Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
No, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist at Spectrum Healthcare. We are a private practice and welcome direct access patients. However, if you have a chronic condition or are claiming through the NDIS, WorkCover, or CTP insurance, a referral or treatment plan from your GP or specialist may be required for eligibility. If you're unsure, give our friendly team a call and we'll guide you through your specific situation.
Does private health insurance cover physiotherapy?
Yes, most private health insurance policies include physiotherapy as part of their extras cover. The amount you can claim depends on your individual policy and annual limits. We have on-the-spot HICAPS claiming, so you can swipe your card at the end of your appointment and receive your rebate immediately. We recommend checking with your insurer before your first visit to confirm your level of cover.
What happens at my first physiotherapy appointment?
Your first appointment is all about understanding you and your condition. We begin with a thorough assessment, which includes discussing your medical history, your current pain or injury, and your goals. Our physiotherapist will then perform a physical examination to identify the root cause of your issue. This may involve assessing your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. We'll then explain our findings, provide a clear diagnosis, and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs — all before any treatment begins.
Can physiotherapy help with sports injuries?
Absolutely. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for sports injuries, including sprains, strains, tendonitis, ligament tears, and overuse injuries. Our physiotherapists work with everyone from weekend warriors to competitive athletes, using a combination of hands-on treatment, targeted exercises, and advanced technologies like shockwave therapy to speed up recovery. We also focus on injury prevention, helping you return to sport stronger and more resilient than before.
What conditions do you treat with physiotherapy?
Our physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Sports injuries (sprains, strains, tendonitis)
- Joint pain and stiffness (shoulder, knee, hip, ankle)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Arthritis and age-related conditions
- Sciatica and nerve-related pain
- Workplace and repetitive strain injuries
- Balance and mobility issues
If you're unsure whether physiotherapy is right for you, just give us a call — we're happy to discuss your situation.
Will my appointment be painful?
We aim to make your treatment as comfortable and effective as possible. Some techniques — like deep tissue massage, joint mobilisation, or dry needling — may cause mild discomfort during the session, but this is typically a sign that we're working on the right area. We always work within your tolerance and will adjust the pressure or technique to ensure you're comfortable. Most patients leave feeling relieved, looser, and more mobile than when they arrived.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, its severity, and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients see significant improvement after just 1–3 sessions, while others with chronic or complex conditions may benefit from a longer treatment plan. We'll discuss this with you after your initial assessment and provide a realistic timeline. Our goal is always to get you better as quickly and safely as possible.