Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy treat mastitis?
Ultrasound can be used to treat mastitis, along with antibiotics. Therapeutic ultrasound can also be used to treat blocked milk ducts and other postpartum conditions such as haemorrhoids, perineal tears or episiotomy scars.
Are pelvic health Physio appointments only for women?
No! Both men and children can also be treated for pelvic health conditions. These can include things such as bedwetting, constipation, bladder or bowel leakage or pre- and post- prostate surgery.
How to get the best out of your Remedial Massage:
- Hydrate !
Staying hydrated prior to your massage will make your muscles more pliable during your treatment.
- Be smart with your scheduling
It helps to optimize the time you schedule your treatment into your day. Ideally you want to make sure you aren’t planning on exercising too vigorously after your massage and if you know you are someone who feels sleepy post massage, try to schedule your massage after all your important duties for the day are completed or better yet, book it on a day off so you can completely relax!
- Breathe and Relax
Deep breathing and relaxing during your massage will allow your body and muscles to let go easier.
- Communicate !
If there are areas you’d like the therapist to spend more time on, if the pressure is not quite right or you are in too much pain that you can’t relax then let your therapist know !
What is Remedial Massage good for ?
Remedial massage is good for assisting in the treatment and management of:
- Muscle tension and tightness
- Back pain
- Shoulder and neck tightness
- Migraines and headaches
- Anxiety and stress
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Poor posture
- Sciatic pain
- Pregnancy related discomfort
- Recovery from previous injuries
- Joint tightness
- DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
- Recovery from sports or exercise
- Plantar fasciitis
- TMJ/Jaw tightness
Is Remedial Massage for everyone?
Remedial Massage can be of benefit to many individuals however there are some things that will need to be taken into consideration, these include
Certain medical conditions can be contraindicated for Remedial Massage therefore will need to be checked with your healthcare provider prior to scheduling your massage. These include but are not limited to:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Bone fractures
- Infectious skin conditions
- Recent surgeries
For undiagnosed conditions, it is required that you see a doctor, physiotherapist or other medical professional before you can go ahead with your massage. Diagnosing conditions is out of the scope of practice for a Remedial Massage therapist.
Pregnancy:
It is important to seek out a Remedial Massage Therapist who is trained in pregnancy massage to ensure safety and comfort. Our Remedial Massage therapist, Tawnee is trained in Pregnancy Massage.
Allergies:
Some people may be sensitive or have allergies to certain ingredients in lotions or oils used during your massage treatment, please let your therapist know prior to your appointment if you have any allergies.
Personal preference:
Some people may not enjoy massage and that is okay! There are other techniques you can use to relieve muscle tightness such as foam rolling and stretching !
How often should I get a massage?
This depends on your physical health, lifestyle factors including work and exercise and your budget.
Ideally scheduling a massage every 6-8 weeks is a great starting point for general maintenance, however if you have not had a massage in a long time and have let the tension build up due to stress, exercise, poor posture, then it may take a few sessions closer together to effectively address and alleviate tightness.
Remember every individual’s body is unique and may respond differently so the frequency required may vary from person to person!
Your Massage Therapist will assist you to plan your massage sessions according to your individual needs.
I want to start exercising, can a physio help me with this?
Absolutely! A physiotherapist can be a great resource and support for you as you begin your exercise journey. Physiotherapists are trained professionals with expertise in human anatomy, movement, and rehabilitation. They can help you in the following ways:
- Assessment: A physiotherapist will assess your current physical condition, including any past injuries or medical conditions that might affect your exercise routine. They will identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas that need improvement.
- Goal Setting: Based on your assessment and your personal goals, a physiotherapist can help you set realistic and achievable exercise goals. Whether you want to improve strength, flexibility, balance, or overall fitness, they can guide you in the right direction.
- Individualized Exercise Program: A physiotherapist will design a personalized exercise program tailored to your specific needs and abilities. This program will consider any limitations you might have, ensuring you perform exercises that are safe and effective.
