What to Expect From Your Physiotherapy Consultation
We look forward to working with you to get you on the path to recovery and to help you achieve your goals. We have provided some information below on what you can expect from your physiotherapy consultation.
Initial Consultation
Your initial consultation will be 1 hour in duration. We ask that you arrive at the clinic 15 mins before your appointment to complete some questionnaires about your general health, your symptoms and how they are affecting your life. If you are having ongoing treatment, these questionnaires will be repeated at periodic intervals to monitor your progress.
Your initial consultation will be 1 hour in duration. We ask that you arrive at the clinic 15 mins before your appointment to complete some questionnaires about your general health, your symptoms and how they are affecting your life. If you are having ongoing treatment, these questionnaires will be repeated at periodic intervals to monitor your progress.
Examination
After completing the questionnaires, your physiotherapist will listen to your history and ask you about your symptoms, and your expectations for recovery. They will then examine the area and perform a series of tests that may include movement and strength testing. It is advisable to wear clothing that will enable the physiotherapist to see and test the area of concern. After examining you, the physiotherapist will discuss their findings and your treatment options with you. You will have the opportunity to talk to them about any specific concerns you may have. Occasionally further imaging investigations or tests may be needed to help to determine the best management for your condition.
After completing the questionnaires, your physiotherapist will listen to your history and ask you about your symptoms, and your expectations for recovery. They will then examine the area and perform a series of tests that may include movement and strength testing. It is advisable to wear clothing that will enable the physiotherapist to see and test the area of concern. After examining you, the physiotherapist will discuss their findings and your treatment options with you. You will have the opportunity to talk to them about any specific concerns you may have. Occasionally further imaging investigations or tests may be needed to help to determine the best management for your condition.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
Management of musculoskeletal conditions usually involves education about the condition, its' course and advice about how you can best manage your condition to help you return to the activities that are of importance to you. The focus is on giving you a programme of exercise and activity that you can complete independently. Treatment may also include stretching, and strengthening exercises, manual therapy techniques and advice regarding returning to your work, sport or recreational activity, and about remaining active by modifying your activities while you recover. Other tools such as Real Time Ultrasound Scanning may sometimes be used to assess specific muscle activity and function where this may enhance your rehabilitation progress.
What if I Have Been Referred to You By Someone Else?
If you have been referred by another physiotherapist, doctor or specialist, the referrer will be provided with regular progress reports. We also like to keep your GP informed about your progress too, even if you have not seen them for your current problem. If you prefer us not to do this, please let us know at the initial consultation.
If you have been referred by another physiotherapist, doctor or specialist, the referrer will be provided with regular progress reports. We also like to keep your GP informed about your progress too, even if you have not seen them for your current problem. If you prefer us not to do this, please let us know at the initial consultation.
My ACC Claim
We are happy to see all patients, regardless of ACC claim status.
- If you have a current, valid ACC claim, ACC will subsidise a small part of the treatment fee. A surcharge is required to cover the full cost of treatment.
- ACC cover for physiotherapy treatment is only valid for 1 year, or for a certain number of treatments (whichever comes first). If your claim has expired, or if you have had the limit of your physiotherapy treatments elsewhere, the full (private) fee for treatment will apply.
- In some cases it may be possible to apply for more treatments. A report fee applies for these applications and acceptance cannot be guaranteed. Discuss this with your physiotherapist.
What to Bring
If you haven’t already given the receptionist your ACC details by phone, please bring your ACC claim number with you. We can access any x-ray, ultrasound scan or other scan results on our internet-based system if they were performed in Christchurch. For any imaging from outside of the Christchurch area, please contact the radiology practice to try to obtain the report and images before your appointment if possible.
If you haven’t already given the receptionist your ACC details by phone, please bring your ACC claim number with you. We can access any x-ray, ultrasound scan or other scan results on our internet-based system if they were performed in Christchurch. For any imaging from outside of the Christchurch area, please contact the radiology practice to try to obtain the report and images before your appointment if possible.
Follow-Up Consultations
Follow-up consultations are 30 mins in duration. You will be sent an email appointment slip reminder 1-2 days before your scheduled appointment.
Payment
We appreciate payment on the day of consultation by eftpos or cash. We regret we do not have credit card facilities. Full receipts can be provided on request for insurance purposes.
We appreciate payment on the day of consultation by eftpos or cash. We regret we do not have credit card facilities. Full receipts can be provided on request for insurance purposes.