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Improving health and wellbeing
Osteopath Heath Williams started Principle Four Osteopath in 2010 with a focus on integrating manual therapy and movement i.e. osteopathy + exercise and strength conditioning so that clients could move from pain management to improving their overall health and wellbeing.
We Are Here To Help
If you have questions, need assistance completing your booking or would like to make an appointment over the phone call 03 9662 2147
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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At Principle Four Osteopathy our Melbourne CBD Osteopath Clinic has delivered over 25,000 treatments for almost every common, complex and chronic condition imaginable.
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We deliver real differential diagnosis which allows us to get to the underlying cause of your condition, followed by results based treatments and functional training designed to move you from pain management to being in control of your health or we can create personalised programs to help you achieve peak performance.
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We ask that you please arrive at the clinic five minutes early and take a seat in our waiting area which is located on the opposite side of our entrance within our exercise rehab studio
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We have a toilet and shower onsite if required.
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We accept Hicaps/Suncorp, Cash, EFTPOS, VISA and MasterCard.
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We ask that you pay for your consultation on the day of your appointment.
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We require 12 hours’ notice if you are unable to attend your consultation (a cancellation fee may apply for short notice cancellations < 12 hours’ notice.
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Should you be under the Medicare chronic disease management plan, WorkCover, TAC or veterans affairs scheme, please contact us prior to booking an appointment and seeing one of our osteopaths as you will be required to bring with you relevant claim numbers and information relating to your treatment and management.
FAQs
If you are a new booked to see one of our Osteopaths at our Melbourne osteopathy clinic or you are wanting to find out more information about Principle Four Osteopathy and what’s involved, we have put together a list of commonly asked questions and answers below for you to review.
If you have a question that we haven’t answered in our FAQs section below, please email info@principle4.com and one of our osteopaths will respond as soon as possible.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DOES MY OSTEOPATH HAVE?
Osteopaths in Australia undertake 5 years of full-time study. This consists of a 3-year Bachelor Science (clinical science) and 2 years master’s degree in Health Science (Osteopathy).
Osteopaths are required by law to register with the Australian Board of Osteopaths and complete 25 hours of continued professional development annually.
The majority of Osteopath’s in Australia register with the Australian Osteopathic Association who represent the Osteopathic profession within Australia.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE MY OSTEOPATH?
No, anyone can make an appointment with an Osteopath. However, your general practitioner or specialist may recommend osteopathic treatment for certain conditions or problems. If you are unsure as to whether your specific complaint can be helped by Osteopathy, please call or email Principle Four Osteopathy
HOW LONG WILL MY APPOINTMENT TAKE?
Initial appointments are approximately 60 minutes. Follow up appointments are 30-40 minutes, with longer follow up appointments of 60 minutes being available should you have a complex complaint or multiple complaints.
SHOULD I BRING MY X-RAYS WITH ME?
Yes. If you have any relevant information (X-rays, CT, MRI, Ultrasound scans or doctors’ letters and reports), please bring these with you so that your Osteopath can review these.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY APPOINTMENT?
Osteopathic consults
Osteopaths perform a detailed physical examination of the body to identify the problem. You may be asked by the Osteopath to dress down to your underwear (so please ensure you dress appropriately). Gowns are available to clients if they so choose to wear one.
Movement assessment, exercise rehabilitation and strength and conditioning consults
Please bring loose fitting clothing and shoes that you can perform exercise in. Please bring a towel with you also to the consult.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?
Your first Osteopathic consultation will involve a detailed case history, physical examination and explanation of what they suspect is going on. If treatment is appropriate, manual therapy and further management advice and a prognosis will be given. If your Osteopath believes a referral for further investigation or an appointment with a GP is required, then they will refer you as required.
All clients should expect to have a clearer understanding as to what the cause of their complaint is and the best way of managing it.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of osteopathic treatments required can vary greatly depending on the nature of the complaint. Some individuals only require a few (2-5) treatments, whereas other more chronic complaints may require more.
Your osteopath will discuss with you during the consultation as to what they think is most appropriate for your particular condition. Principle Four Osteopathy philosophy is to work with the client in attaining their goals, whether this be to move more freely without pain or to reach a specific goal. At Principle Four Osteopathy believe our role is to help provide the client with the tools and strategies to help facilitate the change required for them to achieve their goals. Therefore, it is expected and required that all clients take an active role in the process of recovery or pathway to reaching their specific goals.
WHAT IF I NEED A REFERRAL FOR ASSESSMENT OR INVESTIGATION?
If the Osteopath thinks you would benefit from further investigations or other treatment modalities, they will discuss this with you and refer directly for imaging or to the appropriate professional.
DO YOU CHARGE FOR REFERRAL LETTERS?
No. All referral letters are inclusive of the consultation. At Principle 4 we believe in offering clients the best comprehensive service possible. The Osteopath may ask you if you are happy for them to update your GP on their condition and progress of treatment.
If the Osteopath believes they cannot help you or that there are more effective means of treatment and management of your particular condition, they will refer you to those who can best assist you.
WHAT IS THE MEDICARE CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM?
The Medicare Chronic Disease Management Program has been established for individuals with chronic conditions and complex care needs. A Medicare rebate is available for a maximum of 5 treatments per calendar year and patients must have a GP management plan and team care arrangements organised by their GP. If you think that you might be eligible for this, then it is recommended that you speak with our GP regarding this. Once referred to the Osteopath under the CDM program, the Osteopath will report back to the GP regarding the referral.