Physiotherapy is an allied health discipline closely aligned with medicine and based on the latest medical science and research (evidence-based practice).
Physiotherapy over the years has grown to include many sub-disciplines, including: musculoskeletal, sports, paediatric, cardiothoracic, neurological, aquatic and even animal physiotherapy! Read more
At Advance Healthcare, our practitioners specialise in several areas of physiotherapy, including:
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with an emphasis on spinal (low back and neck) conditions
- Sports Physiotherapy with a focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sporting injuries in 'weekend warriors' to elite athletes. Injuries treated include joint injuries (such as ankle or knee joint injuries), overuse conditions such as ITB syndrom and stress fractures, and problems with tendons (tendinopathies)
- Pain Management Physiotherapy for chronic/persistent pain conditions not responding to 'traditional' treatments such as hands on therapy, electrotherapy and standard exercise
Physiotherapy generally has a focus on rehabilitation and exercise based treatment to improve the patient's capabilities and quality of life. In some cases other specific approaches such as manual therapy (including joint manipulation), massage, electrotherapy and dry needling (a Westernised form of acupuncture) are used.
"Core stability" exercise demonstration
Treatment should always be specific to a particular injury or condition, tailored for an individual’s needs and based on available medical research to ensure optimal results are achieved.
The most basic qualification for a Physiotherapist in Australia is a 4 year, undergraduate degree, which includes education on anatomy, basic sciences such as biology, chemistry and physics, as well as extensive clinical experience (greater than 1000 hours for most courses).
Many of our practitioners have undertaken further studies such as Masters or PhD degrees. These are generally required to use the title of 'Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist' or 'APA Sports Physiotherapist' - which are protected titles in Australia.
You don't need a referral to see our Advance Healthcare physiotherapists. There are rebates for our services via Medicare, private health insurance, WorkSafe and TAC. Many of our practitioners bulk bill for services on request.
This article was written by Shay McLeod, Physiotherapist at our Hoppers Crossing Clinic. Shay provides physiotherapy, and pain management services to the West of Melbourne, including Point Cook, Altona and Werribee.
