Physiotherapists will start by performing an assessment to understand your main problems and how they can help you. A treatment plan will then be developed after understanding your goals and how you would like to be helped. Treatments may involve ‘hands on’ manual therapy, exercise therapy or education for self-management of conditions. Hydrotherapy or gym-based exercise programs may also be incorporated into your treatment plan. Physiotherapists will often work with other health professionals such as doctors, dieticians and psychologists to give you the best chance of a successful outcome.

No. A physiotherapist is often called a physical therapist in North American regions.

According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association, physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease. There are a number of specialties of physiotherapy including (but not limited to) musculoskeletal/orthopaedic, neurological, cardiorespiratory, paediatrics (working with children), geriatrics (working with older people), and women’s and men’s health.

Physiotherapists work in all sectors of healthcare, including public and private hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centres, aged care homes, sporting clubs and community health centres. As first contact practitioners, you don’t need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists, doctors, and other health professionals will often work as part of a team to plan and manage treatment for a specific condition.

Physiotherapists have been in integral part of the health care system for many years. Physiotherapists are needed to assist people with reducing their pain, improving mobility and fitness, improving their posture and joint mobility and gaining a better understanding of how to manage their disease or condition.

In Australia, a referral is not required to be able to see an allied health professional such as a physiotherapist, although it is often helpful for you to bring as much information about your health history as well as any specific medical or surgical details that relate to your reason for seeing a physiotherapist. There are a few exceptions to this, where you will need to obtain a referral from your GP prior to attending our clinic. This includes:

• Workers Compensation Claims
• CTP (Third Party) Road Accident Claims
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Claims
• Medicare Claims (e.g. Chronic Disease Management referral)