Hawthorn East Medical and Aesthetic Clinic

Nicholas Usui-Crook graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (osteopathic studies) as well as a Master’s of Osteopathy in 2009, from the University of Western Sydney. And in 2012 completed Postgraduate Certificate in Neuromuscularskeletal Rehabilitation.

Nicholas is a member of Osteopathy Australia.

Many patients are referred to osteopaths by their doctors, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as osteopaths are primary care practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.

Your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask about your medical history, any medications you are taking, as well as factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes between osteopathic appointments you should tell your osteopath at your next consultation.

Next, your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests, this may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises that will help determine how best to manage your condition. The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs.

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, so your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between appointments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

In Australia, all osteopaths complete a minimum of five years university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. They are also trained to perform standard medical examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. These university graduates hold either a double Bachelors or Master qualification.

Osteopaths are required, by law, to maintain ongoing professional development and education every year to stay in practice. In Australia, all osteopaths are required to be government registered practitioners. If an osteopath does not appear on this register they should not practice. The register can be found at:

Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions which require referral to medical practitioners or other allied health.

Master’s of Osteopathy
Bachelor of Applied Science (osteopathic studies)