Your osteo nestled between mt coolum & coolum beach

myOsteo is situated in Yaroomba Shopping Village, just north of Palmer Coolum Golf Resort & south from Coolum Beach, past the 3 bays. Give us a call on 07 5473 9300, book online or click here to find other ways to get in touch.

Many people ask us (osteopaths) what the difference is between chiropractic and osteopathy considering there’s a lot of overlap in why people see us. We believe it’s best experienced rather than explained and here’s some information to help you decide.

In Australia, osteopathy and chiropractic are both recognised and regulated healthcare professions, and there are some key differences between the two in terms of education, training, and practice:

  1. Education and Training:

    • Osteopathy: In Australia, osteopathic education leads to the degree of Bachelor of Clinical Sciences and Master of Osteopathy (BOst/MOst), though sometimes this is done as a double Bachelor degree (still 5 years though!). Osteopaths are required to complete a minimum of five years of full-time study at an accredited osteopathic institution. The curriculum includes a combination of anatomy, physiology, musculoskeletal assessment and osteopathic techniques.

    • Chiropractic: Chiropractic education in Australia typically leads to the degree of Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and Master of Chiropractic (BChiroSc/MChiro). Chiropractors complete a minimum of five years of full-time study at a chiropractic college. The curriculum focuses on chiropractic techniques, spinal manipulation, anatomy, physiology, and related subjects.

  2. Regulation:

    • Osteopathy: Osteopathy is a regulated healthcare profession in Australia. Osteopaths must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and adhere to a national code of conduct and professional standards. They have a scope of practice that includes musculoskeletal assessment, diagnosis, and treatment using osteopathic techniques.

    • Chiropractic: Chiropractic is also a regulated profession in Australia, and chiropractors must be registered with AHPRA. They follow a code of conduct and professional standards specific to chiropractic practice. Chiropractors primarily focus on spinal adjustments and related musculoskeletal care.

  3. Scope of Practice:

    • Osteopathy: Osteopaths in Australia have a broader scope of practice compared to chiropractors. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, not limited to the spine. Osteopaths may also use osteopathic manipulative techniques (OMT) to address issues in various parts of the body, including the muscles, joints, and connective tissues.

    • Chiropractic: Chiropractors in Australia primarily focus on the spine and nervous system. They use spinal adjustments to correct subluxations and aim to improve overall health by ensuring proper spinal alignment. While some chiropractors may offer additional therapies, their primary treatment modality is spinal manipulation.

It's essential to choose a healthcare provider based on your specific needs and preferences, and also remember that there are differences between practitioners. I like to describe as everyone being ice cream, but there being a variety of flavours to choose from. Both osteopaths and chiropractors in Australia are regulated healthcare professionals who can provide musculoskeletal care, but their approaches and areas of expertise may differ. When seeking care, it's a good practice to consult with the practitioner directly and discuss your condition and treatment options to determine which profession aligns better with your healthcare goals.

Our treatments may be covered by your private health fund under extras. We offer HiCAPS and Medicare rebated treatment plans for eligible patients. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and work cover/ insurance claims are also available.