FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is Activ Therapy different from other clinics?
Activ Therapy integrates physiotherapy and chiropractic philosophies and techniques to achieve the best results for our patients and ensure you receive a professional experience every time. This combined knowledge allows us to use the most effective treatments available to not only alleviate your symptoms but to identify and treat the underlying problem. All our therapists undergo ongoing training to expand our understanding of the body and be up to date with the latest research. We also work closely with you doctor or specialist to ensure your treatment is coordinated.
Read about the Activ Therapy difference
Read about the Activ Therapy difference
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a discipline focused on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of the human body relating in particular the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. At Activ Therapy we take a holistic approach and focus on identifying the source of your pain and utilise a range of techniques to achieve the best results.
Go to the physiotherapy info page
Read our physiotherapy profiles
Go to the physiotherapy info page
Read our physiotherapy profiles
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic treatment deals with treatment and diagnosis for conditions throughout the entire body. At Activ Therapy we look at the overall health of your spine as well as the body as a whole. We understand that maintaining good physical health often depends upon many factors and our chiropractors use a variety of therapies to achieve lasting improvements in your health.
Go to the chiropractic info page
Read our chiropractor profiles
Go to the chiropractic info page
Read our chiropractor profiles
Should I see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor?
All Activ Therapy physiotherapists and chiropractors are trained in both the latest physiotherapy and chiropractic assessment and treatment techniques in order to provide the best treatment to help you. Each of our therapists specialise further in certain areas including post-surgical rehabilitation, sports injury, spinal care and workers compensation and our friendly reception staff can direct you should you need to see someone specific.
What is a spinal adjustment and how can it help?
An adjustment or joint manipulation is one of the many techniques used by our chiropractors and physiotherapists to help you. It involved a specific movement of the spine or joint to correct abnormal alignment or to restore mobility. The treatment may come with a popping sound which is simply the sudden release of gases around the joint that assists in restoring smooth movement. Our therapists will perform a thorough assessment to ensure that that it is suitable for you and talk you through the specific benefits beforehand.
What can physiotherapy or chiropractors help me with?
Physiotherapy and chiropractic assessment and treatment is suitable for anyone experiencing undiagnosed pain. A thorough assessment will identify the cause of this pain and we can then advise on what techniques will get you the best results. At times this may include a recommendation to see another professional such as your doctor, a specialist or a podiatrist as part of the solution.
Some of the more common conditions that we see in our clinic each day include:
Some of the more common conditions that we see in our clinic each day include:
- Strains and sprains
- Lower back and pelvic pain
- Chronic neck Pain
- Headaches
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Sports Injuries including hamstring tears and MCL injuries.
- Tennis elbow
- Work place injuries and return to work
- Whiplash following motor vehicle accidents
- Overuse injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Patello-femoral pain
Get some extra information on common conditions we treat
How long is a normal treatment session?
Our consultations usually lasts between 30 to 40 mins. This may vary depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment required to make progress.
How often will I need to come for treatment?
Your treatment plan will be made following your initial assessment and will detail how often you need to attend as well as how long treatment will take and what the treatment will involve. Each plan will be specific to the degree of injury and dysfunction and will be aimed at identifying and correcting the cause rather than just relief of your symptoms.
On average most conditions will require 6-8 sessions over a 3-4 week period however patients should feel real progress from the first 1-2 sessions. The phases of care that your physiotherapist and chiropractors will guide you through typically involve:
On average most conditions will require 6-8 sessions over a 3-4 week period however patients should feel real progress from the first 1-2 sessions. The phases of care that your physiotherapist and chiropractors will guide you through typically involve:
- Minimisation or elimination of risk to further injury.
- Management and stabilisation of acute pain and inflammation
- Healing of damaged tissues.
- Rehabilitation to strengthen and stabilise the region.
- Correction of underlying dysfunction.
- Education, self-management and maintenance.
What treatment should I expect?
Activ Therapy prides itself on being very hands on with our treatments, so a normal session will usually involve any combination of manual therapies such as trigger point therapy, active release techniques, joint mobilisations, spinal adjustments, dry needling and neural mobilisations. However we also have a thorough understanding of exercise rehabilitation which we will tailor to your needs and in conjunction with your therapy to get you right.
Do I need a Doctors referral to see a physiotherapist or chiropractor?
No. Like Doctors, Physiotherapists and chiropractors are Primary Care Practitioners so a referral is not needed in order to receive treatment. If you are attending treatment that will be paid by a third party such as medicare or workers compensation agent (insurance company) a referral of doctor will be required in order for us to submit any invoices directly to the third party.
What should I wear?
Any clothing that you wear should allow the therapists to access the area which needs treatment. Sometimes the Physiotherapist will require you to remove certain clothing in order to better assess and diagnosis your specific condition, as such gowns are available.
What should I bring to my consultation?
If you have been referred from another practitioner or Doctor, please bring this referral with you. Other things that you might have that may help in formulating your diagnosis and treatment plan include:
- Any recent investigations to the area such as x-rays or ultrasounds.
- If you have a condition that relates to your feet then bringing in your shoes or orthotic inserts.
- Any supports, braces or walking aids you might be using for us to advise you on.
- Any claim details should you be under a workers compensation or compulsory third party claim.
I have private health insurance, how does this work?
At each of our clinics we have HICAPS available which allows you to claim on the spot. Please ensure you have your health fund card with you when you arrive at the appointment so we can process your claim.
Depending on your level of cover you may need to pay the remainder of the consultation fee, so please ensure you have enough funds to cover the gap. We accept cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Visa or MasterCard.
Depending on your level of cover you may need to pay the remainder of the consultation fee, so please ensure you have enough funds to cover the gap. We accept cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Visa or MasterCard.
Can I receive treatment under the NDIS?
Yes, our physiotherapists are all registered under the NDIS scheme so if you have approved funding you can receive treatment with a physiotherapist under the NDIS at any of our centres.
