FAQs

Dr Chase Erbacher brings an unusually broad skillset to each session. Beyond his Masters in Osteopathic Medicine, his background spans cranio-sacral therapy, visceral manipulation, somatic therapy, lymphatic drainage, nervous system regulation, functional movement, breathwork and muscle testing — among others.
Sessions at Body Priority are genuinely tailored to the whole person. Whether you're coming in with a specific physical complaint or a more complex pattern of symptoms that hasn't responded to other treatment, the approach here goes deeper than most.

Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine founded in 1874, built on the principle that the body has an innate capacity to heal when its structure and function are properly supported. Modern osteopaths combine that foundational philosophy with current medical science to assess and treat the whole person — not just the presenting symptom.

Osteopaths are trained to work with the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestive system and more — using hands-on techniques to identify and address the root cause of dysfunction

Yes. Body Priority is registered with all major Australian health funds. After your session you'll receive a receipt which you can submit directly through your health fund's app or online portal to claim your rebate.

Yes. Ask your GP for a referral under a Chronic Disease Management plan, then bring the referral and your Medicare card to your session.

Your first session begins with a thorough case history — understanding your current concern, your broader health history, lifestyle and goals. This is followed by a physical assessment and then hands-on treatment. Dr Chase will explain his findings and discuss a recommended approach with you before proceeding.

All three are university-qualified, AHPRA-registered allied health practitioners. All treat musculoskeletal pain and injury, use hands-on manual therapy, prescribe exercise and work alongside GPs and other health professionals. You don't need a GP referral for any of them, and all are covered by private health insurance.

The differences come down to philosophy and approach rather than hard lines.

Physiotherapists tend to focus on rehabilitation, exercise prescription and movement retraining — particularly useful post-surgery or injury.

Chiropractors focus primarily on spinal alignment and joint manipulation, with an emphasis on the relationship between the spine and nervous system function.

Osteopaths take a whole-body view. Rather than treating the area that hurts, the approach looks at why it's hurting — how the rest of your body is loading, compensating and contributing to the problem. Treatment is highly individual and draws from a wide range of techniques: joint mobilisation, soft tissue work, visceral manipulation, cranio-sacral therapy, dry needling and more.

In practice, the best practitioner is the one whose approach resonates with you and gets results. If you're not sure whether osteopathy is right for what you're dealing with, feel free to reach out before booking.

Yes — a support person is always welcome. For clients aged 14 and under a parent or guardian may be required to be present; please check when booking.

Every body is different and there's no universal answer. Some people notice significant change after one or two sessions; others with more complex or longstanding conditions benefit from a structured program over several weeks. Dr Chase will give you an honest assessment of what he thinks is needed after your first session.

Dr Chase works with people of all ages and backgrounds — from athletes and active individuals to older bodies, desk workers, new parents, children (from approximately age 5 and up) and people navigating chronic or complex health conditions. If you're unsure whether your situation is a good fit, reach out and ask.

Somatic therapy works with the relationship between the body and the nervous system — recognising that unresolved stress, tension and trauma are held physically in the body, not just psychologically. Dr Chase integrates somatic awareness into his osteopathic sessions, creating space for the body to release patterns that are often the underlying driver of chronic pain or dysfunction.

Cranio-sacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that works with the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid and the subtle movement of the cranial bones, spine and sacrum. It's deeply settling for the nervous system and can be profoundly effective for headaches, jaw pain, post-concussion symptoms, stress and nervous system dysregulation.

Dr Chase works with both biodynamic and structural cranio-sacral approaches, adapting to what each person's system needs.

Visceral manipulation works directly with the organs — addressing restrictions in the connective tissue surrounding the digestive, respiratory and reproductive organs. It can be highly effective for digestive dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, breathing issues and post-surgical recovery.

CFR stands for Cranial Fascial Release — a specialised approach that works with the cranial bones, nasal passages and associated structures to create lasting change in head pressure, sinus function, breathing capacity and nervous system regulation.

The Body Priority CFR Series is an 8-session program combining CFR with cranio-sacral therapy, lymphatic drainage and dry needling. It's designed for people dealing with chronic sinus issues, head pressure, recurring headaches, post-concussion symptoms or nervous system dysregulation that hasn't responded to other approaches.

Yes — osteopathy is generally very safe when performed by a registered practitioner. At Body Priority, treatment is always adapted to the individual. If there are any contraindications or areas that require extra care, these will be identified in the initial assessment and your treatment will be adjusted accordingly.

Yes. Osteopathy is a registered health profession in Australia under AHPRA, held to the same standards of practice and continuing education as other regulated health professions. There is a substantial and growing body of peer-reviewed research supporting osteopathic treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, headaches, digestive dysfunction and nervous system regulation.

Yes. Osteopathic treatment can be highly beneficial during pregnancy, supporting postural changes, pelvic alignment, and nervous system regulation. Treatment techniques are always adapted to be safe and comfortable at every stage of pregnancy.

Dr Chase works with both scientific rigour and intuitive awareness. Every session begins with a thorough assessment — understanding not just what hurts but why, and what the body needs to actually change. Treatment is hands-on, responsive and adapted in real time to what presents on the day.

He is trauma-aware in his practice, creating a space where people feel genuinely safe, supported and heard.

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement such as yoga. 

Please do not wear denim or other tough materials if possible. 

Any relevant radiology reports, scan results or referral letters are helpful but not essential. If you have a Medicare or private health fund card, bring that along too.

Complete your intake form before arriving if it's your first session. Arrive clean and in comfortable clothing suitable for movement. Avoid stimulants like coffee beforehand if possible, as they can affect how your nervous system presents during treatment. Avoid intense exercise on the day of your session — arriving with a calm, settled body allows for deeper and more effective work. Bring any relevant radiology reports or referral letters if you have them.

Treatment at Body Priority is not about forcing change — it's about creating the conditions for your body to shift. Significant change is possible without pain. That said, when working with injured or sensitised tissue there may be some discomfort, and this will always be communicated and managed with your comfort in mind.

Pricing is available when booking through the online booking system. If you have questions about which session type is right for you, feel free to reach out before booking.

Yes, from approximately age 4 and above. Dr Chase has a particular gift for working with younger clients — including some therapeutic acrobatics to help them relax and engage with the process.

Absolutely — and you're encouraged to. Understanding what's happening in your body supports better outcomes and helps you make informed decisions about your health long term.

Reach out and ask. Dr Chase is happy to answer questions before you book to make sure you're making the right decision for your situation. Use the contact form or give us a call.

No. You can book directly without a GP referral. Osteopathy is privately billed and covered by most private health funds under extras cover. It's also accessible through Medicare (via a GP Management Plan), DVA and workers compensation schemes if applicable.

The short answer is a wide range — osteopathy is useful for far more than back pain. Musculoskeletal conditions are the most common presentations, but because osteopathy looks at the whole body, it's also relevant for digestive issues, nervous system health, headaches, jaw problems, sinusitis and recovery from surgery or injury.

For a full list of conditions Dr Chase treats, visit the Areas of Treatment page.

Massage focuses primarily on the soft tissue — muscles, fascia and circulation. It's relaxing, therapeutic and genuinely useful. Osteopathy goes further. It includes soft tissue work but also joint mobilisation, visceral manipulation, cranio-sacral therapy and nervous system-directed techniques. More importantly, an osteopath is assessing and treating the underlying cause of your symptoms — not just where it hurts. The aim isn't just relief during the session, it's understanding why your body is struggling and addressing that.