A condensed version of osteopathy would consider that it is a holistic, whole-body approach to healthcare. It uses manual ‘hands-on’ techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics, without the use of drugs. An osteopathic physician does not concentrate only on the problem area, but uses manual techniques to balance all the body systems, and to provide overall good health and wellbeing.

As a patient, you can consult an osteopath for musculoskeletal, neurological disorders and related pain issues – whether acute or chronic, otherwise known as short and long-term complaints. You can consult an osteopath for neck and low back pain, physical strains, and problems with load bearing, physical coordination and movement. If you are not sure if your condition will benefit from osteopathic care please consult your osteopath prior to booking your appointment.

Your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask about your health history, any medications you are taking, as well as factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your health condition changes between osteopathic consultations, you should tell your osteopath at your next consultation. Your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic assessment involving clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments, movement and functional assessments. Some assessments involve the osteopath observing you while you undertake an activity or perform a sequence of movements. Assessments may also include passive and active movements – where the osteopath manually lifts your arms or legs or applies resistance while you perform a stretch or movement. Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, so your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back. Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between appointments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

This depends on your condition. Long term or chronic conditions may require more clinical management than acute or short-term conditions. Your osteopath will discuss this with you, based on your individual needs. In general, you may feel some change within 2-3 treatments.

Many patients are referred to osteopaths by their doctors, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as osteopaths are primary care practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.

Most private health insurers provide rebates for osteopathy, although some provide better rebates than others. You should check that your hospital and extras cover meet your needs. Osteopathy rebates are available under extras cover. There are different levels of cover depending on how much premium you pay and what services you might want. Please note that your osteopath may charge a gap fee (i.e. the difference between the rebate the health insurer offers you and the total amount of the service). If you are not happy with the level of the rebate, then speak to your health insurer, as the osteopath has no control over the rebate the insurer gives you.

You can receive a Medicare rebate for an osteopathic service if you are a patient in the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program. The CDM program allows General Practitioners (GPs) to refer patients for up to five (5) allied health professional consultations in a calendar year for patients with chronic or terminal medical conditions or complex care needs. Your osteopath may charge more than the Medicare rebate amount, meaning they charge a gap which will need to be paid by you. Please ask your osteopath about any possible gap fee when you make your appointment.

If you have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition that require complex care, you may be eligible for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) assistance through Medicare. In this case your GP must complete a special referral form to refer you to an osteopath for treatment. .

Initial consultation – $100 (60 minute appointment) Return consultation – $80 (45 minute appointment)

Extra time has been dedicated to your initial Osteopathic consultation due to the need to take a detailed case history of your presenting complaint as well as important information pertaining to your medical history.

We accept private health funds (HICAPS), Medicare Enhanced Primary care plans (EPC), Eftpos, Credit Card, and cash payments.

Osteopaths in Australia are government regulated allied health professionals who have undertaken comprehensive university training of 4-5 years duration. Osteopaths continue learning after registration as it is a requirement of all registered healthcare professionals to maintain and develop their skills in practice. You can learn more about Dr Kirk Rides (Osteopath) by clicking here

Unfortunately, due to government and insurance regulations osteopathic consultations will need to take place at a registered osteopathic clinic.

Ballina Lifestyle Osteopathy is run from a professional treatment room in a private residence in Ballina.

Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear.  We suggest you wear modest underwear or gym wear, so you are comfortable. If you are asked to remove outer clothes, you should be offered a gown or covered with a towel during the treatment.

If your injuries do require treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will aim to make you as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, some conditions are painful and may be tender during movement, stretching or treatment. There are techniques which may cause some short-term discomfort or pain. You may experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.