2026 March Osteo Life

O S T E O PAT H Y AU S T R A L I A M AG A Z I N E

MARCH 2026

FROM STRUCTURE TO SYSTEM

APPLYING THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL IN OSTEOPATHY

INSIDE: INTERNAL TREATMENT Key considerations

REFERENCE CHECKING

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WELCOME

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE OF OSTEO LIFE IN 2026 A

s we settle into 2026, the Board of Osteopathy Australia remains committed to continue to grow the profession’s clinical impact and its professional standing, and this is due in no small part to the commitment, capability and engagement of our members.

A key priority for Osteopathy Australia remains the ongoing support and development of research that strengthens our evidence base and informs best practice. Through our SPARK and Seeding Grants, we continue to invest in the future of osteopathic research in this country. These initiatives are designed not only to fund projects but also to build research capability within the profession, foster collaboration, and ensure that osteopathy remains responsive to the evolving expectations of external stakeholders and governments within the broader healthcare sector.

It was particularly encouraging to see such strong member participation at the Research Planning Day in February.

The level of engagement, depth of discussion and genuine enthusiasm reflected a profession committed to growth and continuous improvement. It was inspiring to see clinicians, academics and stakeholders coming together with a shared focus on shaping a robust and future-ready research agenda for osteopathy in Australia.

And, I would like to extend a welcome to all our new student members.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see everyone at our national conference on 16–17 October at Sea World on the Gold Coast. Our conference is always a highlight of the professional calendar, an opportunity not only to learn and upskill but also reconnect with colleagues from across the country.

Early-bird registration

“A key priority for Osteopathy Australia remains the ongoing support and development of research that strengthens our evidence base and informs best practice.” is now open but for a limited time, so I would encourage you to take advantage of the savings. Discounted accommodation is also available if you would like to enjoy the venue or combine the trip with a family getaway.

I’m also pleased to formally welcome Nick Tripodi to the Board in his role as Osteopathic Director, following his election in late 2025. Nick brings a valuable higher education perspective and a strong passion for advancing the profession.

His contribution strengthens the Board’s connection to the realities of contemporary clinical practice, and I look forward to working closely with him in the year ahead.

As we progress through 2026, I encourage you to remain engaged with your association, with your colleagues, and with the broader direction of our profession. Together, we’ll continue to strengthen osteopathy’s place within Australia’s healthcare system and ensure a vibrant, sustainable future for generations of osteopaths to come.

I look forward to working with you throughout the year ahead.

Yours in health, MATT COOPER President mcooper.director@osteopathy.org.au Osteopathy Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and Elders of Country throughout Australia, and their connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present and emerging.

OSTEO LIFE

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CONTENTS

Save the date:

Osteopathy Conference 2026 16–17 October See page 28

IN THIS ISSUE...

7 Osteopathy Australia News

Osteopathy Australia T (02) 9410 0099 E info@osteopathy.org.au W www.osteopathy.org.au

10 From seed to impact: how osteopathic research is shaping practice

osteopathyaustralia

13 Early career spotlight: Tara Bain

osteopathyau

14 Why association emails are important

osteopathyaustralia

Practice Management 16 The importance of reference checking 18 Performance management: a practical guide Clinical 20 From structure to system: applying the biopsychosocial model in modern osteopathy Claire Richardson 26 Considerations for internal treatment 28 Save the date: Osteopathy Conference 2026 30 From clinician to performance practitioner: George Leonardos’ postgraduate journey 33 CPD and podcast calendar Osteopathy Australia extends its appreciation to Adam Nicholson, Tara Bain and Toby Barker for sharing their time and insights into the production of this publication.

Osteopathy Australia does not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by reason of any person using or relying on the information contained in this magazine. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not Osteopathy Australia. All advertisements in this issue are paid advertisements. By registering with any company or affiliation mentioned in advertisements you will be sharing your personal information with the advertiser – please check their privacy policy. Osteopathy Australia takes no responsibility for the way personal information is used.

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OSTEO LIFE

OSTEO LIFE is a magazine for Osteopathy Australia members.

For enquiries, feedback, or to contribute, contact Communications on 02 9410 0099 or comms@osteopathy.org.au.

For advertising enquires, email info@osteopathy.org.au or see: osteopathy.org.au/Web/Web/ about-us/Advertising.aspx Communications and Marketing Working Group Tara Bain, Toby Barker, Adam Nicholson, Rebekka Thompson-Jones Chief Executive Antony Nicholas Editor Rebekka Thompson-Jones Designer Stephanie Goh Advertising info@osteopathy.org.au OSTEO LIFE is published by Citrus Media www.citrusmedia.com.au

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

OSTEOPATHY AUSTRALIA NEWS Osteopathy Australia aims to support, enhance and promote the profession. Here’s a quick recap of everything osteo from the past few months.

NOTES FROM THE ASSOCIATION

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025 was a demanding year for many – osteopaths, consumers, and Osteopathy Australia alike. Throughout the year, we highlighted the challenges facing the profession and although the economy showed early signs of recovery and interest rates eased, rising inflation and growing geopolitical uncertainty created a complex and often worrying backdrop. The tragic attack on innocent Jewish families at Bondi Beach in December was a heartbreaking moment for the country. Osteopathy Australia extends its deepest condolences to all affected.

Looking ahead, we anticipate that 2026 may bring further challenges. Global tensions, tariff threats, and the possibility of renewed economic pressure including interest rate increases continue to shape the environment we operate in. At the same time, the federal government’s increasing focus on a small group of “priority health care professions” suggests further scrutiny of funding and policy settings.

We have already seen the impact of short-sighted changes within aged care and the disability sector, and additional reductions could significantly affect osteopathy clinics, practitioners, and the consumers who rely on your care.

There are rumours that some professions may lose access to NDIS funding altogether, and several schemes have commenced pricing, and evidence reviews that could limit or exclude additional disciplines. While osteopathy and manual therapy have a strong base of research supporting their benefits, we continue to lack largescale, condition-specific studies that would further strengthen the profession’s position.

We have already experienced changes to aged care “support at home”, and we know

“Looking ahead, we anticipate that 2026 may bring further challenges.” that a review of diagnostic imaging referrals is underway – potentially resulting in new restrictions at a time when improved access to imaging would enhance patient safety and clinical decision making.

On the tertiary education front, 2026 may also bring clarity – along with challenge. The government is expected to release details of its new university funding model, which may affect existing and future osteopathy programs. If student places are capped across all courses, universities may struggle to sustain programs that are cost intensive or deemed lower demand. As all health courses fall into the high cost category, the implications for osteopathy could be significant.

Why we’re sharing this We believe honest, transparent communication is essential – especially in uncertain times. That’s why we encourage every member to stay connected through our Facebook Member Forum, e-news updates, Osteo Life, and our face-to-face events. These channels allow us to discuss concerns openly, address issues, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Your membership makes a real difference. It fuels our advocacy, strengthens our voice, and enables us to protect, support, and advance osteopathy as a profession. Together, we can meet these challenges head on and continue building a strong and thriving future for osteopathy in Australia.

ANTONY NICHOLAS Chief Executive ceo@osteopathy.org.au

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

NEW DIGITAL HEALTH RESOURCES ON THE WAY O

ver the coming months, Osteopathy Australia will collaborate with Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), the Australian Digital Health Agency and other peak bodies to develop a suite of CPD and educational tools designed to strengthen members’ digital health capability.

This collaborative project will focus on boosting practical digital health skills, increasing connectivity across clinical systems, and supporting allied health practitioners to confidently navigate an evolving digital landscape. The initiative also reinforces our broader advocacy efforts

to ensure the allied health workforce is represented and influential as national digital health reforms progress.

Members are encouraged to keep an eye out for upcoming announcements about events and resources. In the meantime, you can explore AHPA’s Digital Health Hub and subscribe to their Digital Digest newsletter for regular updates and insights by scanning the QR code.

Position statements to strengthen Osteopathy Australia’s policy voice

O

steopathy Australia has updated its suite of position statements and placed all in one place on our website.

These comprehensive policy documents outline the profession’s stance on key issues impacting osteopaths, patients, and the broader healthcare system. These updated statements form a critical part of our advocacy work, ensuring osteopathy is clearly represented in national discussions, regulatory reforms, and cross-sector initiatives.

WHAT ARE POSITION STATEMENTS AND WHY DO THEY MATTER?

A position statement is a formal document that clearly articulates Osteopathy Australia’s viewpoint on a specific issue. It outlines the evidence, arguments, and rationale that underpin our stance. These documents serve several important purposes: • Clarifying our position They provide clear guidance on complex or emerging topics, helping members, stakeholders, and policymakers understand where the profession stands.

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•

Strengthening advocacy Position statements support our engagement with government, allied health partners, insurers and regulators by presenting a well-defined, evidencebased view.

• Ensuring consistent communication Position statements guide Osteopathy Australia’s messaging across policy submissions, media commentary, and member communications, ensuring alignment with the profession’s values and priorities.

These latest updates reflect current evidence, changes in policy environments, and the evolving needs of osteopaths and the communities they serve.

Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the full suite of statements to stay informed about the issues shaping osteopathic practice and our strategic advocacy direction.

More updates and opportunities for member input will be shared throughout the year.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Push to pay students for clinical placements hours gains momentum O

steopathy Australia has joined Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) in supporting the expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment to include all allied health students. The call comes as a new national petition – launched in mid-February by Independent MP Dr Helen Haines and Senator David Pocock, together with AHPA – pushes for equitable placement support across health disciplines.

Allied health students, including osteopathy students, complete extensive mandatory unpaid placements that often carry significant financial and personal cost. Advocates argue that extending the Prac Payment is a practical and necessary step to reduce placement-related hardship, improve student wellbeing, and strengthen the future healthcare workforce.

The campaign underscores that equitable access to placement support must become a national priority.

