At Sophie Hannan Osteopathy, we provide personalised, evidence-informed osteopathic care for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions in Leichhardt, Inner West Sydney.

Whether you're dealing with back pain, sports injuries, headaches, jaw pain, or general stiffness, treatment is tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals.

Treatment is not just about relieving pain, but understanding why it developed. Sessions may include hands-on treatment, movement advice, and strategies to support your nervous system and long-term resilience.

This FAQ answers common questions about osteopathy, appointments, and how treatment may support your recovery.

What qualifications does an Osteopath have?

In Australia, osteopaths complete a minimum of 5 years of university training - typically 3-year Bachelor of Clinical Science followed by 2-year Master of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopaths are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), ensuring they meet strict national standards for safety and care.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on how the body’s structure and function are connected. Osteopaths use hands-on techniques to improve movement, reduce pain, and support the body’s ability to recover.

Treatment may involve soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, stretching, and advice around movement, posture, and lifestyle factors.

What can Osteopathy help with?

Osteopathy focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Treatment is tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals.

Osteopathy may help with:

• Back pain (acute and chronic)

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Shoulder pain and injuries

• Hip, knee, and ankle pain

• Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction

• Headaches and migraines

• Sports injuries and overuse injuries

• Muscle strains and ligament sprains

• Postural strain (e.g. desk work, study, parenting)

• Pregnancy-related discomfort

• Sciatica and nerve-related pain

• General joint stiffness and reduced mobility

Do I need a referral to see an Osteopath?

No - you don’t need a referral to book an appointment with an osteopath.
However, if you have a Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM/EPC) plan from your GP, you may be eligible for a rebate on your treatment.

Medicare referrals can be claimed and processed at the clinic. Please ensure you have sent through your referral prior to your appointment.

Are Osteopathy services covered by private health insurance?

Yes - most private health insurance extras policies include osteopathy. The rebate amount depends on your level of cover, and claims can be processed instantly at the clinic using HICAPS.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring any relevant imaging or reports (such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans).
You may also wish to wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement.

If you have reports ready, feel free to email them in advance to hello@osteosophie.com.au
Please arrive 10 minutes early if you need to complete your intake form.

What happens during an initial consultation?

Your osteopath will take a detailed case history, assess your posture and movement, and identify contributing factors to your symptoms.

Treatment may include hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, stretching, and guidance on movement, exercise, or stress regulation to support your recovery.

How long does treatment take?

Both initial and return consultations are 40 minutes, allowing enough time for assessment, treatment, and personalised advice.

Do Osteopaths treat chronic conditions?

Yes - osteopaths regularly work with both acute and chronic conditions.

This may include ongoing issues such as:

• Chronic back or neck pain

• Arthritis and joint degeneration

• Persistent headaches or migraines

• Tendinopathies (e.g. tennis elbow, Achilles pain)

• Long-term postural strain

• Recurrent injuries

Management often involves a combination of hands-on treatment, exercise guidance, and strategies to support long-term function and reduce flare-ups.

Who can benefit from Osteopathy?

• Office workers & desk-related pain

• Active individuals & athletes

• Pregnant and postnatal women

• People with chronic pain

• General aches & stiffness

Will my treatment be gentle?

Treatment is always adapted to your comfort level and clinical needs. Osteopathy often uses gentle, hands-on techniques, and you are encouraged to communicate at any time if something doesn’t feel right.