People often ask us about osteopathy and our clinic.

We have put together a list of common questions. If there is something we haven’t covered below, call or email us and we’ll answer it.

• How long does a treatment last?

• The first consultation usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. This allows us to build up a detailed case history and perform an initial examination to enable an accurate diagnosis to be made prior to treatment. Follow up visits usually last 30 minutes.

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• What should I wear?

• Because the osteopathic examination and treatment involves moving you around, it is easier if you wear clothes that facilitate easy movement. A t-shirt and track pants, or similar, are ideal. Denim jeans are very restrictive and should be avoided.

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• Does it hurt?

• Osteopathic treatment aims to normalise altered function within the body. Treatment should not be painful but some conditions treated and techniques used can be uncomfortable. If this is likely to be the case your osteopath will explain this first. If you do find any part of the process painful you should point this out to your osteopath and alternative methods will be employed.

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• I've heard osteopaths crack joints.

• One of the many techniques that your osteopath can/may use is the release of joint restriction using manipulation. This is a very safe treatment modality and will only be performed when necessary and when it is deemed safe and appropriate to do so. The crack or noise that is heard when a joint is manipulated is simply a vacuum formed between the joint surfaces when they are released.

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• People talk about having joints and bones "put back into place". Does this really happen?

• There is much terminology used in manual medicine that is inaccurate. The human body is very well designed and built. If bones and joints were as unstable as is inferred by such terminology we would have many more problems than we do and our work as osteopaths would be a whole lot more exciting.

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• How many sessions will I need?

• This is a very difficult question to answer however, for uncomplicated simple low back problems quite often only 2 - 3 treatments are needed. Complicated and/or chronic problems can take much longer, however, your osteopath should be able to advise you of progress and expectations.

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• What can an osteopath treat?

• ...to come...

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• Does ACC cover osteopathy?

• If your injury is as a result of an accident a claim can be lodged by your osteopath or another health provider and once accepted by ACC means that your treatment costs are subsidised. As shown on the pricing page.

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• I have medical insurance, does that cover osteopathy?

• Osteopathy is fully recognised however cover is subject to the individual policy. Please check with your health insurance provider or broker.

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• I am pregnant. Can I still have osteopathic treatment?

• Yes. There are many pregnancy specific problems encountered such as back pain associated with postural changes and pelvic pain, which are very responsive to osteopathic treatment. Pregnancy does not preclude osteopathic treatment, however, the types of techniques that are used may be modified accordingly.

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• Do you use cranial osteopathy?

• Yes, cranial osteopathy is a very gentle form of treatment. It is particularly useful with children but can be used with all patients.

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• Do you proctect my privacy?

• Osteopaths are bound by the HPCAA which requires us to protect patients rights to confidentiality. All information that you share with your osteopath is confidential and all patient records are stored in a safe and secure manner.

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• Do I need a referral from my doctor or can I self-refer?

• Although we do receive direct referrals from general practitioners and consultants you can attend the clinic on a self-referral basis. If an ACC claim needs to be lodged we can attend to this paperwork directly on your behalf.

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• Where can I find you? Do you have parking?

• The practice is located at 195A Wicksteed Street, Wanganui. That is the block between Ingestre St and Guyton St. On road parking is available on Wicksteed St. There also a car park situated directly behind the practice which can be accessed off Ingestre St - see our location page for details.

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• What if I can't make an appointment - do I still have to pay?

• We do ask that you make every attempt to give us at least 24 hours notice if you need to change or cancel an appointment. This is to accommodate our waiting list of patients who need to be seen urgently. Our policy states that you can incur a fee of $30 if you fail to give adequate notice of a missed appointment.

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