What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a health care profession that assesses, diagnoses, treats and gives advice for the area of pain, stiffness or discomfort. Physiotherapists help people with injury, pain, stiffness or disability by using manual techniques, exercises, movement, education and advice. Physiotherapists help you get back to your optimum function.
What is the difference between Physio and Chiro?
Both physios and chiros treat musculo-skeletal conditions, involving treatment of both joints and muscles to try and reduce pain and increase range of movement. The main difference from a treatment point of view is that physios will use a wider range of techniques involving soft tissue massage, joint mobilization and exercise to restore normal movement while chiros tend to use spinal manipulation or “cracking” the joints. Physiotherapists take a more active approach to treatment, encouraging patients to complete their home or clinic based rehabilitation to not just fix the problem but to stop it from coming back.
Do Physios crack backs?
Your physiotherapist may include spinal manipulation (cracking) as part of your treatment if it is deemed appropriate. Our physiotherapists may manipulate the thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (low-back) region but we do not manipulate the cervical region (neck).
Is cracking my joints dangerous?
Our joints are filled with synovial fluid and when moved apart quickly the vacuum force within the joint may cause gas to be formed. Spinal manipulation is the cavitation of gas bubbles within a joint, this is the sound you hear, not the actual bones cracking.
Can I claim?
Yes we accept all health funds. You are able to claim if you have a health care provider and are covered for Physiotherapy. You are able to swipe your card on the day and only pay the gap. Rebate varies depending on your individual cover. Please ask us for the specific code if you would like to call your provider to see how much will be covered.
What is the cost?
An Initial Consultation with our Senior Physiotherapists Tahlia and Caitlin is $100 and with our Associate Physiotherapists Emma and Leah is $90.
Follow up consultations with Tahlia and Caitlin are $95 and with Emma and Leah are $84.
We are Medibank preferred providers so we charge the rates stipulated by Medibank Private.
For more details head to our prices page here.
How often do I need to come?
Each injury and person is different. We recommend coming frequently at the beginning so you are able to make progress and changes to your muscles and joints. To come to a point where you have completely overcome your problem you may be required to rehabilitate with an exercise program.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. If you are attending as a private patient then no referral is required. If you are claiming under Workers Compensation or Motor Vehicle Insurance then you will require a GP referral.
Will there be a gap payment for EPC/Care Plan claims?
Between the hours of 11am – 1pm, EPC appointments will be bulk billed with our Associate Physiotherapists (Emma & Leah).
Outside of these times or with our Senior Physiotherapists at all times (Tahlia & Caitlin), we charge the standard appointment price where medicare will then rebate you back the $56.
How is Dry Needling different to Acupuncture?
Dry needling is a treatment modality used by physiotherapists which involves inserting fine needles into trigger points to assist in muscular relaxation. Acupuncture follows Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques and involves thin needles being inserted along Meridian lines or “energy pathways” in the body. Acupuncture needles are left in for longer periods, anywhere up to 30 minutes, while dry needling needles are only inserted for a few minutes maximum to illicit the desired muscular response.
Can you see a Physiotherapist if you’re pregnant?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to attend physio whilst you are pregnant. Certain positions, modalities and techniques will be avoided but we still ensure you will have a thorough treatment.
Can physiotherapy help pelvic floor problems?
Yes. Our physiotherapists can assess your pelvic floor and surrounding muscles using Real Time Ultrasound. They can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles, as well as how to correctly activate them. If they feel you need further assessment and treatment they can refer you to a Womens Health Specialist.
Will my injury keep reoccurring for the rest of my life?
We aim to assist you in a thorough rehabilitation program to help strengthen weak muscles or lengthen tight muscles that may be contributing to your injury or condition. We can assist in postural awareness, muscle activation, motor control and strengthening. Our aim is to completely resolve your problem or help you best manage it if resolution is not possible.