Do I need a referral?

No — you can book directly. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners in Australia, so there's no need for a GP referral.

Can I claim on private health?

Yes. If you have Extras cover with osteo included, we can process your rebate on the spot via HICAPS. Bring your card and we'll sort it.

How many sessions will I need?

You'll leave your first session with an honest estimate. Most people need 3–6 focused sessions — not endless appointments. If you need more, we'll tell you why.

Osteopathy is gentle, evidence-based, and tailored to your body. Steven is AHPRA-registered and will never do anything you're not comfortable with.

What's the difference between osteo, physio, and chiro?

There's significant overlap. Osteopathy takes a whole-body view, blending manual therapy with movement and strength. We'll explain what we think you need — and happily refer elsewhere if we're not the right fit.

Something comfortable you can move in — think gym gear. You stay fully clothed during assessment and treatment.

Can you treat me if I'm pregnant?

Yes. Osteo is commonly used during pregnancy for low back, pelvic, and postural pain. We use pregnancy-safe positions and techniques.

General

What to expect at your first osteopathy appointment

10 June 2026·5 min read

Osteopath assessing patient's shoulder — first osteopathy appointment Berwick

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

If you've never seen an osteopath before, it's natural to feel a little unsure about what to expect. Will it hurt? Do you need to undress? How long does it take? Here's a walkthrough of a typical first appointment so you know exactly what's involved.

Before your appointment

Your first appointment is usually longer than follow-up visits — typically 45 to 60 minutes — to allow time for a thorough assessment. It's helpful to wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement, such as shorts or leggings and a t-shirt, since your osteopath may need to assess your posture and movement in the area you're having problems. If you have any relevant scans, reports, or a list of medications, bring these along too.

The case history

Your appointment starts with a conversation. Your osteopath will ask about your main complaint — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it's affecting your daily life — as well as your broader health history, previous injuries, and any relevant medical conditions or medications. This helps build a full picture of what's going on, not just the symptom in isolation.

Physical assessment

Next comes a physical examination. This typically involves observing your posture and how you move, testing the range of motion in relevant joints, and using hands-on palpation to assess muscle tension, joint restriction, and areas of tenderness. Depending on your symptoms, your osteopath may also check areas away from where you feel pain — for example, if you have <a href="/conditions/referred-pain-lower-back-leg">leg pain referred from your back</a>, they'll assess your lower back and hips even if that's not where it hurts most.

Treatment

Once your osteopath has a clear picture of what's contributing to your pain, treatment usually begins in the same session. This might include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, stretching, or gentle manipulation, depending on what's appropriate for your presentation and what you're comfortable with. Your osteopath will explain what they're doing and why, and will check in with you about pressure and comfort throughout.

Does it hurt?

Most osteopathic treatment isn't painful, though some techniques on tender or tight areas can feel uncomfortable in the moment — similar to a deep massage. It's common to feel a bit sore for a day or so afterwards, particularly after your first session, similar to how you might feel after a workout you're not used to.

Wrapping up

Towards the end of your appointment, your osteopath will talk you through what they found, what they think is contributing to your symptoms, and what a treatment plan might look like — including how many sessions they'd recommend and any exercises or self-management strategies to do at home. You're always welcome to ask questions throughout, and a good osteopath will make sure you understand your own condition before you leave.

Ready to book?

If you've been putting off seeing someone about <a href="/conditions/chronic-muscular-pain-osteopathy">ongoing pain</a> or a <a href="/conditions/acute-sports-injury-treatment">recent injury</a> because you weren't sure what to expect, hopefully this has taken some of the mystery out of it. Our team at RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick is happy to answer any questions before you book, too.

Dealing with this condition?

Book an initial consultation at RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick. Clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and a plan that actually gets you better.

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Steven Eskaf

AHPRA-registered osteopath and founder of RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick. Steven specialises in sports injuries, spinal pain, and movement-based rehabilitation.