Stop Letting your Back Pain Decide What You Can and Cannot Do Today

Book an initial assessment at our Bondi Junction clinic. We will figure out what is contributing and outline a clear effective plan before you decide what to do next

Answer a few questions below so we can tailor your first consult

Hear what others have said about treatment of their lower backs at The Movment Philosophy

We see people with lower back pain for all kinds of reasons, the ones sick of having to brace themselves just to get their socks on, the ones who can’t scoop up their kids or grandkids without wincing, and the ones who keep tweaking it the day after deadlifts or squats and are over the cycle of good session, bad week.

The first step is understanding what’s contributing. Book an initial assessment and we’ll outline a clear plan before you decide what to do next.

  • If your Back pain has been hanging around for too long, osteopathy is built to find what is actually contributing, not just where it hurts. Whether it is a stiff neck from hours at a desk, a lower back that flares every time you lift, or a shoulder that will not settle down, every first visit starts with a proper assessment of how you move, followed by hands-on treatment and a clear plan. So you leave knowing exactly what is going on and what it will take to help calm it down. No nonsense, no guesswork

  • If your lower back pain has been hanging around for too long, exercise rehabilitation is built to find what’s actually contributing, not just where it hurts. Whether it flares every time you lift, aches after a long day at a desk, or never quite settles down between sessions, every first visit starts with a proper assessment of how you move, followed by a hands-on session and an exercise plan built around what your back is actually doing wrong. So you leave knowing exactly what’s going on and what it’ll take to build it back up properly. No nonsense, no guesswork.

  • Who you’ll see

    Rick Hartley brings over 30 years of clinical experience, backed by a BSc (Hons) in Osteopathic Medicine, an MSc in Sports Rehabilitation and a Fellowship in Applied Functional biomechanics (FAFS). That means precise hands-on care combined with the movement know-how, to keep you strong once the pain settles. No referral needed, and rebates are available through most private health funds.

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FAQs

  • Initial case history first, you tell Rick what happened, where it hurts, and what makes it worst. Then he runs you through a few simple movements to assess, plus whatever orthopaedic tests fit your presentation. From there, treatment: usually passive work first, soft tissue, joint mobilisation, guided or assisted movement and he’ll give you a few exercises to speed the healing process up.

  • It’s really not worth overthinking it. Fill in the form and Rick will call you back himself. No receptionist, no script. He’ll ask what’s actually going on, get a real picture of it, and tell you straight whether osteopathy is the right fit for your situation. If it is, he’ll already be mapping out a plan before you walk in. If it’s not, he’ll tell you that too and discuss those options so you know exactly what to do

  • Each session lasts 40 minutes and is $140. If you have a health fund, depending on how generous they're feeling, you’ll get an on the spot rebate. Also, worth checking if you qualify for the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP). Referred only by your you receive roughly $60 per session.

  • Whatever you’re comfortable moving in , gym type gear is ideal. Shorts, a singlet or sports top, so Rick can actually watch how your back, hip or shoulder moves instead of guessing through three layers of clothing. This isn’t a massage session where you’re undressing on a table. it’s assessment and hands-on treatment, so you stay dressed throughout. If a specific area needs more direct access, Rick will tell you on the day, and you’ll never be exposed anywhere you’re not being worked on..

  • Some of it might be firm, soft tissue work and joint mobilisation on a tight or irritated area isn’t always comfortable, but it should never be unbearable. Rick checks in throughout and adjusts to what you can handle.

  • Yes, and if your presentation needs more than he can tell from an assessment alone, he’s not guessing. Rick works alongside Dr Lisa Hackett for diagnostic imaging and Dr Danny Cai for medical management, both on-site at The Movement Philosophy. If something needs a scan or a GP’s eyes before treatment goes further, he’ll say so and get you in front of the right person, same clinic, same day where possible. You’re not booking a solo practitioner, you’re walking into a connected clinical team.

  • Yes. Osteopathy’s covered by all the major funds: Medibank, Bupa, HCF, NIB, AHM and more. Bring your card and Rick processes the rebate on the spot through HICAPS. No claim forms, no waiting on a refund.

  • Not always, and anyone who promises otherwise is selling you something. The best evidence we have for chronic pain is a combination of hands-on manual therapy and active exercise rehabilitation — which is exactly what Rick builds every session around. Some presentations don’t fully resolve, and part of doing this properly is being straight about that upfront rather than overselling a “cure.” In the uncommon situation where the pain doesn’t resolve, Rick he will do is get you moving better, get your pain down to a manageable level, and build you a plan that keeps it there. If something needs more than that, imaging, medical management, Dr Lisa Hackett and Dr Danny Cai are both on-site and already part of the conversation.

Answer a few questions below so we can tailor your first consult