Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

In the majority of cases, physiotherapy treatment can be effective for a range of conditions when treated by a skilled and experienced physiotherapy professional. Most people may seek advice from a physio for rehabilitation or to alleviate pain from an injury that may have occurred during the gym, sport or at work, however you do not need to have any injury to visit a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy can be used as a preventative measure against injury, as well as to build strength and fitness. There are different types of physiotherapy such as sports physio, musculoskeletal physio, neurological physio, and cardiovascular physio. Under these physiotherapy types, physiotherapists can provide treatment for a broad range of conditions including chronic pain, sports injuries, arthritis, aches, and sprains.

The cost of physiotherapy can vary from clinic to clinic, depending on a variety of factors. Medicare rebates, or private health insurance are accepted across many practices to reduce out-of-pocket expense for physio treatment.

Under the Medicare Benefits Schedule, Medicare benefits are available for up to five allied health appointments per calendar year for each eligible patient, of which physiotherapy is included. To receive Medicare rebates for a physiotherapy session, you must be classified as having a chronic musculoskeletal condition and obtain a referral from your GP.

It should be noted, however that Medicare does not typically cover the entire fee, and therefore you may incur any remaining costs. Private health funds accepted by a physio clinic are usually disclosed on the practice’s website; just like Medicare, Private health insurance does not cover the entire fee.

Acupuncture and dry needling are both forms of needling therapies, and involve the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific locations across the skin to trigger particular responses. The main differences between dry needling and acupuncture are the technique and theory for how and where the needles are placed.

Dry needling is focused on using strong stimulation of trigger points in order to reduce muscle tension. In contrast to this, western anatomical acupuncture is based on channel theory and does not use strong stimulation, but rather uses trigger points to heal the body and muscle naturally. A physical therapist will use dry needling to relieve pain and tension from knots and pressure points in muscle tissue, whereas practitioners of acupuncture insert needles to release endorphins and affect the central nervous system.

In addition to this, the patient process also differs between the two practices. Acupuncture needles are typically left in place for 15-30 minutes, with an acupuncturist performing the treatment. An acupuncturist is a certified health professional who applies traditional Chinese medicine in the form of acupuncture.

During dry needling, however, needles will be placed deeply or superficially depending on which area of the body is being treated. They are typically left in for no longer than 15 minutes, with the occasional manipulation or winding of the needle. Dry needling is most often performed by physical therapists or sports injury specialists, who are trained and correctly certified in the treatment for myofascial trigger points.