Physiotherapy

What is Physiotherapy?

 

Physiotherapy is a therapeutic health profession concerned with enhancing mobility and quality of life by using clinical reasoning to deliver the most suitable treatment for an injury or condition. Physiotherapists help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle.

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Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems. They also deliver patient education and help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.

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Physiotherapy also plays a central role in the management and prevention of chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

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How does Physiotherapy Work?

 

Physiotherapy combines clinical expertise with evidenced based research. Physiotherapists are trained to assess the underlying causes of joint, muscle and nerve disorder, educate patients about managing their condition, and advise ways to prevent pain and injury. Often, a personal exercise program is prescribed.

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Physiotherapists use a wide range of drug-free techniques to relieve pain, restore function and movement, and prevent further problems.

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As a profession, physiotherapists work within a framework of empowering the individual, carer or the community through education and the promotion of self-management of health and wellbeing. Physiotherapy is practised in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, health centres, homes, workplaces, schools and residential care facilities.

 

GSHS Physiotherapy Services include:

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• Community rehabilitation.

• Equipment prescription.

• Group programs (as part of a multidisciplinary team):

  • Cardiac rehabilitation.

  • Chronic Pain Management (IMPACT Program)

  • Community rehabilitation - general.

  • Falls Prevention (Standing Up to Falls)

  • Hydrotherapy

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation (BREATHE Program)

• Home based assessment and intervention.

• Inpatient services: assessment of functional levels prior to discharge from hospital.

• Lymphoedema management.

• Outpatients.

• Paediatrics.

• Residential aged care.

• Vestibular rehabilitation.

• Women’s Health.

 

We offer services at both Leongatha and Korumburra hospitals.

 

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How to Access the Service:

 

If you are under 65 years old, referrals can be made by service providers (GP, shire council, other health professionals, kinder teachers, maternal child health nurse, or paediatrician). You can also self-refer by contacting our intake team directly.

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Referrals can be made via the telephone, email, fax or post as follows:

 

Phone:    5654 2737

Email:     gateway@gshs.com.au

Fax:        5667 5634

Address: Gateway Intake Service, GSHS, Private Bag 13, Leongatha 3953.

Contact hours: 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays)

 

If you are over 65 years old, you need to be referred through My Aged Care. You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask to be referred to Gippsland Southern Health Service.

 

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Fees:

 

There may be a fee for this service as per our current fees policy. NDIS participants will be charged as per the pricing guidelines.