Osteopaths commonly help people with:

• Back and neck pain

• Headaches, including tension-type and cervicogenic headaches

• Shoulder pain and movement restrictions

• Hip, knee and other joint pain

• Muscle aches, strains and soft tissue injuries

• Sporting injuries and return-to-activity rehabilitation

• TMJ (jaw) pain, dysfunction and associated symptoms

• Arthritis-related pain and stiffness

• Nerve-related symptoms such as sciatica

• Persistent or chronic pain conditions

• Postural and movement-related concerns

• General aches, stiffness and reduced mobility

Every person is different, and treatment is tailored to your individual symptoms, goals and lifestyle.

Osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques and movement-based strategies to support your recovery and improve how your body functions. At Alpine Osteopaths, treatment may include:

• Soft tissue techniques – including massage and targeted techniques to help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and support movement.

• Joint mobilisation – gentle, controlled movements of joints to improve mobility and reduce stiffness.

• Exercise prescription – personalised exercises to help build strength, improve movement patterns and support long-term results.

• Dry needling – a technique using fine needles to target areas of muscle tension and sensitivity.

• Counterstrain techniques – gentle, indirect techniques that place the body in comfortable positions to help reduce muscle and joint sensitivity.

• High-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques – precise, controlled joint techniques that may produce a small release or “click” to improve joint mobility.

Your treatment plan will always be tailored to your individual needs, preferences and comfort level. We will discuss any techniques before using them and work together to find the approach that best supports your goals.

For patients with multiple or chronic conditions, a GP may refer them to an osteopath under the GPCCMP plan. This referral allows for a maximum of 5 visits per year, which may be shared between various allied health providers. A rebate is available for these appointments at $61.80. Please note that the patient is still required to pay in full at the time of payment, and medicare will provide the rebate once processed (usually within 24 hours). We also accept DVA referrals.

For your appointment, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows for movement. This helps us perform any necessary assessments and treatments effectively. You may be asked to remove some clothing depending on the area being treated, but we’ll always ensure your comfort and privacy.

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to health, considering how the body’s musculoskeletal system – including the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves – works together to impact overall wellbeing. In addition to hands-on techniques like stretching, massage, and manipulation, osteopaths also assess lifestyle factors such as posture, activity levels, and stress, as these can all influence pain and mobility. By addressing both the physical and lifestyle elements, osteopathy aims to promote long-term healing and enhance your overall quality of life.

Key differences:

• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists primarily focus on rehabilitation and recovery from injury, often using exercise and physical modalities like heat, cold, or ultrasound.

• Chiropractic: Chiropractors focus mainly on spinal adjustments and manipulation, with a strong emphasis on the alignment of the spine to treat musculoskeletal issues.

Osteopathic treatment is generally not painful, though you may experience some mild discomfort, particularly if you're dealing with muscle tension or injury. We tailor our treatments to your comfort level, and any discomfort should only be temporary. If at any point you feel discomfort, please let your osteopath know so we can adjust the treatment approach.

The number of treatments needed depends on your condition, how long you've been experiencing it, your lifestyle, and your overall health. Typically, you may start to notice changes in your symptoms after one or two visits. For long-term or chronic conditions, more treatments or ongoing management may be required. Your osteopath will discuss your diagnosis, the treatment plan, and the reasons behind it after examining the area. If you have any questions at any point, don’t hesitate to ask.