FAQ's
Core Physio & Pilates Adelaide is a healthcare provider that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and works to prevent injury and disability. Find answers to your questions here.
General Physio Questions
Do you need a Doctors referral to see a physio?
No, in Australia, you can book directly with a physiotherapist without a doctor’s referral, as they are licensed first-contact health practitioners. They can assess your physical issue, refer for X-rays if needed, issue sick certificates when appropriate, and coordinate with your GP with your consent. However, if you’re claiming treatment through Medicare’s Enhanced Primary Care program, you’ll need to arrange this with your GP before your first appointment.
Does Core Physio offer home consults?
Yes, Core Physio provides home consultations. Contact your nearest Core Physio practice to schedule a visit. The first session will be longer for a full assessment and treatment, while follow-up visits are typically 30 minutes. Your physiotherapist will bring necessary equipment, including a portable treatment bed.
Does Core Physio have both male and female physios available for treatment?
Yes, at all our sites, we usually have both male and female physiotherapists available. When calling to book an appointment, please indicate if you have a preference, and we’ll ensure you see the physiotherapist of your choice.
Does Core Physio treat patients without private health insurance?
Yes, Core Physio treats all patients, including those without private health insurance (uninsured), private health members, workers’ compensation, DVA, and Motor Vehicle Accident cases. Different fees and charges apply, so please contact your local practice for more details.
How long is a physiotherapy appointment?
Initial consultations typically last 30-40 minutes, including assessment questions, movement and muscle examination, treatment, exercises, advice, and a plan of action. Subsequent appointments, when no full assessment is needed, last 20-30 minutes. For new or complex issues, or multiple areas, a 40-minute long consultation may be required—let reception know when booking if you think you’ll need this. PhysioEx classes last 40 minutes.
It’s my first appointment. How early should I arrive?
Arrive 10 minutes early for your first appointment at Core Physio to complete the patient information form and health screening. This vital information helps your physiotherapist provide the best care, considering your medical history, overall health, and consent to treatment. We may ask you to update it periodically to keep records current.
What are our opening hours?
Opening hours vary by practice, but generally, we’re open from 8:30am to 8:00pm on weekdays and 8:30am to 1:00pm on Saturdays. Please check the locations page for your nearest Core Physio and Pilates Studio practice here.
What is the difference between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor?
Physiotherapists and chiropractors have distinct training and approaches. Physiotherapy originated from nursing during the 1950s polio epidemics, where specialists provided massage and exercise therapies, evolving into a profession focused on the body’s movement system through kinesiology (the study of movement). Physio training is university-based, often within hospital systems via orthopaedic departments. In contrast, chiropractors primarily treat patients using manipulation techniques, based on the concept of spinal dysfunctions.
What should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?
Wear loose, flexible clothing that’s easy to remove, so your physiotherapist can access and examine the problem area and surrounding regions without obstruction. For example, with a shoulder injury, a singlet is ideal to expose the shoulder, shoulder blade, and upper back/neck while maintaining modesty. At Core Physio & Pilates, modesty gowns or shorts (similar to hospital attire) are available if you’re coming from work or prefer them.
Can my physiotherapist refer for imaging? Why would they do this?
Yes, physiotherapists in Australia can refer for imaging like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs when needed. They are trained to assess injuries through questioning and physical examination, often diagnosing issues without imaging. Imaging is typically used to check for fractures, underlying conditions, or when surgery is considered. X-rays for hips, pelvis, sacrum, coccyx, or spine are Medicare-eligible when referred by a physiotherapist, but other areas or scans (like ultrasounds or MRIs) may involve out-of-pocket costs. Contact your radiology provider for cost details.
Can my physiotherapist write me a sick certificate?
Yes, physiotherapists are recognised as qualified allied health professionals who can issue certificates for specific purposes, such as confirming a musculoskeletal condition they are treating, recommending time off work due to a musculoskeletal injury, or supporting a return-to-work plan for musculoskeletal issues.
How long after a cortisone injection can I attend a physiotherapy appointment?
After a cortisone injection, you should wait about 2 weeks before starting hands-on treatment, as this allows the cortisone to reduce inflammation effectively. During these 2 weeks, you can still see a physiotherapist to adjust your home exercise program, which helps prevent worsening your condition. After the 2-week period, you can usually begin hands-on physiotherapy and advance your exercise or rehab program. Always check with your doctor or medical specialist managing your cortisone injection to confirm what’s best for you.
