The best osteopaths in Canberra

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Nurse assisting a patient with arm injury.

What are the best osteopaths in Canberra? Photo: File.

If you need to relieve pain or discomfort, increase mobility, or minimise tension, you may be thinking about heading to an Osteopath.

In Australia, Osteopaths are primarily healthcare practitioners. They’re university trained in anatomy, physiology and pathology. They’re also trained in general healthcare diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA).

What makes a great osteopath?

Choosing the right osteopath will get you back on track as quickly as possible.

It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing an osteopath.

  • Registered. Only book appointments with a APHRA registered Osteopath. This is because government registration ensures your Osteopath can provide effective, safe treatment.
  • Qualified. Osteopaths must be university trained (minimum five years). The best are also backed by a lot of experience.
  • Personal treatment. First, talk to your Osteopath about ‘what ails you’. Then discuss a personal treatment plan. Osteopaths often use holistic approaches to help.
  • Professional. You’ll want an Osteopath who makes you feel comfortable and confident. Choose one with a friendly yet professional manner.
  • Comfortable environment. Make sure the clinic you choose is clean, neat and organised, so you can relax and get the most out of your appointment.

The best osteopaths in Canberra

RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Fundamental Health

Dr Lauren Bowman, and the team at Fundamental Health, provide high levels of holistic healthcare, education and support. Fundamental Health’s Osteopaths provide whole body, hands-on therapy which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. All Osteopaths are government registered and university trained. They start with a consult and an examination and then provide personalised treatment.

Martha Butler wrote on Google, “Fantastic clinic. Very impressed with the service and osteopath treatments. Highly recommend.”

Canberra Osteopathic Centre

Canberra Osteopathic Centre works to relieve pain and achieve optimal health with treatment that is specific, precise but gentle. All Osteopaths are highly trained, experienced and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Services cover the needs of babies, children, pregnant women and adults.

On Google, Heather Sainsbury wrote, “I have used this clinic for a variety of issues from lower back pain to treating my recovery after a broken arm. Cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Step Into Health Care

Braddon’s Step Into Health Care is an Osteopath clinic run by Dr Kieran Step, Dr Tom Eastman and Dr Stephanie Villinger, all highly educated, skilled and trained. The team believes in a hands-on and tailed approach for each client.

Hayden Walsh wrote on Google, “My neck and shoulders were so jammed I had really bad tension headaches and chronic brain fog. Dr Tom Eastman provided gentle pain-free treatment which gave me a great deal of relief.”

Canberra City Health Network

Dr. BJ Field heads up Canberra City Health Network (formerly Canberra City Osteopathy), a member of Osteopathy Australia. The network has a large number of fully qualified, professional Osteopaths. It also has health experts focused on patient care in some other disciplines. The network is in Canberra City and Casey.

Lyndal Hill wrote on Google, “Fixed a problem in one treatment, a problem I had for three years after falling off a ladder.”

North Canberra Osteopath

North Canberra Osteopath provides professional osteopathy services. Dr Anna Walton, Dr Betsy Foskett, and Dr Imogen Collyer are all highly trained. They help clients with a wide range of issues, including easing pain and discomfort and supporting rehabilitation.

On Google, Jess Thompson wrote, “I’ve been visiting North Canberra Osteopathy for over a year and recommend their services highly. The relief I have experienced following sessions is indescribable, and the effects have been long term …”

My Canberra Osteopath

My Canberra Osteopath is owned and operated by Aaron Fernandes, who has a Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) and years of experience. Aaron treats people from all walks of life, including those with lower back or neck pain, headaches or overuse tenon injuries. Aaron is passionate about Neuroscience, Manual Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation

On Google, Matthew Gurrisi wrote, “I cannot recommend My Canberra Osteopath enough. Aaron clearly knows his stuff and I always feel 100% better after seeing him.”

If you’re looking for more information on health-related matters in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best massage therapists, best remedial massage clinics, best pregnancy massage clinics and best sports massage therapists Canberra has to offer.

Your experience with osteopaths in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the osteopaths listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopaths focus on your neuro-musculoskeletal system—the bones, muscles, nerves and other tissues that support your body and control its movements. Osteopaths assess your condition and develop a plan to get you feeling better and moving better.

Do Osteopaths need to be government registered?

In Australia, Osteopaths need to be registered as allied health practitioners with AHPRA. They must have completed at least five years of university training in a wide range of areas like anatomy, physiology, pathology and, of course, osteopathic techniques.

How do Osteopaths work?

Osteopaths use hands-on treatment techniques to restore movement, reduce pain and improve the way the body functions. Techniques can include soft tissue work, stretching and joint manipulation.

Do I have to do exercises after my appointment?

Sometimes your Osteopath will ask you to do some exercises after your appointment. Doing so will help you get better in a shorter time.

Is Osteopathy covered by Medicare?

Osteopathic treatment is not usually covered by Medicare. The rebate only applies to patients who have a chronic or complex condition and have a referral for osteopathic treatment from their GP under a chronic disease management plan.

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