FAQs For Physiotherapy
What can a Physiotherapist do for me?
A Physiotherapist provides more than just some stretching and trigger points therapy. Physios increasingly help with overall physical health.
They help to ease joint pains using mobilisation techniques. For the prevention and rehabilitation of injury, whether they may be recurring or not, they prescribe exercises to suit your needs, which in turn also help retrain your motor control skills.
Do I need a referral to see a Physiotherapist?
Not always. There are a few different routes you can go down when wanting to see a physiotherapist, and each route will determine whether you need a referral or not. If you are a private patient and/or wanting to claim your private health insurance, you do not need a referral, but you will need to provide your private health insurance card. For Work Cover, Bulk Billed Medicare EPC or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claims, a doctors referral is required. If you have consulted your GP already regarding your condition and they have given you a referral, please remember to bring that along to your appointment.
What is the difference between a Physiotherapist and an Exercise Physiologist?
Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy are both recognized Allied Health professions. Physiotherapists are health care professionals who assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute injury, disability, and pain through various approaches. These include education, therapeutic exercise and movement, manual therapy techniques and physical modalities. Exercise Physiology primarily treat patients using clinical exercise as their primary modality. They also have a strong focus on behavioral change and self-management strategies.
How quickly should I get an appointment?
With injuries, we have found that early intervention and fast treatment is advised to prevent a small issue from turning into a larger musculoskeletal injury. Early intervention also assists with recovery time periods, preventative measures can also be put into place with the right treatment plan.
Can the Physio refer me for X-Rays?
At Doveston Health, we cannot refer you for X-Rays. Generally, that is something that a GP must decide, and they will refer you for that if they believe it is necessary.
How will I be assessed?
Your physiotherapist will ask you to do some non-strenuous movements while standing, sitting, or lying down. They will also examine the tissue in the area that is causing you pain and assess your flexibility and range of motion.
Will it hurt?
Usually, you will not experience any pain during their assessment, but you may feel some discomfort. It is important to tell your physiotherapist when anything feels uncomfortable. This will give them more insight into the problem and help them when creating your treatment plan. You might experience some soreness after your assessment. This is completely normal.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
This is very individual specific. Depending on the severity and nature of your injury and how well you take to your treatment plan, will determine how long it takes for your body to recover, therefore how many sessions you will need. Our physiotherapists tailor treatment plans specifically designed for your needs and goals. It is essential for your health to stick to your treatment plan for the best possible outcome.
What will my treatment involve?
This depends on what is causing your problem. All our physiotherapist at Doveston Health are trained in a vast variety of different techniques, and they will decide which methods are the most appropriate for you. Manual therapy (stretching, resistance and joint manipulation) Exercise Massage Trigger point therapy (applying direct pressure to the problem area) Posture correction Your treatment plan is likely to involve a combination of some or all of these techniques.
Can I opt out of a particular treatment?
Yes, of course you can. It is your body, and if there are any elements of your treatment plan you do not feel comfortable with or prefer not to do, you need to tell your physiotherapist. None of the treatments your physio suggest are compulsory. Physiotherapy is flexible and they can easily find you an exercise that you would feel more comfortable doing.
Will I have to do anything between sessions?
Yes, your treatment plan will include several exercises for you to do at home between sessions. The exercises won’t be strenuous, but they play the bigger part in the speed and extent of your recovery. Your physiotherapist will do a run through of all your exercises and will make sure you know and understand how to do each of them correctly.
How important is it for me to continue the work outside of sessions?
We understand that sometimes you want a “quick-fix” for your injury, and sometimes you may feel better after your first session leaving you wondering why I need to continue with the exercises given by the physician. However, it is important for you to follow your treatment plan to receive the best results possible. You will be surprised at all the physical health benefits that come with sticking to your treatment plan, including improved flexibility, mobility, and strength.