What Can I Expect To Pay?
Is physiotherapy covered by my health insurance extras?
Yes, most health insurance extras cover physiotherapy, but coverage varies by plan. Contact us today for more information.
How much does physiotherapy cost?
Physiotherapy costs at Core Physio vary depending on your health fund, service type, and agreements with providers like Bupa, Medibank Private, Health Partners, or HCF. Uninsured patients pay the full amount, while options like Medicare EPC, DVA, workers’ comp, or motor vehicle claims may involve no out-of-pocket costs. Concession fees and additional charges (e.g., for hydrotherapy or home visits) may apply. To see highest and lowest expected payments and use the popup box to select your health fund for specific details, visit our Fees page at https://corephysio.com.au/fees/.
What will my out of pocket cost be?
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your private health insurance fund and level of cover—contact your fund for rebate details. Refer to our Fees page at https://corephysio.com.au/fees/ for highest and lowest expected payments, including gaps for specific funds like Bupa, Medibank, Health Partners, and HCF. Uninsured patients pay full fees. No out-of-pocket for eligible DVA, workers’ comp, motor vehicle claims, and bulk-billed Medicare EPC. Additional fees may apply for hydrotherapy (pool entry) or home visits (travel). Concession rates available with a government-issued card.
Is there a gap for medicare?
Core Physio accepts all Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) referrals for physiotherapy. Bulk billing is available with selected physiotherapists at all practices (contact the practice for details on participating physios). For eligible bulk-billed EPC appointments, there is no out-of-pocket expense. Clients pay the full rebate amount upfront, and our admin team will process the Medicare claim on the spot, with the rebate typically deposited into your account within 24 hours. Some services, such as hydrotherapy and home visits, may incur additional fees for pool entry and travel time. For more on Medicare EPC plans and eligibility, consult your GP.
Physio Group Exercise
What is physio group exercise?
Physio group exercise, also known as PhysioEx, is a unique form of exercise that combines various disciplines into an individualised program tailored to your specific issues and body needs. It integrates traditional strength and conditioning training with Pilates-inspired exercises, stretching, and joint mobilisation. Sessions use standard gym equipment and weights, along with specialised Pilates studio equipment.
How is physio group exercise different from other forms of exercise?
Physio group exercise differs from other forms as it offers a tailored program customised to your individual health and fitness goals. Your physio designs PhysioEx sessions with a deep understanding of your medical history, injuries, ongoing pain conditions, or health changes like post-birth, post-chemotherapy, or balance issues.
Do we offer semi-private physio group exercise sessions?
Yes, these are sessions where 2 people share a 30–40 minute session.
Can I do PhysioEx if I have an injury?
Yes, as long as you’re not in acute pain, PhysioEx is an excellent rehabilitative tool. We’ll work at a pace suited to you, focusing on releasing or strengthening muscles around the problem area and aligning with your goals. The aim is to return you to your previous function—or better—through customised steps under detailed supervision.
What are the benefits of PhysioEx?
PhysioEx offers numerous benefits, including:
- Greater awareness and understanding of core musculature
- Increased strength and flexibility
- Improved joint alignment and posture
- Recovery from injury and trauma
- Prevention of injury or re-injury
How does PhysioEx differ to traditional Pilates?
PhysioEx is our name for individualised exercise classes that incorporate rehabilitation elements, including Pilates equipment. Unlike traditional Pilates—a specific exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early to mid-1900s with set movements and equipment—PhysioEx begins with a full assessment and goal-setting session by your physio, who creates a personalised program. Classes (up to 6 people) are fully supervised by a physio, with each participant following their own exercises using varied equipment like treadmills, bikes, weights, Pilates reformers, mats, trapeze tables, foam rollers, and stretches. PhysioEx aims to maximise recovery, prevent injuries, and restore function. In Australia, PhysioEx may qualify for health insurance rebates, unlike traditional Pilates classes.
What should I bring/wear to my PhysioEx appointment?
Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable, loose, flexible clothing suitable for exercising, such as a T-shirt, loose track pants, shorts, or leggings—nothing too baggy or bulky (no jeans). For hygiene and safety, wear socks with a grippy undersurface; we sell MoveActive socks in the studio, which have grips on the bottom to keep you from feeling unstable during your workout.
What ages are PhysioEx sessions suitable for?
Our PhysioEx programs are all individualised and tailored to your specific physical issues and goals. As such, our program can be tailored to someone of any age group and ability. In the case of younger clients, the main reasons for developing a tailored program are to assist in correcting posture or for sports-specific training enhancement. For middle-aged clients, our PhysioEx programs tend to focus on physical conditioning and building strength around great joint mobility and flexibility. For older clients, our programs focus on maintaining muscle bulk, improving mobility, and balance. In all of the above situations, it’s important to have a detailed physical assessment with your physiotherapist to develop your personalised program.
Dry Needling
Do we perform acupuncture/dry needling?
Yes, most of our physios are trained in dry needling, but not acupuncture. Dry needling involves treating affected and localised muscle pain issues with needling techniques to get the muscle to release and relax, and to increase blood flow to the area for healing. However, the philosophy behind this is very different from acupuncture, which is a holistic approach derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine addressing blockages in the energy systems of the body.
How does dry needling work?
Dry needling is a Western-style technique, distinct from acupuncture, used to manage injuries and symptoms by targeting the nervous system at localised myofascial trigger points. It involves inserting a thin, sterile, single-use needle through the skin to stimulate these points, along with muscular and connective tissues, promoting muscle release and relaxation with minimal tissue damage—often more effectively than deep massage. Needles vary in length to reach trigger points in different muscle sizes. Based on modern Western medicine principles of anatomy and function, it’s widely used in sports medicine and physiotherapy at Core Physio & Pilates.
Is dry needling painful?
The sensation from dry needling varies but can be painful, especially if targeting a trigger point related to your main issue. Pain may occur in two ways:
- During insertion, when the needle enters the skin and muscle, causing a slight contraction or twitch—this brief pain is a positive sign that the trigger point is affected, and it subsides quickly.
- Post-treatment, the area may feel sore for about 48 hours, which is normal and expected for most patients. If you’re concerned about ongoing pain, contact your physio immediately.
What is a trigger point?
A trigger point is a localised taut band in a skeletal muscle within a larger muscle group. It’s tender to touch and can cause referred pain elsewhere in the body. The tightness is linked to changes in nerve bundles in the muscle. Treating these points can influence the nervous system to alter muscle tone and how muscles affect joints.
NDIS Services
Do we offer services for NDIS clients?
Yes, despite recent NDIS pricing changes, Core Physio remains committed to supporting both current and new NDIS participants. We continue to see existing clients and welcome new referrals, with appointments available within one week across our clinics. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing timely, high-quality physiotherapy care to improve mobility, function, and overall well-being through personalised services like hydrotherapy, dry needling, paediatric physiotherapy, hands-on therapy, PhysioEx sessions, incontinence and pelvic floor treatments, home visits, and telehealth consults.
Can we put a service agreement together?
Yes, some of our practices can put service agreements together for you.
How big is the waiting room? Is there a place that I can go if it’s too noisy?
The size of the waiting room varies according to each practice. Some practices offer noise-cancelling earphones.
Is your physio able to write an NDIS report for you? How long does it take to write an NDIS report?
Yes, your physio can write an NDIS report for you. These reports are typically requested before a client is assessed for a new plan. It takes between half an hour to an hour to complete.
What do we charge for NDIS services?
What is the amount of time allocated for NDIS appointments?
The initial assessment is one hour long. After that, your physio will determine the number of treatments needed and the length of subsequent appointments to maximise the benefits of physiotherapy care. We’ll discuss the program in collaboration with you, your carers, and your NDIS plan managers.
Women’s Health
Do we offer women’s health services?
Yes, all physiotherapists are trained in women’s health and can assist with conditions like pain or strain related to pregnancy or postpartum care. However, some physiotherapists specialise further through additional training for expertise in this area. For specific issues such as incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse, endometriosis, menopause-related concerns, or general pelvic health, book with a dedicated women’s health physiotherapist. Services include tailored assessments (with physical exams if appropriate), pregnancy and postnatal physiotherapy, and group exercise classes focused on core strengthening, mobility, and flexibility. These help women of all ages stay active and comfortable through life changes. For more details on locations and resources, visit https://corephysio.com.au/womens-health/.
