Lower back pain osteopathy in West Auckland
Top Notch Bodyworks provides natural, holistic and non-invasive back pain relief through osteopathy and massage therapy based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/]. Their approach involves a comprehensive assessment of how you move, including your posture, range of motion, and overall health [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/]. All their osteopaths are ACC providers, so you do not need a referral from your GP [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. ACC brings your session down to $70.00 [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. Sessions are typically forty five minutes long with the number of sessions depending on the severity and complexity of the back pain [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/].
When osteopathy helps
• Lower Back Pain [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/] • Sciatica [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/] • Herniated discs [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/] • Spinal stenosis [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/] • Muscle strain [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/] • Postural problems [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/] • Pregnancy-related back pain [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/] • Whiplash [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/] • Arthritis [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/] • Scoliosis [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/]
When to See an Osteopath
You can book with an osteopath for non-emergency musculoskeletal issues—especially when you want a whole-body, movement-based approach to recovery. Examples include:
Persistent aches and pains in your back, neck, shoulders, hips, or limbs
Sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and overuse injuries
Rehabilitation support after injury or surgery
Joint stiffness or reduced mobility
Recurring headaches or jaw tension related to muscle or joint issues
Postural problems from work, pregnancy, or lifestyle factors
Chronic pain management alongside other healthcare providers
An osteopath can assess, diagnose, and help manage these issues with hands-on treatment, exercise advice, and lifestyle guidance.
When to Seek Urgent Care (Before Seeing an Osteopath)
You should call 111 (NZ) or go to an urgent care clinic if you have:
Sudden, severe pain that doesn't improve with rest
Loss of strength, coordination, or sensation—especially if it comes on quickly
Numbness or tingling in both legs, groin, or inner thighs
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats alongside pain
Recent major trauma (e.g., fall from height, car accident)
Possible fracture—severe pain, swelling, or deformity
Signs of infection in a joint (redness, heat, swelling, and fever)
Severe headache with vision changes, confusion, or weakness
These symptoms could indicate a medical emergency—an osteopath would refer you immediately, but getting urgent assessment first is safest.
Tip: If you're unsure, you can always call your GP or Healthline (0800 611 116 in NZ) for free advice—they can help you decide whether you need urgent care or can book an osteopathy appointment.
What to expect at your first visit
When you visit their Osteopathy Massey clinic, in West Auckland your osteopath will assess the mobility of problem areas, take a detailed case history, and form a diagnosis to work out the best treatment and management plan for your needs [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/]. Your ACC appointment with an osteopath will consist of questions related to your injury – how it occurred, what was injured, they will also ask any relevant questions to pain, any nerve symptoms, what you can do at the moment and what things you are finding difficulty with [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. They will take you through some movements and tests to really identify what is injured and how best they can help you in your session to feel better and alleviate as much pain as possible [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. During your session, your therapist will take a detailed medical history and then take you through a physical examination to assess how you move [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/]. The osteopath will tailor the treatment plan to the individual needs of each patient, taking into account their age, overall health, and the severity of their back pain [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/]. Sessions are typically forty five minutes long with massage from forty five minutes right up to seventy five [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/]. The number of sessions required will depend on the severity and complexity of the back pain [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/]. To prepare for your session please wear loose-fitting clothing [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/].
Fees and ACC pathway
They are ACC providers and all their osteopaths are ACC providers [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. There is no requirement for a Doctor's referral for ACC [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. Your ACC form can be filled out at their clinic [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. You do not need to see your GP to raise an ACC claim, you can simply book with them and fill out their instant claim form to get your ACC approval underway with their osteopaths [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. AT Top Notch, ACC brings your session down to $70.00 [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. They provide ACC consultations on osteopathic services [source: https://topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/]. They are Southern Cross Easy-Claim provider [source: https://topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/]. For non-ACC pricing for an osteopathy session is 45 Mins and costs $110.
