What is Physiotherapy / Physiotherapist?
Australian physiotherapists are registered health care professionals with university qualifications. Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems. Physiotherapists also help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.
Physiotherapy includes a wide range of specialities that meet the health needs of different people such as babies and children, sportspeople, pregnant women, injured workers, senior citizens and anybody else with a movement related problem.
Physiotherapy programs are based on practical goals agreed between the physiotherapist and the patient. Physiotherapists help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume or maintain their normal job or lifestyle.
When necessary, physiotherapists will consult with other health professionals to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.
Why choose an APA Physio
All physiotherapists registered to practise in Australia are qualified to provide safe, effective health care. Physiotherapists who are members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association make an extra commitment to quality health care.
APA physiotherapists are required to undertake continuing professional development programs to keep themselves up to date and to abide by a Code of Conduct which sets out expected standards of professional conduct. These are important commitments to quality health care and are important points to remember when you are choosing your physiotherapist.
Many APA members also have further qualifications and expertise in special areas of physiotherapy practice such as paediatrics, women’s health, gerontology, continence, manipulation therapy, hydrotherapy, cardiorespiratory therapy, ergonomics and occupational health, sports medicine, neurology and orthopaedics.
What Should I expect from treatment?
The physiotherapist’s overall management of your problem involves:
- Observing and assessing your movement and your overall physical condition
- Analysing and identifying your problems
- Developing a treatment program with you (and your family or carers) and, where appropriate, other members of the health care team
- Managing the treatment or training program based on your jointly agreed goals
- Evaluating progress, modifying treatment if necessary, and stopping treatment once goals have been reached
Do I need a referral?
A doctor’s referral is not necessary to see a physiotherapist in private practice, although frequently your doctor will work in partnership with a physio to plan and manage treatment for a specific condition.
How long does an appointment take?
Any where from 30mins to 1 hour depending on your treatment needed. Please advise reception when making your appointment if you are on a time limit.
What is Pilates?
An exercise system developed to improve posture, breathing, “core” stability, strength and flexibility. It involves a series of controlled movements, engages your mind and body and leaves you feeling more physically balanced.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called “qi”, that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins.
Acupuncturists insert needles into specified points along meridian lines to influence the restore balance to the flow of qi. There are over 1,000 acupuncture points on the body.
In 1997, acupuncture needles were reclassified from “experimental” to “medical device” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The National Institutes of Health released a consensus statement in the same year endorsing acupuncture for the treatment of a variety of conditions such as post-operative pain, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
There are numerous theories about how acupuncture works. Some of them are:
- acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins
- acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain
- acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system
- acupuncture stimulates circulation
- acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body
Can I specifically request a male or female Physiotherapist?
Yes. Just let one of our friendly reception staff know your preference when you are making an appointment and they will be happy to help you find an appropriate time with the Physiotherapist of your choice.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
You should wear clothing that your feel comfortable in and allows your Physiotherapist to properly assess your injury (eg. if you have a knee injury, it is best to wear shorts or pants that roll up easily). If you have had any imaging done prior to your appointment (xrays, MRIs etc), it can help your Physiotherapist if you bring these reports along as well. If you have any other information that you think might help your Physiotherapist assess and treat your condition, feel free to bring it along also.
Is Physiotherapy treatment covered by my private health insurance?
Yes. If you have extras cover for Physiotherapy, each consultation is can be claimed immediately on site, so you will only be out of pocket the gap between the amount paid by the health fund and the total cost of the treatment. The gap payable will depend on your health fund and your level of cover.
