What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy was founded in the late 1800s by Dr Andrew Taylor Still, an American medical doctor. After personal tragedy left him disillusioned with the medicine of his time, he spent decades studying the body, and osteopathy grew from that work.
The principles behind it
Osteopathy is guided by a few core principles:
Life is motion.
The body functions as a whole.
Structure and function are closely related.
The body has its own self-regulating and healing mechanisms.
These principles shape the holistic nature of osteopathy today. In Australia, osteopaths are university-qualified and registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia through Ahpra.
Your first visit
Your first appointment starts with a detailed chat about your symptoms, previous injuries, health history and personal goals. Mardi then assesses your posture, movement and function. She'll explain what she finds, talk through your options and check you're comfortable before any hands-on treatment. Together, this shapes an individualised plan that may include hands-on manual therapy, education and exercise. If something sits outside the scope of osteopathy, Mardi will refer you to the right practitioner.
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No. You can book directly with an osteopath without a referral.
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Comfortable clothes you can move in, such as activewear. Mardi will always explain and ask before any treatment, and you can stay as clothed as you like. If you’d prefer, Mardi also has handmade clinic gowns you’re welcome to wear.
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Initial appointments are 60 minutes. Follow-ups are 40 minutes, or 60 minutes for an extended session. Appointments for children under 16 are 45 minutes.
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Any relevant scans, reports or referral letters, and a list of any medications you take.
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Yes. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian present for their appointment.