Supporters highlight recent wins such as HECS debt relief changes as proof that coordinated student and sector voices can help drive meaningful reform.

Every signature strengthens the message: students deserve fair support while completing compulsory placements.

“Every signature strengthens the message: students deserve fair support while completing compulsory placements.”

Students and practitioners are encouraged to add their voice by: 1. S igning the petition, and 2. Sharing it across student groups, professional networks, and social platforms.

View the petition by scanning the QR code.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM SEED TO IMPACT

HOW OSTEOPATHIC RESEARCH IS SHAPING PRACTICE F

ive years of targeted investment, mentorship and momentum are strengthening the evidence base for osteopathy in Australia – and setting the profession up for what comes next.

When the Osteopathy Australia Research Foundation (OARF) was established in 2020, its ambition was clear: build a stronger research culture and ensure osteopathic care continues to evolve in step with contemporary healthcare.

Five years on, the results tell a compelling story of progress, persistence and potential.

Since its inception, OARF has invested close to $183,000 across 20 research projects, supporting clinicians, academics and emerging researchers to ask better research questions, generate meaningful data and translate findings into practice.

These projects sit alongside major profession-wide initiatives such as ORION and the international SOLAR program, together forming the backbone of Australia’s osteopathic research ecosystem.

What follows is not just a summary of grants awarded, but a snapshot of a profession increasingly confident in its research voice.

BUILDING AN EVIDENCE-INFORMED PROFESSION

Osteopathy has long been grounded in hands-on clinical expertise. What OARF has helped to accelerate is the systematic generation of evidence that reflects real-world practice – the kind that informs clinical decision-making, strengthens professional credibility and supports advocacy within the broader health system.

Funded research between 2020 and 2025 has contributed to: • Clinical effectiveness and outcomes, including studies on infant care, neck pain, respiratory conditions and patientreported outcome measures.

• W orkforce and health services research, providing data to inform policy, education and workforce planning.

• Methodological innovation, such as the development and adaptation of research tools designed specifically for osteopathic practice.

Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and national practice-based research activity have steadily increased visibility of osteopathic research, both locally and internationally.

Importantly, these outputs demonstrate that osteopathy is engaging with the same research standards, ethical frameworks and outcome measures expected across allied health.

RESEARCH WITH REAL-WORLD RELEVANCE

A defining feature of OARF-funded work is its strong connection to clinical reality. Projects are designed to reflect the complexity of everyday osteopathic practice rather than idealised laboratory conditions.

Several studies have focused on infant and paediatric care, exploring areas of high relevance to families and practitioners alike. Research examining breastfeeding difficulties and infantile colic has contributed to a growing,

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What is SOLAR? Strengthening Osteopathy Research and Leadership (SOLAR) is an international research mentoring and leadership program designed to build research capability among early to midcareer osteopathy researchers.

Format An annual five-day residential retreat held at the University of Technology Sydney, combining intensive workshops, networking and strategic planning.

Who it’s for UTS recruited around 10–12 participants from the international osteopathy research community each year.

Why it matters SOLAR aims to build a sustainable research culture in osteopathy and equip participants with leadership skills to advance evidence-informed practice globally.

What it has delivered (2022–2025) •

•

• •

Over 90 peer-reviewed publications across clinical practice, education, pain management, paediatrics, chronic disease and research methodology, including papers in BMJ, International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine and Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.

More than 25 presentations at major national and international conferences, including Osteopathy Australia, Osteopathy Europe, NZ Pain Society and international research congresses.

Leveraged funding from multiple bodies, including OARF and international osteopathy research foundations.

Clear career progression for fellows, including senior academic promotions and major research fellowships.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

“Collectively, these projects reinforce osteopathy’s commitment to safe, effective and patientcentred care – not FROM GRANTS TO CAPABILITY While funding is essential, OARF’s impact goes beyond dollars allocated. The structure of its grant schemes has deliberately through rhetoric, focused on building research capability across career stages.

Two complementary funding streams support this approach: but through data.”

• Spark grants, providing up to $20,000 for larger, high-impact carefully constructed evidence base in a sensitive and highly scrutinised area of care.

Other projects have extended osteopathy’s contribution into chronic disease management, preventive health and the use of patient-reported outcome measures. This work supports more consistent evaluation of care, clearer communication with patients, and stronger alignment with contemporary healthcare expectations.

Collectively, these projects reinforce osteopathy’s commitment to safe, effective and patient-centred care – not through rhetoric, but through data.

projects with potential to attract future external funding.

• Seeding grants, offering targeted support for PhD candidates and early career researchers to develop pilot studies and research skills.

Across five years, seven higher-degree research students have been directly involved in funded projects, with expectations that this number will grow under revised eligibility criteria. This focus on early career development is critical: today’s supported student is tomorrow’s clinicianresearcher, supervisor or research leader.

The data also tells an honest story. While conference activity and collaboration have increased, translating projects into peer-reviewed publications remains challenging – often due to time pressures and limited institutional support.

Recognising this reality has shaped OARF’s evolving strategy.

MENTORSHIP: TURNING INTEREST INTO ACTION

Research capacity does not grow in isolation. Mentorship has emerged as one of the most powerful levers for change.

The Research Pathways Mentorship Program, launched in 2023, pairs osteopaths interested in research with experienced researchers who understand both academic expectations and clinical realities. The aim is simple but effective: demystify research, build confidence and provide practical guidance for clinicians curious about contributing to evidence-informed practice, and gain insights into transitioning from clinical practice to clinician-researcher roles, or both.

Participants consistently report that structured goal-setting, regular one-on-one meetings and community-of-practice sessions help them clarify career pathways and develop tangible research outputs. Several mentor–mentee pairs have already progressed to successful paper submissions – a strong indicator that mentorship is translating into action.

By normalising research conversations and creating supported entry points, the program is helping to shift research from being ‘something other people do’ to a realistic and valued part of professional life.

STANDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS

OARF’s work builds on more than a decade of strategic investment by Osteopathy Australia. Landmark initiatives such as ORION – Australia’s national osteopathy practice-based research network – have provided invaluable workforce and practice data, supporting advocacy, education and future research design.

Internationally, the SOLAR program has positioned Australian osteopathic researchers within a global leadership and

collaboration network, contributing to dozens of high-quality publications and strengthening research leadership across the profession. Together, these initiatives demonstrate a long-term commitment to research infrastructure, not just individual projects.

LOOKING AHEAD: MOMENTUM WITH PURPOSE

Five years on, the message is clear: progress has been made, but the work is far from finished. Key challenges remain – limited time, variable research training, and the realities of private practice. OARF’s response has been pragmatic rather than idealistic: refining grant schemes, sharpening research priorities, strengthening mentorship and exploring new funding models, including the potential for co-funded PhD pathways.

Future success will depend on sustained collaboration between clinicians, universities, funders and regulators.

Research must be visible, valued and supported as a core component of professional practice, not an optional extra.

The past five years show what is possible with targeted investment and clear intent. The next phase is about scale, sustainability and translation – ensuring that research continues to inform care, strengthen the profession and, ultimately, benefit patients. Because when research is embedded in practice, everyone stands to gain.

For more on mentoring: osteopathy.org.au/Web/research/ research-projects/research-grants.aspx For more on grants: osteopathy.org.au/Web/research/researchprojects/research-mentorship-program.aspx

Coming in 2026 In 2026, the Osteopathy Australia Research Foundation (OARF) will formally launch as a registered charitable foundation (Trust). This milestone will enable OARF to fundraise and attract philanthropic support, creating new opportunities to further invest in high-quality, practice-relevant osteopathic research. For members, this marks an important step in strengthening the profession’s research capability and long-term sustainability.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

SENDING OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES R

eflecting on the tragic events that occurred in December 2025, Osteopathy Australia sends its deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragic events in Bondi.

We stand with Australia’s Jewish community, and we share in your grief. Hate has no place in our society, and violence is never the answer. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the divisions and fear these attacks seek to create.

As health professionals, whether in the way we approach our patients or in the mateship we show each other every day, we believe our greatest strength as Australians comes from compassion, empathy, and care for one another. These values are at the heart of osteopathy and guide our commitment to inclusion and unity.

We recognise that distressing events and news coverage like this can have a profound impact on mental health. If you or someone you know is feeling distressed, please reach out for support: • Members Counselling Service: 1300 687 327 • Lifeline: 13 11 14 • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Our hearts are with Bondi, with the Jewish community, and with all those affected by this tragedy. Together, let us stand against hate and work toward a future defined by compassion and unity.

HELP US PUT OSTEOPATHY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Pain shouldn’t be normal. Feeling good deserves to be celebrated. That’s why we’re rolling out a national campaign to show Australians how osteopathy can change lives – and we want you front and centre.

This is your moment to boost your visibility, spark conversations, grow your online engagement, and drive bookings. By promoting osteopathy, you’re also promoting your expertise, your clinic, and your impact.

Running alongside World Osteopathic Healthcare Week (20–26 April), this month is all about putting osteopathy on the map and sharing its benefits far and wide.

To help you hit the ground running, we’ve created a full suite of ready-to-use assets: • Marketing kit • Social graphics and plug and post captions for Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn • Email and website banners • Newsletter copy • A4 reception flyer

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OSTEO LIFE

Grab the assets, share them with your community, and help make osteopathy impossible to ignore this April.

Download your marketing assets here:

osteopathy.org.au/resource?resource=252

Photo credit: Nudge Osteopathy and Zacmedia Photography.

This April, we need YOU to help power Osteopathy Awareness Month.

And we’ve made it easy for you to showcase your great work.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

EARLY CAREER SPOTLIGHT

TARA BAIN

@TARABAIN.OSTEO

Where did you study and when did you graduate?

