What does an Osteopath do?
An osteopath provides a holistic manual therapy that is tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
Read more about Osteopathy here.
Do I need to see my GP first?
No, we are Primary Healthcare providers and as such, we will know whether Osteopathy is appropriate for you, or whether you need to be referred to another practitioner, such as your GP.
Is Osteopathy covered by ACC?
Yes, we are ACC treatment providers. You can fill out your ACC form at the clinic. There is a surcharge for ACC treatments.
What do I need for my first appointment? What should I bring?
Please complete the New Patient form you’ll receive with your confirmation email as this information is very useful for the osteopath. If you have relevant medical notes, please bring them along. Wear loose, comfortable clothing so that diagnostic and treatment procedures may be performed. If you have any relevant x-rays, scans or reports, that’s helpful, but a lot of this can be considered at a later date - it’s not essential for the first appointment.
What happens during my first appointment?
We discuss your medical history focusing on your present issue. We take a detailed case history, consider relevant information, and a diagnosis is formulated and discussed with you. The treatment approach is discussed. Treatment will usually be given on the first appointment. Advice will be given and exercises may be prescribed for the patient to take home with them.
Can I bring a friend or relative?
Absolutely, yes.
How many appointments do I need?
That varies from person to person and may depend on the problem. We will have a better idea of treatment requirements after the first appointment, as everyone responds to treatment at different rates. By the second appointment we should be able to gauge how many further appointments are needed.
How much does each appointment cost?
Costs can depend on length of time of the appointment, ACC, or whether it’s with Andy, Bhakti or Simon. Please call our Practice Manager Debbie for a more specific appointment cost on (09) 360 6026.
How do I get there?
We are situated at 183 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011 which is on the border of Ponsonby. We have two parking spaces available on-site and more on Jervois Road. We are within walking distance from Bus Stops 7119, 7120, 7121, 7122.
What else is at the location?
We are a multi-disciplinary clinic as we believe inter-professional collaboration provides the best model for patient care. We have acupuncturists and a homeopath onsite.
What will I need to do after my appointment?
-
On the day of the appointment:
We do offer late nights, so if you feel after appointments you need to go home and rest, this is what we recommend. Other patients prefer to take advantage of our early morning appointments. To maximise the benefit of your treatment we do not recommend exercising excessively after treatment - walking is fine, but no gym or yoga classes on the day of treatment. -
In the week after treatment:
For the majority of people, there will be exercises to do at home to support their treatment with us. While that might not be given on the first treatment, it will be given thereafter. Very achievable goals will be set in regards to doing the exercises between treatments. Advice regarding use of self in regards to work may also be appropriate, and how leisure time is used will be discussed. It’s all useful information towards how the patient has found themselves in this position, and what they may be able to do to help themselves heal.
How do I get the best results?
Come along with an open mind and be open to changing how you use your body - both at work and in your own time.
You might have to spend a bit of time making yourself more flexible, a bit stronger or move more. The reality is, most of us are using ourselves in ways that are not ideal. As we get older, we need to put more back into our bodies, to stop early wear and tear type changes. Be open, taking on the advice that’s given, and having a bit of fun with it.
Don’t set unrealistic goals. Be mindful that if you’ve had a problem for ten years, it’s not going to change overnight. So don’t give up too quickly! Our bodies have an astounding capacity for change and healing.
Does an Osteopath have to be qualified?
Yes, we do. It’s illegal to call yourself an Osteopath without proper certification. It’s a practice regulated by law, which means that unless you have the appropriate training and are registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand, it is illegal for someone to practice using the title Osteopath.
