If you are dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, stiffness, a new injury, or an ongoing musculoskeletal concern, osteopathy may be able to support you.
At Flinders Health and Wellness Clinic, our osteopaths combine assessment, hands-on care, movement advice, education and exercise rehabilitation where appropriate. Care is tailored to your symptoms, goals, comfort level and health history. Serving Flinders, Balnarring, Red Hill, Somers and across the Mornington Peninsula.
What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a hands-on Allied Health therapy that focuses on the management of pain, stiffness and movement concerns. It considers how the muscles, joints and nervous system work together to support overall function.
At Flinders Health and Wellness, osteopathic care may include a combination of manual therapy, movement-based strategies and education tailored to your presentation.
Where appropriate, care may be complemented with massage therapy or clinical pilates, or coordinated with your GP to support a well-rounded approach to care.
Our focus is helping you move more comfortably while building confidence in managing your complaint outside of the clinic.
Why People Seek Our Care
Our osteopaths work with a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns across all life stages. Select a condition to learn more.
We also regularly help with pregnancy and post-natal care, paediatric concerns, postural and work-related injuries, chronic pain and general wellness — see all conditions we treat.
The Consult Process
We want you to feel informed and comfortable from the moment you walk in.
1. Initial History
We start by understanding your symptoms, medical history and what you would like to get out of your care.
2. Assessment
This includes looking at how your body moves and identifying areas of stiffness, weakness, irritation or pain. We will likely also perform further clinical testing to assess specific structures which may be causing your symptoms.
3. Plan
We talk through what we are finding, possible contributing factors, and how this relates to your current symptoms.
4. Manual Therapy
Treatment may include techniques to address muscle tension, joint stiffness and movement restrictions, alongside discussion of what may be contributing to these findings.
5. Re-Examination + Rehab
We then re-assess and check whether treatment may have helped your condition. You’ll be guided on ways to manage your condition outside of the clinic, which may include exercise rehab, movement advice or ergonomic changes. We can then discuss a plan moving forward.
Our Osteopaths at Flinders Health and Wellness
Brooke Stevenson
Clinic Director & Osteopath — Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Osteopathy, Victoria University (2012). AHPRA-registered.
Brooke works with a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, including neck pain, headaches, shoulder complaints, lower back pain, complex pain presentations and age-related mobility concerns. Her approach combines hands-on care, movement advice, education and exercise rehabilitation where appropriate.
Brooke has additional experience as an educator at Victoria University over the past 10 years, and within aged care settings. She has a strong focus on helping people understand their symptoms, build confidence in movement and develop practical self-management strategies.
Additional training includes:
- Ongoing Fall Prevention workshops — since 2015
- Certification in Dry Needling, 2013
- DMA Clinical Pilates Level 1 + 2, 2013
- Permission to Move Pain Program, 2019
- Aged Care Quality Standards, 2019
- Melbourne University modules: Neurological Rehab, 2021
- Past Committee Member: MSK Matters Group, 2025
- Ongoing Committee Member: Flinders Community Association
Catalina Avila-Lemos
Osteopath & Pilates Instructor — Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Osteopathy, Victoria University. AHPRA-registered.
Catalina brings more than 5 years of clinical experience and works with a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, including sporting injuries, tendon and overuse injuries, acute pain presentations, chronic pain, postural concerns and strength or movement-related goals. Her approach combines hands-on care, exercise prescription, clinical Pilates-informed rehabilitation and practical education.
Catalina has a strong focus on helping people build strength, stability and confidence in movement. She also has additional training in post-partum C-section management and enjoys supporting people through structured, goal-focused rehabilitation.
Catalina completes ongoing professional development and, outside of being an osteopath, provides ongoing support and rehab for the Flinders community with Ash at the Peninsula Pilates Studio.
Consultation Fees & Information
Osteopathy appointments at Flinders Health and Wellness Clinic include assessment, hands-on treatment where appropriate, movement advice, education and practical self-management strategies.
| Appointment Type | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | 60 minutes | $140 |
| Standard Consultation | 40 minutes | $110 |
| Short Consultation | 30 minutes | $97 |
- Initial Consultation — suitable if you are new to the clinic, have a new concern, or have not seen us for this issue before. Your osteopath will take a health history, discuss your symptoms and goals, perform an assessment where appropriate, and talk through a plan for care.
- Standard Consultation — suitable for ongoing care, review appointments, treatment progression, exercise rehabilitation, or follow-up management of an existing concern.
- Short Consultation — may be suitable for simple follow-up appointments, brief reviews, or focused management of an existing concern.