RMIT University, graduated in 2021 Where did you land your first job after university? Where are you now (if not still at your first job)? My graduate position was working as an employee in Dapto, NSW where I got to see a very high volume of patients across a 4-day week. I have since moved to another busy private practice in Wollongong NSW working as a contractor. I’m lucky enough to still be on a 4-day working week alongside awesome colleagues!

What’s something you learned in university you still remember and/or use now? That good communication is crucial, palpation skills will come with more hands-on-bodies (as difficult as that is to hear, it’s true), there’s so many ways to soft tissue a muscle (some faster and more effective than others), and how to critically think and quickly analyse multiple pieces of information on the go.

What’s something you learned being in private practice? That you can’t expect to have 10+ years’ experience without putting in the time. You have to be patient and just keep working on expanding knowledge and skills along the way. But it’s definitely important to celebrate the wins along the way, you’re still doing a great job even as an early career osteopath! Burnout is a very real and recurrent risk and it’s important to check in with yourself, learn your warning signs and do something about it.

What’s your favourite part of the job? Meeting and getting to know a wide variety of people, I love the clinic room chats! I have far too long a list of TV and movie recommendations! It’s a privilege to celebrate patients’ recovery and life achievements, while also being someone they can rely on in times of need.

“I’d love to see professional referral pathways much stronger, especially GP and osteopath relationships.”

What’s something you’d change about working in private practice? The lack of awareness of osteopathy. We’re often a patient’s third or fourth practitioner. It would be fantastic if better awareness meant we could be helping people earlier in their injury/pain journey, hopefully preventing as much chronicity. The good news is that many patients are referred by existing patients, so word of mouth pathways are strong, which is nice. I’d love to see professional referral pathways much stronger, especially GP and osteopath relationships.

What’s something you’d tell a new osteopathy student and/or new graduate? Trust the process. To a student, it feels like a cop out to be told time and experience will help your palpation and depth of knowledge, but it really does. I found it really helpful to do my placements externally. I personally appreciated the taste of real life as an osteopath and a wider variety of patients, with exposure to people who have been on the job for a while too. To a new graduate I’d say I think it’s normal to feel a little out of your depth at first (that impostor syndrome am I right?!). Don’t compare yourself to more experienced clinicians around you too harshly, but definitely be inspired and don’t be afraid to ask questions of your colleagues and mentors!

What’s something you’ve found helpful from your Osteopathy Australia membership?

Easy access to CPD such as webinars and finding courses/workshops. The Facebook members forum is a super accessible and valuable source for connecting and learning from fellow osteopaths of all experience levels, combined with the insights from Osteopathy Australia staff and Board members. Being connected to everyone online so seamlessly is cool. I’ve also enjoyed seizing other opportunities such as being a volunteer on the Marketing and Communications Working Group, the opportunity to attend conferences and network with a wider range of osteopaths. And who doesn’t love a sneaky discount to a few cool brands?

OSTEO LIFE

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

WHY ASSOCIATION EMAILS ARE IMPORTANT E

mail fatigue is a genuine challenge for all of us. Inboxes fill up fast, and it can feel like you spend half your day just trying to keep your head above the subject line.

As a professional association we are acutely aware of the fine line between keeping you informed and adding to the noise. Our priority is to make sure you get what you need to stay compliant, connected and supported without feeling buried under a flood of messages.

And honestly, we are the first to admit there are times when the volume of emails from us can feel like a lot. We do our best to keep communications steady and sensible. As a rule, we aim to send no more than one email a day (and usually no more than three each week). Occasionally that changes if we need to share urgent state-based updates or time-sensitive information coming from external sources or partners.

Research shows that employees spend up to 28 per cent of their work week managing email, with excessive volumes linked to stress and reduced productivity.1,2 That’s why we are committed to refining how we communicate based on member feedback. If something isn’t landing well, or you’d prefer a different approach, we want to know.

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HOW WE COMMUNICATE WITH MEMBERS

Our flagship email is the monthly Osteo Matters. It’s designed as a comprehensive “everything you need in one place” update, including: • Membership and compliance reminders, for example insurance, first aid, CPD and membership renewals; • Government announcements and policy updates that affect osteopathy; • Latest research and evidence-based practice information; • Association news, advocacy work and initiatives; • Osteo Brain, our monthly CPD listing and a one-stop shop for all association CPD (much of it free or at low cost); • Advertising Marketplace, our fortnightly classifieds e-flyer for you to advertise your CPD courses, positions vacant or buying/selling/hiring equipment and business.

We have recently introduced: • A quarterly members benefit newsletter highlighting the services and supports included with membership (because some benefits are brilliant, but easy to miss if you don’t know they exist); • Three times a year, a digital issue of Osteo Life.

By segmenting information this way, you can get the essentials quickly, while still having the depth of Osteo Matters when you need it.

WHY OSTEO MATTERS IS WORTH YOUR TIME

Osteo Matters isn’t just another email in your inbox. It is one of the main ways we keep you up to date with things that can directly affect your clinical practice and business – including compliance reminders, industry or policy changes that may shape how you work in clinic. When you make a habit of checking it each month, you’re more likely to stay ahead of changes, avoid last-minute compliance scrambles and spot opportunities early. And if there’s something you think would make Osteo Matters more useful, please tell us – we genuinely read and act on feedback.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Tips to help with email fatigue While we will continue streamlining on our side, we know that inbox management is a personal challenge. A few practical things that may help: • S et aside dedicated time. Check your emails at set points in the day rather than constantly monitoring your inbox.

• U se filters and folders. Move Osteo Matters and key updates into a dedicated folder so they are easy to find.

• K eep an eye on junk/spam. Add important domains or addresses to your contacts to avoid essential messages being misdirected.

• U nsubscribe from clutter. Keep only subscriptions that add value.

• P rioritise compliance emails. If an email contains a deadline, deal with it early rather than let it pile up.

• R espond to polls or surveys from us. It helps us represent your voice with stakeholders.

• S witch off notifications. Fewer pings means more uninterrupted time to focus.

Email fatigue is real, but with some strategy on both sides, it can be managed. We will keep refining how we communicate so important information reaches you without overwhelming your inbox. And with a few simple habits, you can reduce stress, and stay focused on what matters most to your business: your patients, your practice and your professional development.

Update your email preferences – it only takes a minute To make sure you receive the updates that matter to you, please review your email preferences: 1. Visit www.osteopathy.org.au 2. Log in and go to My Profile 3. Select My preferences from the menu on the left 4. Choose the types of emails you’d like to receive

Important

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References

McKinsey & Company (2012) The social economy : Unlocking value and productivity through social techniques. McKinsey Global Institute. Retrieved from https:/www.mckinsey.com/industries/ technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/the-social-economy Sarrafzadeh M., Awadallah, A Jones R & White, R W (2019). Characterising and predicting email deferral behavior. Proceedings of the 2019 Conference on Human Information, Interaction and Retrieval. 115-123. https://doi.org/10.1145/3295750.3298927

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CPD

THE IMPORTANCE OF REFERENCE CHECKING

Hiring the right person is one of the most important decisions a business can make, and while résumés and interviews provide useful insight, they don’t always tell the full story. That’s where reference checking becomes invaluable as an extra layer of assurance in the recruitment process.

WHY REFERENCE CHECKS MATTER

Résumés are written to present candidates in the best possible light and interviews can be influenced by first impressions, rapport or nerves. Reference checking provides an external perspective from someone who has actually worked with the candidate day-to-day.

Effective reference checks can help you: • C onfirm claims. Did the candidate really perform the duties, hold the responsibilities, and achieve the outcomes they described?

• U nderstand work style. How do they respond to feedback, pressure, and changing priorities?

• A ssess behaviour and conduct. Do they follow policies, respect boundaries, and contribute positively to team culture?

• I dentify strengths. Referees often highlight achievements or attributes that didn’t fully emerge during the interview.

MANAGING RISK AND PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS

Hiring the wrong person can be costly. Beyond the time and money spent on recruitment and induction, a poor hire can: • Disrupt team performance and morale; • Impact customer or client relationships; • Lead to performance management, grievances or conflicts;

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•

In serious cases, contribute to complaints, safety incidents or legal claims.

Reference checking helps manage this risk by allowing you to spot potential red flags early – such as repeated concerns about reliability, behaviour or failure to follow instructions.

While one negative comment should not automatically disqualify a candidate, consistent themes across referees should prompt careful consideration.

For higher-risk roles, reference checks often sit alongside other pre-employment checks (e.g., police checks, workingwith-children checks, professional registration). Together, these steps demonstrate that reasonable care has been taken in the hiring decision.

LEGAL AND PRIVACY CONSIDERATIONS

Reference checking must be carried out lawfully and respectfully. Employers should always: • Obtain the candidate’s consent before contacting referees; • Ask job-related questions focused on performance, conduct and suitability; • Avoid questions about protected attributes such as age, disability, sex, race, religion, pregnancy or family responsibilities.

It’s also wise to keep brief notes of any reference conversations, including:

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

• • •

ho you spoke to and their role; W The date of the conversation; Key points or examples shared.

These records can help demonstrate that your hiring process was fair, consistent and evidence-based if a decision is later challenged.

HOW TO CONDUCT EFFECTIVE REFERENCE CHECKS

A quick call asking whether someone was “good” or “bad” rarely provides enough useful information. To get real value from reference checks, it helps to prepare a short set of structured questions linked to the role’s requirements.

You might ask referees about: • The candidate’s main responsibilities in their role; • How they performed overall and how quickly they learned new tasks; • How they responded to feedback or direction; • How they worked with colleagues, clients or customers; • Any concerns around reliability, attendance or conduct.

Open-ended questions usually produce better insight.

For example: • “Can you describe a time when they dealt with a difficult situation?”

• “How did they manage competing priorities or tight deadlines?”

Where possible, ask for specific examples rather than general impressions. It’s also preferable to speak with

someone who directly supervised the candidate, rather than relying solely on personal or character references.

RECOGNISING THE LIMITATIONS

Reference checks are a helpful tool, but they’re not perfect.

