Question 1

How much does physiotherapy cost?

Accepted Answer

Our consultation fees vary depending on the service and duration. Please call us on (02) 9726 4491 or visit your nearest clinic for current pricing. We accept all major health funds, Medicare (Enhanced Primary Care plans), workers compensation, and NDIS funding.

Question 2

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist at Activ Therapy. You can book directly online or by phone. However, if you have a Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan from your GP, you may be eligible for a rebate on up to 5 consultations per year.

Question 3

Do you accept private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept all major private health funds including Medibank, Bupa, HCF, nib, AHM, and more. Your rebate amount depends on your level of cover. We have HICAPS terminals at all clinics, so you can claim your rebate on the spot.

Question 4

Can I claim a Medicare rebate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan or Team Care Arrangement (TCA) from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on up to 5 allied health consultations per year. Exercise physiology sessions for eligible conditions may also attract a Medicare rebate. Speak to your GP about whether you qualify.

Question 5

Do you treat NDIS participants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we welcome NDIS participants at all Activ Therapy clinics. We can work with self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed participants. Our Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists can provide NDIS-funded services. Please call us to discuss your NDIS plan and how we can help you achieve your goals.

Question 6

What NDIS services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and mobile physiotherapy services under NDIS funding. Our clinicians can conduct functional assessments, develop capacity-building programs, and provide therapeutic support to help NDIS participants achieve their independence and wellbeing goals.

Question 7

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your initial consultation is typically 45–60 minutes. Your practitioner will take a detailed history of your condition, perform a thorough physical examination, explain their findings in plain language, and develop a personalised treatment plan. Many patients receive hands-on treatment at their first appointment. Please wear comfortable clothing and arrive 5–10 minutes early to complete paperwork.

Question 8

What should I wear to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows your practitioner easy access to the area being treated. For lower body conditions, shorts or loose pants work well. For shoulder, neck or upper back conditions, a loose top or singlet is ideal. We have change rooms available at all clinics.

Question 9

Should I bring anything to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) and any referral letter from your GP. If you have private health insurance, bring your health fund card. If you're on a Medicare CDM plan, bring your referral and GP Management Plan. For workers compensation, bring your claim paperwork.

Question 10

Is parking available at your clinics?

Accepted Answer

All Activ Therapy clinics have parking available nearby. Most are located in shopping centres or commercial centres with dedicated parking. Please call your nearest clinic for specific parking information.

Question 11

How do I book a massage appointment?

Accepted Answer

Massage therapy appointments must be booked by phone rather than online. Please call us on (02) 9726 4491 to check availability and book your massage appointment. We have qualified remedial massage therapists at most clinic locations.

Question 12

Do you treat workers compensation injuries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are experienced in treating workers compensation injuries at Activ Therapy Liverpool, Moorebank, Gregory Hills, and other locations. We work with all major insurers including iCare (NSW), Allianz, QBE, and GIO. Please call us to arrange an appointment and bring your claim paperwork.

Question 13

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, its severity, and your goals. Your practitioner will give you an estimated treatment timeline at your first appointment. Many acute conditions resolve in 4–8 sessions. Chronic or post-surgical conditions may require 10–20+ sessions. We always aim to achieve the best possible result in the shortest number of sessions.

Question 14

Can I see a practitioner on the same day?

Accepted Answer

We endeavour to offer same-day and next-day appointments where possible. The best way to secure an urgent appointment is to call your nearest clinic directly. Availability varies by location and time of year.

Question 15

How long does an appointment take?

Accepted Answer

Initial consultations typically take 45–60 minutes, allowing time for a thorough assessment, diagnosis, and your first treatment. Standard follow-up appointments usually run 20–30 minutes, depending on your condition and treatment plan. Your practitioner will let you know if a longer session is recommended.

Question 16

Are all sessions one-on-one?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all physiotherapy, chiropractic, exercise physiology, and massage consultations are private one-on-one sessions with your practitioner. The only exceptions are our Activ 4 Life group exercise classes and hydrotherapy programs, which are run in small supervised groups — and these are clearly booked as group sessions.

Question 17

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, EFTPOS, and all major credit and debit cards at every clinic. If you have private health insurance, our HICAPS terminals let you claim your health fund rebate on the spot, so you only pay the gap. For workers compensation, CTP, DVA, and NDIS (plan-managed and NDIA-managed) patients, we bill the insurer or fund directly where approved.

Question 18

Can I choose which practitioner I see?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You can request a specific practitioner when booking online or by phone, and you can also request a male or female practitioner if you have a preference. If your preferred practitioner isn't available at a suitable time, our reception team can suggest the next best option or another nearby Activ Therapy clinic.

Question 19

Will I receive treatment at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Your first appointment includes a detailed history and physical assessment, and most patients then receive hands-on treatment in the same session. Occasionally your practitioner may recommend further investigations (such as imaging) before starting certain treatments, but you will always leave your first visit with a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan, and initial advice or exercises.