- Technique: Learning the correct exercise techniques is crucial to prevent injuries and achieve the best results. A physiotherapist can teach you how to perform exercises correctly and provide ongoing feedback to ensure you remain safe.
- Injury Prevention: Physiotherapists can educate you about injury prevention strategies, which are especially important as you start exercising. They will help you understand your body’s limitations and how to progress your exercises safely.
- Monitoring and Progression: As you progress in your exercise routine, a physiotherapist can monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your program. They can gradually increase the intensity or modify exercises to keep challenging you appropriately.
- Motivation and Support: Starting a new exercise routine can be challenging, but a physiotherapist can provide motivation and support throughout your journey. They can celebrate your achievements and help you stay on track when you face obstacles.
- Rehabilitation: If you have existing injuries or physical issues, a physiotherapist can integrate rehabilitation exercises into your program, facilitating your recovery and reducing pain.
Before starting any exercise program, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, including a physiotherapist, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions, injuries or concerns about your physical health. They can provide personalized guidance to help you exercise safely and effectively.
I am sore after my Physio treatment, what does this mean?
Experiencing soreness after a physiotherapy treatment is a relatively common occurrence and is generally considered normal in many cases. The soreness you are feeling is often referred to as “post-treatment soreness”
Your physiotherapist will need to conduct an assessment of your condition to determine the best treatment. Sometimes this can cause some increase in soreness, however, assists your Physio to pin point the area and cause of your pain.
Treatment is then directed towards the cause of your pain. While your Physio is determining the pressure and level of treatment appropriate for your individual needs, you may experience mild soreness, which then informs our adjustments to treatments.
Some of the reasons for post-treatment soreness include:
- Muscle Activation: During physiotherapy, your therapist may have targeted specific muscles or areas of your body to promote healing and recovery. As a result, those muscles might have been worked more than usual, leading to temporary soreness.
- Increased Blood Flow: Physiotherapy treatments often involve techniques that improve blood circulation to the affected areas. This increased blood flow can result in mild inflammation, which may contribute to the sore feeling, however promotes healing in the area.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques like deep tissue massage or joint mobilizations can also cause soreness as they work on releasing tension and improving joint movement. This can cause some superficial tenderness.
It’s important to note that post-treatment soreness should be mild to moderate and typically resolves within a day or two. If the soreness is severe, persists for an extended period, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like intense pain, swelling, or redness, it’s essential to contact your physiotherapist to discuss your concerns.
To help alleviate post-treatment soreness, you can consider the following self-care measures:
- Rest: Allow your body adequate time to recover and heal.
- Ice: Applying ice to the sore areas for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.
- Gentle Movement: Engage in light activities or gentle stretching to promote blood flow and prevent stiffness.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to support your body’s natural healing processes.
- Over-the-counter Pain Relief: If needed, over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort (consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication).
Remember that physiotherapy aims to improve your overall well-being and address specific issues, and some level of soreness may be part of the recovery process. Communication with your physiotherapist is essential, as they can tailor the treatment to ensure your comfort and progress throughout your healing journey. Please ensure you let your Physio know if you experienced post-treatment soreness.
How many Physio sessions will I need?
The required number of treatments varies since each individual and condition is distinct.
After a thorough examination, a personalized treatment plan will be tailored to address your specific needs.
Several factors can influence the number of sessions needed, such as the type and severity of the injury or condition, its duration, your adherence to the treatment plan and home exercises, your age, and your personal beliefs and values.
It is important to note that getting you out of pain is only the first goal of Physio. We aim to then restore your movement, get you back to doing what you love, identify the contributing factors and prevent future injuries or episodes of pain.
The 5 Phases of recovery can be seen below:
What kind of things are involved in a Physio treatment?
The components of your treatment plan will be tailored to address your specific condition or issue. Physiotherapists possess expertise in various techniques, and your physiotherapist will carefully assess your situation to determine the most suitable methods for you.
