Acumen Health

Appointment required / enquiry information:

Times available by appointment only. Please call 8882 9982 or 0415 255 991, or use the 'make an enquiry' button on this page:

Mondays - 2:00pm - 8:00pm
Tuesdays - 8:45am - 5:00pm
Wednesdays - 8:45am - 5:00pm
Thursdays - 7:15am - 4:00pm
Fridays - 8.45am - 8:00pm
Saturdays - by appointment

txt / call: 8882 9982 or 0415 255 991 or use the 'make an enquiry' button near the top of this page.

Why See An Osteopath?

Osteopaths are most often sought to manage conditions when a patient is in pain, however osteopathy may also be employed as a preventative measure for those who achieve optimum health, and avoid, rather than manage repeated acute on chronic, health-care issues. Osteopaths look at how your body works in its entirety, to determine whether any problems you’re experiencing are due to a gradual adaptation to a systemic or bio-mechanical “problem” elsewhere.

Osteopaths are best known for their high success rates in dealing with back and neck pain, headaches, and postural problems in people of all ages. Other success stories include:

• hip, knee leg and foot issues
  
• shoulder, elbow hand and arm issues
  
• sacro-iliac issues
  
• rib pain
  
• jaw pain
  
• joint pain (all joints)
  
• nerve pain
  
• sinus problems
  
• breathing problems (e.g. asthma, thoracic outlet syndrome, bronchitis)
  
• carpal tunnel
  
• pregnancy-related conditions
  
• post-natal conditions
  
• circulation problems, including lymphoedema
  
• gastro-intestinal issues
  
• period pain
  
• chronic pain
  
• tendonitis, tendinosis
  
• bursitis
  
• sporting and rehabilitative injuries of all kinds, pre-and post-surgical management

Osteopaths deal with people of all shapes and sizes, from infants, children, the aged, outdoor adventurers, office workers and couch-potatoes!


Clinic fees

Initial consultation: $110
(please allow up to 60 minutes of one-on-one consultation, incorporating medical history-taking, examination, and appropriate treatment and/or advice)

Ongoing consultation and treatment: $80 (please allow up to 40 minutes)

*Cash payment only. On-the-spot HICAPS claiming coming soon.

Nationally registered primary health care provider - health-fund receipt provided.


Osteopathy - what's that?

Osteopathy is a wholistic form of manual medicine which uses manual techniques to optimize structural balance, to enhance the effectiveness of the body’s natural self-healing processes. The word “osteo” is Greek for bone, however osteopaths do not only deal with bones, muscles, joints or nerves, though they are highly qualified to do so. Osteopaths are also qualified to diagnose and or identify many causes of dysfunction in the body, ranging from vascular, lymphatic, neurological, visceral, cranio-sacral, hormonal, lymphatic, and musculo-skeletal conditions.

Modern osteopaths, such as Patricia, undertake five years of intense university training, consisting of a three-year Bachelor degree in Applied Science, followed by a two-year full-time Masters degree with constant clinical, research and theoretical components, in order to practice professionally. Additionally Patricia has a Diploma in Health Science. She is is professionally registered, and has a Medicare provider number. Chronic pain patients can seek prescribed treatment, covered by Medicare, under the "Enhanced Primary Care" initiative, via their medical doctor prior to treatment. Private patients do not require a referral to attend.

What To Expect

First visit:

• you will complete a form detailing your health and injury history including distant and recent health events
  
  
• bring any recent investigations such as X-rays, scans or laboratory tests with copies of the reports
  
  
• physical examination and diagnosis by the osteopath
  
  • you may be asked to remove clothing, but your modesty will be respected at all times. You may wear a hospital-style robe which opens at the back
    
  • a qualified assessment of your condition will be provided, and be explained to you
    
  • in some cases it may be necessary to refer for further investigation
  
  
• treatment is usually provided on the first visit
  
• the osteopath will determine whether your presenting problem is part of a “bigger picture” of adaptation, or illness
  
• treatment type and duration is determined by the practitioner, as appropriate for your condition
  
• home and work self-management strategies (such as exercise-prescription and ergonomic advice), to further assist your treatment may be prescribed.

About Patricia

Patricia is a double-degree health care professional experienced and skilled in a large range of remedial techniques. She has been working in health-care since 1989, including management of acute injuries, chronic pain and rehabilitation. She will use the proven and appropriate techniques for your condition, to improve your body’s overall function, and to alleviate your symptoms. Subtle and gentle techniques are applied when needed.

These techniques will focus on muscles, joints, fascia, fluids (such as blood and lymph) and ligaments, and peripheral and central nervous systems. Many different manual techniques are used as during treatment. Tall, athletic and large people can be reassured that the treatment provided will be suitable and effective for their physiques, even if strong/firm techniques are required.

Patricia is active in developing and advising on the calendar of professional health care education programmes for osteopaths. Additionally, she continually exceeds the compulsory ongoing education requirements required by the Government and Registration Boards by attending events held or endorsed by other professions, such as the Australasian College of Sporting Physicians, the Australian Physiotherapy Association, the Neuro-Orthopaedic Institute, and clinical Pilates courses,

All text is copyright to Patricia Thomas © 2012