Question 20

Do I need a scan or X-ray before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

No. Our physiotherapists and chiropractors are trained to diagnose most musculoskeletal conditions through a hands-on clinical assessment, so imaging is not required to start treatment. If you already have X-rays, MRI, CT, or ultrasound results, please bring them along. If your practitioner believes imaging would change your management, they can refer you or liaise with your GP to arrange it.

Question 21

Can a carer, family member, or interpreter attend my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course. Carers, family members, and support workers are always welcome to attend your appointment with you — this is especially common for our NDIS participants, children, and elderly patients. If you need an interpreter, please let us know when booking so we can help make arrangements and allow extra time for your consultation.

Question 22

What is chiropractic?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic is a registered allied health profession focused on diagnosing and treating conditions of the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. Our AHPRA-registered chiropractors use precise spinal adjustments, joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and exercise prescription to relieve pain, restore movement, and improve function. Chiropractic care is commonly used for back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and postural problems.

Question 23

Should I see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

There is significant overlap between the two professions, and both are effective for spinal pain, joint problems, and muscle injuries. Broadly, chiropractors focus on spinal adjustments and joint alignment, while physiotherapists place more emphasis on exercise rehabilitation, soft tissue treatment, and post-injury or post-surgical recovery. At Activ Therapy, our physiotherapists and chiropractors work side by side — if you're unsure, book with either and your practitioner will recommend the best approach (or a combination) for your condition.

Question 24

What is exercise physiology?

Accepted Answer

Exercise physiology is the use of clinically prescribed exercise to manage and improve chronic conditions, injuries, and disabilities. Our accredited exercise physiologists design safe, evidence-based exercise programs for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain, and neurological conditions, as well as for injury rehabilitation. Exercise physiology is available privately and through Medicare chronic condition plans, NDIS, workers compensation, and DVA.

Question 25

Do you do dry needling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of our physiotherapists and chiropractors are trained in dry needling, which uses fine needles to release tight muscle knots (trigger points), reduce pain, and improve blood flow. It's particularly effective for chronic muscle tension, back and neck pain, and stubborn sports injuries. Dry needling is often combined with hands-on treatment and exercise as part of your broader treatment plan — just mention it when booking if you'd like it included.

Question 26

Do you treat children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we treat children and teenagers at all Activ Therapy clinics. Common presentations include sports injuries, growth-related conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter disease and Sever's disease, postural problems, and rehabilitation after fractures. A parent or guardian must attend appointments for patients under 18.

Question 27

Do you treat sports injuries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sports injury management is one of our core services. Our sports physiotherapists treat everything from acute ligament sprains and muscle strains to tendon injuries and stress fractures, and guide you through structured return-to-sport programs. We work with weekend warriors through to competitive athletes, and several of our clinics offer direct access to gym facilities for exercise-based rehabilitation.

Question 28

Do you treat women's health issues?

Accepted Answer

We treat many musculoskeletal conditions that commonly affect women, including pregnancy-related back and pelvic girdle pain, postnatal recovery of core and pelvic stability, and osteoporosis management through targeted exercise programs. If your condition requires a specialised pelvic health physiotherapist, we'll let you know and point you in the right direction. Call us on (02) 9726 4491 to discuss your needs and we'll match you with the most suitable practitioner.

Question 29

Do you offer post-operative rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, post-surgery rehabilitation is a dedicated service at Activ Therapy. We provide structured rehabilitation programs following joint replacements, ACL and other knee reconstructions, shoulder surgery, spinal surgery, and fracture fixation. Our physiotherapists work closely with your surgeon's protocol to restore movement, rebuild strength, and return you safely to work, sport, and daily life.

Question 30

Do you accept CTP (motor vehicle accident) referrals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we treat patients injured in motor vehicle accidents under NSW CTP insurance claims. Once you have lodged your claim, bring your claim number and insurer details to your appointment — we can liaise directly with your CTP insurer regarding treatment approval and billing, so there are no upfront costs for approved treatment.

Question 31

Do you accept DVA patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we welcome Department of Veterans' Affairs patients. DVA Gold Card holders and White Card holders (for accepted conditions) can access physiotherapy and exercise physiology with a referral from their GP. We bill DVA directly, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible treatment.

Question 32

How do Medicare chronic condition referrals work?

Accepted Answer

If you have a chronic condition, your GP can refer you under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (formerly known as a CDM or EPC plan). This entitles you to a Medicare rebate on up to 5 allied health visits per calendar year, which can be used for physiotherapy or exercise physiology. Bring your GP referral and plan paperwork to your first appointment, and we'll process the Medicare rebate for you.

Question 33

Can I come in as a private patient?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most of our patients are private patients, and no referral is needed. Simply book online or call your nearest clinic. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you can claim your rebate on the spot through our HICAPS terminals and just pay the gap. Private patients also enjoy the most flexibility with appointment times, practitioner choice, and treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments & Cost

Health Funds

NDIS

First Appointment

Parking & Access

Massage

Workers Compensation

Our Services

Who We Treat

Referrals & Funding

Health Resources

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