Do we offer internal women’s health examinations?
Yes, some of our women’s health physiotherapists have specialised training to perform internal examinations for pelvic floor muscles and tissues, using evidence-based techniques in a safe, supportive environment. These are optional—patients can choose whether to include them—and are part of thorough assessments that may also involve real-time ultrasound to evaluate muscle strength, endurance, and coordination. If you’re experiencing issues like incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, or pregnancy-related concerns, mention it when booking to ensure you’re scheduled with a qualified physio.
Shockwave Therapy
Do we offer shockwave therapy?
How does shockwave work?
Shockwave therapy uses radial pressure waves as a non-invasive treatment for long-term tendon and soft tissue issues. Applying it locally enhances and resets the healing process. The pulses inhibit pain signal transmission (via Gate Control Theory) and promote the release of substances that reduce pain and inflammation at a cellular level. It increases cell membrane permeability to remove damaged cells and replace them with healthy ones, boosts blood flow for tissue healing and regeneration, and helps restore normal muscle tone by targeting trigger points and lessening pain’s impact on the nervous system.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
You may feel slightly uncomfortable during shockwave therapy, depending on your pre-treatment pain level. Sessions last up to 10 minutes, making any discomfort bearable.
How long will a session of shockwave treatment be?
The physical shockwave treatment application itself won’t exceed 10 minutes but may vary based on your condition. The remainder of the session will include education, advice, and setting up a home exercise program to enhance the treatment’s benefits.
How many sessions will be required?
If your physio recommends radial pressure wave (RPW) shockwave therapy for your injury, they’ll start a course of 4–6 treatments, depending on your condition and response. Sessions are usually spaced 3–10 days apart, tailored to you. After completing the course, your physio will review outcomes and plan any further steps. Your body’s natural healing continues post-treatment, with up to 92% of patients experiencing reduced tendon pain. Full benefits may take around 16 weeks to appear.
What conditions can shockwave therapy assist with?
The conditions that Shockwave Therapy can assist with are:
- Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and heel spurs
- Shoulder calcification, tendinopathy, and chronic shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow or lateral/medial epicondylitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Patella/knee tendonitis
- Gluteal tendonitis
- The reduction of myofascial trigger points (localised or referred muscle pain)
Paediatric Physio
Do we offer paediatric physiotherapy services?
Yes, some of our physiotherapists have a special interest in paediatrics. At Core Physio & Pilates, our approach to paediatric physiotherapy supports children across various developmental stages, working with families to promote each child’s unique strengths and abilities. Through individualised, family-centered treatment plans, we address a variety of conditions with the aim of maximising participation in daily activities.
Are there any appointments available outside of school hours?
Appointments are available outside of school hours, we have Physiotherapists available until 8pm weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Do we accomodate for children with Autism, ADHD & Aspergers?
Yes, we accommodate children with Autism, ADHD, and Asperger’s at our practices. As part of the Autism Friendly Charter, we do our best to meet their needs, such as dimmer lights, a quiet room, and colouring pencils and paper.
Do we accomodate for non verbal children?
Do we help children with low tone?
Yes, our Physios are able to help children with low tone.
Do we help children who walk on their toes?
Yes, our Physios have experience in this area as this can be a common condition for many children.
Do we help children with gross motor delay and fine motor delay?
Yes, we are able to help children with different types of motor delay. The Physio will work with them to create a plan designed specifically for their needs.
Is there a minimum age before a physio can treat a child?
Massage Therapy
Do we offer massage services?
Yes and no. After assessing your injury or problem, your physio will create a management plan that may include therapeutic massage or soft tissue release as part of a hands-on approach, combined with techniques like joint mobilisation, dry needling, shockwave therapy, exercise prescription, and more—for the quickest, most effective outcome. We don’t offer general remedial or relaxation massage.
Do we offer lymphatic massage?
No, we don’t currently offer this service to our patients.
Book an Appointment
Book an appointment with our friendly team of Adelaide physiotherapists today and take the first step towards better health and wellbeing. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate to you.