HARTWELL PHYSIO - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is physiotherapy? Physiotherapy is a primary healthcare profession that aims to help people restore and maintain their physical function, mobility, and overall well-being. It involves the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. FIND OUT MORE
2. What conditions can be treated with physiotherapy? Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, sprains, strains, arthritis and fractures. We can also treat headaches, jaw pain, vertigo and pelvic floor issues. FIND OUT MORE
3. Should I see a physio or go straight to my GP? For most aches, pains, and injuries (think back pain, a dodgy knee, a shoulder that’s not right) you don’t need to see your GP first. You can come straight to us. We’re trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal problems independently, and if we think something needs a doctor’s attention, we’ll tell you and help you figure out the next step.
4. Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist in Australia? Nope, just call or book online and you’re good to go. The one exception worth knowing about: if your GP has set up a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) for you, you may be able to claim some Medicare rebates on your sessions. It’s worth asking your GP if you have an ongoing condition, or just mention it when you book with us and we’ll help you work it out.
5. Do I need to see a physio for my pain, or will it go away on its own? Some aches improve naturally, but recurring or persistent pain often benefits from physiotherapy. Our team at Hartwell Physio in Camberwell can assess your condition, identify the cause, and provide a tailored plan to reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent future injuries.
6. How long should back or neck pain last before I see a physio? If pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps returning, or interferes with daily life, it’s a good idea to book an assessment. Early intervention often prevents chronic issues and helps you return to normal activities faster.
7. What happens at my first physiotherapy appointment? Your first visit includes a full assessment of your movement, strength, and function, alongside a discussion of your goals and medical history. We then create a personalised plan that may include hands-on therapy, exercise programs, and education to help you recover safely.
8. Can physiotherapy help knee arthritis or avoid surgery? Yes. Physiotherapy can improve joint function, reduce pain, and strengthen surrounding muscles. Evidence-based programs like GLA:D® help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and in many cases delay or prevent surgery.
9. How many physiotherapy sessions will I need? The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, goals, and response to treatment. Some people need just a few visits, while others benefit from ongoing programs. Your physiotherapist will create a clear, tailored plan with regular progress reviews. And don’t forget, most private health extras cover physio, so your out-of-pocket costs are often lower than you’d think. Worth checking your policy before you come in.
10. Is physiotherapy worth the money? Yes! Physiotherapy can reduce pain, improve function, prevent injuries, and enhance your overall quality of life. Early intervention often avoids more costly treatments like surgery or long-term medication.
11. Can physiotherapy help even if my scans or X-rays are normal? Absolutely. Many musculoskeletal problems (back pain, shoulder injuries, overuse issues) may not appear on scans, yet physiotherapy can still improve movement, posture, and strength, helping you recover and prevent recurrence.
12. Can physiotherapy help with sports injuries? Absolutely. Whether it’s a rolled ankle, a hamstring strain, knee pain, or a shoulder injury, getting it properly assessed early makes a big difference to how quickly and fully you recover. We’ll figure out what’s actually going on, get on top of the pain, and put together a realistic plan to get you back to whatever you love doing.
13. Can a physio help with headaches? More often than people realise, yes. A lot of headaches (especially the kind that come with a stiff neck or get worse after a day at the desk) are actually coming from tension and tightness in the neck and upper back. It’s called a cervicogenic headache and it responds really well to physio. If that sounds familiar, it’s definitely worth getting checked out. FIND OUT MORE
14. What’s the difference between a physiotherapist and an exercise physiologist? Physiotherapists diagnose and treat musculoskeletal, sports, and post-surgical conditions, often combining hands-on treatment with exercise. Exercise physiologists specialise in clinical exercise for chronic disease, rehabilitation, and improving overall fitness. At Hartwell Physio, we can guide you to the right professional for your needs. FIND OUT MORE
15. Should I see a physio or a chiropractor? Physios focus on getting you moving well again for the long term, combining hands-on treatment with exercise and rehabilitation. If you’ve had surgery, a sports injury, or something that keeps coming back, physio is a great fit. Not sure? Give us a ring and we’ll give you an honest answer, even if that means pointing you somewhere else.
16. Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or keep me active as I age? Yes! Physiotherapy strengthens muscles, improves balance, and teaches injury-prevention strategies. Older adults and active individuals benefit from maintaining mobility, independence, and overall function.
17. How soon should I expect results? Many patients notice improvements within a few sessions, though this varies depending on condition, age, and adherence to exercises. Your physiotherapist will track your progress and adjust your program as needed.
18. Do you treat work-related injuries or WorkCover patients? Yes, we do. If you’ve hurt yourself at work, we can help with both the treatment and navigating the WorkCover process, which can feel pretty overwhelming at first. Just give us a call and we’ll talk you through it.
19. How do I book an appointment? Just call us on [9889 3903](tel:9889 3903) or book online at www.hartwellphysio.com.au. We offer flexible appointment times and always do our best to get you in quickly. You’ll find us in Camberwell, easy to get to from Glen Iris, Hawthorn East, Surrey Hills, Ashburton and the surrounding suburbs.

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You’ve asked, we’ve answered! Here are the most commonly asked questions we get at the physio practice… comment below any more questions for a part 2! 😊 #qna #frequentlyaskedquestions #physiotherapy #fyp #answers

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