Private Health Rebates
Private health rebates may be available for osteopathy appointments depending on your insurer and level of extras cover. We have on-site claiming with HICAPS, so rebates may be claimed on the spot. Please check with your private health insurer before your appointment if you are unsure about your cover.
Medicare Referrals & Chronic Disease Management Plans
We can accept Chronic Disease Management plans from your GP. If you have a valid plan, please bring the relevant paperwork and your Medicare card so we can process your claim on the spot.
Aged Care Packages
Depending on your package and your requirements, we may be able to support clientele on aged care packages with approved providers. We do require confirmation of approval to be able to bill an aged care package. For more information and additional guidance, please check with My Aged Care at myagedcare.gov.au.
WorkSafe, TAC & DVA
Our practitioners are able to support people on WorkSafe and TAC with approval. Please notify the clinic to ensure you are eligible, as there are guidelines for the provision of services through third-party providers. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders are also welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an appointment?
No referral is needed — you can book directly with us. For online bookings, click here. Otherwise we can respond via email through our contact page, or feel free to call us on 0403 759 943. A GP referral is only required if you want to access Medicare rebates through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring any relevant information for your complaint. If you can, please wear comfortable, loose clothing so we can properly assess you, and let us know if you have any requirements before your appointment (e.g. assistance with entry or rails) so we can ensure your visit runs smoothly. Your privacy is always maintained with appropriate draping.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the nature and duration of your condition. Many people notice real improvement after 2–3 sessions. Your osteopath will discuss an estimated plan after your initial assessment and review progress as you go.
Are you covered on private health?
Private health rebates may be available on the spot with our HICAPS claiming system; however, there can be significant variation between policy limits as well as extras. We strongly suggest you check your eligibility and coverage with your insurer before your appointment, as we cannot check this for you.
Can I see an osteopath during pregnancy?
Absolutely — osteopathy is safe and effective throughout pregnancy. Our osteopaths regularly help with pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, rib discomfort, pubic symphysis dysfunction and the postural changes of pregnancy.
Can I see you if I have had surgery?
We can provide assistance with post-operative management — both of our osteopaths have completed work within the aged care sector as well as further pilates and rehabilitation training. We do require your surgeon to approve our care if you are in the early phases of recovery, and it’s always best to ensure they approve of you engaging our assistance. If you have approval, please bring all relevant discharge reports, rehab programs and listed medications to your consultation.
Do you do home appointments?
We can provide some assistance with in-home appointments after a screening process. We aim to do our best to support those needing care in the home — it’s best to contact us with your needs and location information so we can best assist.
Will the treatment hurt?
Most treatments are gentle and non-invasive. Some orthopaedic testing may provoke pain; however, we will explain this while performing it and ensure you are aware of techniques and manoeuvres which may be pain-provoking.
Will you crack my back?
Some techniques can create a clicking or ‘cracking’ sound, but osteopathy isn’t just about that. We focus on finding the approach which works best for your body and comfort level — many techniques are very gentle and don’t involve manipulation at all. If we think a technique may help, we will discuss and explain it first. The biggest focus of treatment is getting you moving in general, with a higher focus placed on rehabilitation and supportive care.
What is the difference between Osteo, Physio and Chiropractic?
There is significant overlap between the conditions we all see as musculoskeletal practitioners. Many of the techniques such as joint mobilisation, traction or soft tissue techniques may be similar to those used within both physio and chiropractic clinics.
What techniques do osteopaths use?
Techniques may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and manipulation, muscle energy techniques, myofascial release, dry needling, craniosacral therapy and visceral osteopathy. Treatment is always adapted to what’s comfortable and appropriate for you.
Is osteopathy suitable for children?
Yes — gentle techniques are safe and effective for babies, children and teenagers. Paediatric osteopathy can help with colic, feeding difficulties, sleep issues, growing pains, scoliosis and sports injuries in young athletes.
Are you covered for Aged Care Services?
We can provide support and care (for both osteopathy and remedial massage) if this is clearly outlined in your plan with your provider. We don’t provide direct billing to My Aged Care; however, we can provide you with a receipt to claim.
What is the training and course for Osteo?
Osteopathy is a government-regulated health profession in Australia. Osteopaths complete a double university degree and are registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), just like physiotherapists, doctors and other allied health professionals.
Where is the clinic located?
We’re at Shop 3/48 Cook Street, Flinders, on the southern Mornington Peninsula — a short drive from Red Hill, Balnarring, Somers, Merricks, Shoreham and the surrounding area. Free on-site parking is available.
Ready to Feel Better?
Take the first step. Book your initial consultation online in seconds, or contact us and we’ll find the right time for you.