Referees may be reluctant to provide negative feedback or may have only seen the candidate in a particular context. For this reason, reference checking should be viewed as one part of a broader recruitment process, alongside interviews, skills assessments and, where appropriate, probation. If a referee raises concerns, consider them carefully, but also weigh them against all other information you have. One isolated comment may not justify rejecting a strong candidate, but consistent concerns across multiple referees should not be ignored.

CONCLUSION

Reference checking is a key part of best-practice recruitment.

By confirming information, exploring past performance, and identifying potential risks, it helps employers make better hiring decisions and reduce costly mis-hires. When done thoughtfully – within legal and privacy boundaries and using structured, role-relevant questions – it supports a fair, defensible process and promotes better matches between people and roles, laying the groundwork for a successful working relationship.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact the Osteopathy Australia HR Service on 1300 143 602, or via email at HRHotline@osteopathy.org.au.

Disclaimer The material contained in this publication is general comment and is not intended as advice on any particular matter. No reader should act or fail to act on the basis of any material contained herein. The material contained in this publication should not be relied on as a substitute for legal or professional advice on any particular matter. Wentworth Advantage Pty Ltd, expressly disclaim all and any liability to any persons whatsoever in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance whether in whole or in part upon any of the contents of this publication. Without limiting the generality of this disclaimer, no author or editor shall have any responsibility for any other author or editor. For further information please contact Wentworth Advantage Pty Ltd. © Wentworth Advantage Pty Ltd 2026.

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CPD

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT – A PRACTICAL GUIDE

Performance management is an essential part of every workplace.

When done well, it supports alignment between individual and organisational goals, encourages professional development and fosters open communication. It also helps address challenges early, reducing misunderstandings and improving overall workplace culture.

Whether you’re a manager or an employee, understanding the principles of effective performance management can support fair outcomes, constructive feedback and long-term success.

WHY PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Performance management isn’t limited to annual reviews or formal processes. It’s an ongoing cycle that includes goal-setting, feedback, support, and regular check-ins. The goal is to ensure expectations are clear, achievements are recognised, and issues are addressed respectfully.

For employers, it helps retain engaged, high-performing staff and ensures work is being delivered to the required standard. For employees, it provides clarity around role expectations, feedback on progress, and opportunities for growth and support.

KEY PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Good performance management is: • Continuous. Feedback and support should happen throughout the year, not just during formal reviews.

• C lear. Expectations should be specific and measurable, so both parties know what success looks like.

• T wo-way. Employees should have the chance to raise concerns, provide input, and discuss their own development.

• S upportive. The focus should be on improvement and growth, not just identifying shortcomings.

A strong performance management process creates an environment of mutual respect and shared accountability.

INFORMAL VS FORMAL PROCESSES

Most workplaces use both informal and formal processes to manage performance.

Informal performance management includes everyday feedback and support. This might involve a quick conversation to clarify expectations, acknowledge a job well done, or offer guidance when something isn’t quite right.

These check-ins help build trust and address issues before they escalate.

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Formal performance management is used for structured conversations, performance reviews, or when more serious or ongoing concerns arise. It typically involves written documentation and a clear process, such as a performance improvement plan, to guide expectations and monitor progress.

GIVING AND RECEIVING FEEDBACK

Feedback is a critical part of performance management.

Constructive feedback should be: • T imely. Raise matters as they arise, rather than waiting for review periods.

• S pecific. Focus on behaviour or outcomes, not personal characteristics.

• Solution-oriented. Feedback should help clarify what to do differently or how to improve.

• R espectful. Tone and delivery matter – feedback should be a conversation, not a confrontation.

Equally, receiving feedback openly and reflectively helps build resilience and supports ongoing development.

MANAGING UNDERPERFORMANCE

If performance concerns arise and persist despite informal support, a more formal approach may be required.

This could involve: 1. Raising concerns clearly. Document the issue with specific examples and discuss it openly.

2. Providing an opportunity to respond. Employees should be able to explain their perspective or raise any relevant circumstances.

3. Agreeing on next steps. This may include setting measurable goals, timelines for improvement, and identifying any support required.

4. Monitoring progress. Regular check-ins help track improvements and ensure continued communication.

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A performance improvement plan may be developed to formalise these steps. It’s important that all parties approach the process in good faith, with a focus on outcomes.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

There are legal protections in place to ensure performance management and disciplinary action are conducted fairly.

• U nfair dismissal. An employee with the required minimum service period (six or 12 months, depending on business size) may be eligible to make a claim if their dismissal is harsh, unjust or unreasonable.

• General protections. Employees have the right to be free from adverse action (such as dismissal or demotion) due to protected reasons, such as exercising a workplace right, making a complaint, or having a protected attribute (e.g., age, disability, religion).

• Discrimination laws. Employers must ensure performance management doesn’t unlawfully discriminate based on characteristics protected under anti-discrimination legislation.

Fair processes, accurate documentation and clear communication are essential to reducing risk and maintaining trust.

CONCLUSION

Performance management is a shared responsibility. It works best when approached as an open, honest dialogue focused on achieving common goals. Whether you’re providing or receiving feedback, keeping communication respectful and solutions-focused is key.

Practical tips •

Provide and seek regular, balanced feedback to support growth and development.

•

Clarify role expectations to ensure mutual understanding of performance standards.

•

Address concerns early – whether you’re managing or experiencing them – to prevent escalation.

•

Focus on improvement first, and document any serious issues that arise.

•

Apply performance processes consistently and fairly across the team.

•

Understand your rights and responsibilities under the Fair Work Act 2009, and seek advice when needed.

When done right, performance management doesn’t just address problems – it promotes growth, clarity and collaboration across the workplace.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact the Osteopathy Australia HR Service on 1300 143 602, or via email at HRHotline@osteopathy.org.au.

Disclaimer The material contained in this publication is general comment and is not intended as advice on any particular matter. No reader should act or fail to act on the basis of any material contained herein. The material contained in this publication should not be relied on as a substitute for legal or professional advice on any particular matter. Wentworth Advantage Pty Ltd, expressly disclaim all and any liability to any persons whatsoever in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance whether in whole or in part upon any of the contents of this publication. Without limiting the generality of this disclaimer, no author or editor shall have any responsibility for any other author or editor. For further information please contact Wentworth Advantage Pty Ltd. © Wentworth Advantage Pty Ltd 2026.

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CPD PART ONE

FROM STRUCTURE TO SYSTEM:

APPLYING THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL IN MODERN OSTEOPATHY

BY CLAIRE RICHARDSON

O

steopathy’s catch cry has always been one of holism.

Our profession was founded on the belief that health is influenced by more than anatomy alone, and that the body, mind, and environment influence one another. A century later, contemporary pain science has validated a biopsychosocial perspective, affirming that health outcomes are shaped by complex interactions of biology, psychology, environmental and contextual factors (Moseley & Butler, 2015).1 Rather than replacing osteopathic philosophy, modern science refines it – guiding us towards the most effective ways to implement holistic care in practice. The conceptual shift towards biopsychosocial care is not a departure from osteopathy’s roots; it is the scientific articulation of themes that have always been central to our profession.

Over the past few decades, pain research has transformed our understanding of what pain actually is. We now know that pain is very rarely a direct measure of tissue damage but a protective experience shaped by biology, context, expectation, memory and meaning. Biological, psychological and social factors converge through neuroplastic and immune mechanisms to influence how the nervous system expresses protective behaviours, such as pain. When we appreciate this, the role of an osteopath expands far beyond locating a painful structure – we become facilitators of recovery through education, reassurance, movement, curiosity and human connection.

This evolution matters because persistent pain is one of the world’s most disabling and costly health problems. In Australia, around one in five adults live with ongoing or persistent pain (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020).2 Many patients who present to us have seen multiple providers, had imaging that offers little clarity, and been told conflicting stories about what’s “out of place” or “worn out.” The result is often fear, avoidance and frustration – all of which we now know can amplify pain and delay recovery.

A biopsychosocial, pain neuroscience-informed approach directly addresses this by restoring confidence and control.

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Importantly, biopsychosocial care is not just abstract theory – it is the clinical standard endorsed by leading guideline bodies such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP, 2018)3 and the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP, 2020).4 Both highlight that effective musculoskeletal management requires more than treating tissues alone; it also depends on reassurance, patient education, maintaining activity, and addressing psychosocial factors that influence recovery.

This standard is also enshrined in the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services (WorkSafe Victoria and Transport Accident Commission, 2012)5, which mandates that compensable healthcare address the biological, psychological and social factors affecting recovery. The framework requires care that is evidence-informed, goaloriented, and promotes patient self-management, which are pillars of pain neuroscience informed approaches to care.

For our patients, even small shifts in how we frame and deliver care can make a profound difference. When treatment moves beyond simply addressing structural findings to also include an understanding of nervous-system sensitivity and lived experience, recovery often becomes more achievable.

Patients begin to see their bodies as adaptable and capable rather than fragile or damaged. They move with greater confidence, worry less, and start re-engaging with the parts of life that matter to them. For many clinicians, this approach rekindles the sense of purpose that drew us to osteopathy in the first place: helping people make sense of their pain and supporting them to return to meaningful living.

When we look at the strengths of modern pain-informed osteopathic practice, such as taking time to listen, considering the whole person in context, offering behavioural support, and using manual therapy judiciously, it’s clear that Australian osteopaths are well placed to empower patients toward self-management. Our role gives us a unique opportunity to embrace the biopsychosocial framework and use it to genuinely improve patient outcomes.

CLINICAL

“Over the past few decades, pain research has transformed our understanding of what pain actually is. We now know that pain is very rarely a direct measure of tissue damage but a protective experience shaped by biology, context, expectation, memory and meaning.”

