The rules
AHPRA advertising for osteopaths turns on one test. Is the condition you name musculoskeletal? We read 56 clinic websites to see how often that test is failed.
What Ahpra says
Ahpra says the evidence does not support osteopaths claiming to treat non-musculoskeletal conditions. It says these claims have attracted many complaints. If you name such a condition, say what musculoskeletal aspect is being treated.
What we measured
Neutral searches for osteopath plus a city, with no condition words. Fetched on 17 September 2026. Every scanner hit was then read by a person.
The main finding
16 sites named colic, reflux, asthma or a similar condition with no musculoskeletal link. Only 3 made that link properly. 30 of the 56 tripped at least one pattern we measured.
Where the risk sits
8 sites named colic, reflux, feeding problems, infant sleep or constipation with no musculoskeletal link. 6 of those named colic or reflux. Check your baby page first.
The word to drop
Osteopathy has no specialist registration, so the word implies one. Ahpra's own replacement: I have a particular interest in musculoskeletal issues in children.
The cheapest fix
Doctor is not a protected title. But if Dr does not mean a medical practitioner, name the profession. Ahpra's guidelines give this exact form.
Fifteen minutes
Search for condition names like colic, reflux and asthma. Search for special. Search for Dr. Fix each hit with a musculoskeletal clause, a particular interest, or the word Osteopath.
Tap for the full measurement and the rewrite table