What to expect at Centred Ground

Your First Physiotherapy Appointment

Time to understand what has been happening and begin a plan with you

You do not need to arrive with a confirmed diagnosis or know exactly how to explain the problem. Start by telling us what you have noticed, how it is affecting you and what you would like help with.

60 minutes

Initial physiotherapy appointments are scheduled for 60 minutes.

Before your appointment

When booking, please provide enough information for us to understand the main reason for your visit. You will receive an intake form to complete via email before your appointment.

Please let us know before attending if:

You require step-free access through the rear entrance
You have specific communication, mobility or access needs
Your appointment relates to a Medicare referral, insurance claim or other third-party funding arrangement
You are unsure whether your concern is suitable for physiotherapy
You would like to bring a support person

Coming prepared

A few practical things help us make the most of your time together. Bring what you have — not every item will be relevant to every appointment.

What to bring

Relevant referral letters
Imaging or scan reports
Specialist, hospital or surgical correspondence
A list of current medications where relevant
Details of previous treatment
Your Medicare card and valid referral if attending under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
Private health insurance details if you intend to claim

You do not need to arrange scans before attending unless they have already been recommended by another healthcare professional. The written radiology report is often the most useful item to bring initially.

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move and makes the relevant area reasonably accessible.

A singlet or loose-fitting top for neck, shoulder or upper-back assessment
Shorts or flexible clothing for hip, knee, leg or movement assessment
Shoes relevant to your work, walking or exercise if they may be part of the concern

You may be asked whether you are comfortable adjusting or removing clothing to allow the area to be assessed. You will be given privacy and appropriately covered. You can decline any part of the assessment or ask for an alternative approach.

What to expect at your first appointment

How the hour unfolds

You don’t need a perfect history – just what feels most relevant to you.

A conversation

What you’ve been experiencing and what you want to return to doing.

Physical assessment

Movement, strength, joint or muscle function, and the affected area and nearby regions.

Findings explained

What the findings suggest. A definite diagnosis isn’t always possible in one visit, and we’ll be honest about what we do and don’t yet know.

Treatment begins

Where appropriate, the same day - hands-on techniques, dry needling, exercise or education.

A clear next step

What to do, what (if anything) to modify, and whether follow-up is recommended.

How many appointments will I need?

“You won’t be expected to commit to a large treatment package in advance.”

How many appointments you’ll need depends on the nature of your concern, how long it has been present, your health and how your symptoms respond.

Some recent problems ease within a few appointments, while longstanding pain, tendon issues or post-surgical rehab may take longer.

Women’s Health appointments

A private conversation first

A first Women’s Health appointment begins with a private discussion about your symptoms, history and goals. When you specifically book a Women’s Health Initial, you will receive the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire by email, which will inform your assessment.

Depending on your concern, the assessment may include general movement, breathing and abdominal coordination, pelvic floor education, external assessment or an internal vaginal examination where clinically useful and completed with informed consent.

An internal examination is not compulsory. The reason for offering it, what it involves and any alternatives will be explained before proceeding.

Fees, claims and referrals

You do not need a referral for a private physiotherapy appointment. Current appointment fees are displayed when you book online.

Fees and payment

Payment of the full consultation fee is required at the time of your appointment.

Private health fund claims may be processed where your cover and service are eligible. HICAPS is available, so eligible claims can often be processed on the spot.

The rebate depends on your individual policy, so please contact your health fund if you would like to confirm the amount before attending.

Medicare referrals

Eligible clients may receive a Medicare rebate for a limited number of allied health appointments under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

Please bring a valid referral and your Medicare details. The full fee is paid at the appointment, then the claim is processed so the applicable rebate is paid directly to you by Medicare.

These appointments are not bulk billed and involve an out-of-pocket cost.

Other referrals and claims

A referral, claim number or prior approval may be required for appointments funded through:

Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Return to Work arrangements
Motor vehicle insurance
Another insurer or third party

Where funding has not been confirmed, you may be responsible for the consultation fee.

Cancelling or changing your appointment

24hours’ notice, please

Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a $50 late cancellation fee. Appointments missed without notice will incur a $90 no-show fee.

We understand that illness and genuinely unforeseen circumstances can occur, and these situations will always be considered reasonably. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

If you are unwell, please do not attend. We would much rather help you reschedule than risk illness spreading to our practitioners or other clients.

After your appointment

Leaving with a clear direction

Depending on what we find, you may receive:

Please contact Centred Ground if you are uncertain about your instructions or experience an unexpected response following treatment.

For urgent medical concerns, contact your GP, an appropriate urgent-care service or emergency services.

Ready for your first appointment?

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