FAQ’s
Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy
What is Physiotherapy?
A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who promotes movement and function following an injury or surgery. They have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the human body and are well trained with hands on skills and exercises to get you back on your feet. A physiotherapist works with people of all ages and treats a vast amount of injuries.
What does a Physiotherapist do?
A Physiotherapist is a university qualified healthcare practitioner who are experts in diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of sporting, leisure or work related injuries. They provide hands on treatment where appropriate and prescribe home stretches, exercises and balance retraining to help your recovery after an injury or surgery and sports injury prevention.
What are the most common injuries physios treat?
Physiotherapists treat a wide variety of injuries from sports, daily activites (such as gardening) or work related RSI. Physios also treat post-operative orthopedic patients.
Musculoskeletal; lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder sprain, knee sprain, sciatica, muscle strains.
Repetitive strain injury; carpal tunnel, tendinitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow.
Postoperative; Total knee replacement, total hip replacement, ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery (menisectomy) shoulder rotator cuff repair, ankle reconstruction.
Sports injuries; knee injuries (ACL, meniscal tears, MCL, patella dislocations and LCL strain), lower back strain, shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff tears, ankle sprains.
Post fracture; radial head, ankle fracture, wrist fracture.
Bookings
How do I make a physio appointment?
You can Book online or call us (09) 9309432 if you need to speak with us or if you need an urgent review of the injury. Alternatively you can send us a request on our contact page or email us: jenny@mrsphysiotherapy.nz
Fees
What are your Physio co-payment charges?
The cost of your Physio session will depend on whether or not you have ACC or insurance cover. We have an affordable surcharge with ACC. Please call us for more information 09 930 9432
Referrals, ACC and Insurance Cover
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see the physio?
No, physios can assess and treat your injury without a doctor’s referral. However most health insurers require a doctor's referral before they authorise cover of fees.
Can a Physio prescribe pain relief or write a medical certificate?
No, physios cannot prescribe pain relief or write medical certificates for work requirements. You will need to see your doctor for these or your physio can refer you back to your GP/doctor.
Is my injury covered under ACC?
ACC covers some cost of your treatment and we have a small surcharge on your claim.
How do I apply for ACC cover after an injury?
Registered physiotherapists can apply to ACC on your behalf following an accident causing an injury. We simply file the ACC form on arrival.
Can I use an existing ACC claim from another provider?
Yes, as long as your ACC claim is still valid.
Does my private insurance, Southern Cross or NIB cover physiotherpay
Yes, if you have a comprehensive policy that covers all or parial cost of your daily medical needs. We have access to the Easy Claim programme and can help you check your coverage on the day. Alternatively, give them a call to find out your level of cover.
First Physiotherapy Appointment
What should I expect on my first visit?
Your first appointment is often a bit longer, at M.R.S Physio the initial sessions last 45minutes long. The treating physio will gather information about your injury, assess and formulate a treatment plan for you which may include: injury education, hands on treatment and home exercises and stretches. If required they can also refer you to xray, ultrasound scan or to the specialist.
What do I need to bring to my first physio appointment?
Bring any relevant information that may include your doctor’s referral, hospital discharge letters, medication list, reports for x-ray, ultrasound or MRI. You may also bring a pair or shorts or t-shirt to change into.
How long will my visit last?
First appointments are 45minutes long and follow ups are generally 30 minutes unless you wish to extend the treatment session.
What should I wear for my physio appointments?
Wear something comfortable or sports clothing or you can bring a set of change to change into in our private rooms. Ladies, if you are needing treatment for your mid and upper back, avoid wearing sport bras, but instead wear a regular bra as this will allow easier access to the problem area.
Physio Treatment and Visits
What treatments or interventions may I receive?
This depends on your injury. Your treatment can include but are not limited to: massage, acupuncture or dry needling, joint mobilisation, strengthening exercises, balance exercises, stretching, muscle and movement control.
How many visits will I need for my injury? Is it a quick fix?
The number of treatments will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Once the problem is identified your physio will discuss with you the appropriate treatment plan.
How frequent and how long should I see the physio?
This again depends on your injury, for more severe or complicated cases, the physio may need to see you twice a week for the first two weeks and then further apart afterwards. A rule of thumb if the injury is non complex, you could achieve good improvements within 4-6 sessions, if this is not the case further investigations or referral to a specialist might be needed.
Accessibility
Is there free parking?
Yes, there is undercover parking and these are shared parking with other healthcare providers. Look for the orange dots on the ground and you will not need a ticket when leaving the carpark.
I cannot use stairs, is the physio accessible?
Yes, the Onehealth building have lift access if you cannot use the stairs for now due to your injury or if you are using any walking aids such as crutches, walking frames or wheelchairs.
Telehealth Physio during COVID Lockdown
Are physios open during lockdown Level?
No, physios in New Zealand cannot see clients face-to-face during level 4 lockdowns. However, they can see you online via a zoom consultation and there is great success to start the rehab process.
When will the Physio re-open after lockdown in Auckland?
Level 3 and 2 of COVID response is when physios can see you incinic. Level 3 restrictions will be limited for face-to-face, usually the initial session is undertaken via telehealth to start the assessment and screening process. If you meet the criteria than we can see you for an in person session. Read more about the guidelines we have in place.
Injury Management
How long should I hold a stretch?
30 seconds is the ideal time but there are recommendations that a total of 1 minute will provide you with an optimal stretch load, so you could do 15seconds x 4sets or 30seconds x 2sets.
Should I apply ice or heat to my injury?
Apply ice to injuries such as rolled ankles, knee injuries and muscle tears to reduce the extent of swelling. Apply heat on muscles that are tight and cause an achy pain, best used when the injury is a few days old. Additionally, heat may be used to soothe stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis as it increases local blood flow.
What should I do if I hurt my back in the gym?
Stop what you are doing right away. Lay on your tummy and gently arch your back by pushing up onto your hands. Slowly lower and repeat for a few times. If the pain eases gentle walking for 5-10minutes. If the pain subsides great but if it stays the same or gets worse contact your physio or doctor for an appointment.