Common treatments may include:
- Manual Therapy including massage, mobilizations of joints, and other manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and improve movement
- Dry needling
- Taping or bracing
- Prescribed exercises to improve movement, strengthen and rehabilitate the affected area
- Activity modifications or load management
Your treatment plan may encompass a combination of these techniques.
Do I need a referral to see a Physiotherapist?
As a private client, you are welcome to book an appointment with our Physios without the need for a referral.
If you are under a workers’ compensation claim, and aiming for payment coverage through Workers compensation, we kindly ask that you get in touch with us beforehand to ensure smooth processing of your treatment fees.
Similarly, if your GP has issued an EPC plan or Medicare plan, please make sure it’s arranged before your appointment. It’s essential to note that these plans will involve a gap payment and only a partial rebate.
For those covered under the Department of Veterans Affairs seeking fee coverage under DVA, a valid referral will be required to proceed with your treatment.
Rest assured, our team is here to assist you with any inquiries and make your experience as seamless as possible.
Should I see my Doctor or Physio first?
When should I see a Physiotherapist first?
Physiotherapists specialize in treating various physical conditions and injuries. We are highly trained to assess you and advise on the best treatment moving forward.
Physios can also refer for many x-rays and are trained to identify when this is required. They will also refer you to a Doctor if they feel this is required.
When should I see my Doctor first?
You should see your doctor first if you have any of the following symptoms:
-
- Sudden and intense pain or swelling without an apparent cause.
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever accompanying the pain or swelling.
- Severe pain
- Recent injury or trauma resulting in severe pain or swelling.
- Existing medical conditions that might contribute to the symptoms.
If your symptoms worsen or become unbearable while waiting for an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor’s office or seek immediate medical attention, such as visiting an urgent care center or emergency department.
Can I claim on my private health insurance?
Yes. Our clinics are equipped with HICAPS and EFTPOS facilities and your private health rebate can be claimed on the day for Physio treatments, massage and Physio Exercise Sessions.
Please note that the rebates are subject to your private health insurer and the level of cover you have. For more information, kindly get in touch with your Private Health Provider.
To determine if you can claim physiotherapy under your insurance policy, you can review your insurance documents, directly contact your health insurance provider, or access your online account to check the specifics of your coverage. Insurance policies may vary significantly in terms of the services they cover, so understanding the details of your own policy is essential to know if physiotherapy benefits are included.
Full payment for the treatment is required on the day.
What can I expect at my first Physio Appointment?
You have booked for first physio appointment and are wondering what you should do next!
- Please arrive 10 minutes early as there will be a couple short forms we would like you to fill out prior to your appointment
- Your physio will greet you at reception for your appointment
- To get a better understanding of what is happening, your physio will ask you a series of questions, including:
- What/when/how you have injured yourself
- What movements or activities make your pain better and worse
- What you are seeking from the appointment
- How this injury may affect the activities you do in your daily life
- The physio will then conduct a thorough assessment of the painful and surrounding areas
- Treatment of your injury will be based on the findings
- Prior to finishing the session, the physio will discuss with you a plan for managing the condition and educate you on how to speed up your recovery.
What should I bring to my Physio appointment?
Please bring along, any relevant documents such as referrals, letters, reports from relevant x-rays or scans. Also, come wearing comfortable clothing that will allow access to the area requiring treatment, while still allowing modesty.
How long are Physio appointments?
For your first consultation, kindly allocate 40 minutes.
If you are seeing one of our Specialist Physiotherapists, your initial appointment may be 1 hour.
This generous time frame enables your Physiotherapist to perform a comprehensive assessment, identifying your specific needs and devising a treatment plan in collaboration with you, ensuring optimal results from your therapy.
To facilitate this process, we request that you arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to complete essential paperwork, thus preserving your valuable treatment time.
As part of your treatment plan, your physiotherapist will offer guidance on the duration and frequency of your follow-up appointments, tailored to suit your individual requirements and preferences.