Osteopathy in Wantirna | Nudge Osteopathy
Gentle, effective hands-on care for your whole body
If you're looking for a natural, drug-free approach to health that treats the root cause of your pain—not just your symptoms—you've come to the right place.
At Nudge Osteopathy in Wantirna, we provide expert osteopathic care for people of all ages. Whether you're dealing with back pain, recovering from an injury, or simply want to move and feel better, we're here to help.
Why Choose Nudge Osteopathy?
✅ Experienced, AHPRA-registered osteopaths—fully qualified and committed to ongoing learning
✅ Thorough 60 minute initial consultations—we take the time to understand you
✅ Gentle, patient-centred approach—treatment adapted to your needs and comfort
✅ Whole-person care—we treat you, not just your condition
✅ Evidence-informed practice—combining research with clinical expertise
✅ Convenient Wantirna location—serving Knox, Boronia, Bayswater & Eastern suburbs
✅ HICAPS available—instant private health rebates
✅ No referral needed—simply book and come in
What Is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on form of manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system—your bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues.
But osteopathy is about more than just treating sore spots. It's based on a profound understanding of how your body's structure affects its function, and how all your systems work together.
The Core Principles of Osteopathy:
1. The body is a unit
You're not a collection of separate parts. Your neck affects your back. Your foot affects your hip. Your physical health affects your wellbeing. We treat you as a whole person.
2. Structure governs function
How your body is aligned and how well your joints move affects how well your body works. When structure is compromised, function suffers.
3. The body has self-healing mechanisms
Your body wants to be healthy. It has remarkable capacity to heal and regulate itself—sometimes it just needs the right conditions. We help create those conditions.
4. The rule of the artery is supreme
Healthy circulation—blood, lymph, nerve supply—is essential for health. Our techniques aim to improve flow throughout your body.
These principles guide everything we do. We don't just chase pain—we look for the underlying causes of dysfunction and help your body return to balance.
What to Expect at Nudge Osteopathy
Your First Visit (45-60 minutes)
Your first appointment is longer because we need to understand you—not just your pain.
We'll ask about:
Your current complaint—what's bothering you, when it started, what makes it better or worse
Your medical history—past injuries, surgeries, illnesses
Your lifestyle—work, exercise, sleep, stress
Your goals—what you want to achieve from osteopathy
We'll then perform a thorough examination:
Postural assessment—how you stand and move
Range of motion testing—which movements are restricted or painful
Orthopaedic and neurological tests—to identify specific structures involved
Palpation—using our hands to feel for areas of tension, restriction, or dysfunction
We'll explain our findings:
What we think is causing your problem
Whether osteopathy is appropriate for you
What treatment might involve
Expected outcomes and timeline
If we both agree to proceed, we'll begin treatment in this first session. Most patients leave their first appointment feeling better and understanding their body more clearly.
Follow-Up Visits (30, 45 or 60 minute options)
Subsequent appointments focus on:
Monitoring your progress
Providing further treatment
Adjusting your home exercise program
Answering your questions
Treatment frequency varies depending on your condition. Acute issues might need weekly visits initially; chronic conditions may be spaced further apart. We'll discuss a plan that works for you.
What Osteopathy Treats
Pain Conditions
Back pain (acute and chronic)
Neck pain and stiffness
Shoulder pain (including rotator cuff issues, frozen shoulder)
Hip and knee pain
Elbow pain (tennis elbow, golfer's elbow)
Wrist and hand pain
Foot and ankle pain (including plantar fasciitis)
Headaches & Jaw Pain
Tension headaches
Cervicogenic headaches (originating from the neck)
Migraine management
TMJ (jaw) dysfunction and teeth grinding
Workplace & Postural Issues
Desk-related pain
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Postural dysfunction
Ergonomic assessment and advice
Pregnancy-Related Pain
Pregnancy back pain
Pelvic girdle pain
Postnatal recovery
General Health & Wellness
Improving mobility and flexibility
Enhancing recovery from illness or injury
Supporting overall wellbeing
Preventative care and maintenance
Nerve-Related Conditions
Sciatica
Pinched nerves
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Sports & Active Injuries
Muscle strains
Ligament sprains
Tendinopathies
Overuse injuries
Injury prevention and performance optimisation
Osteopathic Techniques We Use
Soft Tissue Techniques
Massage and myofascial release: Releasing tight muscles and connective tissue
Trigger point therapy: Deactivating hypersensitive points within muscles
Cross-friction: For chronic tendon conditions
Stretching: Improving flexibility and range of motion
Dry Needling: Releasing muscle tension.
