FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Physiotherapy right for me?
Physiotherapists are first line practitioners which means we can diagnose or refer you to the correct health professional who can help. We cannot prescribe but we can recommend which over the counter treatments will work best to help with your neuro musculoskeletal condition. If the pain or condition is in the spine, nerves, muscles or other joints of the body or even if you have headaches or jaw pain a physio can certainly help with pain relief and facilitate healing.
Does medical aid cover Physiotherapy?
Most medical aids but not hospital plans will cover physiotherapy but only within the limits of your savings which also covers many other forms of medical expenses too. Be careful when a practice submits to medical aid as they almost always charge more for the treatment and in this way your savings can be depleted in a very short amount of time.
Does your practice submit to medical aid?
No BUT standard medical aid rates are charged and the total is likely to be lower than practices that submit directly to medical aid on your behalf. Also, with Discovery in particular, the patients report that they are paid back in full in only 3 days as I email you a paid statement on the same day of treatment. On request I can send the paid statement to your medical aid on your behalf.
Ice or heat?
In general heat only helps for muscle tension and aggravates areas that are swollen or inflamed. Generally if the pain is in a joint or area with bruising or swelling then ice for 10 minutes only, applied regularly, will help best. If the pain is coming from a muscle that is not visibly swollen or torn then heat can be applied for as long and often as you like. Just be careful not to burn yourself as some patients have done in the past when it is too hot!
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
No this is a common misconception. The only similarity is that dry needling uses acupuncture needles as they are much thinner than an injection needle and therefore are not painful when they go through the skin. Acupuncture is Chinese medicine and Dry needling is a more localised, medical technique developed by Janet Travell in 1967 in the USA. It brings added circulation to the area for the healing and release of the muscle as well as the release of brain chemicals which act as natural and powerful painkillers.
Do I have to have dry needling if I come to your practice?
Absolutely not, it is just one modality that I use and is 100% voluntary. I have had terrific results from dry needling over the years and would highly recommend it for fast and powerful results but if you choose not to then I will still be able to help you.
How long are your Physiotherapy sessions?
45 minutes long for first time appointments and follow ups
Should I go to a Physiotherapist or a Chiropractor?
Both Physiotherapy and the practice of being a Chiropractor have come a very long way in the last two decades especially and have come to overlap in many areas and in the end it is actually up to personal preference most of the time which would be better for you. Most of the conditions of the spine, joints and muscles of the body can be effectively treated by a Physiotherapist or a Chiropractor. Provided that they take a full history and do a thorough assessment which is very important to establish a specific diagnosis and treatment that is appropriate for you and your condition. Beware of any Physiotherapist or Chiropractor who does not do this or sees you at the same time as other patients or for only 10 to 15 minutes and thus not giving you the quality time necessary for an effective treatment. The main difference between a Physiotherapist and Chiropractor is that Physiotherapists use Grade 1 to 4 joint and spinal mobilisations to restore movement and Chiropractors use Grade 5 manipulations which are stronger movements of the joints. Most of the time either of these are effective to facilitate healing.