What is Physiotherapy?

“Physiotherapy is a highly respected evidence-based healthcare profession. Physiotherapists use advanced tchniques and evidence based care to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of health conditions and movement disorders. Physiotherapy helps repair damage, reduce stiffness and pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life. ”
— Australian Physiotherapy Association

Physiotherapists are trained to assess your condition, diagnose the problem, and help you understand what’s wrong. Your treatment plan will take into account your lifestyle, activities and general health. Physiotherapists can assist with rehabilitation following acute trauma/injury, sports injuries, chronic injuries, occupational overuse, motor vehicle accidents as well as pre or post orthopaedic surgery.

Following an initial examination your physiotherapist will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan to address your goals and suggest long term management strategies for the future.

Physiotherapists are primary healthcare practitioners and are trained to recognise conditions that require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.

Physiotherapy is covered by most private health funds and by Medicare’s Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans. Physiotherapists are registered providers for ReturnToWorkSA and motor vehicle accident insurers (MVA).

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS Commonly SEE PEOPLE FOR THE FOLLOWING Conditions:

  • Generalised aches and pain

  • Minor sports injuries and tensions

  • Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise

  • Arthritic pain

  • Cramps

  • Sciatica

  • General, acute & chronic backache, back pain

  • Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic) / migraine prevention

  • Frozen shoulder/ shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck

  • Circulatory problems

  • Lumbago

  • Muscle spasms

  • Neuralgia

  • Inability to relax

  • Rheumatic pain

  • Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain

Who are our Physiotherapists?

We have two great Physiotherapists at Southside Clinic.

Dianne Colquhoun and Vivienne Jachmann

Dianne Colquhoun and Vivienne Jachmann

PHYSIOTHERAPY Treatment Techniques

Physiotherapists use a variety of treatments within their consultation. At Southside Clinic we offer:

Physiotherapy - Frequently Asked Questions

What SHOULD I expect when I visit a Physiotherapist?

During your first consultation, your Physiotherapist will ask questions and conduct a full examination. You will normally be asked to remove some of your outer layers of clothing, depending on the area of your body requiring treatment. Following treatment, your Physiotherapist may need additional investigations such as x-rays or scans. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed for you. If needed, your Physiotherapist may refer you on to another health professional.

Do you need I referral from MY GP?

Many patients are referred to Physiotherapists by their Doctor, other health practitioners or personal trainers. However, as Physiotherapists are primary practitioners, so you can make an appointment without a referral.

Under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program, many clients with chronic conditions can have up to 5 treatments per year partly covered by Medicare. In these cases, you will need a referral from your GP.

How long will MY treatment take?

Your initial consultation may last up to one hour because it includes a thorough case history and examination as well as treatment. Follow-up treatments are usually a little shorter. Depending on your condition, they can take up to 30-45 minutes.

What do I need to bring?

Your physiotherapist will ask to see any X-rays, scans or test results that you may have. Your physiotherapist may ask you to undress to your underwear depending on the area of your body requiring treatment. Therefore you may want to wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts if this would make you more comfortable. We do have shorts available at the clinic that you can use if need be.

If you have any further questions about the Physiotherapy services provided at Southside Clinic or if you would like to speak to a Physiotherapist at our clinic, please call us on 1300 10 11 22.