Osteopathy FAQs:

What should I expect on my first consultation?
Your Osteopath will ask you questions about your presenting condition(s) and relevant medical history. Should it be required, Osteopaths are trained to perform basic medical examinations, such as neurological and orthopedic testing. A typical treatment will then continue with soft tissue (or massage) work to the targeted muscular areas, followed by gentle mobilisation techniques. Post-treatment advice on posture, exercise and stretching will also be given. Advice will also be given on whether to apply ice or heat to an area of the body, as many people mistakenly apply heat to an area where ice is the preferred option. You are able to ask as many questions as you like during the consultation, or even phone us and talk to one of the Osteopaths.

Do I need a referral to see an Osteopath?
Osteopaths are primary health care professionals which means you do not need a referral from your Doctor. Simply call and make an appointment! We will endeavor to work in conjunction with your GP/healthcare professional in order to provide the best possible care and treatment outcome for you.

Can I use my Medicare card or health insurance?
You are able claim the majority of your treatment costs with your Medicare card, provided you are on the Enhanced Primary Care (E.P.C.) Plan. Discuss your eligibility with your Osteopath and GP.

If you have “extras” with your health insurance, you will be able to claim a portion of your treatment costs. Using the Hicaps system, we can process that for you at our reception.

What is the Enhanced Primary Care (E.P.C) Plan?
The EPC Plan provides patients with five government-subsidised Allied Health consultations per year. Currently the subsidy is $48 per treatment. If you have been suffering from chronic (long-term) pain, ask your GP if you are eligible for this rebate.

Are there side-effects to Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a safe hands-on treatment modality. As a result of gentle mobilisation and stretching joints and muscles, some patients may experience slight discomfort following their treatment. This subsides quickly.

Will I need many treatments?
Usually not many! The aim of Osteopathy is not to pre-book set appointment dates months in advance. The number of treatments required will depend on the nature of the patients’ condition, overall health and fitness, and their willingness to do the prescribed rehabilitation. Although every “body” is unique, as a realistic guideline, most acute cases will generally require 3-5 treatments for the full effects of Osteopathy to be gained. A famous Osteopathic maxim is “find it, fix it and leave it alone!” Once a favourable treatment outcome is reached, the patient is encouraged to maintain their health by exercise and stretching.

For longer standing conditions, more regular treatments may be required.

Chinese herbal medicine FAQs:

Are the herbs used in Australia safe?
Manufactured Chinese herbal medicine products imported into or sold in Australia are regulated by the Australian Therapeutic goods Administration (TGA). This regulation requires evidence of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as well as other safety standards that must be met before these products can be made available. All of our patent pills used in Back in Health clinic are labeled AUSTL.

What are Chinese herbs?
There are over 450 herbs commonly used Chinese herbal medicine and most of them are of plant origins (twigs, stems, roots, seeds, flowers and fruits). Though some animal and mineral substances may be used, animal products that are listed as endangered species are not used in contemporary Chinese herbal medicine practice.

Why Chinese herbs are always mixed in formula to use?
Chinese herbal formulas are usually used in combinations of 8 to 15 herbs. It is rare for practitioner to prescribe single herbs as a general prescription.

Each herbs in the formula is strategically mixed to either mutually reinforce each other for a stronger effect or mutually assist to help other herbs work better or used in combination to restrain one herb to reduce or eliminate side effects of another herb.

By using these strategies, our Qualified Chinese medicine practitioners will tailor prescription that matches your individual health.

How do I take the herbs?
All Chinese medicine practitioners in back in health clinic prescribe either patent, Pre- formulated pills (Black Pearl Brand) or Powder herbs.

Powder herbs are taken by mixing the powder with warm water and drink it as a tea. Patent pills are convenient to take and it is suitable for people who cannot deal with the taste of the powder herbs.

However, powder herbs are more strong and quick in action due to being absorbed as liquid form.

Usually need to take either 2-3 times a day depending on your condition.

Acupuncture FAQs

Q. What does acupuncture feel like? Is it safe?
A. Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are either pre-sterilized and disposable after a single use, or disinfected and sterilized in an autoclave, as surgical and dental instruments are, after each use. The practitioner is well aware of the concern over infectious diseases, and takes every measure to insure cleanliness as all health care professional do. Bleeding rarely occurs, unless done so on purpose in specific situations. Even then the amount is minimal and in no way dangerous. This is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.

Q. Does acupuncture work?
A. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Acupuncture, there have been many studies on acupuncture’s potential usefulness, but results have been mixed because of complexities with study design and size, as well as difficulties with choosing and using placebos or sham acupuncture. However, promising results have emerged, showing efficacy of acupuncture, for example, in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. There are other situations–such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma–in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program. A WHO funded study recently showed that acupuncture provides pain relief, improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee, and serves as an effective complement to standard care. Further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions will be useful.

Q. What should I expect during my first visit?
A. During your first visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behaviour. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviours that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.