FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No, you do not need a referral from a GP to be seen privately. However if you are a DVA patient, Workcover or have a GPCCMP (EPC - Medicare) plan, then a doctor’s referral will be needed.

No, patients presenting with a GPCCMP (Replaced EPC) Medicare plan for a limit of 5 sessions per year, will have an out of pocket fee of $10-35 per consultation. We are able to process your Medicare claim on the spot. Must be considered elligible by your GP to get a Medicare plan for Physiotherapy.

Yes, you can claim on site through our HICAPS system. Additionally we have eftpos and credit card facilities.

Physiotherapy aims to maximise your body’s natural ability to heal. Treatment aims to accelerate the healing process, jump start it and prevent lifelong impairment.

No, in the vast majority of cases your exercises should be comfortable to not irritate your body further. Each patient will be at different stages of recovery and so the exercises should be adapted at each level.

Yes, you can bring any relevant information, scans or reports to your physiotherapy appointment.

Please arrive at the clinic 15 mins before your initial appointment to fill out your important patient details. Please arrive 10 mins earlier for standard consultations.

Yes, the entrances to the practice are wheelchair accessible. There is 3 hours of free council parking available at 2a Brown St Garage (carpark). Entry to the clinic is via the Phoenix Arcade entrance.

Yes, we apply strict hygiene measures in this clinic. There is regular sanitising, hand washing and masks used. If you feel ill please contact us to reschedule your appointment.

Please consult with your physiotherapist at each stage to get an individualised opinion on your case. If you are not getting the expected improvements, further investigations or other options will be suggested.

Physiotherapy focuses on clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation and long-term recovery. Treatment includes exercise therapy, manual therapy and structured rehabilitation programs. Chiropractic mainly focuses on spinal adjustments and manual treatment aimed at relieving joint restriction and pain. Osteopathy uses gentle hands-on techniques and holistic assessment to improve body mobility and balance. Remedial massage targets muscle tightness and tension relief, often providing short-term symptom improvement. For many injuries and pain conditions, physiotherapy is considered a first-line conservative treatment because it aims to restore strength, movement and function.

In many cases such as: back pain shoulder injuries knee problems sports injuries A well-guided physiotherapy program can significantly improve symptoms and function, potentially avoiding scans, invasive injections and often helping patients delay or avoid surgery.

You usually need a WorkCover certificate of capacity from your GP, with Physio treatment recommended. In order for the Insurer to cover the cost of the consultations. Otherwise you are able to cover the cost and be reimbursed by the Insurer if approved.

Yes. Structured rehabilitation can improve strength, movement and work tolerance, helping support a safe and timely return to duties.

When you lodge a claim, you are able to access 2 sessions of pre-approved Physiotherapy. The Physiotherapist will assess your condition and recommend to the Insurer if more treatment is required.

Yes. Rehabilitation helps restore movement, strength and function after a period of immobilisation.

Physiotherapy is covered by Medicare in limited circumstances. You may be eligible for a partial rebate if your GP refers you under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan.

Medicare covers up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year under a CDM plan. These sessions are shared across all allied health providers, not just physiotherapy.

You may be eligible if: You have a chronic condition (lasting 6 months or more) Your GP has created a CDM plan and referral Speak with your GP at the end of the day.

Once your sessions are used: Further physiotherapy is not covered by Medicare for that calendar year. You can continue as a private patient Or claim through private health insurance (extras cover) if available

In most cases, yes. You can shower after your physiotherapy session. However, it depends on the type of treatment you received. When it’s usually fine to shower: After; Exercise-based treatment Stretching or manual therapy (massage, mobilisation) Movement assessments You can shower as normal after these sessions. When you may need to wait You may be advised to delay showering if you’ve had: Dry needling or acupuncture → wait 2–4 hours Taping (sports or kinesiology tape) → avoid getting it wet for at least a few hours Electrotherapy or heat treatments → short wait may be recommended depending on skin sensitivity Why might you need to wait? To reduce irritation or infection risk (e.g. after needling) To allow treatments like tape to properly adhere To avoid skin sensitivity reactions immediately after treatment Our advice at Frontline Family Physio At Frontline Family Physio in Ashfield, we’ll always let you know if there are any specific aftercare instructions following your session. If you’re unsure, it’s best to: Ask your physiotherapist before leaving Or contact us for clarification

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and gives your physiotherapist access to the area being treated. General recommendations Loose or stretchy clothing Activewear, gym clothes, or comfortable casual wear Supportive shoes or sneakers if movement assessment is required Depending on your injury Shoulder or neck pain → singlet, tank top, or loose T-shirt Knee, hip, or leg injuries → shorts or loose pants Lower back pain → comfortable clothing that allows movement and assessment You are welcome to bring a spare change of clothes and change in the treatment rooms of our clinic. If coming from work, if you happen to forget. Don't fret, you can still be treated.

