Question 1

Do you need a referral to see a Registered Physio?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Do you bulk bill?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Do you take private health fund?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

How does Physiotherapy help heal the body?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Are Physio exercises supposed to hurt?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Should I bring my scans to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

When should I arrive to clinic?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Is the site easily accessible/parking?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Is your clinic COVID safe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What if Physio doesn’t work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is the difference between Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Osteopathy and Remedial Massage?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Can Physiotherapy help avoid surgery, injections or scans?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Do I need a GP referral for Workcover?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Does Physiotherapy help me to return to work faster?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

I have a CTP claim due to injury, can I start treatment?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Will I need physiotherapy after cast removal?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

Is Physiotherapy covered by Medicare in Australia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How many physio sessions does Medicare cover?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Who is eligible for Medicare-funded physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

What happens after my 5 Medicare sessions are used?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 21

Can I shower after a physiotherapy consultation?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 22

What should i wear to Physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

How long is a Physiotherapy appointment?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

Can I use Medicare and Private Health Insurance together?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 25

Can Physio make the pain worse before it gets better?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 26

Does pain mean more damage?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 27

Can Physiotherapy reduce the need for painkillers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

Should I take painkillers before Physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 29

Can painkillers hide an injury?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

Will painkillers interfere with Physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 31

Should I see a Physiotherapist before return to sport?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 32

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist and a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 33

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 34

Do I need imaging before seeing a Physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 35

Why do we prefer manual therapy over dry needling or shockwave therapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS