Exercise Physiology for Pain-Free Living

Generally the earlier we begin to address a problem, the quicker we recover.

When you first hurt yourself you will generally go through an inflammatory phase which usually lasts for the first 2-3 days. During this time your tissues may be red, hot and swollen, pain will be more intense and your movement will be affected. This is due to a number of inflammatory chemicals being in the area sensitising the tissues, effecting more of a pain response in order that you protect these tissues so further damage does not occur. It is important to respect this natural phase of healing and you may feel there is not much you can do to help yourself during this phase. You may wish to apply some ice or take some paracetomol or anti-inflammatories at this point. At day 2-3 the repair phase kicks in and this is when it is a good time to see your physio. Your pain levels will be less intense and you will tolerate the assessment better and be able to start some gentle exercises and really start to move forward with your recovery.

You do not need to see a GP before you see a physio. Physios are first contact practitioners, which means physios have sufficient training that you can see them without a GP referral. If your treatment is being funded through a 3rd party such as Workcover, Medicare or CTP insurer then you will need a GP referral and possibly some other documents also. This is to ensure the third party will pay for your treatment. Please call 32008541 to discuss further if you need to clarify your situation.

If you are attending physio as a private client you will be paying privately. If you have extras cover with your health insurer they will pay a benefit to us and you will liable for the gap between what they pay and our usual fee. If your treatment is being funded through a 3rd party such as Workcover, Medicare or CTP insurer then you will need a GP referral and possibly some other documents also. This is to ensure the third party will pay for your treatment. Please call 32008541 to discuss further if you need to clarify your situation.

The benefit your health fund will pay for your treatment varies from health fund to health fund, and even within health funds dependant on your level of cover. You will need to have extras cover and have physiotherapy as one of the services covered by your extras cover. Some health funds cover physiotherapy as a matter of course others you will have had to nominate physiotherapy to be covered. The best way to ascertain how much your health fund will pay is to ask your health fund.

All of these allied health professionals practise much the same thing: non-invasive, drug-free, manual techniques, which aim to improve physical health and wellbeing. All practitioners have completed a Bachelors University degree at a minimum and are registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency). Physiotherapy is a more conventional, evidence-based discipline and often doctors prefer working with physios for this reason. All of these disciplines treat similar areas and it is really a matter of choice and particularly previous experience. If you have received successful treatment from any of these disciplines then that is often a likely choice for you. If you have received unsuccessful treatment at any of these disciplines, it may be a preferred option to try something different. Remember all practitioners will have their own strengths and weaknesses and may specialise in one area or another and this may be something to consider. Also, therapists have varying years of experience and more experienced therapists may be preferred.

For more info click on this link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-03-16/physiotherapy-chiropractic-osteopathy-whats-the-difference/8360154

Massage has many benefits and can be very helpful in some situations. However, if you have had a recent injury and are unsure as to the cause of your pain seeing a physio who will look at your bones, joints and nervous system as well as your muscles may be more beneficial. A physio will also look at the bigger picture regarding your presentation and the context in which your injury occurred. A physio will also educate about factors that may be contributing to your pain, educate you about your condition and prescribe exercises to facilitate the treatment given. Often these factors are imperative to consider for your optimal recovery. Your physio has a Bachelor Degree from University as opposed to your massage therapist who may have a Diploma or Cetificate IV.