General FAQs
Do I need a referral?
No, a referral is not necessary but does often occur from allied health professionals.
How long are the consultations?
Generally a consultation will take anywhere from 20-60 minutes depending on the type of therapy and the client’s individual needs at the time.
How long will it take to resolve my complaint?
This is difficult to determine without factoring in the type of condition and the circumstances and the duration of the complaint. If you have concerns re the above we would recommend that you discuss this with your attending practitioner at the initial consultation.
Will I be kept long in the waiting room?
We aim and usually succeed in keeping to time. You will be informed on arrival if your attending practitioner is running late.
Will I need to go elsewhere for my medicines if they are prescribed?
No, the centre has a well stocked dispensary so that a visit elsewhere is eliminated.
Do you give discounts to pensioners, dependents and others?
Yes, just mention it to our receptionist at the initial visit.
What is the waiting time to get an appointment?
If you are flexible with the times we will endeavour to find an appointment for you within a few days, but this can not be guaranteed. If there is any urgency or pain involved then we will always find a time for you. Just mention this to our receptionist on enquiry.
Are you covered by my private Health Insurance? Do you offer HICAPS?
Yes. Our practitioners are all registered with the relevant organizations and are therefore providers for all the health funds. But it’s usually a good idea to check your individual cover first to ensure that you are covered for the particularly therapy you desire. HICAPS is now available.
Chiropractic FAQs
Please see also our chiropractic page
What training and qualifications does a Chiropractor have?
In Australia Chiropractors do a five year double degree at approved universities specializing in areas such as anatomy, physiology, X-rays, medical science, spinal anatomy, neurology and orthopaedics.
What causes the sound of an adjustment?
The popping sound is caused by gases being released from the joint when it is slightly separated. It is definitely NOT bone rubbing on bone. Remember not all adjustments make a popping noise.
Is it bad to ‘crack’ your own back or neck ?
The desire to pop the neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed or fixated vertebra, which causes another part of the spine to compensate by moving too much and “popping” . The jammed part should be adjusted by a chiropractor so that the rest of the spinal column will have balance and cease being hypermobile and noisy.
At what age can you start Chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care can begin from birth. Many newborns receive spinal adjustments, especially after difficult births. Chiropractic care is safe and gentle for all ages.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic adjustments are safer than aspirin, muscle relaxers and back surgery. Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. When compared with traditional approaches, chiropractic care is remarkably safe. In fact, millions of chiropractic adjustments are safely delivered to satisfied patients every day!
How often will I need to return for treatment?
At Como Health Group every person is assessed and treated individually. Some find they only need one or two treatments for their complaint to resolve whereas for others more treatments may be required. Others find maintenance program is more suited to them. What’s best for you will be determined and discussed on your first visit.
What is Maintenance Care?
Once you’re most obvious symptoms have been reduced or eliminated many patients opt for regular chiropractic ‘check ups’. This type of preventative, wellness care can save time and money by helping prevent little problems from becoming serious.
Is Chiropractic safe and effective for a pregnant woman and her unborn child?
Absolutely Chiropractics gentle, drug free approach is especially beneficial during pregnancy.
Naturopathy FAQ
What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a holistic system of healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of illness rather than simply managing symptoms.
It combines traditional healing principles with modern scientific understanding, using a range of tools including nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional testing.
At Como Health Group, naturopathy also integrates with therapeutic technologies such as infrared heat, PEMF, and other modalities to support the body’s natural capacity to heal and regulate.
What can naturopathy help with?
Naturopathy can support a wide range of health concerns, particularly those involving chronic or complex presentations.
This includes digestive disorders such as SIBO, IBS, and bloating, immune and inflammatory conditions, allergies and asthma, hormonal issues, fatigue, stress and anxiety, skin conditions, and recurrent infections. It is also commonly used to support pain and musculoskeletal concerns, often in conjunction with acupuncture and other therapies.
How is naturopathy different from conventional medicine?
Conventional medicine often focuses on diagnosing and managing disease, frequently using pharmaceuticals or surgical interventions. Naturopathy, while respecting and working alongside this model, aims to understand why a condition has developed in the first place.
It looks at factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, environmental exposures, and physiological imbalances, and uses natural therapies to restore function and promote long term health.
What should I expect from my first consultation?
Your initial consultation is comprehensive and tailored to you as an individual. It includes a detailed case history covering your current concerns, medical history, diet, lifestyle, and health goals.
Where appropriate, this may also include physical examinations and a review of any existing pathology. From this, a personalised treatment plan is developed which may include dietary guidance, herbal and nutritional prescriptions, and recommendations for further testing or supportive therapies.
What treatments are used in naturopathy?
Naturopathic treatment is highly individualised and may include dietary and lifestyle modifications, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, and functional testing.
At Como Health Group, this is often integrated with other modalities such as acupuncture, cupping, infrared heat therapy, and other therapeutic technologies to enhance outcomes and support multiple systems of the body simultaneously.
Is naturopathy evidence-based?
