PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

What is the difference between Physiotherapy and Biokinetics?

Physiotherapists are first-line practitioners, qualified to diagnose and treat injuries, pain, dysfunction and scope-specific conditions from the acute phase right through to the return-to-activity/sport phase of rehabilitation. We have several treatment modalities at our disposal, manual therapy, soft tissue therapy, electrotherapy, needling, manipulation and, of course, exercise therapy including full sport-specific rehabilitation.

Biokineticists see patients in the final phase of rehabilitation, or as part of a preventative programme to prevent injuries. They are limited to treating through the prescription of advice and exercises only, and only become part of the patient’s rehabilitation where pain and dysfunction have already been resolved.

 

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?

No. Physiotherapists are first-line practitioners, which mean that they are qualified to diagnose and treat without a patient needing to see a doctor first. However, we work very closely with the medical practitioners in our area and will refer you immediately if our assessment indicates that you require treatment outside of our scope of practice.

We are also qualified to refer you for X-rays, ultrasound scans, blood tests and isotopic bone scans. Unfortunately, because of the costs involved in MRI scans, medical aids require a referral from a specialist.

 

Do you claim from the Medical Aids?

Yes. The practice will send in all accounts to the Medical Aid on your behalf. However, it remains your responsibility to check that the Medical Aid has received and processed the claims, and any amounts not paid are for your account.

 

Do you charge Medical Aid rates?

Yes. The practice charges 100% of the applicable tariff associated with each treatment modality for each Medical Aid.

 

What do I need to bring?

We cannot treat what we cannot see, and for that purpose we have a range of gowns and shorts available. However, they do not set the Paris runways alight so if you are fashion conscious, you are more than welcome to bring your own shorts/tanktops/sportsbras.

We also ask that all sportspeople, recreational and professional, bring their training shoes along for evaluation. Hairbands are advisable are advisable for ladies with long hair.

Most importantly, if you have any scans/special investigations or even just the reports, please bring them along.

 

How can I settle accounts?

Accounts can be settled via Electronic Fund Transfers or paid in person via cash/credit card at the practice itself.

 

How long are the sessions?

Treatment sessions are normally an hour, but can be 45 minutes if your problem is a simple one, or over an hour if yours is a particularly challenging issue. We try to not watch the clock but provide the patient with what he/she needs. For this reason, we can sometimes run a bit behind, so if you are on a tight schedule it is always useful to call the practice and check that the therapist is on time.