Frequently Asked Questions
1) What can physiotherapists treat?
Our physiotherapists specialise mainly in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, such as joint sprains, muscle strains, back pain, neck pain, tendon injuries etc.
They can also treat some other issues, such as impaired balance, women's health issues and chest physio to help improve the efficiency of coughing with some pulmonary disorders.
If you're not sure if you need to see a physio or some other health professional, give us a call and we can point you in the right direction.
2) Do I need a doctor's referral?
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.
3) Is physiotherapy covered by HICAPS?
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'll contribute towards the cost.
4) Is physiotherapy covered by Medicare?
Up to five sessions of physiotherapy annually can be covered by Medicare 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.
5) How long will each appointment take?
Initial consultations are 40 minutes and follow up appointments are 20 minutes.
6) Will I need to get an X-ray?
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.
7) Should I wait until the swelling goes down?
No, waiting until the swelling goes down on an injury is not generally necessary. If swelling appears to be one of the major problems then your physiotherapist will be able to tailor treatment to assist in reducing swelling.
8) Will getting treatment be painful?
Many assessment and treatment techniques are looking to reproduce your pain, 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.
9) Will I get sore after treatment?
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.
10) Can I just get a massage / acupuncture?
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.