Question 1

What is osteopathy?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathy is a hands-on health profession focused on the musculoskeletal system — your muscles, joints and connective tissue — and how it affects your overall movement and wellbeing. Treatment may include stretching, massage, and joint and soft-tissue techniques, along with exercise advice and education.

Question 2

What does an osteopath treat?

Accepted Answer

Osteopaths commonly help with muscle, joint and movement problems, including neck and lower back pain, and other physical impairments affecting movement. At Bathurst Osteopathy & Wellness, Dr Daniel Joiner works with a range of musculoskeletal conditions and functional movement issues.

Question 3

What is the difference between osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic?

Accepted Answer

All three are hands-on, movement-focused professions, but each has a different training background and clinical framework. The right fit depends on your condition, your preferences and the practitioner's approach — ask Dr Joiner about his approach and what to expect in your first few sessions.

Question 4

Are osteopaths allied health professionals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Osteopathy is a recognised allied health profession within Australia's healthcare system, and Dr Daniel Joiner is an AHPRA-registered osteopath.

Question 5

Can osteopathy help with lower back pain?

Accepted Answer

Osteopaths commonly treat spinal problems such as lower back pain, using hands-on techniques alongside education and exercise to support movement and pain management. If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, seek timely medical advice.

Question 6

Can osteopathy help with neck pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes — neck pain is one of the spinal problems osteopaths commonly treat, with a focus on improving movement and reducing discomfort through hands-on techniques.

Question 7

Can osteopathy help with shoulder pain and stiffness?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathic care addresses musculoskeletal impairments and aims to improve movement in muscles and joints through hands-on treatment and guidance. Dr Joiner will assess what's driving your specific symptoms before recommending a plan.

Question 8

Can osteopathy help with sports injuries?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathy is a manual therapy approach used for physical impairments and injuries that affect movement, and may include hands-on treatment plus advice and exercise prescription. Outcomes depend on the nature and stage of the injury.

Question 9

Can osteopathy help with sciatica or nerve-related pain?

Accepted Answer

Osteopaths treat physical impairments related to the spine and movement system, and can help manage pain and support movement. Because sciatica and nerve pain have many possible causes, Dr Joiner will assess your symptoms before advising next steps.

Question 10

Can osteopathy help with headaches or migraines?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathy focuses on the musculoskeletal and movement system and may help with pain and movement-related contributors to headaches. If you have frequent, worsening or unusual headaches, seek medical assessment first.

Question 11

What conditions do osteopaths commonly treat?

Accepted Answer

Osteopaths commonly work with back and neck pain, shoulder and joint stiffness, sports injuries, postural strain, headaches with a musculoskeletal component, and general movement or mobility issues. If you're not sure whether osteopathy is right for your situation, ask — Dr Joiner can advise after an assessment.

Question 12

What happens in my first osteopathy appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit at Bathurst Osteopathy & Wellness typically includes a thorough history of your symptoms and medical background, a physical assessment focused on movement and function, and a discussion of likely contributing factors and a plan — which may include hands-on treatment, exercises or education, depending on what you need.

Question 13

Do I need a referral to see an osteopath?

Accepted Answer

No — in general you don't need a referral to see an osteopath in Australia, though a GP referral can be helpful in some cases.

Question 14

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book online through our booking page, or call us on 0417 798 752.