Osteopaths of Ringwood · Since 2008
Tell us what's happened. We'll tell you whether we can help.
Osteopaths in Ringwood since 2008. Between us, decades of practice, and most of what that buys you is judgement: working out the extent of the problem, and saying so early when something isn't ours to treat.
Not sure if we're the right people?
Four questions, about ninety seconds. It will tell you honestly if you need someone else.
Start with the area troubling you most.
Behind our reception desk, 22 Wantirna Road
This list has been painted on our wall since we moved in, in 2013. Here it does a second job. Several of these lines link to a page explaining the condition, what treatment involves, and when it is not a job for an osteopath. See all services
What we treat
Six things we see most days
Before you book
When you should see someone else first
These are the presentations where a delay matters. If any of them describe you, an osteopath is the wrong first stop, please don't wait for an appointment with us.
- →Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness through the saddle area, emergency department, today.
- →Sudden, severe "worst ever" headache, emergency department, today.
- →Chest pain, jaw or arm pain with breathlessness or sweating, call 000.
- →Progressive weakness in a leg or arm getting worse by the day. GP within 24 hours.
- →Unexplained weight loss, night pain or fever alongside back pain. GP first, before manual therapy.
- →Significant trauma, a fall from height, a car accident, needs imaging before anyone treats you.
The symptom check screens for every one of these. Just done something and not sure yet? Read the first 48 hours →
What the first forty-five minutes can look like
No two appointments are the same, but this is the usual shape of a first visit. Most people arrive not quite knowing what they have agreed to.
First 10 to 15 minutes
We listen, then we look
How it started, what makes it worse, what you have already tried, and what you actually want to get back to, the garden, the run, a full night's sleep. Then an examination: how you move, what is tender, and a neurological screen if there is any symptom into an arm or leg.
Next 25 to 30 minutes
Treatment, explained as we go
Soft tissue work, articulation of the joints that aren't moving well, and manipulation where it suits the problem and suits you. You will be told what we are about to do before we do it. Say stop at any point and we stop.
Last 5 minutes
What happens before next time
Two or three exercises, chosen because you will do them. An honest estimate of how many visits this is likely to take. And, where it applies, what would make us send you to someone else instead.
A few practical things. Wear something you can move in, shorts or leggings and a t-shirt. You will not be asked to undress beyond what is needed to examine the area. You are welcome to bring someone into the room. If you would prefer a particular practitioner, or would rather not have manipulation at all, please tell us before your appointment and it will be noted before you arrive.
Ask an osteopath
George answers the questions we get most
If your question is not here, ring and ask it.
Is it going to hurt?
Some techniques are uncomfortable while they happen; none should be painful, and you can ask us to stop at any point. Some soreness the next day can happen. Pain worse than when you arrived is not expected, so ring us if that happens.
Do I need a scan first?
Usually not. A scan often finds age-related changes that were never the problem. If the examination turns up something that would change the plan, we will refer you for one.
What should I wear?
Shorts and a t-shirt are ideal, so we can see how you move. You will not be asked to remove anything you are not comfortable removing, and a gown is available.
Osteo, physio or chiro?
There is more overlap than the professions tend to admit, and who you see usually matters more than the title. If your problem would be better handled by a physiotherapist, an exercise physiologist or your GP, we will say so and help you find one. More on the Services page.
How many visits will I need?
We give the number of visits at the start. Not at the end, and not one visit at a time. Where we can't estimate it honestly, and sometimes we can't, we say that instead of picking a figure.
Is neck manipulation safe?
Serious adverse events are not zero, and we screen for the presentations where the risk is meaningfully higher. If you would rather not have your neck manipulated, say so, mobilisation and soft tissue work are reasonable alternatives, and we will simply use those instead.
Can I still exercise?
Almost always yes, with modification. Complete rest is rarely the answer.
My back has hurt for two years. Is it too late?
Two years of the same problem changes the plan.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Osteopaths are primary contact practitioners in Australia, you can book directly. A referral is needed for a Medicare GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, which covers up to five allied health services a year for eligible patients with a chronic condition.
Every one of these is something reception or George answers several times a week.
Finding us
Everything you need to get here
Address
22 Wantirna Rd, Ringwood VIC 3134
Ground floor. Step-free entry from the car park.
Getting here
On-site parking, disability access
500 m flat walk from Ringwood Station. Route 901 bus stops on Maroondah Hwy.
Opening hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8am to 8pm |
| Tuesday | 9am to 8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am to 8pm |
| Thursday | 9am to 8pm |
| Friday | 8am to 7pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
Saturdays we leave for the important things in life.