must complete CPD every year to ensure they are up-to-date with current knowledge and skills.

4. What Can I Expect From My First Visit To The Osteopath?

During your first visit, your osteopath will spend some time discussing your current complaint and taking a detailed medical history. They may also perform physical examinations and tests and will develop a tailored treatment plan suitable for your condition. Osteopaths take a holistic approach and will seek out the root cause of your pain. Your Osteopath may recommend some tests, such as an X-ray, Ultrasound or MRI scan, to help with diagnosis, if needed. You can expect to receive hands-on osteopathic treatment on your first visit.

5. Is Osteopathy Safe?

Osteopathy is a safe and effective form of healthcare that can help improve musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Osteopaths are highly trained professionals who adhere to safety standards in accordance with the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

6. How Long Does An Osteopathic Visit Last?

An osteopathic visit can last up to 30 minutes, depending on the individual’s needs and condition. Every appointment will vary in time depending on the number of conditions being treated and where you are at in your healing process.

7. How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of visits to your osteopath may vary depending on your individual condition and its severity. After assessing your medical history and performing a physical osteopathic examination, your osteopath will be able to provide an estimate of the number of treatments needed. Your treatment plan will be fully agreed upon with you before any treatment is undertaken.

8. Do I Need A Referral to See An Osteopath?

No, you do not need a referral to see an osteopath in New Zealand. Osteopathic practitioners are considered primary healthcare practitioners and can assess and treat your musculoskeletal condition without a referral from your doctor or other healthcare professional.

9. How Much Does An Osteopathic Appointment Cost?

The cost of an osteopathic appointment varies depending on whether you are claiming an injury under ACC or privately. The cost for an initial private treatment is $115, and the follow-up treatment is $110. For an ACC claim, the initial treatment cost is $85, and follow-up treatment is $80

10. Do You Accept Community Services Cards?

11. Are Osteopathic Treatments Covered By Health Insurance?

Yes, all private health insurers cover osteopathic treatment. However, the level of cover will depend on the exact policy you have taken out. It is best to check with your insurance provider to see what coverage they offer for osteopathy.

12. Can You Lodge My ACC Claim For Me?

Yes, We can handle all your ACC paperwork and lodge your claim for you. ACC claims automatically are given 16 ACC-funded osteopathic treatments over a 12-month period. If you already have an ACC claim, please bring this information with you to your first appointment.

13. What Should I Expect After Osteopathic Treatment?

After an osteopathic treatment, patients may experience some relief from their symptoms, improved joint mobility, and reduced inflammation. Often, it may take a few days for these effects to become noticeable. It is important to follow your osteopath’s advice and your treatment plan to ensure the best outcomes.

14. What Should I Wear To An Osteopathic Appointment?

It is recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing to your osteopathic appointment. This will ensure your comfort throughout your consultation. You will also be asked to remove jewellery such as earrings and necklaces while undergoing treatment.

15. What Should I Bring To My Osteopathic Appointment?

It is important to bring any medical information that may be relevant to your medical history. Additionally, it is recommended that you bring a list of medications you are taking and any questions or concerns you would like to discuss with your osteopath. Our osteopaths can access online imaging such as MRI and Ultra-sound reports which have been undertaken by Pacific Radiology in Christchurch.

16. Can I Bring A Support Person With Me?

Yes, you certainly may bring a support person with you if you would like. Our osteopath aims to create an environment that is comfortable for our patients, and having a support person or member of your whānau present can help to make this possible.

Are you looking for an experienced and qualified Osteopath in Christchurch? Look no further! Our team of highly trained professionals are here to help you. We understand the importance of good health, and we strive to ensure that all of our clients receive the highest standard of care.

17. Do you Treat Pregnant Women And Babies?

Yes, our Osteopaths treat pregnant women and babies. We are experienced in providing safe and effective osteopathic treatment to both expecting mothers and infants. Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy is useful for back pain, pelvic pain, neck pain and headaches. Osteopathy can help alleviate the physical stress and strain associated with carrying a baby, as well as help prepare your body for labour and delivery.

18. Why Would I Bring My Baby To See An Osteopath?

Osteopathic treatment is also beneficial for newborns and babies. Parents bring their babies to see an Osteopath for many reasons, but most commonly when facing the following challenges:

  • Traumatic and challenging delivery (very long or short delivery, ventouse or forceps interventions.)
  • Neck restrictions where the baby will favour one side more than another.
  • Breastfeeding challenges (latching difficulty, preference for feeding on one side.)
  • Noticeable head shape issues such as plagiocephaly
  • Restricted movement in the shoulders, legs, neck, or other areas
  • When a baby cries when in their car seat or capsule
  • Continuous crying or unsettled sleeping patterns
  • For more information, Click Here.

Are you looking for an experienced and qualified Osteopath in Christchurch? Look no further! Our team of highly trained Osteopaths are here to help you. We understand the importance of good health, and we strive to ensure that all of our patients receive an exceptional standard of care. Booking an appointment with us is easy!

You can either call our reception on 027 7555700 or Book Online – we’ll be more than happy to hear from you!