FAQ about Osteopathy, Shockwave Therapy & Acupuncture

Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine that uses assessment, diagnosis, and manual techniques to treat musculoskeletal complaints and systemic issues. At Movement Mechanics, we take a holistic approach, using medical imaging and movement screening to monitor and manage your recovery. We also collaborate with other healthcare providers for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Osteopaths and Osteopathy can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions including orthopaedic, rheumatic and degenerative complaints of joints and muscles. Osteopaths regularly deal with aches and pains of all areas of the body, headaches, shoulder pain, neck pain, pregnancy related pain, lower back and pelvic pain, sciatica, sports injuries, occupational strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, whiplash, tennis elbow, post surgical discomfort and rehabilitation, and also pre-surgical treatment and management. Osteopaths can also help with a range of medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowl syndrome (IBS), constipation, post surgical scar tissue, lymphatic drainage issues, and respiratory and circulatory problems. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions we may be able to help you.

Osteopaths are primary healthcare providers trained to identify the cause and effect of various musculoskeletal injuries and other health conditions. They use hands-on techniques that are safe, gentle, and effective. If there are any risks associated with your condition, these will be clearly explained, and you may be referred to another health specialist if necessary. Osteopathy is adaptable to individual needs, ensuring personalized treatment that works within your comfort levels.

During your first visit, we will take a complete medical history and ask about your health and lifestyle. You may need to remove some outer clothing and perform simple movements for an accurate assessment. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

You do not need a referral from your GP; Osteopaths, just like GPs, are primary healthcare practitioners.

If your presenting complaint was caused by an accident within the past 12 months, you might be entitled to ACC subsides treatment and support. We are fully ACC registered and can submit ACC claims if needed. During our consultation, we will be able to ascertain whether your injury is likely to be eligible for an ACC subsidy. If you are coming to us with a current active ACC claim, please come equipped with your ACC number, date of injury and any imaging related to that injury.

Yes, any ACC-registered osteopath can lodge an ACC claim for you. Just let us know that you have had an accident and wish to lodge a claim and we will be able to assist. Please note we cannot guarantee your claim will be accepted by ACC.

We ask that you wear loose-fitting clothes such as shorts and a t-shirt, as the physical examination and treatment procedures require moving around. Tighter clothing will restrict your joint range and make it harder for us to assess what is going on. In some instances, you may be asked to remove certain items of outer clothing to enable better access to these areas. Of course, we will always respect your modesty and provide you with a towel or blanket to cover yourself.

If you have any imaging such as x-rays. MRI or ultrasound please bring those along. If you have any test results or relevant medical notes bring these with you. For babies, it may also be useful to bring their Plunket Book.

Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause high levels of pain or discomfort. At times, hands-on treatment of painful or tender areas will be necessary, and in these cases, your osteopath will take care to make you as comfortable as possible. Some people experience some soreness for a day or two after treatment as their body reacts and adjusts to the treatment. If this persists or increases, contact your osteopath to discuss it.

This varies, but we allocate 30 minutes for our appointments this doesn't mean that the full 30 minutes are always needed and will be down to the discretion of the practitioner. In some cases, your initial consultation may be longer than a follow-up visit. If you feel that you may require a longer appointment, please advise your osteopath, and they will decide if it is needed, please note that longer sessions will incur additional fees.

The costs of treatment vary from private consultation to ACC subsidised consultation as well as by the clinic I work out of Waitakere Health Hub Private consultations are $90 for a new patient or issue and $75 for a follow-up appointment With ACC initial consultations are $55 and follow-up consultations are $45. WOF HumanTrak biomechanical movement assessments $130 for both private and ACC related complaints. Many health insurances such as Southern Cross will reimburse or contribute to your fees depending on your policy, and we are Southern Cross Easy-claim registered. We also offer Afterpay for those who need to spread the cost of treatment over 4 interest-free fortnightly payments.

Although this can vary slightly depending on when and where the osteopath is trained, our osteopaths have all undertaken a 5-year university program consisting of a Bachelor of applied science (Human Biology) and a Master of Osteopathy. In addition, our osteopaths have undertaken a two-part graduate diploma in health (paediatrics) which enables them to legally treat patients under the age of 18. We all carry a current practising certificate from the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand (https://www.osteopathiccouncil.org.nz)are ACC registered and members of Osteopaths NZ. (https://osteopathsnz.co.nz)

Most insurance providers cover Osteopathy. Movement Mechanics Osteopathy is Southern Cross affiliated for easy claims. However, if you are unsure if your specific covers osteopathy fully or partially it is best you contact them first to review your policy.