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What types of problems can physiotherapy help? What if I am running late or cannot make my appointment? Does Medicare cover physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques to help your muscles and joints work to their full potential. It can help repair damage by speeding up the healing process and reducing pain and stiffness. Physiotherapists also have an important role in rehabilitation, for example, helping people who have had strokes to relearn basic movements. However, physiotherapists don’t just offer treatment; their advice can help you prevent problems from returning or even from happening in the first place.
Physiotherapists assist people with movement disorders which may have been present from birth (such as cerebral palsy), acquired through accident or injury (such as motor vehicle accident or sporting injuries), or the result of life-changing major events (such as stroke or the development of a disease of the nervous system.) Physiotherapists can help solve and avoid many of the painful problems that you may encounter throughout life. Whether you’re young or old, active or taking it easy, there’s a good chance you could benefit from physiotherapy at some point.
What types of problems can physiotherapy help? Virtually any condition that affects your muscles, joints, or nerves can be helped by physiotherapy. Common problems include:
- Painful conditions such as arthritis - Back and neck pain, including whiplash - Problems affecting children including cerebral palsy - Pregnancy-related symptoms such as back pain and stress incontinence - Upper limb work-related problems, also know as repetitive strain injury (RSI) - Asthma and other breathing difficulties - Sports injuries - Stroke and other neurological problems.
Before any action is taken your physiotherapist will assess your condition, diagnose the problem, and help you understand what’s wrong. The physio will work with you to develop a treatment plan that takes into account your lifestyle, leisure activities, and general health. This will include advice on how you can help yourself; for example, you may be shown exercises that you can do between treatment sessions. Where appropriate, physiotherapists also advise carers how they can help. Physiotherapists use a variety of treatments. For example: - Exercise programs, including exercise in water and group exercise programs, designed to improve mobility and strengthen muscles - Massage - Joint manipulation and mobilisation to reduce pain and stiffness - Muscle re-education - Hot and cold packs and electrotherapy to relieve pain, reduce swelling, speed up the healing process, improve movement, and increase functional abilities - Airway clearance techniques and breathing exercises, to assist people with a variety of breathing difficulties - Assistance with the use of aids, eg splints, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs. Throughout the treatment or re-training program, the physio evaluates your progress at regular intervals, modifying treatment and goals when necessary. Wherever possible your physio will also work with you to help you learn to manage your condition independently for the longer term.
Do I need a referral?
A private patient is someone who will be paying for the treatment themselves.
What should I bring? If you are claiming your treatment on Workcover, you will also need to bring with you the doctor's referral, and/or medical certificate and claim number. If you are a DVA patient, you will need to bring the doctor's referral form (D904) and your DVA card with you. If you have been provided with an EPC plan, you will need to bring the doctor's referral forms and your Medicare card with you.
What if I am running late or cannot make my appointment? We require 24 hours notice if you want to cancel your appointment or there is a $50 cancellation fee for initial appointments and a $30 cancellation fee for repeat appointments. Your consideration with this also helps us to plan our staffing levels and avoid turning other clients away who may require immediate treatment.
How long will it take?
What should I wear?
How do I pay?
Does Medicare cover physiotherapy treatment?
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