Osteopathic care for Surry Hills residents
Surry Hills is a densely populated inner-city suburb with a large professional workforce. Many residents balance full working weeks with commuting, working from home and the everyday movement demands of city living. Rather than assuming these activities are the cause of a particular problem, Dr Austin considers them as part of the broader picture when assessing musculoskeletal pain.
Patients may seek osteopathic care after a recent injury, because pain has gradually developed, or because a longstanding problem is beginning to interfere with work, exercise, sleep or everyday movement.
Dr Austin takes time to understand your symptoms, medical history and physical presentation before recommending treatment. This allows him to develop an individual management approach instead of applying the same techniques to every patient with similar symptoms.
Getting to our Potts Point clinic from Surry Hills
Dr Austin practises at St Luke’s Clinic, Hemsley House, 20 Roslyn Street, Potts Point.
For patients travelling from Surry Hills, the clinic can be reached through the neighbouring inner-city areas of Darlinghurst and Kings Cross. The most suitable route will depend on which part of Surry Hills you are travelling from and current traffic conditions.
Public transport is also an option. Surry Hills has access to Central Station and light rail and bus services, while the clinic itself is within walking distance of Kings Cross Station.
Limited parking is available at St Luke’s Clinic, with additional street parking in the surrounding Potts Point area.
Conditions we treat
Dr Phil Austin provides osteopathic assessment and treatment for both recent musculoskeletal injuries and longer-term pain conditions.
Patients may see him for concerns including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Shoulder pain
- Sciatica
- Sports injuries
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Jaw pain (TMJ dysfunction)
- Arthritis
- Postural concerns
Treatment depends on your individual presentation and may involve manual therapy as well as practical advice about movement, exercise or managing your symptoms between appointments.
If pain or restricted movement is affecting your normal activities, you can arrange an assessment with Dr Austin to discuss whether osteopathic treatment may be appropriate.
Meet Dr Phil Austin
Dr Phil Austin is an AHPRA-registered osteopath who graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in 1997.
He subsequently completed an MSc in Pain Management and a PhD in Pain Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. His clinical career has included experience in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and the UK, as well as work with the British Gymnastics Team.
Dr Austin is also the author of Chronic Pain: A Resource for Effective Manual Therapy and has remained involved in pain research and university teaching alongside clinical practice.
This combination of academic work and extensive hands-on experience informs his evidence-based approach to osteopathic care.
Testimonials
What happens during your first appointment?
Your first consultation gives Dr Austin an opportunity to understand both the symptoms you are experiencing and the circumstances surrounding them.
He will discuss your medical history, current symptoms and relevant daily activities before conducting an appropriate physical assessment. He can then explain his findings and discuss whether osteopathic treatment is suitable for your presentation.
Where treatment is appropriate, Dr Austin will develop a management plan around your individual needs. Advice about movement, exercise or other self-management strategies may also form part of your care.
As Dr Austin is the clinic’s sole treating osteopath, you will see the same practitioner at subsequent appointments, providing continuity throughout your care.
Book an osteopath near Surry Hills
If an injury, stiffness or ongoing musculoskeletal pain is affecting your day-to-day activities, you can arrange an appointment with Dr Phil Austin at his nearby Potts Point clinic.
Book online or contact the clinic on 02 9356 0495 if you would like to discuss your appointment beforehand.
Eligible patients may also access applicable private health fund rebates through HICAPS, Medicare Chronic Disease Management arrangements, DVA and WorkCover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is your clinic actually located in Surry Hills?
No. Dr Phil Austin practises from St Luke’s Clinic at 20 Roslyn Street in Potts Point. The clinic sees patients from Surry Hills and other surrounding inner-Sydney suburbs.
Can I attend before or after work if I work in Surry Hills?
You can book any available appointment time that suits your schedule through the clinic’s online booking system. Because Surry Hills and Potts Point are both within inner Sydney, the clinic can be a practical option for people travelling from the area.
Does Dr Austin treat problems caused by sitting at a desk?
Dr Austin sees patients with back pain, neck pain and other musculoskeletal concerns that may occur alongside prolonged sitting or desk-based work. However, pain can have many contributing factors, so he assesses the individual rather than assuming posture or sitting is the cause.
Can I see an osteopath for an injury from running or gym training?
Yes. Dr Austin treats sports and exercise-related musculoskeletal injuries as well as problems arising from overuse or changes in activity. The appropriate treatment will depend on the nature of the injury and your assessment findings.
What if I have had my pain for several months or years?
You can still book an assessment if your symptoms have been present for a long time. Persistent pain is a particular area of Dr Austin’s academic and clinical experience, including his PhD in Pain Medicine and research work in pain management.
Does osteopathic treatment always involve spinal manipulation?
No. Spinal manipulation is only one of the techniques that may be considered. Depending on your presentation and preferences, treatment can also involve joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy and other manual approaches.
Will Dr Austin explain what may be contributing to my pain?
Yes. Patient education is part of Dr Austin’s approach. Following assessment, he will discuss his findings with you and may provide practical advice about movement, exercise or other ways of managing your symptoms.
Can Surry Hills residents use public transport to reach the clinic?
Yes. There are several public transport options between Surry Hills and the surrounding inner-city area. The Potts Point clinic is also within walking distance of Kings Cross Station, which can be useful for patients connecting through Sydney’s rail network.