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“For osteopaths, this shift should feel familiar rather than foreign. The idea that the body is a unit – that structure and function, body and mind, person and environment are interconnected – is the foundation of our profession.”

As we move through this article, we’ll explore how contemporary pain science and the biopsychosocial model strengthen, rather than replace, the essence of osteopathic care. We’ll unpack the neurobiology that explains why context matters, and outline practical ways osteopaths can communicate, move and think differently to support recovery.

Above all, we’ll show that this modernised approach doesn’t just make us better practitioners, it helps our patients get better, faster, and stay that way.

SECTION 2: A BRIEF HISTORY – FROM PATHOBIOMEDICAL TO BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL

For much of the 20th century, healthcare was shaped by the biomedical model, a framework that viewed the body as a collection of parts and pain as a purely physical signal of damage or disease. This reductionist perspective led to extraordinary medical advances, but it also left significant gaps, especially for people living with persistent pain.

When tests and scans failed to reveal a clear cause, patients were often told that “nothing’s wrong,” implying that their pain was imagined or “all in their head.” Others were told that a minor finding on imaging was the sole cause of their severe and longstanding pain, leaving them feeling fragile and fearful. Neither message was helpful.

Both overlooked the person behind the symptom and failed to acknowledge the complexity of their experience.

In 1977, George Engel proposed an alternative: the biopsychosocial model. Engel argued that illness and health cannot be fully understood without considering biological, psychological, and social dimensions together. In his landmark paper, The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine (Science, 1977)6, he called for a shift from focusing solely on “disease” to understanding “illness” – not just what is happening in the tissues but what is happening in the person experiencing them.

This perspective now underpins nearly every contemporary guideline for musculoskeletal and chronic pain care, such as those from the RACGP, NICE and IASP.

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For osteopaths, this shift should feel familiar rather than foreign. The idea that the body is a unit – that structure and function, body and mind, person and environment are interconnected – is the foundation of our profession.

What Engel provided was the scientific scaffolding that validated what osteopaths have long observed: that pain and recovery are influenced by far more than biomechanics or tissue injury alone.

As research evolved, so too did the evidence against purely structural explanations for persistent pain. Imaging studies began revealing that asymptomatic populations – people without pain – often show the same “abnormalities” as those who are symptomatic – disc bulges, joint degeneration, tendinopathies, and more (Brinjikji et al., 2015; Culvenor et al., 2019).7.8 Meta-analyses confirmed that low-value care, such as over-reliance on passive treatment or singlemodality approaches, yields poorer outcomes for chronic pain compared to integrated multidisciplinary care that includes exercise, education and psychosocial support (Kamper et al., 2015; Nicholas et al., 2019).9,10 This doesn’t mean manual therapy has no role. Hands-on care remains a powerful tool for short-term relief, building safety and connection, and facilitating movement. But research indicates that it works best when embedded within a framework that empowers rather than disables; that helps the patient understand their body as adaptable, not broken (Kerry et al., 2024).11 In this context, manual therapy becomes only one of several levers we can use to reduce pain and restore function.

Osteopathy has long emphasised principles such as holism, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of body, mind and environment. These themes continue to shape the profession, though their expression has shifted over time.

In practice, historical osteopathic philosophy and modern science can be understood as different perspectives that intersect, each contributing to care that considers the whole person in their lived context.

By integrating insights from contemporary pain science, osteopathy continues to evolve within modern healthcare.

This integration highlights how the profession’s core principles can align with an evidence-based, person-centred model of care.

SECTION 3: CONTEMPORARY PAIN SCIENCE ESSENTIALS FOR OSTEOPATHS

Understanding pain through a contemporary lens begins with recognising that not all pain is created equal. Over the past two decades, research from the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and allied neuroscience groups has refined our understanding of pain into three broad but overlapping phenotypes: nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic.

For osteopaths, identifying these mechanisms is key to selecting appropriate, evidence-based interventions and to explaining pain in a way that restores confidence rather than fear.

NOCICEPTIVE PAIN: TISSUE AND THREAT

Nociceptive pain arises from actual or potential tissue damage and the activation of peripheral nociceptors – specialised sensory neurons that detect mechanical, chemical, or thermal threat. Nociceptors are often colloquially termed “danger detectors”. Nociceptive pain is the pain of inflammation, strain, or overload, and it often makes intuitive sense to patients.

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In the acute phase, nociceptors are activated by chemicals such as inflammatory cytokines, which also act to lower the nociceptor threshold for firing. These nociceptors send signals to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where information is then relayed to the brain via ascending nociceptive pathways.

This process triggers a coordinated protective response from the brain – the sensory experience of pain, muscle guarding, altered movement, and behavioural withdrawal – all aimed at minimising further injury.

(It is important to note that nociception is a separate but related phenomenon to pain – pain does not exist until nociception plus context is processed in the brain, therefore nociception can occur without triggering a pain response.

The neuromatrix theory of pain describes nociception as just one of many “inputs” to the brain, and pain as one of many “outputs” (Melzack, 2001).12) As healing progresses, inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines reduce, receptor thresholds normalise, and the system typically quietens. For osteopaths, this is familiar territory: post-acute sprains, arthritic flare-ups, and overuse injuries that respond well to load management, reassurance, and gradual reactivation.

Where contemporary practice differs is in the conversation around pain. Evidence and osteopathic philosophy support the idea that the body has a strong capacity to heal. Modern studies have shown that tissues generally regain strength and resilience through a sensible, graded return to movement rather than prolonged rest, and an early, supported return to important activities such as work and hobbies assists with reducing the likelihood of sensitisation and chronic pain. This is reflected in research demonstrating that an early return to meaningful activity improves pain and functional recovery (Shaw et al., 2018).13

NEUROPATHIC PAIN: WHEN NERVES ARE THE SOURCE

Neuropathic pain occurs when there is damage or disease within the somatosensory nervous system itself. It may result from nerve-root irritation, peripheral nerve entrapment, or systemic conditions such as diabetes or post-herpetic neuralgia. Patients often describe sensations such as burning, shooting, or electric pain, sometimes accompanied by numbness, hypersensitivity, or allodynia (pain from normally non-painful stimuli).

At a neurobiological level, damaged neurons can develop ectopic activity, meaning they begin to fire spontaneously without external stimulation. This is often accompanied by the physical creation of sodium channels along the axonal membrane, which increases neuronal excitability and lowers the threshold for firing. Surrounding glial cells and immune mediators can further amplify this excitability by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines that sensitise nearby neurons.

Within the dorsal horn, disinhibition of inhibitory interneurons – those that normally dampen nociceptive signalling – allows nociceptive input to be over-represented in ascending pathways such as the spinothalamic tract.

This persistent barrage of sensory activity reaching the brain, combined with the emotional distress and salience of neuropathic pain, can heighten threat perception and activate protective neural responses. Over time, this may suppress descending inhibitory control from the brainstem, reducing the body’s natural ability to buffer pain and contributing to its intensity and persistence.

Clinically, neuropathic pain requires careful assessment and often a multidisciplinary approach (Gilron et al., 2015).14 Screening tools such as the DN4 or painDETECT questionnaires can help identify neuropathic characteristics and inform decisions about co-management or the need for pharmacological input. Although evidence for the effectiveness of manual therapy or exercise in reducing pain within this population is limited, current literature suggests these interventions may still provide supportive benefits. Rather than acting as corrective techniques, manual therapy and exercise may help reduce discomfort, encourage movement, and influence autonomic regulation. These effects can lessen muscle guarding, improve confidence, and facilitate re-engagement with activity - all important components of recovery in neuropathic presentations (Roura et al., 2021; Jesson et al., 2020).15.16

NOCIPLASTIC PAIN: WHEN THE SYSTEM BECOMES THE SOURCE

Nociplastic pain is the most recently defined and often the most clinically relevant pain phenotype in persistent pain.

Introduced by the IASP in 2020, it refers to pain arising from altered nociceptive processing rather than ongoing tissue damage or identifiable nerve injury. In these presentations, the tissues may have healed, but the pain system has become more efficient and overactive due to biological changes within the nervous system itself – a process known as sensitisation.

In nociplastic conditions, the central nervous system becomes more reactive to input. Neurons in the spinal cord and key brain regions involved in pain modulation (such as the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and prefrontal cortex) begin responding more strongly than usual to potentially smaller stimuli. At the same time, the descending inhibitory pathways that normally dampen pain – serotonergic, noradrenergic, and opioidergic systems, our inbuilt pain-killers – can become less effective in preventing nociception from reaching the brain in the first place. Glial cells, including microglia and astrocytes, may release inflammatory mediators that help maintain this sensitised state.

Psychosocial factors can further influence these biological processes. Poor sleep, low mood, fear of movement, isolation, and heightened threat perception all contribute to the development and maintenance of a sensitised state. These influences can reduce endogenous pain-relieving chemicals

“Where contemporary practice differs is in the conversation around pain. Evidence and osteopathic philosophy support the idea that the body has a strong capacity to heal.”

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(such as endorphins and serotonin), increase limbic system (threat detection) reactivity, and suppress descending inhibition. Over time, they can drive measurable neurobiological changes, including increased excitability of spinal and cortical neurons, altered neurotransmitter balance, and persistent activation of glial and immune cells. These adaptations help explain why pain can persist long after tissue healing.

For osteopaths, recognising nociplastic mechanisms broadens clinical reasoning and refines management. These patients often respond best to approaches that support the nervous system’s capacity to regulate itself, rather than treatments aimed at repairing tissues that are no longer the primary source of symptoms. Education that reframes pain as a biological protective process, along with graded movement, supportive reassurance, stress management, improved sleep, social connection, and values-based activity, can help strengthen descending inhibitory pathways and reduce sensitivity over time (Yoo et al., 2024).17 This reflects the growing evidence for multidimensional, person-centred care.

