Physiotherapy

Your first visit is usually 30 minutes; however, if you have multiple areas of concern, longer appointments are also available. This initial session includes an assessment of your area(s) of concern, a discussion of possible prognosis, a treatment plan, and treatment time, which may include hands-on treatment, exercise therapy/prescription, dry needling, etc.

If there is a particular treatment you would like, please do let us know early in the session. Additionally, please bring any reports you might have with you.

Subsequent sessions are normally 30 minutes; however, they can be extended to 45 or 60 minutes if you have multiple areas of concern. Let us know when you book. Typically, these sessions would include a quick re-assessment of your area of concern, any changes in goals or treatment direction, with more focus on treatment time/exercise therapy.

Private health rebates are available through the HICAPS system at the clinic, so you can claim straight away, thus reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Additionally, we accept all major funds. However, unfortunately, we are unable to know the exact amount you can claim back as everyone’s private health is different. Therefore, if you would like to know the specific amount you can get from your insurer, please contact them directly.

If you’re dealing with a chronic or persistent condition, you may qualify for funding for up to five physiotherapy visits annually through Medicare. At Tweak Health Physio, we accept Medicare Plans referred by your GP. However, due to our top-notch service and 30-minute consultations, there’s a gap fee for these sessions.

Currently, Medicare contributes $58 towards your consultation. Therefore, the actual out-of-pocket cost depends on the type of appointment at our clinic. (Different fees apply for Cancer Rehab, Lymphoedema, and Lipoedema Physio.) To determine your specific expenses, please refer to our fees when booking or contact our welcoming reception team, who will gladly assist you.

Additionally, should you have any inquiries regarding our Medicare service, please feel free to reach out to us.

Finally, if you’d like us to provide you with physiotherapy services under Medicare, please consult your GP and provide them with our practice details for the form.

Work-Related Injuries

If you’ve been injured at work in Western Australia, then Workcover WA is the agency that handles workers’ compensation and injury management.

To ensure your physiotherapy treatment is processed smoothly, you should follow these steps:

First, report the injury to your employer.
Next, get a First Certificate of Capacity from your GP and a written physiotherapy referral from your GP. Importantly, this referral needs to be on a Workcover-approved form, which is a legal document. Note that a regular sick note won’t work and won’t allow you to proceed with a workers’ compensation claim.
Then, fill out a Workcover WA Worker’s Compensation Claim Form and give it, along with the First Certificate of Capacity, to your employer. After that, they’ll send these forms to their insurer for processing.
Additionally, give Tweak Health a copy of your First Certificate of Capacity and physiotherapy referral, along with the name of your employer’s insurer.
Furthermore, provide your insurance claim number to Tweak Health Physio staff as soon as you have it.
Consequently, Tweak Health will directly bill the insurer for all accepted approved work-related injuries if Physiotherapy is covered.
Finally, all our Physios are experienced in handling work-related injuries and will work with you to help you safely return to work.

The Insurance Commission of WA (I.C.W.A.) is the statutory authority responsible for administering the compulsory third-party insurance scheme in Western Australia. Therefore, it is important to understand their role in the process.

First, you must report the crash to ICWA and, furthermore, notify them of any injuries.

If your claim includes Physiotherapy coverage, Tweak Health will either directly bill ICWA or accept their payment card. This can be done at any of our clinics for all approved injuries, provided you present a valid claim number.

Here’s what to bring on your first appointment:

• Your valid claim number
• Additionally, a Dr’s referral.
• Moreover, any relevant scans such as X-rays, MRI’s, etc.

No Dr or Specialist Referral is required to see a Physio in Australia. You can book in an appointment with us straight away!

Dry needling uses a sterile single use needle and is based on trigger point therapy – uses small needles that target the pain point areas to relieve tension by releasing trigger points (knots in muscle). 

When is dry needling recommended?

• Help release myofascial trigger points (muscle knots)
• Assist with pain management
• Restore movement at a joint if limited by myofascial trigger points.

Does it hurt?
You’ll feel a mild tingly sensation as the needle inserts and withdraws. The insertion of the needle should not be uncomfortable when performed by a physiotherapist. Patients don’t report any discomfort during needle insertion.

You can book in without necessarily having an injury! We provide assessments and treatments to help you move better than you are now!

Please note that a cancellation policy is in place. Should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do give us 24 hours notice or you may be charged a cancellation fee. Thank you for your consideration.

For a patient to achieve optimum benefits soon after diagnosis, practitioners recommend three visits per week initially.

However, depending on the severity of your condition, the number of times you may need to see your physio will vary.

While Physiotherapists do perform massage therapy, it’s only a small portion of the treatment we give patients. At Tweak Health, we still prioritize manual therapy and exercise prescriptions.

So, what really IS the difference between the two?

⭐ MASSAGE THERAPY

To begin with, massage therapy is commonly used for immediate relaxation of pain and muscle spasms. Although they don’t actually provide primary care after injuries, they can be a part of an overall treatment plan.

Meanwhile…

⭐ PHYSIOTHERAPY

In contrast, physiotherapy is geared more towards rehabilitating muscle, joint, and nerve function. We work to restore the body due to an injury, disease, or motion limitations.

Typically, a physiotherapy appointment involves an assessment followed by diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, massage therapy alone doesn’t require such steps.

Additionally, you may feel the need to see your massage therapist weekly as you’re not solving the root of the issue (e.g., bad posture, injuries, disease). Conversely, your Physio can help to explain the pathology or reason why your issue developed in the first place, and this has the potential to help you recover and move on💪

Needless to say, you may benefit from both, and sometimes simultaneously! Ultimately, whichever you choose, make sure that it’s appropriate to what you need, and visit a qualified health professional or your local GP.