No, you can make an ACC appointment directly at our osteopathic clinic without a referral.

Our osteopaths based in Massey can assist you in managing an array of musculoskeletal concerns or answer any further questions you may have.

If your policy covers osteopathy,  we can process your claim through easy claim. Please check your personal policy with Southern Cross to see if you have cover.  

During your first osteopathy session, the osteopath will ask about what is going on – your symptoms, general health and any other medical care you’re receiving. We will then ask you to stand and do a few movements which is called a physical examination. We may also perform specific tests to isolate your issue.  The aim here is to find any areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain within your body.

With your consent, you’ll probably need to remove some clothing from the area being examined, so please wear loose clothing.  Shorts are preferable to work with.

Osteopaths are trained to identify what is going on for you, and how to approach your situation. This will include how long for recovery and treatments required.  We can refer you to your GP for further investigations and for imaging (x-ray or ultrasound) to help diagnose the problem.

We also have a very close network  to provide referrals to specialists and local health providers such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, podiatrists and acupuncturists, if required. 

Patients often wonder how many treatments they are going to need in order to feel better. Sometimes this is hard to answer after the first treatment. The time and amount of treatment can be variable for each individual depending on their condition, lifestyle, age and activity levels. As we see how you are responding to treatment/s we will endeavour to give you a clearer prognosis.

Those whom are disabled or require assistance or are under the age of 16 must have a parent, guardian or caregiver present throughout the entire treatment.

Please wear loose clothing. Shorts are preferable to work with.

As far as possible your osteopath will use towels to cover you up during the treatment. You are also most welcome to bring someone with you. We have both male and female practitioners. It is our priority to make you feel as comfortable as possible. If you feel at all uncomfortable with the extent to which you are asked to undress, or any aspect of the treatment or examination please let us know. We will always respect requests for modesty and can work within your personal preference. Should you feel more comfortable in the presence of a friend or relative, this is also possible.

We use osteopathy techniques which aim to reduce pain, improve movement and encourage healing.

We aim to restore you back to better health by using hands-on techniques. 

These include:

• Massage – to relax tension in the muscles.
• Stretching movements to encourage more range.
• Specific movements are applied to your joints to reduce stiffness. 
• Our manipulations are done very fast, with very little force – just like clicking your knuckles.

Osteopathy is not usually painful, although it’s not unusual to feel sore or stiff in the first few days after treatment, particularly if you’re having treatment for a painful or inflamed injury.

Your osteopath will explain whether you’re likely to have any reactions. If you feel any pain during or after treatment, tell your osteopath.

Initial treatment will take approximately 40 minutes. The osteopath treats one patient at a time, and is in the room with the patient for the duration of the treatment session. In the session, we take a full case history and perform any physical, orthopaedic or neurological examinations that may be necessary in order to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Any further treatment is between 30-35 minutes. In this consultation, the osteopath will deliver treatment as needed, offer a management place, ongoing advice and support, and assess the improvement of the condition.

Those whom are disabled or require assistance or are under the age of 16 must have a parent, guardian or caregiver present throughout the entire treatment.

Many people feel good after, experiencing some amount pain relief in an area that was painful. Usually the treatment given continues to have an effect over a few days. This is why we will often encourage you to ‘take it easy’ and rest after a treatment. It will allow your body the necessary time to heal properly, even if you feel completely pain free.
It is not uncommon after any physical therapy, including Osteopathic care, to continue to experience some symptoms or even feel sore or tired. Sometimes the symptoms may become worse before they become better usually in the first 24-48 hours

A post treatment reaction is the term for the achy or uncomfortable sensation that can occur after treatment. Should you feel a bit sore and achy after your treatment, this feeling should ease within a couple of days. This occurs due to your body adjusting to the changes that may have been made through treatment.

If you feel concerned, or your pain is significantly worse, then you should call and speak with your Osteopath. We would always prefer that you call us to let us know how you feel. We will often be able to tell you what to do or not to do that can help relieve the irritations you are feeling. In some cases we may even decide it is something separate from the treatment and may need further attention by either your practitioner or a referral to further investigate.

What to do if you suffer from a post treatment reaction

Osteopaths at Top Notch, depending on your condition, may prescribe the use of a heat pack, cold pack, some stretching, exercises, rest or over-the-counter analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications to support the treatment. Following the advice you have been given should help your condition recover faster. If you are unsure or you think it is not supporting your recovery please call your Osteopath to discuss and clarify what they have advised.

Osteopathy is mostly hands-on treatment that may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation.

Most osteopathic treatments are gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will aim to make you as comfortable as possible.

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, please do not hesitate to contact your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

You can use an existing claim, however, please make sure it is still within the 12 months from the date of your injury. You will need to provide your osteopath with your existing claim number, please either contact the health professional who raised your claim or call ACC on 0800 101 996.

If you are seeing two different providers for your care under ACC – for example a physio for exercise rehabilitation and osteopathy for hands on treatment – please do not book your appointments on the same day.

My ACC claim has expired

If the nature of your injury is still persisting despite treatment, and you are choosing to seek osteopathic treatment with us for this claim. Please email the clinic – as some claims will not have approval for more treatment and you will need to be seen privately.

If your injury is work-related, please let your osteopath know. Your injury may be approved through your work rather than ACC. Please ensure you contact your employer to see if you qualify for this cover. If you are not sure, we can submit and ACC will inform us that your workplace will cover up to a certain amount of treatments.