Physiotherapy Outpatient Department

How we can help you 

Our department can help those with pain or problems in their muscles and/or bones.

We do this by:

  • finding out what the problem is when you come to your first appointment
  • finding out from you your needs and concerns  
  • working with you to come up with a plan of how exercise can help you both in the short and long term
  • providing education.

We offer both individual services as well as group based programs.

 

We care for people who experience pain or having problems with their bones and muscles caused by disease, trauma or overuse.  We also support people as they recover from surgery. 

Our team includes physiotherapists, allied health assistants and student physiotherapists who will be responsible for your assessment and physiotherapy treatment plan.

We work in partnership with medical and surgical specialists and your local doctor (GP).

Our administration officer can help you with bookings, referral management and telephone enquires.

At your first appointment we will ask about your medical history and your health needs. We will conduct a physical examination. We will then discuss what type of physiotherapy will benefit you. This can include combination of appointments at the hospital with a physiotherapist and a plan for you to follow at home. Physiotherapy treatments involve education, advice, exercise management, manual therapy (hands on techniques) and the use of ice, heat, ultrasound or, electrical stimulation.

To come to the Physiotherapy Outpatient Department you will need to have your local doctor (GP) or treating specialist write you a referral letter explaining your relevant surgical and medical history. The referral may then be mailed to our department or faxed to us or you can bring it into our department in person.  

To make or cancel an appointment please telephone 9382 2850.

We try to see all of our patients as quickly as possible. However, we have a large number of patients seeking treatment. Appointments are offered based on urgency. Urgent conditions are generally given an appointment within a few days of receiving the referral. Non-urgent conditions may need to go on a waiting list. It can take up to 2 months for non-urgent conditions to receive an appointment.

Can I chose the day and time I attend appointments?

We will try to find appointment times that suit your availability. Our hours of operation however are 8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday. We do not offer weekend treatments.

Will I always see the same physiotherapist at each visit?

As we are a teaching hospital you will be treated by a physiotherapist or a student physiotherapist. We will try to only have one therapist treating you. However, many of our staff rotate in their roles so you may find during the course of your treatment program you may receive treatment from more than one therapist. If this happens, we will make sure an effective and comprehensive handover takes place.

How often will I need to attend the Physiotherapy Department?

This will vary depending on your needs. Usually we offer up to 6 treatment sessions.

How long do the treatment sessions take?

Your first session will take 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions generally take 30 minutes.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring:

For you initial land

  • Any test/scan results that you have had recently
  • Shorts if it is your legs where treatment is needed
  •  A list of any medicines that you are taking

Does the Physiotherapy Outpatients Department generally run on time or will I have to wait?

We try to keep to appointment times as closely as possible.  You will rarely have to wait more than 10 minutes for your appointment. To minimise stress, please make sure that you arrive 10 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment time. If you are more than 15 minutes late you will lose your appointment.

Will I always receive hands-on treatment such as massage, heatpacks or ultrasound?

Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. Your therapist will discuss with you what would work best. They will do this after your first appointment.

Will I be expected to do exercise outside of my physiotherapy appointments?

Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. It is highly likely that your therapist will ask you to do certain activities or exercises as part of your treatment plan.

Will my physiotherapist talk with my doctor?

Your physiotherapist will work in partnership with your referring doctor. They will contact your doctor if they have any questions. When you finish your treatment plan your GP will receive a discharge summary letter outlining your initial assessment, the treatment plan you completed and the outcomes achieved.

Will I need to undress during my treatment sessions and will the therapist touch me?

At times we will need to touch you to assess your needs or to provide hands on treatment. If this is needed you may need to undress. You may be provided with a hospital gown. If you are receiving treatment for your legs you can bring in your own shorts to change into. Your modesty, privacy and dignity will be respected by your therapist at all times. If for cultural/personal reasons you wish to only have a female therapist please advise us of this when we receive your referral.

Will I experience soreness as a result of my physiotherapy?

With any exercise program it is normal to have some muscle soreness the next day. This should only last for a short time. If you have any ongoing soreness or pain please let your physiotherapist know.

Can I receive ongoing treatment for my problem?

Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. Many conditions are chronic and require ongoing management. In these instances, we will identify what you can do for yourself after your treatment program finishes.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be treated by a physiotherapy student. If this is the case the student will be co-managing your case with a qualified, graduate physiotherapist. Students never undertake any decisions without first talking with their supervising therapist. You do have the right to not be treated by a student. In this case your treatment course will be conducted by the next available physiotherapist. This may not always be immediately possible and may result in a delay to starting your treatment plan.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter when we receive your referral.  We will organise a professional interpreter for your assessment session.

You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak, and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.