FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please check the questions below and contact us if you have further questions. 

1. What is a physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is a primary health care professional who has completed a University Degree. Physiotherapists are dedicated to assessing, restoring and improving physical function. Musculoskeletal and Sports physiotherapists have undertaken further Post Graduate University studies in this specialised area and have specific expertise in musculoskeletal pain, injury management and prevention. Physiotherapists must be registered in order to practice and are required to undertake on going professional development.

2. When should I see a physiotherapist?

Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy can be of benefit for people of all ages with a variety of conditions including
  • sport or dance injuries
  • traumatic injuries such as whiplash
  • neck or low back pain
  • chronic or on going pain
  • post operative rehabilitation
  • injury prevention
  • exercise prescription for general health
  • pre and post pregnancy
  • breathing issues such as hyperventilation
  • You can access a physiotherapist directly and do not need a doctors referral. Prompt attention to injuries or pain can help to optimise your recovery and return to activity.

3. What type of treatment will I receive? 

Treatment will depend on your injury and needs. This may include
  • Education about your injury and management plan
  • Activity modification to optimise recovery
  • Joint mobilization or manipulation
  • Soft tissue massage and myofascial release
  • Home exercise programme appropriate to your injury and needs
  • Exercise utilising pilates equipment to facilitate joint mobility, muscle strength and flexibility
  • Return to sport, dance or exercise management plans
  • Postural education and retraining exercises
  • Acupuncture (Western)

Investigations
Your assessment may highlight the need for further investigation. This may involve referring you back to your GP or for an x-ray or ultrasound to help confirm/rule out a specific diagnosis.

Onward referral – working as part of a team
Close links with other health professionals including Sports and Musculoskeletal Physicians, Orthopaedic Specialists, Podiatrists, Nutritionists, Exercise Physiologists and Sports Psychologists ensure you will receive optimal and co-ordinated care. Your treatment can also tailored to work in with other health care providers

How long will each appointment take?

All initial assessments will be one hour unless otherwise stated.
Follow up appointments will be 30, 45 or 60 minutes depending on the nature of your injury.

What should I bring to my appointment?

If you have any medical or x-ray reports and ACC details bring these along with you.
If you have had an x-ray or MRI these can be viewed online with you.
Wear comfortable clothing you are able to move freely in or if you wish you can change into shorts etc once you arrive.

Is my appointment covered by ACC?

If you have an accident and you would like physiotherapy treatment, you can come directly to the clinic.
​Your physiotherapist will discuss with you whether or not you are eligible for ACC.
You don’t need a doctors referral before coming to see us for treatment.
​
ACC helps by paying for part of the cost of each treatment, which means you will have to pay a proportion of the subsidised treatment – see treatment costs for details.