INNER NORTH OSTEOPATHY BRUNSWICK
WE OFFER GAIT ANALYSIS/RUNNING
RETRAINING
20+ locations across Melbourne
BACK PAIN TREATMENT MELBOURNE
Back Pain Treatment Melbourne
Back pain covers a very diverse and broad range of symptoms and diagnoses. The back can extend from the base of the neck across the shoulder blades, rib cage and down to the base of the spine. Back pain can also cause referred pain in the buttocks, thigh, leg, calf or foot.
Back pain is very common, and most people will experience an episode at some point in their life. A majority of back pain occurs without significant tissue injury or trauma and can be managed by your osteopath.
Sometimes tissue injury will be present, including:
- Muscle strain
- Joint sprain
- Disc injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Auto-immune disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Congenital Bony Deformity
Back pain can also be aggravated by things such as:
- Stress
- Previous Injury
- Postural strain
- Lack of physical movement
Sometimes back pain can be serious in nature and require referral, but most back pain is managed conservatively (without surgical intervention). The most important part of any treatment plan is establishing a diagnosis. This starts with a thorough case history, including the onset of symptoms, type of pain and aggravating and relieving factors (things that make the pain feel better or worse). This is followed by a physical exam and further imaging may be needed. Your osteopath can provide these services and work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Most times back pain treatment consists of reducing the severity of pain using either manual therapy or occasionally medicines (via your pharmacist or GP). For some people, this will be enough, but oftentimes, back pain treatment will include an active recovery program, utilising education and exercise. Treatment of back pain at Inner North Osteopathy is a strong focus of ours, and we know that understanding the diagnosis and management is important for clients so they are able to move forward and enjoy their daily activities without pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteopaths are primary healthcare providers which means that no referral is necessary. If your treatment is being covered by WorkSafe, TAC or DVA, you will require a referral to ensure that your costs are covered.
We are able to treat WorkSafe, TAC, EPC and DVA patients, however you will require a referral from your GP. For TAC and WorkSafe patients we will also require your claim number and date of injury.
We are covered by private health funds via extras cover. Exact details will vary depending on the individual fund and level of cover. We do have a Hicaps machine which enables you to claim health fund payments on the spot.
For medicare rebates you must qualify for an EPC plan. You will need to discuss this with your GP, and a referral is necessary.
Yes, please bring in any X-ray, CT or MRI scan results you may have. If you have a report for these scans, make sure you bring this along as well.
During your first consultation your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask questions about your medical history, any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes during the course of your osteopathic treatment, you should tell your osteopath.
Your osteopath may ask about any recent X-rays, scans or test results that you may have.
Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It’s important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts to change into.
Next, your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, which will help determine how best to manage your condition.
The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs. As part of the examination, you may also be asked to bend over or stand in your underwear. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear.
As osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, 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 treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.
Some people 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.
Your initial consultation may last up to one hour. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, examine and treat you. Follow-up treatments are usually shorter. Depending on your condition, they can take 30-40 minutes.
Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment. If you have any concerns, your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.
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Practitioners
Inner North Osteopathy prides itself on a number of things: passion, dedication, and maintaining our practice standards to ensure we are using evidence based practice. This means utilising client centered care including education and management advice. We aim to provide you with the tools to be in control of your pain and enjoy the life you choose.
