Osteopath Near Me
This article covers useful information such as the price to see an osteopath in Hamilton, the training that osteopaths have and what referral options osteopaths have. The answers are specific to osteopaths in Hamilton but also apply to osteopaths in New Zealand. I am an osteopath in Hamilton and have written this with as little bias towards our own clinic or people as possible.
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What extra skills Hamilton osteopaths have?
How long are appointments, what are the wait times?
How much do Osteopaths in Hamilton Charge?
What insurance companies and ACC are available?
Can Hamilton osteopaths refer to specialists?
Can Hamilton osteopaths refer for imaging?
What is a typical day for an osteopath?
A very brief history
Osteopathy started in New Zealand in the 1930s, and early practitioners were often qualified doctors. In 1973, a professional association called the New Zealand Register of Osteopaths was established to make sure that only qualified practitioners could practice osteopathy.
The government recognized osteopathy as a legitimate health therapy in the late 1970s, and only members of the register were allowed to call themselves osteopaths. From 1986 onwards, osteopathic treatments were funded by ACC.
In the 21st century, osteopaths are regulated by the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.
We have written more about osteopathy and its history here.
What training do Osteopaths in Hamilton osteopaths have?
To become a registered osteopath in NZ, one must complete a four to five-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) degree or equivalent. For Nz trained osteopaths the degree is followed by a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical practice alongside a Masters Degree (Although this changed in the 2020's). Overseas osteopaths must complete an additional one year competency program. All Osteopaths are also required to participate in continuing education to maintain their registration with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand.
How many osteopaths near me are there in Hamilton?
In terms of clinics, there are more than 5 but less than 10. However if we count the wider Waikato region then there are more than 10. There seems to a need for more clinics in more places around the Waikato and there is a shortage of osteopath practitioners in general. Nonetheless, when you search for 'osteopath near me' you are bound to find a local osteopath.
What extra skills do Osteopaths in Hamilton have?
We are very lucky to have a diverse skill set amongst Hamilton osteopaths. Some osteopaths in Hamilton have additional training in areas such as sports medicine, pediatrics, women's health and running, amongst others.
Hamilton osteopaths also have additional skill sets in nutrition, cranial osteopathy, visceral osteopathy, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, dry needling and myofascial release. These are along side the usual and hugely beneficial skill sets all osteopaths have.
How long are Hamilton Osteopaths appointments and what are the wait times?
Appointments with osteopaths in Hamilton typically last between 30 and 60 minutes. Wait times vary from one day to 2 weeks or more. This depends on the clinic, the specific osteopath you are looking to see and the time of year.
How Much Do Osteopaths near me Charge?
On average, patients can expect to pay between $80 and $120 per private session and $40 to $80 for an ACC session. This is comparatively equal or slightly less than the rest of the country. Auckland as an example can be $80+ for an ACC session and can be over $100 for private.
What insurance companies and ACC are available for Osteopaths?
Many insurance companies cover osteopathic treatments, but it's important to check with your provider to see what is covered under your policy. Some policies may have limits on the number of treatments. Patients should also check with their osteopath to see if they offer direct billing to insurance companies.
In addition, patients who have been injured in an accident may be eligible for partial coverage under the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
Can Hamilton osteopaths refer to specialists?
If necessary, Hamilton osteopaths can refer patients to medical specialists or other healthcare providers for further evaluation and treatment. This may include referrals to orthopedic surgeons, sports doctors, or other specialists. Some clinics may charge for this referral system as writing referrals can be very time consuming!
Can Hamilton osteopaths refer for imaging?
Hamilton osteopaths can refer patients for diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or Ultrasound scans, if necessary. This can help to provide a more accurate diagnosis and guide treatment planning. MRI scans are done via the GP or specialist.
What is a typical day for a Hamilton osteopath?
This varies depending on how a clinic charges out its time and how much a given osteopath is willing to work. A busy day may mean an osteopath sees up to 15 people, although most seem continent with 8-12 patients a day depending on how long appointments are and at what rate their time is charged.
A typical day will include presentations of acute pain, headaches, chronic pain and someone coming in for a 'tune up'. If an osteopath has a special interest then there day will likely include people from that interest group too - such a babies or weight lifters. Our patients are from all walks of life although Hamilton gets more than its fair share of runners, hikers and farmers due to the surrounding area.
Conclusion:
Osteopathy is a safe and effective form of healthcare that can help patients of all ages and backgrounds to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. With several osteopath clinics in Hamilton, NZ, patients have access to a variety of practitioners with different skills and training. Whether you're dealing with back pain, joint pain, or other musculoskeletal problems, seeing an osteopath in Hamilton can help you get the relief you need.
Written by Darryl Jenkins TLC osteopaths, Hamilton NZ
Darryl Jenkins is a friendly Hamilton osteopath and co-owner of TLC Osteopaths. His formal qualifications include a undergraduate certificate in Exercise science from Wintec, a degree in Human Biology from Unitec, and a master's degree in osteopathy from Unitec, where he also completed his thesis on human movement assessment. He also holds a postgraduate certificate in acupuncture from AUT which means he practices osteopathy and acupuncture. He would like to be pursuing the postgraduate certificate in Pain Science at Otago Uni (awaiting spouse approval).
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