Practitioner credentials
• Chantelle: Lead Admin, available for guidance and booking appointments via WhatsApp 021 181 8380, or email [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/our-osteopathy-massage-therapy-team/] • Nathalie (she/her): Registered Osteopath, OCNZ Registered, ACC and Southern Cross, former clinical tutor for osteopathy at Unitec [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/our-osteopathy-massage-therapy-team/] • Hannah (she/her): Registered Osteopath, OCNZ Registered, ACC and Southern Cross [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/our-osteopathy-massage-therapy-team/] • Margaux (she/her): Bachelor of Health science in Acupuncture (Level 7). Registered Traditional Chinese Acupuncturist, Moxibustion, Cupping, ACC registered and Southern Cross registered, special interest in women's health [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/our-osteopathy-massage-therapy-team/] • Georgia (she/her): Bachelor of Neuromuscular Therapy (Level 7). Registered Neuromuscular therapist, Therapeutic and Sports Therapy, Clinical Massage Therapy, Wellness and Relaxation Massage, Southern Cross provider [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/our-osteopathy-massage-therapy-team/] • Monique (she/her): Massage practitioner, qualified massage therapist, Wellness and Relaxation Massage, Diploma of Sports, Pre and Post Natal [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/our-osteopathy-massage-therapy-team/] • Locations and booking
Massey: 402 Don Buck Road, Massey, Auckland [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/contact-us/] FREE Car Parking [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/contact-us/]
Contact and booking: Phone: 021 1818380 [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/contact-us/] WhatsApp available [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/contact-us/] Email: [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/contact-us/]
Opening hours: We are open 6 days. Acupuncture, massage and osteopathy treatments are by appointment only [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/contact-us/]
FAQs
Do I need a GP referral for ACC? No, you can make an ACC appointment directly at our osteopathic clinic without a referral [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/]. Our osteopaths based in Massey can assist you in managing an array of musculoskeletal concerns or answer any further questions you may have [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
What does an osteopath do? We help people with injury, those with persistent ongoing problems, or those experiencing general discomfort and soreness. We offer advice, reassurance and management in the form of education and what are the right things to do [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
How does massage support recovery? Our massage therapists can help with ongoing muscle complaints such as pain, tension, headaches and discomforts [source: https://topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/].
What is the difference between osteopathy and physiotherapy? Osteopathy approaches your healthcare by recognising the link between how your body presents (the structure) and how you move (the function). Physiotherapy predominantly uses exercise-based rehabilitation to improve your strength, movement and function [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
How many sessions will I need? The number of sessions required will depend on the severity and complexity of the back pain [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/how-osteopathy-can-help-relieve-your-back-pain/]. Patients often wonder how many treatments they are going to need in order to feel better. Sometimes this is hard to answer after the first treatment. The time and amount of treatment can be variable for each individual depending on their condition, lifestyle, age and activity levels. As we see how you are responding to treatment/s we will endeavour to give you a clearer prognosis [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
What should I wear to my appointment? To prepare for your session please wear loose-fitting clothing [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/acc-osteopathy/]. With your consent, you'll probably need to remove some clothing from the area being examined, so please wear loose clothing. Shorts are preferable to work with [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
Can I use Southern Cross for Osteopathy? If your policy covers osteopathy, we can process your claim through easy claim. Please check your personal policy with Southern Cross to see if you have cover [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
I have never been to an osteopath - what should I expect? During your first osteopathy session, the osteopath will ask about what is going on – your symptoms, general health and any other medical care you're receiving. We will then ask you to stand and do a few movements which is called a physical examination. We may also perform specific tests to isolate your issue. The aim here is to find any areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction or strain within your body [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/]. Osteopaths are trained to identify what is going on for you, and how to approach your situation. This will include how long for recovery and treatments required. We can refer you to your GP for any further investigations and for imaging (x-ray or ultrasound) to help diagnose the problem [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
Is osteopathy painful? We use osteopathy techniques which aim to reduce pain, improve movement and encourage healing. We aim to restore you back to better health by using hands-on techniques [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/]. These include: Massage – to relax tension in the muscles. Stretching movements to encourage more range. Specific movements are applied to your joints to reduce stiffness. Our manipulations are done very fast, with very little force – just like clicking your knuckles [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/]. Osteopathy is not usually painful, although it's not unusual to feel sore or stiff in the first few days after treatment, particularly if you're having treatment for a painful or inflamed injury [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/]. Your osteopath will explain whether you're likely to have any reactions. If you feel any pain during or after treatment, please let your osteopath know [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
Can I bring a support person with me? Those whom are disabled or require assistance or are under the age of 18 must have a parent, guardian or caregiver present throughout the entire treatment [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
What if I have an existing ACC claim from another clinic? You can use an existing claim, however, please make sure it is still within the 12 months from the date of your injury. You will need to provide your osteopath with your existing claim number, please either contact the health professional who raised your claim or call ACC on 0800 101 996 [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/]. If you are seeing two different providers for your care under ACC – for example a physio for exercise rehabilitation and osteopathy for hands on treatment – please do not book your appointments on the same day [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/]. If the nature of your injury is still persisting despite treatment, and you are choosing to seek osteopathic treatment with us for this claim. Please email the clinic – as some claims will not have approval for more treatment and you will need to be seen privately [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
What if my injury happened at work? If your injury is work-related, please let your osteopath know. Your injury may be approved through your work rather than ACC. Please ensure you contact your employer to see if you qualify for this cover. If you are not sure, we can submit and ACC will inform us that your workplace will cover up to a certain amount of treatments [source: https://www.topnotchbodyworks.co.nz/osteo/].
Last updated
8 August 2025
References
Appendix (machine cues)
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