Physiotherapy

The role of a Physiotherapist is to effectively assess, diagnose and treat physical problems for all types of clientele. Using preventative techniques, exercises and equipment, physiotherapists tailor individual treatment towards the management of a range of acute and chronic illness and conditions. 

Physiotherapists play a unique role in in an allied health team as they often utilise and implement knowledge across a range of disciplines. In combination with other health professionals such as exercise physiologists, physiotherapy is often best focussed on the initial diagnosis and manual treatment of injuries and pain. This neatly compliments other exercise rehabilitation treatment by helping to improve and manage mobility, pain free range and flexibility.

Frequency of sessions are dependent on the clinical need of the person but generally range from 1 to 3 consultations per week, which then extends as injuries, pain and conditions improve. Physiotherapists can see most funding types including DVA, Medicare, NDIS, Private, Return to Work and Insurance clients.

Physiotherapists can be responsible for:

• Conducting physical assessments, diagnosing and performing both hands on and educational treatment 
• Providing manual therapy including manipulation, mobilisation and massage
• Treating acute injuries such as sporting injuries 
• Managing chronic illness and disease 
• Managing disabilities 
• Rehabilitation – pre- and post-surgery (such as knee, hip, back, shoulder surgeries)
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Stroke recovery
• Functional and work capacity assessments 

Physiotherapists can see a wide range of clientele, which may include: 

• Children and adolescents
• Adults
• The Elderly
• People with disabilities 
• Athletic populations
• Groups and teams

The types of injuries and conditions Physiotherapists can work with can include:

• Musculoskeletal conditions (such as back pain, neck pain, tendinitis and bursitis)
• Joint problems (such as arthritis, sprains and strains)
• Healthy populations
• Chronic diseases and pain (such as spondylosis and osteoarthritis)
• Sporting injuries
• Postural related issues and conditions
• Respiratory diseases and illnesses (such as Asthma and COPD)
• Developmental delays
• Traumatic Brain Injuries 
• Neurological conditions including stroke, MND, MS
• Vestibular and balance issues
• Mental health through exercise and pain management