Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?

No. You can book directly with a physiotherapist without a referral. If your treatment is part of a specific insurance, workers' compensation or Medicare program, a referral may be required.

Spinal Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are experienced in treating spinal pain

Physiotherapists are experts at treating spinal pain. Your physiotherapist will assess your injury and determine not only the optimal treatment for you but also teach you how to prevent the injury from recurring. A staggering 80% of all adults will suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives. Many of us know the discomfort of back pain, back spasm and sciatica. At Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach Physiotherapy, we firmly believe that educating the patient on their injury, and on how to prevent it, is a vital part of their treatment.

Conditions Spinal Physiotherapy can help with

Lower back pain
Sciatica or nerve pain “pinched nerve” in the leg(s) or foot (feet), +/- pins and needles and numbness in the leg(s) and foot (feet)
Headaches
Rib and chest pain (of musculoskeletal origin)
Neck pain
Nerve pain “pinched nerve” in the arm(s) or hand(s), +/- pins and needles and numbness in the arm(s) or hand(s)
Injury to the back or neck including sports injury, workplace injury, car accidents including whiplash injuries
Joint stiffness or restricted movement
Poor sporting performance
Poor bladder control

Causes of Spinal pain or dysfunction

Injury to the back or neck including sports injury or workplace injury
car accidents including whiplash injuries
genetic problems eg scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis
poor muscle tone or weak postural muscles
poor ergonomics of your work station
Poor postural habits
Lifestyle choices

What to Expect

Your physiotherapist will perform a detailed assessment, including:

Postural assessment – this may be done in standing and sitting but also actively moving from position to position as posture is not static but constantly changing
Joint/muscular flexibility – movements of your spine will be assessed. Nearby joints may also be checked to assess if these are impacting your condition
Palpation of joints/soft tissues – the Physio will manually check how the joints are moving and the state of the soft tissues eg muscles and ligaments
Taking a detailed history – history of the presenting problem as well as any relevant medical history

Your physiotherapist may utilise a variety of techniques to help you improve, including:

Manual therapy (including soft tissue massage, stretches, trigger point releases)
Joint mobilisations (joint mobilisations are techniques used to improve joint movement and pain. Mobilising joints can often achieve similar results to manipulation (”cracking joints”), but without using as much force, eliminating the risk that can be involved with spinal manipulation)
Prescription of exercises – these will be provided specifically for you and your condition
Advice and education – With a better understanding of your condition you can take positive steps on a daily basis to reduce symptoms and prevent future recurrences.

If your physiotherapist is concerned regarding your injury, they may refer you for investigations ie x-rays/MRI, or they may recommend you see your GP or a Specialist.