At Frontline Family Physio our initial consultations may take between 45-60mins, depending on if it is a single area or 2 areas being assessed and treated. Our subsequent consultations will take up to 30mins or 45mins if 2 areas are being treated. Extended consultations are for treating 2 or 3 areas and will take up to 60mins.

You generally cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same physiotherapy appointment. If you’re using a Medicare-funded physiotherapy session under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, you can only claim the Medicare rebate for that visit. How does it work? If you use Medicare You’ll receive a partial Medicare rebate A gap fee usually applies You cannot also claim private health insurance for that same session If you use private health insurance You can claim through your extras cover Your rebate amount depends on your health fund and level of cover Medicare does not apply

Sometimes, yes. It’s not uncommon to experience mild soreness or a temporary increase in symptoms after physiotherapy—especially early in treatment or when starting new exercises. This is usually a normal response as your body adapts to movement, rehabilitation, or hands-on treatment. It also indicates that the body is trying to heal as it sends cells required for repair to the area. Why can symptoms temporarily increase? Physiotherapy may involve: Strengthening weak muscles Mobilising stiff joints Improving movement patterns Returning injured tissues to normal activity As a result, you may feel: Muscle soreness Mild stiffness Temporary irritation in the treated area This often settles within 24–48 hours. What is considered normal after physio? Common short-term reactions include: Mild aching or soreness Feeling like you’ve exercised muscles you haven’t used recently Temporary fatigue after treatment or exercise These responses are usually manageable and improve quickly. When should I be concerned? You should contact your physiotherapist if you experience: Severe or worsening pain Significant swelling Numbness or weakness Symptoms lasting longer than a few days Pain that feels very different from your usual symptoms

Pain does not always mean harm or injury. Sometimes sensitive tissues need gradual exposure to movement and loading as part of recovery. At Frontline Family Physio, we aim to progress treatment at an appropriate pace so rehabilitation is both effective and manageable. However, pain is generally the body recognising potential or actual damage. There is a common phrase where 'no pain, no gain.' This phrase is counterproductive and should not be thought of during rehabilitation of your body. Speak with your Physiotherapist about what you should be listening to.

In many cases, yes. Physiotherapy aims to address the underlying cause of pain through: Exercise and strengthening Improving mobility and movement patterns Hands-on treatment Education and recovery strategies As symptoms improve, some patients find they rely less on pain medication over time.

Some patients choose to take pain relief before their appointment if symptoms are severe, as it may help them move more comfortably during assessment and exercise. If you’re unsure, discuss it with your physiotherapist, GP, or pharmacist—especially if you: Have medical conditions Take other medications Are unsure which pain relief is appropriate for you

Pain relief can sometimes reduce your awareness of symptoms, which is why it’s important not to suddenly overload the injured area just because it feels better temporarily. At Frontline Family Physio, we help guide you on safe activity levels while recovering.

Usually not. Physiotherapy and pain relief are often used together, especially in the early stages of recovery or during painful flare-ups. Common options may include: Paracetamol Anti-inflammatory medications (if appropriate and advised by your doctor or pharmacist) However, medication should support rehabilitation—not completely replace movement and recovery strategies.

In many cases, yes. Seeing a physiotherapist before returning to sport can help reduce the risk of re-injury and ensure your body is ready for the demands of training and competition. Even if pain has improved, it does not always mean strength, mobility, balance, or fitness have fully recovered. Why is return-to-sport assessment important? After an injury, you may still have: Reduced strength or stability Poor movement patterns Decreased endurance or coordination Ongoing tightness or joint stiffness Returning too early can increase the risk of: Re-injury Compensatory injuries Persistent pain or reduced performance What does a physiotherapist assess before return to sport? At Frontline Family Physio, return-to-sport assessments may include: Strength testing Mobility and flexibility assessment Balance and control Running, jumping, or change-of-direction movements Sport-specific functional testing We also help guide a gradual progression back into training and competition. Who should consider physiotherapy before returning to sport? Physiotherapy can be helpful after: Muscle strains or tears Ligament injuries (e.g. ankle sprains, ACL injuries) Tendon injuries Fractures or surgery Long periods away from training It can also benefit athletes wanting reassurance before returning to full intensity. Can physiotherapy improve sports performance too? In many cases, yes. Improving movement quality, strength, mobility, and load management may help: Reduce injury risk Improve efficiency and performance Support long-term participation in sport

