Knowledge Hub Your physio questions answered

Your physio questions answered

Your physio questions answered with HBF Physio

Physiotherapy is just one of the many recognised, regulated health professions in Australia, with physios being university-trained and registered to assess, diagnose and help treat a wide range of conditions.  
 
Backed by years of experience, we’re here to help you move better and stay active so if you’ve got an injury, ongoing or unexplained pain or just want to improve your strength and performance, our HBF physios (and our wider allied health team) are here to help.  
 
We’ve answered some of the most common questions people come to us with, so you can feel confident about booking in and moving and doing the things you love. 

What does a physiotherapist do?

Overall, physios help with pain, injuries, performance and any movement issues using many different treatment strategies. These include things like exercise, hands-on (manual) therapy, education and tailored advice to help support people’s health, fitness and wellbeing goals.  

Do I need a referral to see a physio?

No referral is needed if you are paying for your consultation in full (or claiming through your private health insurance). This means that you can book directly with one of our HBF Physio locations. You will however need a GP referral if you are claiming through Medicare, WorkCover, NDIS or DVA. 
 
When making your booking, don’t forget to let our admin team know about the area that’s troubling you so we can match you with the physiotherapist best suited to help. 

I don’t have HBF private health insurance. Can I still come to HBF Physio?

Absolutely! We welcome clients from all health funds. 

What kinds of conditions can physios help treat?

The list is endless! In no particular order, some of the most common conditions we see include: 

  • Poor posture 
  • Muscle tension 
  • Shoulder impingement 
  • Rotator cuff injuries 
  • Frozen shoulder 
  • Headaches, migraines and dizzy spells 
  • Pre and post-surgical rehabilitation 
  • Whiplash 
  • Disc bulges 
  • Sporting shoulder 
  • Tennis elbow 
  • Muscle tears 
  • Arthritis and osteoarthritis 
  • Back and neck pain 
  • Pre and post natal conditions 
  • Women’s and men’s health conditions like urinary incontinence, prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction or abdominal separation  
  • Paediatric conditions like torticollis, plagiocephaly, motor skills and coordination support, flat feet and disability support 

How long are physio appointments?

We like to set our initial appointments between 40–60 minutes so we have plenty of time to get to know you, your concerns and help treat your pain. Our follow-ups are 20–30 minutes, depending on your needs. 

How many physio sessions will I need?

This varies based on your individual needs, but your physio will discuss this during your initial appointment as they guide you through your treatment plan and your personal goals. Some people feel better in 1–2 visits, while others benefit from ongoing support. Your physio will check in at each appointment and let you know how you’re progressing.

How much is a physio appointment?

Each of our HBF Physio clinics is a little different, and so are our people. We’re proud to have physiotherapists with a wide range of experience, special interests and additional training which means pricing may vary slightly between our locations. 
 
For up-to-date pricing, please contact your closest HBF Physio clinic directly.

Can I use my private health insurance to claim some money back? 

If you have private health insurance, rebates may apply depending on your level of cover so we suggest checking with your health fund before your appointment. You can ask us for the item number(s) to understand the amount back you are entitled to. 

How soon should I see a physio after an injury?

The sooner the better! Early treatment can speed up recovery, reduce the risk of further injury and help you return to your normal activities faster. Our HBF Physio clinics are open six days a week, with early and late appointments to make it easier to find a time that works for you.

Can I see the same physio as last time or request a particular physio?

Of course! At your request, we can book you in with the same physio you’ve had previously, unless you’d like to try someone different. Our friendly admin team will make sure you’re booked in with the physio who’s the best fit for you.

Is it normal to feel a little sore after physio?

A little bit of soreness after physiotherapy is actually quite normal, especially if your physiotherapist has worked on tight muscles or introduced new exercises your body isn’t used to yet. It usually settles within a day or two, but if the soreness feels sharp, gets worse or doesn’t ease up, please let your physiotherapist know (you can call our admin team or email them directly) so they can check in and recommend some remedies for you.

What happens if I miss or need to reschedule an appointment?

We understand that life happens and plans don’t always go as expected. If you can’t make your appointment or need to reschedule, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible as this helps us support our practitioners and also offer the spot to someone on our waiting list who may need it. 

You’re welcome to call us (and leave a message after hours) or email our admin team to let us know if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Late cancellations (within 24 hours) may incur a small fee, at the discretion of management.  

What other services are available at HBF Physio?

We’re so much more than general physiotherapy! Our team also includes health professionals and physios with special areas of interest, all here to help you feel and move your best. Across our HBF Physio clinics, you’ll find services like: 

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