Written By: Super Clinic Physiotherapist, Annabel White.

1. What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists specialise in disorders of movement and rehabilitation following an injury, surgery, or illness. Physiotherapists are trained to assess and manage a large range of conditions- musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory.

Physiotherapists use evidence-based practice to help diagnose and assess injuries and can help guide you to an appropriate treatment plan to help you return to your optimal level of function and reduce the risk of reinjury. By using evidence-based practice we are ensuring that the techniques and assessments used are effective and beneficial in helping the presenting concern.

2. What will happen at my first appointment?

At the beginning of your appointment physiotherapists will ask you a range of questions to help create a clear picture of your presenting condition and see what is important for you and how the injury is impacting your life. From here we look at how you are moving by having you complete a range of movements within your pain levels, we will also complete a hands on assessment.

After our conversation and the physical assessment, your physiotherapist will form a diagnosis/ clinical picture as to what is likely causing the pain or concern. From here the physiotherapist will formulate a tailored treatment plan for you and outline the expected timeline for your injury/ concern and what the steps will be going forward.

3. What type of treatments do you do?

Physiotherapists use a range of treatment techniques to help with your pain and concerns. We often use a combination of:

• Soft tissue release: Massage, trigger points and dry needling are all different ways to help release muscle tension.
• Exercises, we will prescribe different exercises to target your specific concern.
• Stretching, stretching helps maintain muscle length, if your muscle tightness appears to be contributing to your concern stretches will be prescribed.

4. How many times will I need to visit my Physiotherapist?

Every person and their condition is different, your physiotherapist will help outline a specific treatment plan after their assessment. Gradually session frequency will be reduced as your condition improves. We like to be able to provide people with the tools required to be able to manage conditions into the long term so they don’t feel like they dependent on us for relief.

5. What is the difference between a Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist?

A physiotherapist will assess, diagnose, and treat you for a specific condition. They will use manual therapy, exercise, and education during your treatment. An Exercise Physiologist will assess you and manage your condition through a graduated exercise program. They can also provide advice and education on general wellbeing and function through exercise for a wide variety of health conditions.

Book an appointment with Physiotherapist Annabel White HERE.