Desk work, looking down at a phone and awkward sleep can all leave your neck tight. Most people's first question is whether to see a physio, chiro or osteo. Working through these four things first makes the choice much easier.
1. Know the types of care
- Physiotherapy: an assessment, then a mix of hands-on treatment, exercises and day-to-day advice. The broadest of the three.
- Chiropractic: focuses on adjusting the spine and joints.
- Osteopathy: hands-on work on muscles, joints and overall posture.
All three can assess neck problems, with different approaches. If unsure, ask how they usually handle it, or ask us to check for you.
2. Check who treats you
Physios, chiros and osteos must all be registered with Ahpra. You can look them up by name on the Ahpra website.
3. Length, language and follow-ups
First visits are usually longer, often 45–60 minutes. Ask how long each visit is, which languages they speak and how often follow-ups are, so you can plan time and budget.
4. Ask about fees and rebates separately
- Ask the price of a first visit and a follow-up.
- Then check your Extras: physio, chiro and osteo often share one yearly limit.
- At HICAPS clinics you swipe your card and pay only the gap.
- A clinic offer and an Extras rebate are separate things; confirm each one's conditions.
Numbness or weakness, a severe headache, pain after an injury or pain with fever: see a GP or go to emergency promptly. This is general information, not medical advice.