Physiotherapists and personal trainers both help people move and exercise, but their training and roles are different. A physiotherapist is a university-trained healthcare professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats injuries, pain, and physical conditions. A personal trainer focuses primarily on general fitness, exercise coaching, and performance goals. What does a physiotherapist do? Physiotherapists help manage: Pain and injuries Rehabilitation after surgery Sports injuries Joint, muscle, and nerve conditions Mobility and movement problems Treatment may include: Exercise rehabilitation Hands-on therapy Injury assessment Return-to-sport guidance Education and recovery planning At Frontline Family Physio, we tailor treatment programs based on your condition, goals, and stage of recovery. What does a personal trainer do? Personal trainers primarily help with: General fitness and conditioning Strength training Weight loss goals Exercise motivation and accountability Improving athletic performance They design exercise programs for healthy individuals or those looking to improve fitness. Should I see a physio or a personal trainer? You may benefit from seeing a physiotherapist if you: Have pain or an injury Are recovering from surgery Keep getting recurring injuries Are unsure whether it’s safe to exercise Need rehabilitation before returning to sport or gym training A personal trainer may be suitable if your main goal is: Fitness improvement Strength and conditioning General exercise coaching Can physiotherapists and personal trainers work together? Yes. In many cases, physiotherapists and personal trainers complement each other well. A physiotherapist may help you recover from injury and safely return to exercise, while a personal trainer can assist with ongoing fitness and performance goals afterward.

Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists both use exercise to help improve health and movement, but they have different training backgrounds and areas of focus. A physiotherapist is trained to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries, pain, and movement problems. An exercise physiologist focuses more on exercise-based management of chronic health conditions and long-term physical health. What does a physiotherapist do? Physiotherapists help manage: Sports and musculoskeletal injuries Back and neck pain Joint and muscle conditions Post-surgical rehabilitation Mobility and movement issues Treatment may include: Hands-on therapy Exercise rehabilitation Movement assessment Dry needling or taping Pain management strategies At Frontline Family Physio, physiotherapy treatment is tailored to help patients recover from injury, reduce pain, and return to normal activity safely. What does an exercise physiologist do? Exercise physiologists primarily use structured exercise programs to help manage: Chronic health conditions Cardiovascular disease Diabetes Osteoporosis Obesity and general health concerns Their focus is often on improving long-term health, fitness, and physical function through exercise prescription. Who should see a physiotherapist? You may benefit from physiotherapy if you: Have pain or an injury Need rehabilitation after surgery Want hands-on treatment Have difficulty moving or returning to sport Need assessment of a physical problem Who should see an exercise physiologist? Exercise physiology may be suitable if you: Need support managing chronic medical conditions Want supervised exercise for long-term health Need guidance with fitness and exercise tolerance Are starting exercise with complex health concerns Can physiotherapists and exercise physiologists work together? Yes. Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists often work together as part of a broader healthcare team. For example: A physiotherapist may help reduce pain and rehabilitate an injury initially An exercise physiologist may then assist with long-term exercise progression and chronic disease management

In most cases, no—you do not need imaging such as an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound before seeing a physiotherapist. Many muscle, joint, and movement problems can be assessed effectively through a detailed history and physical examination. When is imaging not usually necessary? Imaging is often not required for common conditions such as: Back or neck pain Muscle strains Mild joint injuries Tendon irritation General aches and pains Research shows that scans do not always change treatment and may sometimes show age-related findings that are not actually causing symptoms. When might imaging be recommended? A physiotherapist may suggest imaging if there are signs of: Significant trauma or suspected fracture Severe weakness or nerve symptoms Persistent symptoms not improving as expected Suspected serious underlying conditions Surgical or specialist referral needs At Frontline Family Physio, we assess whether imaging is likely to change management or improve decision-making before recommending it. Can physiotherapists refer for imaging? Depending on the situation and local regulations, physiotherapists may recommend or refer for certain types of imaging such as xrays of the spine or hip mainly, or advise you to see your GP if further investigation is needed.

At Frontline Family Physio, we generally prefer manual therapy because it allows treatment to be more personalised, adaptable, and integrated with active rehabilitation. Manual therapy may include: Joint mobilisation Soft tissue techniques Assisted movement and stretching Hands-on movement assessment We often combine this with exercise and education to help improve movement, reduce pain, and support long-term recovery. Why not rely mainly on dry needling or shockwave therapy? Dry needling is an invasive procedure which carries a small risk of infection. Shockwave therapy tends to be relatively limited in its benefits and is not supported strongly in the literature. Dry needling and shockwave therapy may provide temporary symptom relief for some conditions, but they are often more passive and less adaptable during treatment. In contrast, manual therapy allows the physiotherapist to: Assess how your body responds in real time Modify pressure, movement, and technique instantly Combine treatment with movement retraining and exercise Tailor treatment to individual comfort and presentation Is manual therapy more comfortable? For many patients, yes. Some people find dry needling or shockwave therapy uncomfortable or irritating, particularly when symptoms are already sensitive. Manual therapy is often: Gentler and easier to adjust Better tolerated during flare-ups Useful for reducing stiffness and improving movement confidence Do manual therapy techniques “fix” the problem? Manual therapy is usually most effective when combined with: Exercise rehabilitation Strengthening Mobility work Education and load management Our goal is not simply short-term pain relief, but helping patients improve function and reduce recurrence over time.