Osteopathy and Allied Health
in Flinders, Mornington Peninsula

No, you do not need a referral to see an osteopath or for remedial massage at Flinders Health and Wellness Clinic. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners who can assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, sports injuries and headaches without a GP referral. You can book online, contact us by email, or call the clinic directly.

Note: If you have a chronic disease management plan (EPC) or Enhanced Primary Care plan from your GP, please bring your referral to access Medicare rebates.

Please bring any relevant MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, or ultrasound reports related to your condition. If you have been referred by a GP or specialist, bring your referral letter, care plan documentation or discharge paperwork. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows your osteopath to assess movement and the affected area — for lower back, hip or leg concerns, shorts or activewear are ideal. If your injury relates to a specific sport or activity, bringing relevant footwear or equipment can assist with assessment.

Yes, osteopathy and remedial massage services are covered by most private health insurance providers under Extras cover. We have HICAPS available, allowing you to claim your rebate on the spot and only pay the gap. Contact your health fund prior to your appointment to check your eligibility and rebate amount — amounts vary depending on your level of cover and annual limits.

Osteopathy can be partially covered by Medicare if you have a valid Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan from your GP. Under these plans, you may be eligible for up to 5 allied health visits per calendar year. Please bring your referral letter to your appointment so we can process your claim correctly.

Note: Remedial massage is not covered under Medicare EPC plans, but may be claimable through private health insurance, WorkCover or TAC depending on your circumstances.

Most treatments are gentle and non-invasive. Some orthopaedic testing may provoke discomfort — we will explain this as we go and ensure you are aware of any techniques that may be pain-provoking. You are always in control of what happens during the appointment.

In Australia, all three are regulated healthcare professionals who specialise in musculoskeletal conditions. The difference comes from approach, training and philosophy. Osteopaths tend to look at the entire body and provide a mix of manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation across a broad range of complaints. Chiropractic care often places greater emphasis on the spine and nervous system. Physiotherapy follows a strong evidence-informed approach with a broad presence across hospital, aged care and private practice.

What can matter more than the professional title is whether you feel heard, whether care improves your symptoms, whether your goals are considered, and whether your practitioner empowers you — rather than making you feel dependent on them. If you are unsure who might be able to help, feel free to call us.

Some techniques can create a clicking or ‘cracking’ sound, but osteopathy is not just about that. We focus on finding the approach that works best for your body and comfort level — many techniques are gentle and do not involve joint manipulation at all. We will always discuss and explain any technique before applying it. Many patients see us for rehabilitation only and do not have any manual therapy done at all.

Osteopaths are trained to assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions — including back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, sports injuries, joint pain, tendinopathies and more. We conduct thorough assessments, provide diagnosis within our scope of practice, and use a combination of hands-on therapy and exercise rehabilitation. We can refer for imaging and advise when further medical input is needed.

To practise as an osteopath in Australia, practitioners must complete a Bachelor of Science (Clinical Sciences) and a Master of Health Science (Osteopathy). Our osteopaths maintain ongoing continuing professional development and are both fully registered with AHPRA. Tegan, our remedial massage therapist, has completed her training in Australia and is a registered remedial massage therapist with ongoing CPD requirements.