Choosing a Physio

Often patients come in after having spent endless amounts of time, effort and money on treatment without seeing any results. By researching and choosing a physio with relevant skills for your specific injury, you can often achieve better results.

Here are some things to note before choosing a physiotherapist:

Firstly, it’s important that the physiotherapist you choose is fully qualified, registered and a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. To check this you can use “Find a Physio” on the Australia Physiotherapy Association Website. Additionally, you can check their registration also through the AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) site.

While you’re researching the physiotherapist it’s a good idea to see any reviews for them and/or their clinic. But better still, ask around and see which physio’s people you know have had good experiences with.

Secondly, if there’s a particular problem area you need treated it’s a good idea to find a physio who specialises in that area. Furthermore, look for a Specialist who is a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. This will mean the physio has further qualifications, experience and expertise in treating your kind of injury.

Quite often a client finds it is necessary to pick a clinic based on convenience or price. These treatments could end up not showing the results they wanted because the physiotherapist didn’t have the specific injury’s skills. Similarly the price of different physiotherapists and clinics may vary considerably. However, it is often relative to the qualifications and experience of the practitioner and the services they’re providing.

Lastly, make sure you discuss your goals, what you expect to get out of treatment and what your desired outcome is with your physiotherapist. This may be to be pain free, to start an exercise program, to return to work or sport, or to improve your sports performance.

So when choosing a physio and booking your next appointment keep these things in mind and hopefully it’ll help to give you a speedier recovery!