Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a therapeutic health profession concerned with enhancing mobility and quality of life by using clinical reasoning to deliver the most suitable treatment for an injury or condition. Physiotherapists help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle.

 

Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems. They also deliver patient education and help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.

 

What are the costs involved?

Gippsland Southern Health Service charges a a small fee for Physiotherapy services. 

 

How does physiotherapy work?

Physiotherapy combines clinical expertise with evidence based research. Physiotherapists are trained to assess the underlying causes of joint, muscle and nerve disorder, educate patients about managing their condition, and advise ways to prevent pain and injury. Often, a personal exercise program is prescribed.

 

Physiotherapists use a wide range of drug-free techniques to relieve pain, restore function and movement, and prevent further problems.

 

As a profession, physiotherapists work within a framework of empowering the individual, carer or the community through education and the promotion of self-management of health and wellbeing. Physiotherapy is practised in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, health centres, homes, workplaces, schools and residential care facilities.  

 

Conditions commonly treated?

Physiotherapists are involved in helping people of all ages, from young infants to the elderly, and commonly treat people suffering:

• Back or neck pain

• Other muscular pain and sports injuries

• Neurological illness such as stroke and Parkinson’s Disease

• Movement disorders in children

• Rehabilitation after major injury and surgery

• Headaches

• Incontinence; and recovery following surgery and child birth

 

Physiotherapy also plays a central role in the management and prevention of chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

 

Services available

Gippsland Southern Health Service offers a variety of physiotherapy Services including:

• Assessment of functional levels prior to discharge from hospital

• Rehabilitation following surgery

• Outpatients

• Home based assessment and intervention

• Equipment prescription

• Cardiac rehabilitation

• Residential aged care interventions

• Community rehabilitation

• Working with children

• Hydrotherapy

 

Treatment may include any or all of these techniques:

• Joint manipulation or mobilisation

• Soft tissue massage

• Stretches

• Supervised exercises

• Pain relief techniques such as ultrasound

• Home exercise programs

• Education and self management programs