No, Physiotherapists are Primary Care Practitioners and a GP referral is not required, unless you wish to claim Medicare rebates under a Chronic Conditions Management (GP CCM) plan, for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) patients, or for workers’ compensation / motor vehicle insurance claims.

Physiotherapists treat muscles and joints of the body. This includes the back, neck and also any joint from the hip to the foot (like ankle sprains), and from the shoulder to the hand (like ‘tennis elbow’). This could be a sports or other injury, or a postural or over-use injury. It can include muscle strains and tears, tendinopathy, or the cause of a bursitis.

Physiotherapy is also important in rehabilitation in both before and after surgery.

Physiotherapists also do chest physiotherapy for people with COPD or in recovery from
pneumonia.

Physiotherapy adopts an evidence-based approach to treatment. Firstly there is an assessment of the body area in question, in order to formulate a diagnosis.

Treatment can include: soft tissue massage, electrotherapy (ultrasound, interferential, heat), strengthening exercises, stretches, education about the injury and education regarding how to
prevent further incidences.