(O’Sullivan et al., 2018; O’Sullivan et al., 2023).18.19

“Recognising how behaviour and context shape physiology doesn’t diminish the physical aspect of pain – it strengthens our ability to address it.”

IN PRACTICE

Understanding these pain mechanisms allows osteopaths to better tailor care and communication. The current evidence supports the following approaches for each phenotype: • Nociceptive. Focus on load management, reassurance, and restoring normal movement.

• Neuropathic. Address neural irritability, co-manage appropriately, and maintain movement confidence.

• Nociplastic. Prioritise education, pacing, behavioural support, and reactivation of natural inhibitory systems through safe movement and engagement with meaningful activities.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR OSTEOPATHS

These phenotypes rarely exist in isolation. A patient may begin with nociceptive pain after an ankle sprain, develop neuropathic features from nerve irritation, and later present with nociplastic sensitivity due to prolonged immobility and worry. Recognising this overlap prevents us from chasing structural “faults” that no longer explain the symptom picture.

From a practical standpoint: • Assessment and history expands beyond palpation and range of motion to include pain history, mood, sleep, load tolerance and contextual stressors.

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•

Education becomes therapeutic: explaining pain mechanisms in clear, non-alarmist terms helps patients reinterpret their symptoms and re-engage with movement and valued life activities.

• Treatment integrates manual therapy, exercise, cognitive reassurance and behavioural strategies aimed at restoring descending inhibition and confidence.

For the profession, adopting this framework aligns with the evidence base for what many osteopaths already do intuitively – treat the person, not the part. It also positions osteopathy squarely within contemporary guideline recommendations, where the most effective care is multimodal, active, and psychologically informed (RACGP 2018; Nicholas et al. 2019).3,20 Understanding pain phenotypes gives us a map. The next step is appreciating how that map can change – how context, emotion and belief remodel the biology of pain itself.

FROM BIOLOGY TO BEHAVIOUR – HOW PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCE PAIN

One of the most compelling discoveries in contemporary pain science has been that psychosocial factors don’t merely influence pain in an emotional sense – they shape it biologically (Meints & Edwards, 2018).21 The nervous system is not a static electrical cable but a living, adaptive network that constantly interprets information from the body and environment. Every signal that travels through it is filtered through a person’s context: their stress levels, expectations, mood, memories and sense of safety.

WHEN CONTEXT BECOMES BIOLOGY

When someone experiences ongoing stress, uncertainty, or perceived threat, the nervous system begins to adapt – not just functionally, but structurally. Pain is produced when the brain interprets incoming signals as significant or threatening, and this interpretation is shaped by a person’s broader context: their emotions, expectations, environment, and beliefs about safety.

Importantly, the same nociceptive input can produce very different pain experiences depending on context.

For example, someone who rolls their ankle the day before a netball grand final is likely to experience that pain very differently from someone who rolls their ankle while walking along a beach on holiday. The biological event may be similar, but the meaning attached to it – anticipation, fear, disappointment, relaxation, or safety – changes the pain experience.

PAIN AS PROTECTION, EMOTIONS INCLUDED!

Pain is a protective response – a biological system designed to alert us to potential or actual threat. The brain evaluates sensory input in the context of everything it knows about our biological safety, danger, and relevance. This means that a person’s emotions, expectations, stress levels, and environment can meaningfully influence how pain is produced and experienced. (Further reading about predictive processing is relevant here but outside of the scope of this article).

Repeated stress can contribute to sensitisation, but it rarely does so on its own. Sensitisation is most likely when stress occurs alongside factors such as disrupted sleep, low mood, reduced movement, and disengagement from hobbies, social life, and other meaningful activities. These influences often interact: people under prolonged stress may guard and brace more, avoid certain activities, become more sedentary,

CLINICAL

or withdraw socially. It is common for people experiencing stress, as well as those living with chronic pain, to disengage from valued activities – resulting in a life experience that becomes “smaller”. Over time, these patterns can maintain a heightened protective response within the nervous system (Aboushaar et al., 2024).22 Clinician communication can also influence this process.

Pathologising or alarming language – for example, suggesting that a person is fragile (“you have the back of an 80-year-old”) or reliant on ongoing treatment to function (“you need to see me monthly to stop your pelvis rotating”) – can heighten vigilance and reinforce protective behaviours.

Research shows that clinician words, explanations, and the broader therapeutic context can act as nocebo triggers, amplifying pain and threat processing within the nervous system (Rossettini et al., 2018; Blasini et al., 2017).23,24 Nocebic language can slip into our normal vernacular easily due to its prevalence in the medical community. Evidence has shown that even terms such as “bone on bone”, “degeneration”, “slipped disc” or “your back is out” can have negative influences over how confident a patient is that their body can heal or improve. These nocebo effects heighten perceived threat and can contribute to sensitisation by influencing descending modulation and encouraging avoidance.

Together, these biological and behavioural factors can lead to measurable changes in neural processing – including increased excitability of spinal and cortical neurons, altered neurotransmitter activity, and changes in glial and immune signalling. Over time, sensitisation is associated with both functional changes (such as heightened synaptic responsiveness and reduced efficiency of descending inhibitory pathways resulting in increased pain) and structural adaptations (including synaptic strengthening due to increased ion channel production on neurons and altered connectivity within pain-related networks). These shifts can amplify pain relative to the actual state of the tissues and help explain why symptoms may persist beyond expected healing timelines.

These structural and functional changes within the nervous system explain why pain can persist even after tissues have healed.

For osteopaths, this is a striking illustration of one of our core tenets – that structure and function are reciprocally inter-related. Here, context governs structure, which in turn governs the function of the nervous system itself. The lived environment, beliefs and behaviours of an individual can literally sculpt neural architecture and influence how effectively that system regulates pain.

About Claire Richardson Advanced Practice Pain Management Osteopath Bachelor of Science (Clinical.Sci) Masters of Health Science (Osteo) Professional Certificate of Pain Sciences Claire Richardson is a compassionate and experienced osteopath who helps patients from diverse backgrounds.

With a special focus on persistent pain treatment and prevention, she’s passionate about helping people feel better and live pain-free.

Psychosocial factors also exert powerful effects on descending modulation, the system by which the brain regulates pain signals travelling through the spinal cord.

Stress, fear, depression and catastrophising can suppress the body’s endogenous opioid and monoaminergic pathways, reducing descending inhibition and allowing pain signals to be amplified (Yarnitsky, 2015).25 Conversely, reassurance, safety, optimism and movement can enhance these inhibitory systems, increasing the release of endogenous opioids and restoring balance to pain-processing networks.

In this way, context quite literally becomes biology. The stories we tell, the support we feel and the meaning we attach to our experiences all influence the molecular dialogue of the nervous system. Understanding this relationship allows osteopaths to see beyond the joint or muscle in front of them and recognise the broader physiological patterns that sustain pain – patterns that are both identifiable and, crucially, reversible.

THE NEUROIMMUNE CONVERSATION

Pain and the immune system are intimately linked. Cytokines released during stress or inflammation can sensitise nociceptors, while persistent pain can, in turn, drive immune changes that maintain inflammation and fatigue. The relationship is bidirectional – and profoundly influenced by psychosocial state. Social isolation, perceived injustice and sustained emotional distress have all been shown to upregulate pro-inflammatory mediators that perpetuate pain (Slavich, 2020).26 Conversely, reassurance, safety, movement and connection can downregulate those same pathways.

This growing body of research reframes pain as a wholeperson experience rather than a tissue event. It also provides osteopaths with an expanded map for treatment. A conversation that validates a patient’s experience, a touch that conveys safety, or an exercise that rebuilds confidence – each of these interventions can shift neuroimmune balance toward recovery.

WHAT THIS MEANS IN PRACTICE

For patients, understanding that pain is a protective output rather than a direct damage report is often liberating. It helps them see that improvement is possible even when imaging findings remain unchanged. For clinicians, it invites a broader clinical-reasoning lens: to look beyond structure to the stories, stresses, and behaviours that modulate biology every day.

Recognising how behaviour and context shape physiology doesn’t diminish the physical aspect of pain – it strengthens our ability to address it. It encourages us to look further afield than tissue health alone and consider the wider context in which a person is living, moving, worrying, coping, and recovering. For many practitioners, this shift is equally liberating: it expands the number of evidence-based avenues through which we can meaningfully help, rather than limiting us to structural explanations or hands-on interventions alone.

In our next edition, the second instalment of this series will explore the clinical application and opportunities for osteopaths when working under a pain-informed, biopsychosocial framework.

Scan for references To find the full list of references for this article, scan the QR code here.

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25

CLINICAL

CPD

CONSIDERATIONS FOR INTERNAL TREATMENT

T

hose familiar with the broad range of osteopathy treatment will understand that internal treatments (anal and vaginal) may be recognised aspects of osteopathy, when clinically indicated.

However, this isn’t necessarily well known to the general population who make up your patients. Unfortunately, Guild Insurance has seen claims regarding internal treatment; these claims often feature allegations of treatment being inappropriate or unnecessary as well as allegations the patient has been sexually assaulted. These claims can have a devastating impact on both the patient and the osteopath.

While the potential for a complaint may be less likely for practitioners or clinics with a particular focus on women’s

health issues, it does exist for all osteopaths. Due to this risk, Osteopathy Australia and Guild Insurance believe that special consideration should be given to patient communication and clinical processes for prior assessment and treatment.

Therefore, the following information has been created to provide you with an opportunity for reflection. If you respond to any of the statements with a no, this is an opportunity to consider changes to the way you practice.

It’s important to note that the following statements aren’t regulatory requirements. Rather, they’re recommendations for consideration, based on complaints against osteopaths.

ASSESSMENT/TREATMENT CONSIDERATION/PLANNING I’ve undertaken what I consider to be appropriate training for internal treatment to ensure I’m skilled, competent and that it’s within my scope of practice.

