If you have never been treated by an osteopath, or have questions relating to ACC, payment, or the general process, we have a range of questions and answers below.
Feel free to contact us if you have any separate questions or need clarification.
Can osteopathy help me?
Osteopathy is a holistic therapy which is not only helpful in treating painful joints but also for enhancing the body’s ability to heal itself. Please refer to what we treat. If you have any questions on whether osteopathy can help you, please phone and we will endeavour to answer your queries.
Do I need a referral to see an Osteopath?
Although many patients are referred by their doctor, or other health care professional, this is not required. You can make an appointment directly with us, this also applies if you have had an accident and wish to submit an ACC claim.
What should I expect from my first visit?
At reception an information form for our records will be given to you to fill in. Before any treatment commences, the osteopath takes a case history from you. Following this you will be informed of what will happen next, which will involve a physical assessment followed by a treatment.
What do I need to bring?
You can bring a list of medications, x-ray/MRI/scan results if relevant. If your claim has already been lodged with ACC, please bring either your ACC45 or your acceptance letter from ACC.
Will you click my neck or back?
Clicking or manipulating the spine is an option for treatment. However there are other techniques that can be used if you prefer not to be manipulated.
Clothing, and do I need to remove any clothes?
Osteopathy is a manual medicine, treatment is hands on, and usually involves moving various parts of your body. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Some clothing may need to be removed for comfort of treatment and to get a correct physical assessment. Please speak to your osteopath if you feel uncomfortable in any way
Do all the osteopaths provide ACC treatments?
No. Stephen McCann, Caitlin Graves and Chrissy Muyshondt are our ACC providers at Moorhouse Osteopathic Centre.
Do I have to pay for ACC Treatment?
There is a partial surcharge for ACC treatment. If your claim is not accepted by ACC, you would be expected to pay the balance of the cost of a private consultation.
How do I pay and when?
Payment would be appreciated at the conclusion of each visit. You can pay by cash, eftpos,visa or mastercard.
Are your osteopaths both male and female?
At present we have 3 male and 1 female osteopaths.
Do I need to bring somebody with me?
Generally it is not necessary but if you would prefer to bring a support person with you then that is fine. Children under 16 years are required by law to have a parent/care giver with them while treatment is in progress.
How much time will a treatment take?
Depending on the practitioner, the first treatment may take for an adult 30-45 minutes, children 30 minutes. For follow ups adults 25-30 minutes, children 15-30 minutes.
How many treatments will I need?
It is often not possible to give a correct number of treatments required. However the osteopath can give an overview of this on their findings from the first visit and give a probable number of visits that may be required.
Will it hurt?
The osteopath will endeavour to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. At times techniques may be used that can cause discomfort. Your osteopath will ascertain your treatment needs, taking into consideration age and any relevant factors.
Some people experience some soreness for a day or two after treatment as their body reacts and adjusts to the treatment. If this persist or increases, contact your osteopath to discuss it
Do you only treat the spine?
Osteopathy treats the whole musculoskeletal system (muscles/bones) as well as the organs and cranium.
Can my Osteopath Lodge my ACC claim?
Yes, we can help you with your paperwork and lodge your claim for you. Let your Osteopath know if you have had an accident and wish to lodge a claim.
ACC treatment & what else do I need to know?
You need to be sure that you have a personal injury caused by an accident, otherwise your claim is likely to be turned down. If it is a new claim then paperwork needs to be completed so please arrive with enough time to do this before your appointment. If it is an existing claim please have your ACC45 or your acceptance letter from ACC.
Will health insurance cover treatment?
Most insurers cover osteopathic treatment. You do need to check your policy to see if it includes that, or ring your insurance company to find out. A GST receipt can be issued when needed. If your policy is held with Southern Cross, we can offer their Easy-Claim service. More information about this can be found on their website.
What Training do Osteopaths undertake?
In New Zealand training consists of a 5 year University program. Osteopaths who trained overseas have had their training assessed and approved to be the same standard. These standards are set by the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand (OCNZ)
All osteopaths working in New Zealand are required to be registered with the OCNZ. Every year osteopaths have to fulfil continuing education hours to receive a practicing certificate.
Do you refer to other health professions?
Yes. It is our policy to get the best outcome for our patients and at times this requires referring them to other health professionals.