Joint Techniques
Mobilisation: Gentle, rhythmic movement of stiff joints to improve mobility
Articulation: Taking joints through their range of motion
Muscle energy technique: You gently contract specific muscles against light resistance to release restrictions
High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust: The "cracking" technique—used only when appropriate and with your consent
Exercise Prescription
Specific exercises to support your treatment
Stretches for tight areas
Strengthening for weak areas
Movement retraining for better patterns
What Osteopathy Isn't
It's not just "back cracking." While some osteopaths use HVLA thrust techniques (the "crack"), many patients never experience this. We adapt our approach to you.
It's not a quick fix. Some conditions resolve rapidly; others require ongoing management. We're honest about what's possible and what's realistic.
It's not a replacement for medical care. Osteopathy complements your medical care—it doesn't replace it. We work alongside GPs, specialists, and other health professionals.
It's not passive. The most successful outcomes happen when patients actively participate—through exercises, lifestyle modifications, and self-care strategies.
The Science Behind Osteopathy
Osteopathy is an evidence-informed profession. Our techniques are supported by research, and we stay current with emerging evidence.
Research shows osteopathy can help with:
Low back pain: Multiple studies show manual therapy reduces pain and improves function
Neck pain: Effective for both acute and chronic neck pain
Headaches: Particularly cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches
Shoulder conditions: Including rotator cuff dysfunction and frozen shoulder
Pregnancy-related pain: Safe and effective for back and pelvic pain during pregnancy
Post-operative recovery: Can help with scar tissue and rehabilitation
We're committed to providing care that's both evidence-informed and patient-centred—the right care for you, based on the best available evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No referral is needed. You can book directly.
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Most Australian private health funds provide rebates for osteopathic treatment. Check your level of cover. We have HICAPS on-site for instant claiming.
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Yes. Osteopathy is a regulated health profession in Australia. Our osteopaths are registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and meet strict standards of training and practice.
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Osteopathic treatment should never be unbearably painful. You may feel some discomfort during certain techniques, but we work within your tolerance. Most patients find treatment comfortable and even relaxing.
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This varies depending on your condition, its duration, and your individual factors. Some acute issues improve in 2-4 sessions; chronic conditions may require longer-term management. We'll discuss this during your initial consultation.
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Comfortable clothing that allows movement. Loose-fitting clothes are ideal. You may be asked to remove outer layers to allow access to certain areas—you'll be appropriately draped throughout.
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Absolutely. We regularly treat pregnant women for back pain, pelvic pain, and other pregnancy-related discomforts. We use gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques.
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Yes. We see children of all ages, using gentle, age-appropriate techniques.
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While there's some overlap, each profession has different training philosophies and approaches. Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach, with a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of all body systems. We're happy to discuss which approach might be best for you.
Our Wantirna Location
We're conveniently located in Wantirna, serving:
Local suburbs: Wantirna, Wantirna South, Boronia, Bayswater, Knoxfield, Scoresby, Ferntree Gully, Rowville, Vermont, and surrounding Eastern Melbourne suburbs
Nearby landmarks: Westfield Knox, Wantirna Health, Eastland Shopping Centre, Aquanation
Parking: Free, easy-access parking available right outside
Take the First Step
You don't have to live with pain. You don't have to accept stiffness as "just getting older." You don't have to figure this out alone.
Our Wantirna osteopaths are here to help you understand your body, address the root causes of your discomfort, and support you on your journey to better health.
📞 Call us today: (03) 9720 2640
📧 Email: niraj@nudgeosteopathy.com
📍 Visit: 6B The Mall, Wantirna VIC 3152
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ or Contact Us.
Our Services
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your osteopath, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.