Meet Dr Phil Austin
Dr Phil Austin is an AHPRA-registered osteopath and one of Sydney’s most qualified practitioners. In addition to his 30 years of clinical practice, he enjoys an internationally recognised research career. He is among the very few osteopaths in Australia to hold a doctorate in pain medicine. Dr Austin is also the author of Chronic Pain: A Resource for Effective Manual Therapy (Handspring Publishing, 2017), a clinical textbook used by manual therapists worldwide.
Qualifications
- PhD in Pain Medicine, University of Edinburgh
- MSc in Pain Management, University of Edinburgh
- BSc (Hons) Osteopathy and Diploma in Osteopathy, European School of Osteopathy, UK
Academic & Research Roles
- Academic Tutor, Masters of Clinical Management of Pain, University of Sydney
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, HammondCare, Greenwich Hospital Sydney
- ANZCA-funded researcher in virtual reality pain treatment
Having gained clinical experience across Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and the UK, including working with the British Gymnastics Team, Dr Austin brings a rare combination of hands-on expertise and evidence-based research to every patient consultation.
Unlike many healthcare practitioners, he combines active clinical practice with ongoing research and university teaching. This allows him to integrate current evidence with practical osteopathic treatment to ensure every treatment is bespoke to each patient’s needs.
What We Treat
Every patient is different, which is why Phil Austin takes the time to understand your condition before recommending a personalised treatment plan. He combines evidence-based manual therapy with patient education and hands-on techniques to reduce your pain, improve your mobility, and enhance your long-term pain management. Here is what he treats.
How We Treat
Dr Phil Austin offers a comprehensive range of osteopathic treatments to address your unique health needs. They include:
Joint mobilisation
Joint mobilisation is a manual therapy technique that restores normal movement to stiff or restricted joints. Using slow, controlled, rhythmic movements, the joint is mobilised through its natural range of motion. This helps to reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and improve circulation. It's a lower-force alternative to high-velocity manipulation, suited to patients who prefer a gentler approach.
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is another technique we may use to improve your joint movement, reduce mechanical restriction and relieve musculoskeletal pain. We apply a precise, controlled force to those stubborn spinal joints to alleviate any pressure, nerve irritation, and impaired spinal function you may be experiencing.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Soft tissue therapy focuses on improving the function of your muscles, fascia and connective tissue. By employing gentle manual techniques, we can reduce tension, ease discomfort, and improve circulation. It can also help to restore comfortable movement following injury, overuse or everyday strain.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral manipulation may be recommended when restrictions in the body's internal connective tissues that results in you experiencing reduced mobility or persistent symptoms. Our treatment uses gentle techniques that are designed to improve your tissue mobility and support the body's natural healing processes.
Structural Integration
Structural Integration works to improve your posture, balance and efficient movement through carefully applied fascial techniques. It can complement other osteopathic services by improving your mobility, reducing physical stress, and helping your body move more efficiently in everyday life.
Why Choose Us for Pain Relief
When looking for osteopathy services, it is important to choose an experienced professional who can provide you with pain relief. Here’s why many patients across Sydney have entrusted Dr Phil Austin.
Personalised Care
Dr Phil Austin offers comprehensive care and a personalised treatment plan designed to deliver lasting relief for his patients. Every appointment involves a detailed assessment, which helps him to understand your medical history, body’s structure, and level of optimal function before recommending treatment.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Dr Phil Austin combines 30 years of clinical experience with ongoing research in pain management and osteopathic treatments. As all his treatment plans are supported by current evidence, he ensures you receive clinically appropriate patient care based around your specific needs.
Education & Long-Term Results
As experienced osteopaths, we believe that patients who achieve the best outcomes are those who are most informed. That is why, alongside our hands-on care, we provide practical education about your condition. This helps you understand what is contributing to your symptoms and how you can use this knowledge to continue improving between appointments.
A Calm & Welcoming Clinic
Located within the historic St Luke’s Clinic, our welcoming environment is designed to help patients feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. Our experienced team takes the time to listen. They will also answer all your questions and support you throughout your recovery.
Looking Beyond Your Symptoms
Rather than simply treating the areas where you feel pain, our goal is to identify contributing factors that may be affecting your overall health, movement, and function. By addressing the root cause where possible, we aim to help you break free from recurring problems and move with greater confidence.
Appointments & Fees
We believe quality healthcare should also be straightforward for all our patients. Regardless of whether you’re booking your first consultation or returning for ongoing care, you’ll receive guidance on appointment times, fees, and any available rebates. Here’s what to expect:
Initial Consultation
During your first consultation, we’ll perform a detailed assessment. We’ll also discuss your medical history, perform a physical examination, and, if appropriate, provide your first osteopathic treatment. This allows us to understand the condition you are dealing with thoroughly before recommending a personalised management plan.
Follow-Up Appointments
Any follow-up sessions will focus on reviewing your progress. We’ll also provide ongoing treatment as necessary, monitor your recovery and adjust your care plan as your condition improves.
To find out more about our prices, please click here.
Rebates & Programs
We welcome eligible patients under a range of healthcare programs and funding arrangements. This includes private health funds, Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) referrals, DVA and WorkCover. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, our team can advise you.
Our Clinic
Our Osteopathy Australia clinic is housed within the historic St Luke’s Clinic at 20 Roslyn Street. Located close to the Sydney CBD, it is easy to reach from Kings Cross Station, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Double Bay, or the eastern suburbs by public transport or car. There is limited on-site parking and nearby street parking available for your convenience.
Our calm, professional space offers a peaceful setting where you can take the first step towards restoring your well-being through our evidence-based care.
Credentials
Phil graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in 1997 and has gone on to complete a Masters and a PhD in Pain Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Working as both an osteopath and a researcher allows Phil to combine a broad range of osteopathic techniques and current evidence from his and others research to give a more integrated approach to healthcare.
Phil takes appointments under the Chronic Disease Management, Department of Veteran Affairs and WorkCover programs
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr Phil Austin
If you’re experiencing recent trauma, persistent neck pain, sports injuries, or ongoing musculoskeletal pain, Dr Phil Austin is here to help. He combines research-informed osteopathic treatment with compassionate, personalised care to help you move more comfortably and confidently again.
Book your appointment with Dr Phil Austin today. You can do that here or call our friendly team on 02 9356 0945.
Testimonials
FAQS
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a non-invasive form of manual medicine that primarily focuses on bones, joints, nerves, and muscles (collectively known as the musculoskeletal system). Its aim is to improve your movement, reduce discomfort and support the body’s overall wellbeing through a mix of massage, stretching, and physical manipulation.
What conditions can osteopathy treat?
Osteopathy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches, migraines, sports injuries, and digestive issues.
How is osteopathy different from other manual therapies?
Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy all treat musculoskeletal conditions. However, their assessment methods and treatment approaches differ significantly. Osteopathy places strong emphasis on how the body functions as a whole. It does this by combining a range of manual therapy and movement-based techniques to improve function and reduce pain.
Do I need a referral to see an osteopath?
You do not need a referral to book an appointment with an osteopath. However, depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get a referral through Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans, DVA or WorkCover. If you’re unsure, please contact our clinic before your visit.
Is osteopathy safe?
Osteopathy is generally considered to be a safe and effective form of manual therapy. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some risks associated with osteopathy, such as minor soreness or bruising after treatment.