We've outlined a number of common questions regarding physiotherapy and visiting our practice for physiotherapy treatment.
Click here for information regarding your first appointment, including what to wear and what type of information you'll need to provide to us.
Our physiotherapists are highly trained in treating a large variety of conditions. We work with our patients to not only treat the pain, but also to identify the cause of the pain and manage it where possible. Click here for more information on conditions we treat.
No, most clients do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist.
However, we do work closely with your doctor and keep them informed. We may refer you back to your doctor if we believe it is necessary.
You will need a referral if your fees are being paid by Work Cover or Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or as part of an insurance claim.
Most first appointments are 30–45 minutes long. Allow an hour so that you don’t have to rush.
For initial pelvic floor consultations, allow 45–60 minutes.
For follow-up appointments, allow 30–45 minutes.
Most insurers will cover physiotherapy under 'extras' cover, but it is best if you check directly with your insurer to confirm.
We have chosen not to take part in any health fund’s ‘preferred provider’ scheme. The Australian Physiotherapy Association has advised physiotherapists not to be a preferred provider because of the severe and unfair restriction of fees involved.
It is important to note that a preferred provider does not have any extra qualifications or professional expertise; they have just entered into an arrangement with a health fund. We are not supportive of this type of arrangement.
Yes! If you have had physiotherapy in the past and you have felt that it has either helped or hindered your pain, please let us know.
We will seek your consent before any treatment and you can withdraw your consent at any time. Please feel free to discuss any concerns with your physiotherapist.
Absolutely! We understand that some people have other financial priorities. Let your physiotherapist know if you can come only once or twice, so we can give you a comprehensive program of home exercises and self-help skills in order for you to get the best possible results.
The time allotted usually permits us to assess and treat only one area. We prefer to start with the worst area. If the areas of pain are directly related (e.g. back pain with referred buttock and leg pain, or neck and shoulder blade with arm pain), they can usually be treated in the one regular session.
You can book for an extended treatment for more than one condition if you prefer; however this requires extra time and does cost more. Please discuss your requirements with our receptionist when making the appointment so the correct time can be allotted.
Real Time Ultrasound
Real time digital ultrasound scanning is a diagnostic and biofeedback tool used by physiotherapists to look at muscles inside your body as they contract. We particularly look at the deep abdominals, the back muscles and the pelvic floor muscles. It is the same type of ultrasound scanner used to image babies in the womb, so it is a safe procedure. There are no side effects.
Real time ultrasound allows us to observe the muscles’ size and the way they contract during movement, and check the order in which various adjacent muscles work to produce a movement. It means that we get a more comprehensive understanding of your body and can tailor your treatment accordingly.
We also use it to teach you about the different muscles and how to engage each of them. The machine allows you to see exactly which muscles you are engaging at different times, which is sometimes not the muscle/s you are attempting to engage!
Research has shown that there is an optimal way for the deep abdominals to contract, however sometimes muscles start to work differently in order to compensate following an injury. This applies not just to the injured muscle, but to the muscles surrounding it too and can continue even once the pain has gone away. It is important to rehabilitate these muscles so that they return to working efficiently and keep the spine or joints stable.
Using real time ultrasound, we can identify and then begin to correct any abnormal muscle action.
With pelvic floor muscles, we can clearly see the lifting motion at the base of the bladder and whether the muscle fatigues easily.
Pelvic floor clients need to drink two glasses of water 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. This will help us see the bladder when we look at your pelvic floor contractions with the scanner. Please tell us if this is a problem.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions.