What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps improve your quality of life by reducing pain and joint stiffness, improving strength, helping to recover from injury or surgery and preventing future injuries. Physiotherapy treatment vary and may involve hands on techniques such as soft tissue release, joint mobilisations, trigger point release, cold laser, acupuncture or dry needling as well as prescribing exercise programmes.
Physiotherapists work with people of all ages to treat a broad range of health conditions. At our practice we are equipped to treat musculoskeletal injuries such as sports injuries, osteoporosis and arthritic conditions, post surgery rehabilitation, motor vehicle injuries, workplace injuries, pregnancy related pain and womens health conditions such as prolapse and incontinence.
Physiotherapists are primary contact practitioners who are involved in the assessment, diagnosis, planning and management of patient care.
What is women's health physiotherapy?
Women’s health physiotherapy involves the assessment and treatment of pelvic conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy related pain, abdominal separation, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and faecal incontinence. Assessment involves a one on one discussion about your symptoms in a private room. Physical examination can aid in the assessment.
When would I need to see an Physiotherapist?
There are a wide range of triggers that may lead to a person being referred or choosing to see a physiotherapist. This includes everything from sports injuries to chronic health conditions. Some typical reasons to see a physiotherapist include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis
- Musculoskeletal and sports injuries
- Occupational health
- Pain management
- Sports injuries and prevention
Health funds and Medicare rebates are available when indicated.
Do pelvic floor exercises work?
Pelvic floor exercises are just one treatment option. Sometimes pelvic floor exercises will make a condition worse, so a detailed assessment by a women’s health physiotherapist is recommended if you have any concerns. Other treatments include postural education, core strengthening, stretching and relaxation techniques and pessary use.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists are first contact practitioners so you do not need a referral but we will work together with your GP and other health professionals to provide the best health outcomes.
How long is a Physiotherapy consultation?
A women’s health assessment is 60mins
An initial physiotherapy session is about 45min
A follow-up physiotherapy session is about 30min
No referral is needed to see a physiotherapist unless you wish to consult one under the Veterans’ Affairs scheme or for WorkCover in Queensland.
What will happen in a Physiotherapy consultation?
Your physiotherapist may use a combination of any of the following treatments, manual therapy, movement training and joint mobilisations, trigger point release, acupuncture and dry needling. Often, a personal exercise program is prescribed, tailored to meet your body’s specific individual needs. A physio will consider any problems you may already have, and adapt the program to suit your lifestyle.