Frequently Asked Questions

DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE AN OSTEOPATH?

No. Some people may have referrals from their doctor or another practitioner, but this is not required. You can make your appointment directly with the clinic and this even applies if you have had an accident and wish to make a claim with ACC.

CAN AN OSTEOPATH LODGE A CLAIM WITH ACC?

Yes. Your osteopath can help you with the paperwork and lodge a claim for you. Let your osteopath know if you have had an accident and wish to submit a claim.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?

If you have had any x-rays, test results or relevant medical notes, please bring these with you. Likewise, if you have an existing ACC claim, bring your claim number with you too. For babies, it may be useful to bring their Plunket or Well Child book and a change of clothing and spare nappies!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

As our treatments are hand-on manual therapy and involve moving various parts of your body, it is advisable to wear loose comfortable clothing. Depending on the body part being treated, it may be necessary to undress down to your underwear. If at anytime you are uncomfortable, please speak with your osteopath and they can work with what you are comfortable with.

WILL TREATMENT HURT?

Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause high levels of discomfort. On occasion, hands-on treatment of tender or painful areas might be necessary and your osteopath will take care to make you as comfortable as possible and work within your pain tolerance levels. Some people may experience some post-treatment soreness for a day or two after treatment as their body reacts and adjusts to treatment. If this persists or increases, contact your osteopath for further advice.

HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT TAKE?

For a new patient, consultation takes 45 minutes as we take a little longer to get a full medical history prior to hand-on treatment. For returning patients, your consultation is 30 minutes.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

If your visit is not an ACC related visit, the cost for an initial 45-minute appointment is $105 and returning non-ACC appointments are $95. If your visit is related to ACC, the cost for an initial 45-minute appointment is $75 and for a returning 30-minute appointment is $65.

WHAT TRAINING DO OSTEOPATHS DO?

In New Zealand, osteopathic training consists of either a 5-year undergraduate and master’s program or a 4-year undergraduate and postgraduate diploma. Any osteopath who has trained overseas has had their training assessed and approved to be of the same standard. These standards are set by our regulating authority, the Osteopathic Council of NZ. Additionally, each year osteopaths are required to complete a set amount of continuing professional development.

I HAVE HEARD THAT OSTEOPATHS USE ACCUPUNCTURE. IS THIS AVAILABLE AT KORU WELLNESS?

Although not a part of traditional osteopathy, some osteopaths have incorporated western medical acupuncture into their practice and have completed accredited postgraduate training with additional registration and regulatory standards. At this time, there is no osteopath at Koru Wellness who can do this, however we are happy to assist you with referral and recommendations should you require it.