Click a question to learn more.
- How quickly can I get in for my first appointment?
- What is physiotherapy?
- When would I need to visit a physiotherapist?
- How long is a physiotherapist appointment and how many sessions will be required?
- What should I expect during my physiotherapy appointment?
- Does MSP cover my physiotherapy treatments?
- Will my extended health plan cover my physiotherapy treatment?
- What if I am already seeing another healthcare practitioner?
- Do I need a doctor's referral to come to physiotherapy?
How quickly can I get in for my first appointment?
We make every effort to book an appointment within 24 hours. You can also book online now & see the availability of our therapists through our user friendly app.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy (or physio) itself is one of the oldest medical professions and is a recognised as an important way of maintaining good flexibility, mobility and also a way of alleviating pain and building up strength lost due to injury or illness, or everyday joint and muscle problems.
Physiotherapists are experienced, medically trained professionals who are experts in their field and it is their job to know the mechanism of the body’s muscles, nerves and joints and how they function together in order for you to move freely and comfortably. Many people are advised or choose to undertake a course of physiotherapy following illness, surgery or if they have prolonged joint pain. It is also a tried and tested method of improving flexibility after suffering a stroke or other neurological disorder. Additionally, physiotherapy greatly aids those suffering from many other illnesses such as arthritis, RSI (repetitive strain injury), development delay, respiratory conditions, heart problems and cancer to name a few. As well as relieving pain and minimising trauma, physio aids in the body’s healing process which is why in injury or illness it is a popular choice for rehabilitation.
Your physiotherapist will use a selection of methods to treat your problem from hands-on skills to discussing lifestyle changes where necessary and look at the longer term by suggesting exercise programmes which will help you in dealing with keeping persistent pain at bay. Physiotherapists tend to work hand in hand with other specialists to aid in your recuperation and may well refer you to another consultant to work in conjunction with them or vice versa.
When would I need to visit a physiotherapist?
There are many reasons why you might be referred to a physiotherapist, or even decide to self-refer. The following list will give you an idea as to when a physiotherapist may be able to help with your joint, nerve or muscle pain or improving strength:
- When you experience prolonged muscular, joint or nerve pain
- Following an injury such as sporting, caused during physical exercise or a work trauma or after a vehicle accident
- If you are experiencing severe bruising, large or prolonged swelling, stiffness
- If you have a deformity
- If you experience regular numbness of joints, muscles or nerves or feelings of pins and needles
- If you experience incontinence
- If you are experiencing balance problems or falling sensations
- Should your muscles show signs of weakness
- If you feel as if your joints are giving way
- Should you be experiencing pain following giving birth
- To improve your performance in sport
- To gain optimum fitness and flexibility
- To improve your general strength, in sport or otherwise
If any of the above applies to you, do seek advice from Care & Cure Physiotherapy clinic, it is better to seek help from a medical profession rather than ignore symptoms.
How long is a physiotherapist appointment and how many sessions will be required?
Initially, you should allow an hour and a half for your first consultation as our Physiotherapist will need to take a full assessment of your problems or needs and decide how to treat you. Your first treatment should take place at your initial consultation and following this, your further appointments will be shorter – however, this is only a general rule, appointment time will depend on your condition and how it is going to be treated.
Following your initial meeting, your Physiotherapist will give you a more definite answer as to how many appointments you will need in order to bring you back to optimum health. You will possibly be asked to undertake some further exercise or stretching at home too coupled with other therapies – all will aid in your recovery.
What should I expect during my physiotherapy appointment?
You will be asked to describe your symptoms so the Physiotherapist understands what is causing you pain or what your needs are (e.g., if you want to improve your sporting performance). Your Physiotherapist will take notes about your medical history and your lifestyle and what you want to achieve from your sessions. You will then be assessed for your muscular, joint and nerve strength and mobility as well as other small tests to understand how your pain is inhibiting your body’s ability to function normally. As a suggestion, come in suitable clothes as you may need to get undressed to present the area of concern.
Following this assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to diagnose the problem and work out a course of action for treating you – your first session of treatment may even happen at your initial assessment. You will be consulted every step of the way so that you are able to agree steps to be taken such as exercises, manual stimulation and other therapies to aid recovery. Your Physiotherapist will also discuss with you how to manage your issue and how to avoid it happening again, with careful guidance. As well as your Physiotherapist giving you an idea as to how many appointments you will need for treatment to be effective, your progress will be periodically monitored to ensure its success.
Does MSP cover my physiotherapy treatments?
Only those MSP beneficiaries with premium assistance status are eligible for a combined annual limit of 10 visit for physiotherapy. For further information on Premium Assistance please visit The Medical Services Plan Web site or call us to check whether you are eligible for MSP coverage.
Will my extended health plan cover my physiotherapy treatment?
Although everyone’s health and group plans are different, most plans will cover at least part of your physiotherapy treatment costs. Please check with your provider for more detailed information on benefits available to you.
What if I am already seeing another healthcare practitioner?
We are happy to consult with your current or past healthcare providers in order to better understand your situation and determine how we can work together. We do ask that you inform us of any treatment you are currently receiving so we can adapt your program if needed and track results more accurately.
Do I need a doctor's referral to come to physiotherapy?
A referral from your doctor is not required to receive physiotherapy treatment. However, it is recommended that you consult the doctor if the treatment is related to workplace or motor vehicle injury as it may speed up the process of accepting your claim.