Modern naturopathy draws on both traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific research. Many herbal medicines and nutrients have well-documented mechanisms of action, and clinical decisions are guided by available evidence alongside practitioner experience and individual patient presentation. The aim is to provide care that is both effective and grounded in a clear understanding of physiology
How long does it take to see results?
This depends on the nature of the condition, how long it has been present, and individual factors such as lifestyle and compliance with treatment. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks, while more complex or long-standing conditions may take several months to fully resolve. Naturopathy focuses on sustainable change, so the process is often gradual but meaningful.
Can naturopathy be used alongside other treatments?
Yes, naturopathy is designed to work alongside conventional medical care and other allied health treatments. It can complement medications and other therapies by supporting the body’s resilience, reducing side effects, and addressing underlying contributors to illness. Collaboration with other healthcare providers is encouraged where appropriate.
Do I need to take supplements forever?
Not necessarily. Supplements and herbal medicines are typically used to correct imbalances or support specific phases of treatment. As your health improves, these are often reduced or ceased, with the focus shifting toward maintaining results through diet, lifestyle, and ongoing self-care strategies.
Is naturopathy safe?
Not necessarily. Supplements and herbal medicines are typically used to correct imbalances or support specific phases of treatment. As your health improves, these are often reduced or ceased, with the focus shifting toward maintaining results through diet, lifestyle, and ongoing self-care strategies.
Acupuncture FAQ
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points are selected to influence the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood through the body’s meridian system.
From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture has been shown to modulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is commonly used to support a wide range of conditions. These include pain and musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches, as well as stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. It can also be beneficial for digestive complaints, hormonal issues, fatigue, respiratory conditions, and recovery from illness or injury.
At Como Health Group, it is often used as part of an integrated approach alongside naturopathy and other therapies.
How does acupuncture work?
From a traditional perspective, acupuncture works by restoring balance to the flow of Qi and Blood within the body. From a modern scientific viewpoint, it stimulates the nervous system, influencing the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins, regulating the autonomic nervous system, and reducing inflammatory pathways. This combination of effects helps to relieve pain, calm the body, and support overall physiological function.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, much thinner than those used for injections. Most people feel little to no discomfort when the needles are inserted. Some may experience a mild sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, or tingling, which is often described as a sign that the treatment is having an effect. Many people find treatments deeply relaxing.
What should I expect from my first consultation?
Your first appointment includes a detailed assessment of your health, including your current concerns, medical history, and broader lifestyle factors. This may also involve traditional diagnostic methods such as tongue and pulse assessment. A treatment plan is then developed, and where appropriate, acupuncture is performed during the same session. Recommendations for ongoing care or complementary therapies may also be discussed.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required varies depending on the condition, its duration, and your individual response. Acute conditions may resolve within a few sessions, while chronic or more complex presentations often require a course of care over several weeks. Your practitioner will discuss an appropriate treatment plan with you and adjust it as you progress.
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is very safe. At Como Health Group, only single-use, sterile needles are used, and treatments are tailored to your individual presentation. Your practitioner will take into account your medical history and any medications to ensure care is appropriate and effective.
Can acupuncture be used alongside other treatments?
Yes, acupuncture integrates well with other forms of healthcare, including conventional medicine, physiotherapy, and naturopathy. It is often used to enhance treatment outcomes, support recovery, and improve overall wellbeing by addressing both symptoms and underlying patterns of imbalance.
What happens after a treatment?
After acupuncture, many people feel relaxed, calm, and sometimes slightly tired. Others may feel more energised. It is not uncommon to notice gradual improvements in symptoms over the following days. Your practitioner may provide guidance on rest, hydration, or lifestyle adjustments to support the effects of the treatment.
How does acupuncture fit into a broader treatment plan?
At Como Health Group, acupuncture is often combined with naturopathy, nutritional support, and other therapeutic modalities to provide a comprehensive and individualised approach to care. This allows us to support multiple systems of the body at once, addressing both immediate symptoms and the underlying factors contributing to your health concerns.
Myotherapy FAQ
How does Myotherapy differ from massage?
Myotherapists have undergone their remedial massage certificate and so are capable in treating all areas of the body for muscular pain or dysfunction. Myotherapy is an added component and a higher qualification which extends deeper into knowledge around anatomy, specific pathologies and neurological conditions.
Claire treats everyone based on their individual needs and if you are pain free and would still like treatment, there are many benefits including relaxation, preventing injury, boost immune system, improve sleep, promote muscle health, blood flow and activating the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease anxiety.
Is Myotherapy safe and effective for pregnant women?
Yes, Claire has also gained extra qualifications in the treatment of pregnant women and their unborn children.
Is Myotherapy covered by private Health Insurance?
Yes, however it is a good idea to check your individual cover first to ensure that you are specifically covered for Myotherapy.
How long an appointment should I book?
We recommend booking a 60 minute initial appointment to fully assess and treat any presenting symptoms. Your follow up may require a shorter visit but this will be discussed with you on an individual basis.
Are maintenance treatments a good idea if I don’t have any acute issues?
Yes, maintenance to keep your muscles supple and joints mobile can be a great idea to prevent injury or pain. Myotherapy and massage is also proven to improve wellbeing, increase blood flow, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality.