Frequently Asked Questions

Physiotherapy is a therapeutic approach aimed at restoring and sustaining a patient's physiological well-being. A physiotherapist assists in physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and overall health and fitness. They actively engage patients in their recovery process, empowering them to take ownership of their health journey.

Physiotherapists are movement experts who can identify and treat the root cause of injuries and chronic pain. If you're experiencing limitations in daily function due to injury or pain, consider physiotherapy. General practitioners often refer patients for physiotherapy following surgeries like hip replacements. Our physiotherapists specialize in neuromuscular skeletal, sports, rehabilitation, paediatric and pre/post-pregnancy care.

No, you don’t need a doctor’s referral before seeing a physiotherapist. You can directly book an appointment if you feel that you need one. However, there are certain medical aid plans that may require you to see a physician and obtain a referral before seeing a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapists focus on both injury prevention and rehabilitation. The treatments can address problems caused by injury, disease, or disability. Some of the most common problems that get treated by physiotherapists include:  Neck and back pain caused by problems in the muscles and skeleton.  Problems in the bones, joints, muscles and ligaments, such as arthritis and the after-effects of amputation.  Lung problems such as asthma.  Disability because of heart problems.  Pelvic issues, such as bladder and bowel problems related to childbirth.  Loss of mobility because of trauma to the brain or spine, or due to diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.  Fatigue, pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of muscle strength, for example during cancer treatment, or palliative care.

Every consultation is different depending on your needs. A physiotherapist will undergo the following process during a consultation:  The physiotherapist learns about your medical history and finds out more about why you have booked a consultation.  The physiotherapist assesses and diagnoses your condition.  You receive a treatment plan that sets goals for you and is possible for you to implement into your daily life.  You are potentially prescribed a course of exercises and any assistive tools.

The coverage for physiotherapy services depends on the specifics of your medical aid plan. While our practice operates on a private basis, we do bill at medical aid rates. It's advisable to inquire about your coverage to determine whether it's full or partial. Generally, many individuals can cover physiotherapy consultations through their medical aid since it's typically categorized as a doctor's

Every situation is different. Some patients only need one or two physiotherapy appointments to get better. Nevertheless, there are certain patients who need to attend physiotherapy for years in order to see long-lasting results. The goal of every physiotherapist should be to eliminate the need for a client to see them. This means they need to provide professional and effective treatments that ensures a long-term solution.

We do provide home visits, which can be scheduled for patients with disabilities or those who are too unwell to come to the practice. Please note that there is an extra fee depending on the distance travelled.

If you suffer from pain and mobility issues it is quite common for us to get by, using over the counter pain killers and ointments. Often, we don't seek the support of a Physio until we have been referred via a GP or until the pain is so bad. Physiotherapists are trained professionals that help injured patients get back to their highest function. If left untreated injuries often don't heal as well as if you were on a treatment plan. Injuries, if left for 12 weeks can become chronic and chronic injuries are a lot harder to treat. Injuries also heal a lot quicker if you work with a physiotherapist, with the added benefit of often having less pain and more range of movement than before you had your injury. If you feel it is only a minor injury and you are still in pain 48 hours after the injury, make an appointment with a physiotherapist. If you feel the injury is more serious make an appointment immediatley. If for an extended perioid, you have been living with chronic pain and or limited mobility and range of movement make an appointment with a physiotherapist.

Our Physiotherapists use different treatment methods in order to deal with a wide range of injuries. Depending on the nature and severity of your injury, you may require:  Manipulation or mobilisation of joints  Exercise therapy  Stretching and strengthening  Core stability training  Rehabilitation  Massage for soft tissue, oedema and fascial release  Scar tissue management  Patient education, home exercises  Biomechanical analysis  Electrotherapy (Laser, Ultrasound,TENS)

Both dry needling and traditional acupuncture are therapeutic approaches designed to rebalance the body by pinpointing trigger points—specific areas of tightness or tenderness. By targeting these trigger points, inflammation can be alleviated, and overall function can be enhanced. Dry needling, in particular, offers a more precise and focused method compared to traditional acupuncture, making it especially effective for conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Its direct approach enables practitioners to address the root cause of the issue more effectively, facilitating quicker and more targeted relief for patients.

You might be uncertain about the potential benefits of consulting a physiotherapist. Many women tend to accept some discomfort as a normal part of pregnancy. However, a customized exercise regimen can often alleviate a variety of symptoms and enhance a woman's mobility and enjoyment throughout her pregnancy. Physiotherapy isn't solely beneficial during pregnancy; pelvic floor exercises are recommended for women of all ages, especially during and after pregnancy. Back strain is a common issue experienced by women during and post-pregnancy. A physiotherapist can offer guidance on maintaining proper standing and sitting posture to alleviate this strain. Another prevalent pregnancy complication is the separation of abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti. This condition affects a significant percentage of women and is characterized by a noticeable gap in the abdominal muscles when moving or rising from a lying position. Engaging in abdominal muscle exercises can aid in strengthening muscle tone and restoring core strength.

Physiotherapy, biokinetics, and chiropractic care are all distinct fields within the realm of healthcare, each with its own focus and approach. Physiotherapy emphasizes the rehabilitation and improvement of physical function through various techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation. It aims to address a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, and cardiopulmonary conditions. Biokinetics, on the other hand, focuses specifically on exercise-based interventions to prevent injury, improve physical performance, and enhance overall health and wellness. Biokineticists design tailored exercise programs to address biomechanical imbalances and movement dysfunctions, often working closely with athletes or individuals seeking to optimize their physical capabilities. Chiropractic care primarily revolves around the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those affecting the spine and nervous system. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other manual techniques to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and promote overall health. While all three disciplines share an interest in improving physical well-being, their methodologies and areas of specialization differ, providing individuals with a diverse range of options for managing and enhancing their health.