Yes ❍ No ❍

Before proposing or providing internal assessment or treatment, I ensure it’s clinically justified and appropriate for the patient, their condition and individual circumstances.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I document my decision making and the clinical reasoning for proposed assessment and treatment options in the clinical record.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I understand trauma-informed practice and apply this clinical reasoning when considering if an internal assessment or treatment is appropriate or not.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I am aware of my own personal biases and limitations which could retraumatise a patient.

Yes ❍ No ❍

DISCUSSION WITH PATIENT When proposing internal assessment and treatment to a patient, I’m mindful that patients may not be aware this a recognised treatment within osteopathy, so I explain it accordingly.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I have very detailed conversations about internal treatment due to the sensitive and uncommon nature of the treatment.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I explain to patients the evidence-informed clinical reasoning for internal treatment, so they understand why it’s being proposed.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I don’t use clinical language when discussing internal assessment and treatment with a patient to better help them understand.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I utilise anatomical models and diagrams, that use plain English, to assist the patient to understand their anatomy and therefore the assessment and treatment being proposed.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I explain the assessment and treatment in detail to allow the patient to give their informed consent – this conversation covers what both the assessment and treatment will entail, as well as the benefits and risks.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I am fully aware of what informed consent entails.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I inform patients that they can withdraw their consent at any time, including once assessment or treatment has commenced.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I discuss with the patient the assessment and treatment options for them to consider so they know internal treatment isn’t their first or only option. This includes providing an option of doing nothing (education only, no hands on at all) and the option to change their mind at any time.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I understand that consenting once does not mean assumed consent for future internal assessments and treatment and future consultations will follow the same presentation of options and decision making for the patient.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I ensure the patient is provided ample time to ask questions; both before and after assessment or treatment.

Yes ❍ No ❍

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OSTEO LIFE

CLINICAL

I have written information available for patients to take away and read to support them to better consider and understand the assessment and treatment, and I record in the clinical record when this information is provided.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I inform patients that they can choose to undergo this assessment and treatment with another osteopath, if they would prefer.

Yes ❍ No ❍

All discussions regarding the proposed assessment and treatment, treatment options, the clinical reasoning for the treatment and the patient’s questions are documented in the clinical record as evidence of what’s been explained.

Yes ❍ No ❍

PROVIDING ASSESSMENT/TREATMENT An appropriate internal assessment is conducted prior to any internal treatment, with diagnosis and treatment plans clearly explained to the patient.

Yes ❍ No ❍

If patients are unsure about the proposed assessment or treatment, they’re given information to take away and consider, and are advised to book in later should they wish to proceed. I acknowledge that it won’t always be appropriate to provide internal assessment or treatment at an initial appointment.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I encourage patients to have a support person with them, should they choose. This may be someone they bring with them or someone from the clinic.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I ensure the clinical record contains detailed information about the assessment performed and the treatment provided (if any), the patient’s response to assessment and treatment and what education and management recommendations were provided.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I maintain appropriate and professional conversation during treatment.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I pay close attention to non-verbal cues like tension or discomfort and adjust the approach accordingly.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I pay close attention to signs of patient dissociation or disconnection, cease assessment or treatment immediately if signs are noticed and follow this with appropriate discussion with the patient.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I have knowledge of, and apply infection control practices, including considerations in the patient history which could raise concerns for potential infection.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I have knowledge of and apply appropriate hand hygiene practices.

Yes ❍ No ❍

Patient positioning options are discussed for selection of a position they’re most comfortable in for assessment and treatment.

Yes ❍ No ❍

The patient is asked to remove or adjust only the clothes which are necessary for that assessment or treatment.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I always provide the patient with a towel, sheet or gown for draping, so they’re suitably covered.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I only assist in the removal or adjustment of clothes if requested.

Yes ❍ No ❍

I always leave the room while patients are undressing and redressing.

Yes ❍ No ❍

Guild Insurance Limited ABN 55 004 538 863, AFS Licence No. 233 791. This article contains information of a general nature only, and is not intended to constitute the provision of legal advice.

Guild Insurance supports your Association through the payment of referral fees for certain products or services you take out with them. OST558152 Osteo Risk Checklist 11/2025

OSTEO LIFE

27

OSTEOPATHY CONFERENCE 2026

SAVE THE DATE

OSTEOPATHY CONFERENCE 2026

Osteopathy Australia will host its biennial conference from 16–17 October 2026 at Sea World Resort, Gold Coast.

Over one weekend, this conference will unite osteopaths from across Australia and New Zealand – new graduates and seasoned clinicians alike – along with educators and researchers. It will deliver concentrated learning that you can carry straight into your day‑to‑day clinical work.

Early release tickets On sale now, our early release tickets give members a $240 discount on the regular ticket price. But hurry, the early release rate will end on 22 May 2026.

Early release tickets can be purchased here: osteopathy.org.au/ EventDetail?EventKey =OSTCON2026

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OSTEO LIFE

The venue

Join us at the family-friendly and beautifully relaxed Sea World Resort.

Sea World Resort is offering an exclusive discount on accommodation for members of Osteopathy Australia.

To receive the discounted Sea World Resort accommodation book here: seaworldresort.com.au

The program

With abstracts now closed, the soonto-be-released two-day program is full of engaging and interactive practical demonstrations which all delegates can access. Keep an eye out on our conference page for program updates.

Exhibitors

Come and see our expanding list of exhibitors which include BioCeuticals, Guild Insurance, Epijoint and OPC Health.

Access your member rewards Take advantage of travel-related discounts you can receive on accommodation, restaurants and car hire by accessing your benefits via Access my members rewards, found in your member profile.

CPD

12 CPD hours will be awarded for the two-day conference.

OSTEOPATHY CONFERENCE 2026

SPEAKER ABSTRACT SUMMARIES

PLENARY

Toby Barker

Complex patients, simple management

WORKSHOP

Julie Fendall

Paediatric hip osteopathic care

WORKSHOP

Luke McCarney

Clinical method measuring muscle stiffness

RESEARCH

Roger Engel

Osteopathy in Australian hospitals

RESEARCH

Timothy McNamara

Managing complaints made about you

PLENARY

Sarah Dryburgh

Understanding pain in endometriosis

WORKSHOP

Paul Hermann

Multifidus dysfunction in mechanical back‑pain

WORKSHOP

Nick Penney

Digitally enhanced back pain care

RESEARCH

Michael Fleischmann

Patient‑centred osteopathic neck care

RESEARCH

Kylie Spencer

Learner disposition shaping first-year choices

PLENARY

Max Hopes

Tendinopathy experiences systematic review

WORKSHOP

Amy Lawton

Osteopathic framework for healthy ageing

WORKSHOP

Holly Royal

Patient-led osteopathic planning

RESEARCH

Julie Hjorth

OMT for perinatal back pain

RESEARCH

Nicholas Tripodi

Implementing contextual osteopathic care

PLENARY

Andrea Robertson

Inflammation, hormones and midlife

WORKSHOP

Tina Maio

Shockwave therapy for MSK pain

RESEARCH

Kaspara Chaise

Osteopathic migraine‑care model

RESEARCH

Amy Lawton

Falls‑prevention perspectives in osteopathy

RESEARCH

Angela Young

Strengthening osteopathy through PROMs

OSTEO LIFE

29

CAREER

FROM CLINICIAN TO PERFORMANCE PRACTITIONER:

GEORGE LEONARDOS’ POSTGRADUATE JOURNEY

B

ridging the gap between clinical osteopathy and highperformance sport is becoming increasingly important for practitioners working with athletic and active populations.

As demand grows for osteopaths who can integrate rehabilitation with performance progression, structured postgraduate pathways are emerging to support this shift.

One such pathway is the Graduate Certificate in Strength & Conditioning, delivered by Victoria University in partnership with the Western Bulldogs Football Club. The program has attracted osteopaths seeking deeper capability in performance-based practice, rehabilitation frameworks, and strength and conditioning principles – particularly those pursuing Titling as Advanced Sports osteopaths.

“I wasn’t looking to simply add more techniques, I wanted stronger frameworks, better clinical reasoning, and a clearer understanding of performancebased practice.”

In this feature, Melbournebased osteopath George Leonardos shares his experience completing the course, its unique immersive components, and how it has shaped his clinical reasoning, confidence, and professional identity.

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What motivated you to choose the Graduate Certificate in Strength & Conditioning (VU x Western Bulldogs), and how did you find out about it?

I’ve always been passionate about sports rehabilitation and performance, and I first came across the course through the Osteopathy Australia website. It immediately stood out as an opportunity to bridge key knowledge gaps while also gaining postgraduate certification in strength and conditioning and rehabilitation. What really motivated me, though, was how well the course aligned with the direction I wanted to take my career. I wasn’t looking to simply add more techniques, I wanted stronger frameworks, better clinical reasoning, and a clearer understanding of performance-based practice.

Finding out that the program also involved weekly placement at the Western Bulldogs Football Club was a major drawcard. The opportunity to see the practical application of the course content in a real highperformance environment made it feel like a genuinely integrated program that connected theory, practice, and professional development in a meaningful way.

How would you describe your expectations going into the program and what were you hoping to gain from it?

I approached the program with an open mindset, but I knew I wanted to gain strong foundational knowledge in strength and conditioning, as well as key performance and rehabilitation principles. I also expected to actively observe elite athletes in a high-performance environment through the club placement, which was a significant draw factor.

In addition, I aimed to meet the tertiary requirements for

CAREER

Titling as an Advanced Sports Osteopath through Osteopathy Australia. The program offered a pathway that aligned both with my professional development goals and my long-term career direction in sports rehabilitation and performance.

Can you describe one or two standout learning experiences that felt unique to this course?

One of the most unique learning experiences was doing Shadow Shifts, similar to placements, embedded within a professional football club. Being involved at the club and seeing theory applied in real time at the highest level of sport provided a rare insight into how rehabilitation, performance and high-performance systems operate. Another standout feature was Victoria University’s Block Model. The structure was unique and highly practical, offering enough flexibility for me to maintain work commitments while studying full-time. This balance made it possible to fully engage with the course without compromising professional development.

