WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Physiotherapy is a first contact healthcare profession that uses physical means to assess, diagnose, treat, and work to prevent disease and disability. Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function who work in partnership with other healthcare practitioners and their patients, assisting them to overcome movement disorders as well as other health conditions. Such conditions may have been acquired through accident or injury, are the result of ageing or life-changing events, or may be present from birth.
WHAT DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST DO?
Physiotherapists are trained to assess your condition, diagnose the problem, and help you understand what is wrong. Your treatment plan will take into account your lifestyle, activities, general health, and your individual treatment goals.
The common treatment methods used by Physiotherapists include:
- Soft Tissue Massage
- Gentle joint mobilisation and manipulation to reduce pain and stiffness
- Muscle re-education to improve control
- Exercise programs to improve mobility and strengthen muscles
- 1-on-1 Clinical Pilates
- Hydrotherapy
- Taping procedures
- Acupuncture/ Dry Needling
- Airway clearance techniques and breathing exercises
- Prescribing the use of aids, splints, crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs
WHAT DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST TREAT?
Musculoskeletal Conditions:
- Neck pain (e.g. whiplash)
- Mid-back pain (e.g. postural strain)
- Lower back pain (e.g. disc injury)
- Headaches (e.g. tension headaches)
- Shoulder injury (e.g. rotator cuff tendonitis)
- Elbow injury (e.g. tennis elbow)
- Wrist injury (e.g. repetitive strain injury / RSI)
- Hip pain (hip arthritis)
- Knee pain (e.g. patella tracking disorders)
- Ankle injury (e.g. ankle sprain)
- Muscle strains / tears
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
Neurological Conditions:
- Sciatica
- Migraines
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dizziness / Vertigo
- Numbness in arms /hands or legs / feet
- Paraesthesia (pins & needles / tingling)
Post-Surgical Rehab:
- Spinal Surgery (e.g. discectomy)
- Shoulder surgery (e.g. rotator cuff)
- Hip surgery (e.g. hip replacement)
- Knee surgery (e.g. ACL repair)
- Ankle surgery (e.g. fracture fixation)
- Foot surgery (e.g. bunion repair)
Cardiopulmonary Conditions:
- Respiratory problems (e.g. asthma, COPD)
- Cardiovascular rehab.(e.g. by-pass surgery)
Do I need a Doctor's Referral to see a Physiotherapist?
GPs or specialists refer many of our Physiotherapy patients. As Physiotherapists are first contact practitioners, it is not a requirement to have a referral to see them. Your Physiotherapist will work closely with your existing healthcare team (e.g. GP, specialist, Chiropractor, Massage Therapist) to ensure everyone is aware of the treatment being conducted and maximise the benefits of other treatment provider’s therapy.
Talk to your GP to see if you are eligible for an EPC or CDM treatment plan under Medicare.