Osteopathy Victoria's History
History
While Osteopathy Victoria is a new health facility, manual medicine has been in existence since ancient times.
The modern roots of Osteopathy (and particularly spinal manipulation) date back to 1872. Dr. A.T. Still, a Physician and son of a Methodist minister, developed a system of health care consistent with medical
(Hippocratic) principles, thought and education of that time. Osteopathy was gradually accepted as a branch of primary health and fully integrated into the health care system in the USA.
The first Osteopaths came to Australia in 1908 from the USA.
In Europe, particularly England, the Federation of Osteopathic Medicine is currently developing policy, legislation, and lobbying the countries of the European Union to accept Osteopathy as a primary health care profession.
Around the world
In England, Osteopathic consultations are accepted by the primary health system, and work very closely with medical practitioners and the hospital system.
In New South Wales, private health funds provide cover for osteopathic treatment. Osteopathy, like other allied health services, is covered by Medicare, on a referral provided by a medical practitioner.
Access is easy
A referral is not required to consult an osteopath.
Osteopathic treatment is available to patients through Comcare, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Insurance Companies who handle Compulsory Third Party (or motor vehicle accident) and Workcover (work-related injury) claims.