Question 1

1. What can physiotherapists treat?

Accepted Answer

Our physiotherapists specialise in examining and managing a wide variety of sporting injuries and musculoskeletal conditions, such as joint sprains, muscle strains, neck/back pain, hip/knee osteoarthritis etc.
 
We also provide other services such as injury prevention, women's health, and Clinical Pilates. Click here to find out more.
 
If you are unsure if you need to see a physiotherapist or other health professionals, give us a call on 9353 1107 and we can point you in the right direction.

Question 2

2. Do I need a doctor's referral?

Accepted Answer

If you are paying privately, with or without the assistance of private health insurance, you DO NOT need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist.
 
If the treatment is covered under worker's compensation, motor vehicle accident, Department of Veterans Affairs or Medicare (through a Chronic Disease Management Plan) then a doctor's referral is required.

Question 3

3. Is physiotherapy covered by HICAPS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, physiotherapy is covered under private health insurance and payments can be accepted through HICAPS. You may need to contact your personal private health insurance provider to ensure your personal cover includes physiotherapy and to check how much they will contribute towards the cost.

Question 4

4. Is physiotherapy covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Up to five sessions of physiotherapy can be covered by Medicare annually under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly Enhanced Primary Care). These plans are generally for people with chronic conditions.
 
You will need a doctor’s referral for a Chronic Disease Management Plan, so if you think you may be eligible, please discuss this with your GP.

Question 5

5. How long will each appointment take?

Accepted Answer

Initial consultations are 40 minutes and follow-up appointments are 20 minutes.

Question 6

6. Will I need to get an X-ray?

Accepted Answer

X-rays and other scans are not required as a matter of course.

Depending on your presentation, the physiotherapist may wish for you to receive an X-ray or other scan to assist with diagnosis. If this is the case the physiotherapist will either refer you for a scan, or request you receive an imaging referral from your GP or another doctor.

Question 7

7. Should I wait until the swelling goes down?

Accepted Answer

No, waiting until the swelling goes down on an injury is not generally necessary. If swelling appears to be one of the major concerns, then your physiotherapist will be able to tailor treatment to assist in reducing swelling.

Question 8

8. Will getting treatment be painful?

Accepted Answer

Many assessment and treatment techniques are looking to reproduce your pain to assist with the diagnosis. Other treatment and assessment techniques may be painless, or produce a different, but associated pain.

Your physiotherapist will discuss with you what you can expect to feel and will generally ask for feedback in terms of your pain response.

Question 9

9. Will I be sore after treatment?

Accepted Answer

It is quite normal to get “post-treatment soreness”. This usually lasts no more than 24 hours, and is often accompanied by a feeling of increased ease of movement.
 
Your physiotherapist will discuss with you what you can expect to feel post-treatment. In many cases a short-term increase in pain is expected and is usually associated with an improved outcome.

Keep note of your response to treatment and discuss it with your physiotherapist at your next appointment, as it will assist in the planning of subsequent treatments.

Question 10

10. Can I just get a massage / acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapists will provide a thorough assessment of your condition and perform treatments based on this assessment.

If you have had good experiences with certain treatment technique in the past, discuss this with your physiotherapist and they will likely be able to incorporate this into your treatment program.

Frequently Asked Questions