FAQs about The Osteo Collective
Frequently asked questions.
The Osteo Collective exists to achieve the best results for you possible. It’s that simple. Your health is our priority.
Symptoms of COVID-19
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend the clinic, and call to reschedule your appointment if necessary. Online (telehealth) appointments are available with our osteopaths and exercise physiologists if required.
I’ve tested positive
If you have recently tested positive to COVID, please do not attend an appointment until 7 days after a positive test, and you are symptom free.
I’ve never tried osteopathy before, what can I expect?
To help give you a better understanding head over to our blog post which answers this question in detail. Have more questions after this, give us a call!
How long do osteopathy treatments last?
Our first appointments last from between 45-60 minutes. During this time we take a detailed history of your injury, a past medical history, a full examination and treatment. Our standard appointments all last up to 30 minutes in duration.
How long do osteopaths study for?
Your osteopath has spent a total of 5 years at university. Completing a 3 year Bachelors degree and a further 2 year Masters degree in Osteopathy. During this time subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics are all studied.
What should I bring/wear to my session?
For osteopathy and massage appointments, loose fitting clothing is the ideal attire to wear during your treatment to ensure we are not restricted with any techniques we may wish to use. However, adjustments can always be made. We occasionally ask patients to remove certain items of clothing to allow for effective treatment. However, this is not a necessity and consent is always obtained. For exercise physiology appointments, sports wear/activewear is preferred.
How many osteopathy appointments will I need?
Unfortunately this is a difficult question to answer without knowing your specific injury details, work, hobbies, family requirements etc. We will endeavour to give you this information to the best of our ability in your first appointment!
Do you treat children?
Yes we do. Occasionally we will refer children to a paediatric osteopath if required. We take the medical care of children very seriously, and will always involve other professionals (through referral) if we believe it necessary.
How many appointments will I need?
This depends on on your complaint/injury or goals. You can discuss this with your practitioner.
Should I book 1:1 or group sessions?
For complex issues and injury rehab, 1:1 can be best, however for more general strength and conditioning, or further along your rehab journey, group sessions are likely to be most appropriate. Feel free to discuss this at your initial appointment, or give us a call.
How are the exercise physiology groups run?
Our group sessions contain a maximum number of 3 people. Prior to joining our group sessions you will be required to book an initial 1:1 EP session for a full examination and plan development. Proper form and technique is crucial when exercising and we want to make sure you can perform what is required before you enter our groups.
I’ve just had a baby, is exercise physiology is appropriate?
As long as there have been no post natal complications that are still recieving medical care, then our post-natal rehab sessions can be very beneficial. It is important for all women to ensure they recieve guidance in their post natal rehab. Please contact us if you have any questions.
How long are your massage appointments?
You can book 45, 60, 75 or 90 minute massage appointments.
Is dry needling or cupping available?
Yes, these services are available and included in the cost if utilised during a massage. Please discuss this with your practitioner.
How long are myotherapy appointments?
Your first appointment will take approximately 60min. Follow up sessions can be 45min or 60min. Your practitioner will discuss the best option with you at your first appointment.
Is dry needling or cupping available?
Yes, these services are available and included in the cost if utilised during a massage. Please discuss this with your practitioner.
Can I use Medicare?
In some circumstances. Your GP may provide a referral as part of a Chronic Disease Management Plan. This can be up to 5 visits per year. Your GP may allocate appointments to either osteopathy or exercise physiology.
Osteopathy
Appointments with Dr Mia Chepanidis (Malvern East) and Dr Benjamin Gierlach (Cheltenham) are bulk billed (no out of pocket expense). Appointments with Dr Scott Toniazzo (Malvern East), Dr Todd Stewart (Cheltenham and Dr Grace Knight (Cheltenham) are standard rate, with on the spot rebates available.
Exercise Physiology
Appointments under Medicare with Madeleine Linton (Malvern East & Cheltenham) have a reduced gap fee of $30 for an initial consult and $20 for subsequent consults.
Can I claim on private health insurance?
Most private health insurance extras include osteopathy, exercise physiology and remedial massage therapy. However we recommend you check with your private health insurer to ensure you are covered before commencing treatment.
Do you treat patients on WorkSafe (WorkCover)?
Yes, we do. Workcover patients are able to access osteopathy, exercise physiology (and remedial remedial massage if referred by their GP.) Please ensure you have an approved claim number and are approved to access your required service.
Osteopathy
Appointments with Dr Mia Chepanidis (Malvern East) and Dr Dr Benjamin Gierlach (Cheltenham) are bulk billed (no out of pocket expense). Appointments with Dr Scott Toniazzo (Malvern East), Dr Todd Stewart (Cheltenham) and Dr Grace Knight (Cheltenham) are standard rate, with a Gap fee payable at time of appointment.
Exercise Physiology
Appointments with Madeleine Linton (Malvern East & Cheltenham) will attract a reduced gap fee of $30 for inital consults and $20 for subsequent consults.
Remedial Massage
Appointments with Cooper Bagnara and Jade Olsen (Malvern East) will attract a reduced gap fee of $25.
Myotherapy
Appointments with Jade Olsen (Malvern East) will attract a reduced gap fee of $25.
Do you treat patients on Workcover or TAC?
Yes, we do. TAC patients are able to access osteopathy and exercise physiology. Please ensure you have an approved claim number and are approved to access osteopathy or exercise physiology.
Osteopathy
Appointments with all of our osteopaths are bulk billed for approved TAC patients (no out of pocket expense).
Exercise Physiology
Appointments with Madeleine Linton (Malvern East & Cheltenham) are bulk billed (no out of pocket expense).
Remedial Massage
Not available under TAC.
Myotherapy
Not available under TAC.
I have a DVA card. Can I access your services?
Yes, you can access osteopathy, exercise physiology and remedial massage. The number of treatments you can receive depends on your level or DVA card. There is no out of pocket expense to utilise these services.
Ask us anything
Free call with an osteopath.
What does an osteopath treat? Can you help with chronic low back pain? Do you treat sports injuries? People ask us all kinds of questions before visiting The Osteo Collective. Do you have a question for us? Get in touch.
