Frequently Asked Questions: Physiotherapy
Specific Physiotherapy have answered the most frequently asked questions about Physiotherapy. Please feel free to call us on 0490 021 474 and speak to our friendly Physiotherapist if you have any questions, or if you’re not sure if we can help. You can also email us if you have further questions that need answering at info@specificphysiotherapy.com.
Physiotherapy Appointments
How do I book an appointment?
Please book online via the website or call 0490 021 474 and we will help you find a time for your requirements.
How long is an appointment?
An initial appointment is 60 minutes long and involves a thorough assessment, education on your presentation and a comprehensive treatment. Review appointments are 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes. Appropriate appointment time lengths vary depending on presentation and can be discussed with your physiotherapist.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist. However, a doctors referral is required for a Medicare EPC program or if you are claiming treatment via a compensable body. If you have any further questions please contact us at 0490 021 474.
What is a medicare enhanced primary care program?
The Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program is a referral only program from your GP which provides 5 Medicare rebated Physiotherapy sessions per calendar year. To qualify for the program, you need to have had persistent pain for longer than 3 months.
Should I send you imaging reports?
Any relevant information about your condition will help the Physiotherapist make an informed assessment, so if possible please send imaging reports to info@specificphysiotherapy.com prior to attending your appointment.
Physiotherapy Payment
How do I pay?
EFTPOS and HICAPS facilities are available. Payment can be made with debit card, cash or credit card (Visa & Mastercard). We are a preferred provider for all the major insurance companies.
What is the cancellation policy?
We require notification of cancellation 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment, otherwise a cancellation fee will be incurred. The cancellation fee is equal to 50% of the consultation fee.
What health funds do you work with?
ACA Health Benefits Fund
AHM Health Insurance
Australian Unity
BUPA
CBHS Corporate Helath
CBHS Health Fund
CDH Health Fund
CUA Health Fund
Defence Health Limited
Doctors Health Fund
Emergency Services Health
GMHBA Limited
Grand United Corporate Health
HBF Health Limited
HCF
Health Care Insurance Fund of Australia
Health Partners
LaTrobe Health Services
Medibank Private
Mildura Health Fund
Navy Health Ltd
NIB
Nurses and Midwives Health
Peoplecare Health Insurance
Pheonix Health Fund
Police Health
Railway and Transport Health Fund
Reserve Bank Health Society
St.Lukes Health
Teachers Health Fund
Transport Health
TUH
Westfund Limited
Physiotherapy Treatments
Who benefits from physiotherapy?
All patients, regardless of age, benefit from relief from pain that has its source in the muscles, skeleton, ligaments, nervous system, or other soft tissues. Following an illness or injury, the goal is to re-establish movement and regular body function.
Do you manipulate joints?
Although we do not always need to use it as a therapeutic option, physiotherapists are trained to move or "crack" joints. When a joint cracks, nitrogen gas that has been trapped inside the joint capsule escapes, relieving pressure on that joint. Other therapy options can also produce the same outcomes. We won't use any manipulative methods without getting your permission first.
How many treatments will I need?
For an injury, each patient will require a different amount of treatments. Some patients just need one treatment, whilst others need a more comprehensive programme that is monitored over several months. Your recovery may be impacted by a number of variables. Our goal at Specific Physiotherapy is to provide you the tools you need to manage your rehabilitation on your own, in addition to the treatment.
What should I bring/wear?
We often need to examine the wounded area in question in order to fully evaluate and treat properly. We recommend wearing singlets for shoulder and neck issues and shorts for lower limb and pelvic ailments. You will need your primary activity shoes, such as runners, work, or golf, for orthotic evaluations. Your cleated shoes and cycling shorts for bike setup. If you do forget, we have extra singlets and shorts at our practice.
What conditions can be treated?
Almost all conditions that cause pain, weakness, immobility, stiffness, loss of feeling, or loss of movement can be treated by physiotherapists.
What will I be expected to do in-between treatments?
To guarantee that your rehabilitation is as successful as possible and to reduce the likelihood of any relapse, we collaborate with you. As a result, you will have plenty to consider and do during the week. Just as crucial as your treatment is what you do in between sessions.
Is physio appropriate for my neck and back pain?
The cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) regions of the spine can all present with dysfunction, which physiotherapists are trained to treat. In reality, neck and back issues make up the majority of the physiotherapy burden in private practice.
Will I be in pain after my treatment?
Depending on the nature of your problem, discomfort may occasionally follow treatment. If this happens, it should only persist for a day or two at most. Pick up the phone and call us if you are unsure before leaving.
Do you provide post surgery physiotherapy?
Depending on the procedure and surgeon you had, there are specific postoperative procedures that we adhere to. To help maintain your file comprehensive and guide treatment, please bring any operation notes, instructions, or scans with you. As an alternative, we will make an effort to get in touch with your surgeon and/or secretaries to confirm accuracy.
Do you have any questions?
Please call the clinic on 0490 021 474 or email at info@specificphysiotherapy.com