How did the immersive experiences shape your approach to working with athletes, general populations, or clients?

The extracurricular immersive experiences shifted my perspective from treatment-based care to performance-based development.

I began to see clients and athletes less as “injuries to fix” and more as systems to develop. This changed how I approached: • assessment; • rehabilitation planning; • load management; • progression models; • long-term outcomes.

This shift encouraged a more structured whole-body approach and developmental mindset, focusing not just on recovery, but resilience, capacity, and performance.

“I began to see clients and athletes less as ‘injuries to fix’ and more as systems to develop.”

How did you feel the benefits of the Block Model influenced your learning, coursework, and assessments?

The Block Model was one of the strongest aspects of the program. The smaller cohort size created a personal, supportive learning environment with far more engagement and interaction.

Focusing on one subject at a time allowed deeper immersion in the learning material. I felt more present, more focused, and more invested in each topic, rather than juggling competing demands. Having one assessment per week also made the workload far more manageable, clear and digestible – rather than surface-level completion under a heavy, multi-subject load.

What knowledge, principles, or perspectives from the course have you directly applied in your professional practice?

The biggest shift has been how I structure care and clinical decision-making. I’ve moved beyond isolated treatment models toward an integrated approach linking rehabilitation, performance, and long-term development.

I now confidently design and deliver structured strength and conditioning programs post-rehabilitation helping clients not only to recover but enhance their performance.

LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER ELITE BEGINS IN 2026 2026 GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

OSTEO LIFE

31

CAREER

I consistently apply: performance-based rehabilitation frameworks; progressive loading principles; structured assessment models; movement quality and capacity development; long-term planning rather than short-term symptom relief; integration of strength and conditioning concepts into rehabilitation.

This has transformed my practice from symptom-focused care to systems-based, performance-oriented development, creating better outcomes for my clients.

• • • • • •

How has this course shaped your confidence or capability when working with athletes or clients?

It has significantly increased both my confidence and clarity in practice. I now have a much clearer understanding of what to assess from a performance and rehabilitation perspective, giving me clear goals to work towards with athletes and clients.

Having defined frameworks helps me structure rehabilitation plan progressions, and develop realistic timeframes aligned with long-term outcomes rather than short-term fixes.

I feel more capable not just in treating injuries, but in: • managing complexity; • making structured clinical decisions; • planning progressions; • communicating value to clients and athletes; • leading rehabilitation and performance processes.

Rather than relying on isolated techniques, I now rely on frameworks, reasoning, and systems, which creates confidence in any environment, whether clinical, sporting or performance-based.

Looking at your career now, how do you feel this course has influenced your trajectory or professional identity?

The course helped shift my professional identity from purely a clinician to a performance practitioner, someone focused on helping people reach their full capacity, whether in rehab or performance environments. It also supported my pathway toward becoming an accredited Advanced Sports Osteopath, aligning my qualifications with the kind of work I want to do.

Access to Western Bulldogs staff and professionals broadened my understanding of the professional landscape and the diverse roles available. It clarified how healthcare, performance, and elite sport can intersect in meaningful and sustainable ways.

Would you recommend the course to other osteopaths?

Absolutely – especially for osteopaths interested in sports rehabilitation and/or strength and conditioning. The opportunity to observe and participate in an elite sporting environment is extremely valuable and difficult to replicate in traditional education settings.

The course provides deep insight into high-level sports rehabilitation and performance systems, and helps practitioners determine whether a career in sport aligns with their goals.

It’s worthwhile not because it simply adds knowledge, but because it reshapes how you think and practise.

Interested in learning more?

You can find out more about the postgraduate course via the website institute.westernbulldogs.com.au/sandc

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32

OSTEO LIFE

CPD CALENDAR

CPD CALENDAR

Key CPD topics for your diary throughout the coming months.

Osteopathy Conference 2026 Sea World Resort, Gold Coast

WORKSHOPS 2–3 MAY 2026

Kinetic Link Training level one Presenters: Wayne Rodgers, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist Location: The Fit Shop, 2 Remont Court, Cheltenham, Victoria 3192 Register: via osteopathy.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=KLT2026 29–30 AUGUST 2026

Mastering shoulders Presenters: Wayne Rodgers, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist Location: Melbourne, venue TBA Register: via osteopathy.org.au/ EventDetail?EventKey=MASSHO26 16–17 OCTOBER 2026

Osteopathy Conference 2026 Gold Coast Location: Sea World Resort Register: via osteopathy.org.au/ EventDetail?EventKey=OSTCON2026

E-LEARNING • • •

aediatrics 10–12 years physical development P Paediatrics 10–12 years social development Paediatrics 10–12 years emotional development

WEBINARS ON-DEMAND

Google reviews and testimonials in 4 minutes When are comments about a regulated health service the responsibility of the advertiser? If you are not sure about the answer to this question and or if you need clarification on whether you can utilise your patients’ testimonials, this video is for you.

Link: osteopathy.org.au/watch?videoId=64 n osteopath’s guide to advertising a regulated A health service Ahpra and the National Boards acknowledge that practitioners have the right to express themselves, particularly through advertising. This freedom, however, must be done in line with the revised advertising guidelines which took effect in December 2020.

Link: osteopathy.org.au/watch?videoId=63 Clicks, shares and posts: managing your social media risks Ahpra and the National Boards acknowledge that practitioners have the right to express themselves and engage in communication, including advocating for issues on social media.

This freedom, however, must not involve abusing or discriminating against others, nor should it create any risk to the public.

Link: osteopathy.org.au/watch?videoId=62

OSTEO LIFE

33

OSTEO TALK PODCAST

Listen now: Unlocking sleep, the osteopathic effect

OSTEO TALK PODCAST LISTEN NOW

Heading in the right direction?

Recognise, remove, record and refer. These four guiding principles now define how head injuries in sport are addressed.

From mandatory stand-downs in sporting codes to the critical early stages of diagnosis, Australian osteopath Cliff Butler and New Zealand’s Neil Holmes share a passion for player welfare in this engaging podcast.

Link: omny.fm/shows/osteo-talk/heading-in-the-rightdirection?in_playlist=podcast Aligned and nourished, nutrition and osteopathy Systemic inflammatory conditions and chronic pain continue to place a heavy burden on Australia’s healthcare system. In this episode, osteopath, naturopath, and nutritionist Andrea Robertson sits down with her friend and fellow osteopath and functional medicine practitioner Shari Trimble. The two practitioners explore how nutrition can be integrated into osteopathic practice.

Link: omny.fm/shows/osteo-talk/aligned-and-nourishednutrition-and-osteopathy?in_playlist=podcast Unlocking sleep, the osteopathic effect Which matters more, the length of sleep or its quality? How does sleep deprivation intensify pain? And in what ways can sleep support those with mental health? In this episode, we go beyond the headlines to explore the science of sleep and bust some of the most common myths. Osteopath George Michael and respiratory & sleep medicine physician Dr Nick Antoniades join osteopath Beth Yule for a fascinating conversation about the hidden connections between sleep, the nervous system and musculoskeletal health.

Link: omny.fm/shows/osteo-talk/unlocking-sleep-theosteopathic-effect?in_playlist=podcast Regional pathways, osteopathy beyond urban life What does it take to swap city life for rural practice? In this inspiring episode, osteopath Catherine McDuling shares her journey of moving to the country, navigating challenges, embracing opportunities, and uncovering the unique rewards of serving a close-knit community.

Link: omny.fm/shows/osteo-talk/regional-pathwaysosteopathy-beyond-urban-life?in_playlist=podcast

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OSTEO LIFE

Research that relieves, revealing stress-reducing interventions What happens when nearly a decade of hands-on work in chronic pain meets fresh PhD research? Osteopath Alison Sim has the answer. Now working at La Trobe University and at The University of Sydney, Alison is breaking new ground in how we support people navigating pain, stress and recovery.

Link: omny.fm/shows/osteo-talk/research-that-relievesrevealing-stress-reducing-interventions?in_playlist=podcast Burnout to balance, reclaiming your life outside the clinic This episode features a compelling conversation between Robert Piccinini, DO, President of the American Osteopathic Association, and Stuart Hammond. Together, they explore one of the most pressing issues facing healthcare practitioners today: burnout.

Link: omny.fm/shows/osteo-talk/burnout-to-balancereclaiming-your-life-outside-the-clinic?in_playlist=podcast 101 on women’s health – part 2 Pelvic pain affects one in five women, and in this episode Liz and Lorrae break down what it is, why it happens, and contributing factors most often involved. We also hear about pelvic girdle pain, endometriosis, menopause and UTIs. Link: omny.fm/shows/osteo-talk/101-on-womens-health-withelizabeth-howard-and-lorrae-griffiths-part-two?in_playlist=podcast Putting privacy and security first with AI in healthcare Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making it easier to streamline tasks and enhance communication in multiple industries. But, what are the implications for highly regulated fields like healthcare that require special accommodations for policies around compliance, ethical considerations, security, and data protection?

Link: omny.fm/shows/osteo-talk/putting-privacy-and-securityfirst-with-ai-in-healthcare?in_playlist=podcast Redefining leadership with insight, influence and care In this episode, Stuart Hammond sits down with Hanna Tómasdóttir, President of Danske Osteopater. Under her leadership, the association has expanded from just 40 members in 2013 to more than 300 in 2024, making it one of the fastest‑growing osteopathic organisations worldwide.

Link: omny.fm/shows/osteo-talk/redefining-osteopathicleadership-with-insight-influence-and-care?in_playlist=podcast

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A sleep system that complements and supports the care that osteopathic practitioners provide.

Learn more about becoming a DrRest referrer or partner at drrest.com.au/join

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