FAQs
These are some of the questions we’re often asked.
Physiotherapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage a broad range of conditions including of bones, muscles, nerves, and the cardiovascular system. They can help people to manage chronic diseases, give lifestyle advice, prescribe exercises, recover from acute and chronic injuries, as well as prescribe aids to help people maintain activity, life style and activities of daily living.We're passionate about improving lives and livelihoods, with a keen interest in the management of:- Ankle sprains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendinopathies
- Muscle strains
- Meniscal injuries
- ACL reconstructions
- Knee arthroscopes
- Hip and knee osteoarthritis management, including the GLA:D program
- Sciatica
- Gluteal bursitis and tendinopathies
- Neck and back pain
- AC joint and rotator cuff injury
- Shoulder pain
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Women’s health, including pregnancy related aches pains, pre and post-natal rehabilitation
Do I need a referral?
In general circumstances, no referral is required, however Medicare EPC patients or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) patients will require a referral from their GP.
What happens during my consultation?
During your initial consultation your physiotherapist will take a thorough history concerning your presenting problem as well as your medical and surgical history. Your physiotherapist will make all efforts to accurately diagnose your condition and initiate a treatment plan during your first visit, where possible.
Can I get a rebate from my private health insurance?
The Canberra Physio Clinic offers HICAPS facilities which allow convenient on-the-spot health fund rebates for patients insured with eligible health funds. We advise patients to contact their health fund for further information regarding rebates.It is a requirement that fees are paid at the time of your consultation.
Will Medicare cover the cost of my appointment?
If you have a chronic and complex medical condition, such as osteoarthritis, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate under the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program. This is a care-plan arrangement between The Canberra Physio Clinic and your GP, however your GP alone will decide if you are a suitable candidate. If you have any questions regarding EPC care plans, please feel free to contact us for information. Alternatively please contact Medicare on 132 011.
Will my DVA card cover the cost of my consultation?
Yes. DVA Gold Card holders will receive a full rebate for podiatry consultations and other treatment related expenses with a valid referral from their GP. Please contact us prior to seeking a referral to receive the necessary information for your GP. For other forms of Veterans’ Affairs Cards (such as Green or White cards) please contact DVA on 133 254 for details regarding physiotherapy related rebates.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Where possible it is helpful to wear clothing that will enable your physiotherapist to have access to your affected body part. For example if presenting for a shoulder injury wear a singlet, or for a knee assessment wear shorts or loose fitting pants. In the event this is not possible, we have freshly cleaned shorts, singlets and full length robes to preserve your modesty.
What should I bring to my appointment?
If you have a referral from your GP or other health care professional, please be sure to present it at your appointment. It is also advised to bring and x-rays/scans that will aid your physiotherapist with your condition
I am not sure if a physiotherapist is the right person to see for my problem?
Physiotherapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage a broad range of conditions including of bones, muscles, nerves, and the cardiovascular system. They can help people to manage chronic diseases, give lifestyle advice, prescribe exercises, recover from acute and chronic injuries, as well as prescribe aids to help people maintain activity, life style and activities of daily living. If you are unsure if we can help please call our Belconnen (02) 6189 5440, or Manuka (02) 6189 5445 clinics, and one of our staff will be more than happy to discuss your problem and advise if we can assist.
How can a physiotherapist help my children?
Children’s development is very important and may impact the rest of your child’s life. A physiotherapist can assess joint range of motion, position, muscle strength and function to ensure limited joints, incorrect muscle tone or abnormal growth do not impede normal function and development. Our physiotherapists can also aid with growing pains, injury as well as provide support, strength and conditioning to aspiring young athletes.
What is the GLA:D program?
The GLA:D program rose following clinical research conducted in Denmark, that resulted in an exercise design that has been shown to drastically reduce symptoms of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. Only physiotherapists with significant additional training by GLA:D Australia are able to oversee the exercise program.The GLA:D program has been shown to improve bone and muscle strength, aid joint stability, reduce pain and reinstill confidence with movement.To learn more about the GLA:D program visit https://gladaustralia.com.au/education-glad-australia-trainers/faqs/ or call Belconnen (02) 6189 5440, or Manuka (02) 6189 5445 clinics for more information.
How do I make an appointment?
You can book 24/7 with our online booking service, or please telephone one of our clinic on (02) 6189 5445 (Manuka), or (02) 6189 5440 (Belconnen) and talk to our helpful staff.The Canberra Physio Clinic is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5.30pm.
Do you have more questions?
If your questions aren’t answered here feel free to call us on (02) 6249 1758.