PHYSIOTHERAPY & HEALTH

What to expect from your Physiotherapist

Your Physiotherapist

Australian physiotherapists are registered health care professionals with university qualifications.

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

Physiotherapy includes a wide range of specialities that meet the health needs of different people such as babies and children, sportspeople, pregnant women, injured workers and senior citizens.

Physiotherapy programs are based on practical goals agreed between the physiotherapist and the client. Physiotherapists help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle.

When necessary, physiotherapists will consult with a client’s doctor to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.

Choosing a Physiotherapist

All physiotherapists registered to practise in Australia are qualified to provide safe, effective health care.

Physiotherapists who are members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association make an extra commitment to quality health care. APA physiotherapists are required to undertake continuing professional development programs to keep themselves up to date and to abide by a Code of Conduct which sets out expected standards of professional conduct. These are important commitments to quality health care and are important points to remember when you are choosing your physiotherapist.

Many APA members also have further qualifications and expertise in special areas of physiotherapy practice eg paediatrics, women’s health, gerontology, continence, manipulation therapy, hydrotherapy, cardiothoracic therapy, ergonomics and occupational health, sports medicine, neurology and orthopaedics.

What is the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)?

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is the sole organisation that represents Australian physiotherapists. The APA has around 10,000 members.

Physiotherapists who are members of the APA make an extra commitment to professional accountability because they required to do professional development courses and uphold standards of conduct as set out in the APA Code of Conduct.

The APA does not have the authority to register or deregister physiotherapists – that is a function of the Physiotherapists Registration Boards in each State and Territory.

What can you expect from your Physiotherapist?

You can expect your physiotherapist to:

• deliver a professional service for a reasonable fee
• discuss your treatment options and agree on some treatment goals with you
• provide information about your physiotherapy program
• explain specific treatments to you
• respect your rights, dignity, privacy, feelings and cultural customs
• respect the confidentiality of your professional relationship
• communicate with your doctor if necessary
• not engage in any sexual activity with a person who is a client.

How to deal with a concern or complaint about your Physiotherapy

First – talk to your physiotherapist.

If you have concerns about your physiotherapy treatment, you are encouraged to talk to your physiotherapist first and foremost.

Mostly, the easiest way to sort out concerns about your physiotherapy treatment is to talk to your physiotherapist directly. Explain what you are concerned about and what actions you think would resolve your worries.

You may find this a little difficult, but generally speaking it will be the fastest and easiest way to solve your problems.

You may prefer to write your physiotherapist a letter. Again, you will need to explain exactly what you are concerned about and what actions you think would resolve the problem.

If necessary – seek independent help.

If you have talked or written to your physiotherapist and you still have concerns, you have other options.

1. Hospital/Community Physiotherapy
   If you remain concerned about physiotherapy treatment you have received in a hospital, community health centre, community agency, day care centre or residential care centre, you should ask to speak to the staff member responsible for consumer advocacy.
2. Private Practice Physiotherapy
   If you remain concerned about physiotherapy treatment you have received from a private practitioner, you should contact the Health Services/Complaints Commissioner or the Physiotherapists Registration Board in your State or Territory to resolve the matter. You will find the contact details for the Physiotherapists Registration Board and the Health Services/Complaints Commissioner in the White Pages telephone directory. Alternatively, you can telephone the APA office in your State or Territory for the relevant contact details.

Further Information

If you want further information about physiotherapy, finding the right physiotherapist, the Association’s Code of Conduct or the different avenues for addressing any concerns you may have about your physiotherapy treatment, please contact the office of the Australian Physiotherapy Association in your State or Territory (we are listed in the White Pages® Directory).