What is a Physiotherapist and can a Physiotherapist help you?
What is a Physiotherapist and can a Physiotherapist Help You?
When should you see a Physiotherapist?
What conditions can a Physiotherapist treat? (and other frequently asked questions about Physio)
If you’ve been a client at Bay City Health Group then you are likely used to seeing Clint or Felicity for Osteopathy treatment or for Pilates/Exercise Classes. You might have also seen my face floating around the clinic and/or in the Pilates Studio recently. But what you might not have realised is that as well as being a Pilates Teacher I am also a Physiotherapist!
And as the first Physiotherapist to the Bay City Health Group Team I thought it might be worth introducing myself and telling you a little bit about what a Physiotherapist (Physio) is, what we treat and what a session with me might entail.
Alright! Let’s dive on in!
What is a Physiotherapist?
The Australian Physiotherapy Association sums up what Physio’s do really well –“Physiotherapists help you get the most out of life.”
Physiotherapists will help you improve your quality of life by helping you reduce your pain, stiffness and working with you to increase your movement and strength to treat and prevent injury.
As a Physiotherapist I’m trained to assess your injury/pain or condition, help identify a cause and diagnosis and then work with you to develop a treatment plan that will help you in your recovery.
I’ll often ask you what you’d like to get out of the sessions with me, what lifestyle activities and sport or work-related tasks you might be finding difficult and what you’d like to get back to doing most.
We’ll then work together to help you understand your condition, the treatment that is required and the best pathway going forwards to get you back to doing the things you love most
What Types of Treatments do Physio’s do?
I will use a range of treatments depending on your condition and what I feel will provide you with the most benefit (this choice will always be made with you as I feel it’s super important for you to be involved in the decision-making process).
Some of the treatment types I may use with you include (YES! We do do hands on treatment)
Joint mobilisation to help with stiffness and pain
Soft tissue massage
Taping
Prescription of Strengthening programs to help you regain strength and mobility
Muscle retraining and motor control exercises
Pilates and Rehab Exercise Programming
Assistance in using a mobility aid or brace (crutches, walking stick, brace)
What sort of Injuries and conditions can a Physio treat?
I can help with the diagnosis and management of many acute conditions and sporting injuries, including things like;
Ankle sprains
Shoulder pain, dislocation
Muscular strains
Lower back, neck and upper back injuries (Disc bulges, sciatic pain, muscular sprains)
Knee Injuries/ Pain (meniscal and ligament tears)
Hip and Buttock Pain
As well as this I can also help guide you towards the best management of these conditions and refer you on for X-ray, Ultrasound or MRI if necessary.
If you have had an acute injury and may require surgery, I can help you with both your prehab (prep before surgery) and rehab after the surgery. This often will involve some hands-on techniques to help you regain your mobility and reduce your swelling and will always include education to you around what movements and exercises you can be doing along your rehab journey to help you get back to sport, work and living life to its fullest.
What If I’ve had Pain or an injury for a while? Can you help me with this?
I can also help you if you have a more chronic conditions, or if you have had any aches or pains that have been lingering for a lengthier period of time and are Impacting on your day-to-day life or on your ability to do the things you love (like running, walking playing sport, gardening, picking up the grandkids).
This means I can help you if you’ve had any of the following
Chronic Lower back/neck pain
Sciatica
Osteoarthritis
Achilles Pain/Tendinopathy
Osteoporosis
Chronic and ongoing pain
Pelvic Girdle Pain
Ongoing Joint or Muscle Pain
In these situations, the aim would be to try to get to the bottom of what is happening with your pain and how this is impacting on your daily function and lifestyle, with the aim of getting you back to the things you love. And If I don’t feel like I can help you I’ll be sure to refer you onto someone who I think can.
Can You Refer me to see a Surgeon or Specialist?
Unfortunately, I cannot refer you on to see a Surgeon or specialist, but if this is the best option for you I will be sure to fax a referral through to your Doctor with a recommendation for what specialist you should see.
I will work closely with your current doctor and any other health care providers you may see to make sure that we are all on the same page and all working together to help you as best we can. And if your care involves treatment from Clint or Felicity then we will communicate and work closely together to ensure that you are getting the best treatment and care possible.
Do I need a Referral to see a Physiotherapist?
No, you don’t need a referral to come and see me or any other physiotherapist. All you have to do is call the clinic on 03 5229 3220 or book an appointment via our website - click here.
Can I claim my Physiotherapy Appointment on my Private Health Insurance?
If you have extras cover on your private health insurance then it is likely that you will be able to claim some of your Physiotherapy appointments on your insurance. The rebate that you receive will depend on your individual health fund and the level of cover that you may have so for more detailed information be sure to contact your own health fund.
Can I claim my Physio Led Exercise Classes with you?
If you have a health condition or injury and are seeing me for a 2:1 or even a 4:1 program tailored to your individual needs then generally speaking this should be covered by your Physiotherapy Extras (under the code 560). But similar to above, you will need to check with your particular health fund to determine the amount of rebate you may receive back and if you are indeed covered for these sessions.
Group Reformer Pilates Sessions run by myself are not claimable on your Private Health Fund. (to find out more about our Reformer Pilates Classes – click here)
Hopefully, that has given you a better understanding of what a Physiotherapist is, what conditions I can treat and if and how I might be able to help you best. If after reading this you feel that a Physiotherapy Appointment is the way to go for you then give our reception team a call on 03 5229 3220 and ask to see me - Steph!
