About Arun Shapleski
Born and raised in New Zealand, Arun migrated to Melbourne, Australia to undergo his five year osteopathic training at Victoria University. This involved a Bachelor of Science (Clinical Sciences) and Master of Health Science (Osteopathy). His Masters research investigated the effects of osteopathic treatment on lung function in asthmatics.
Arun is passionate about assisting people to take charge of their own health, by making positive changes in their lifestyle, such as diet, exercise and mindfulness practice.
What can Arun offer you?
Arun’s approach to health and wellbeing can be summed up by his favourite quote from the founder of osteopathy, A.T.Still:
“To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease.”
– A.T.Still. Philosophy of Osteopathy
Arun is fascinated by the body’s constant movement towards normal balance (homeostasis), and believes that osteopathy is about supporting this process (health). This is done in a safe, gentle and effective manner by helping remove barriers to the natural healing process.
Arun has spent the last twelve years working as an osteopath in multiple clinics throughout Brisbane, settling at Bardon Osteopathy for the past ten years. His approach to osteopathy encompasses both biomechanical (structural) and gentle functional models. This approach includes osteopathy in the cranial field, which is a safe, effective treatment for people of all ages, and is particularly effective for treating infants, children and women during pregnancy.
He is registered with Work Cover, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and Medicare through the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program.
Arun has completed postgraduate studies in osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF), the biodynamics of OCF, visceral treatment (i.e., bowel, liver, kidney etc.), obstetrics (pregnancy) and paediatrics (children).
Arun treats a wide array of “dis-ease”, including helping people with back and neck pain, back pain during pregnancy, headaches/migraines, sporting injuries, arthritic conditions, upper and lower limb pain, and a variety of systemic conditions such as asthma and digestive complaints.
Arun has a special interest in helping people with headaches, jaw pain and chronic health conditions. He particularly enjoys helping women during and after their pregnancies, and treating infants and children with issues related to birth trauma (i.e., colic, reflux, problems feeding etc), growth and development.
What happens during a session?
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Many people are referred to an osteopath by their GP or other healthcare provider. However, as osteopaths are government registered primary healthcare practitioners, you can make an appointment directly without a referral.
What should I bring?
It is important to bring along any x-rays, scans or other test results to assist with your osteopathic treatment. Treatment is mostly performed fully clothed, and to assist your comfort, it is recommended that your wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts to change into. Often at an initial consultation, it may be necessary to undress to your underwear for examination. As your comfort is our number one priority, this is completely optional and will be discussed with you prior to your examination.
Arrive early
It’s advisable to arrive 15 minutes prior to your initial appointment time, as you will need to fill out some paperwork. Under the law, an osteopath needs to obtain your consent to treat you, so you will be asked to sign an ‘informed consent’ form. You will have the time to discuss any questions that you may have with Arun.
Your first consultation
Arun will then conduct an examination that may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, which will help determine how best to manage your condition.
As osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, Arun may look at other areas of your body, including the one(s) that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, he may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.
Arun may also provide education and advice to help manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.
How long will my treatment take?
Your initial consultation will be for a full 60 minutes. Follow-up treatments are for 30 minutes.
Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after two to four visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment.
How much does it cost?
Initial consultation (60 minutes) are $150.
Follow-up consultations (30 minutes) are $105.
Can I claim on my Health Fund?
Yes, most private health funds cover osteopathy. Arun also works with DVA, Work Cover, and Medicare under the ‘Chronic Disease Management’ plan.
How can I find out more?
To read Arun’s blogs on all things osteopathy, ranging from treating babies to advice on back pain management, go to:
http://www.localsmile.com.au/Brisbane/Listing/ArunShapleskiOsteopathy
For more on osteopathy, please visit Osteopathy Australia’s website: