What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists are highly qualified health professionals who work in partnership with their patients to help them get better and stay well. Physiotherapists also work closely with GPs and other health clinicians to plan and manage treatment. GPs refer more patients to physiotherapists than any other healthcare profession. Using advanced techniques and evidence-based care, physiotherapists assess, diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of health conditions and movement disorders. Physiotherapy helps repair damage, reduce stiffness and pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life. Physiotherapy extends from health promotion to injury prevention, acute care, rehabilitation, maintenance of functional mobility, chronic disease management, patient and carer education and occupational health. (ref Australian Physiotherapy Association) See Performance Physio full list of services

When should I contact a physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists are all qualified experts in the human body and human movement. They are University trained to ensure your injury or pain is correctly assessed, diagnosed and treated. There are many circumstances that should should see a physio, including:

• if you have have sustained an injury (at work, in an accident or undertaking daily activities)
• if you have sustained an injury whilst playing sport
• if you are experiencing muscle or joint pain
• if you are experiencing sciatica pain
• if you are experiencing weakness in muscles
• if you have problems with balance or dizziness
• if you want to improve your fitness or sports performance

Do I need a referral?

If you are a private patient you don’t need a referral. However, you will need a doctor’s referral and associated documentation if you are a worker’s compensation, motor vehicle accident or DVA patient. Please bring any additional information that may be relevant, such as x-rays or scans, to help us assess your condition as efficiently as possible.

• Further information regarding worker's compensation
• Further information regarding DVA

What do I need to bring?

It will increase your comfort and enable us to assess you more accurately if you wear clothes that allow us to easily access the area of your pain. For example, if we are assessing shoulder a sleeveless top is ideal, or if your pain is in your knee a pair of shorts is preferable. If your pain may be related to your shoes or other clothing or equipment, please bring them too. Please also bring any additional information including your x-rays, scans and reports.

How do I claim through my health fund?

We have HICAPS (Health Industry Claims and Payment Service) facilities available. Please bring your health fund card to your appointment and we can claim for you on the spot. You will be required to pay the gap, which will depend on your health fund and level of cover.

How long will the treatment take?

The first consultation may take up to 45 minutes. In addition, please arrive 10 minutes before your first appointment to complete a New Patient Form that will help us diagnose and treat your pain. Subsequent visits will take approximately 30 minutes. Treatment times will vary depending on the problem area treated and the types of treatment used.