FAQ

Physiotherapy, (commonly referred to as physio) is a profession in which university qualified therapists gain extensive knowledge in physiology and anatomy to assess, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate a variety of health concerns through physical means and exercise.

Physiotherapy can help to alleviate pain and stiffness or improve mobility for individuals who have suffered various disorders from birth, have been injured or are experiencing difficulties as a result of ageing or life-changing events. In fact, most people are commonly aware that physiotherapy can be useful to help treat injuries, however physiotherapy treatment can also be extremely beneficial for cardiorespiratory conditions, neurological conditions, women’s and mens’s health, occupational health, orthopaedic conditions and paediatrics, just to name a few.

Physiotherapists work directly with their patients to develop the most appropriate method for treatment. Utilising a variety of scientific and evidence based approaches, physiotherapy treatments may involve massage, exercise programs, hydrotherapy, manual techniques such as joint mobilisation and the use assistive devices such as splints, braces and crutches.

At Spinal and Sports Care, we offer a broad range of physiotherapy treatments at our Wetherill Park, Castle Hill & Parramatta locations. To learn more about how our experienced physiotherapy team can help treat your condition, click here. Alternatively, book online or call (02) 9683 1110 to arrange an appointment.

Chiropractic (sometimes referred to as chiro), focuses on all the joints and muscles in the body and the connection that these have in relation to health and performance. A chiropractic practitioner diagnoses and treats various muscle and joint related issues by using manual therapies and exercise. Chiropractic treatments aim to restore joint function and support the nervous system in order to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and manage conditions, whilst working closely with your GP and specialist to achieve optimal results.

Chiropractors provide a variety of evidence-based treatments, including chiropractic adjustments or spinal manipulation, mobilisations, soft tissue therapy, ultrasound, electrotherapeutic therapy, cold laser therapy, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and traction, dry needling, nutritional advice, home exercises and self management strategies.

At Spinal and Sports Care we also have sports chiropractors who have a special interest and additional qualifications in rehabilitating sports injuries and optimising sports performance through chiropractic treatments. For athletes, spinal and peripheral joint injuries can hinder sports performance as a result of restricted range of movement, reduction in strength and weakened endurance. Therefore, sports chiropractors aim to improve neuromusculoskeletal functioning through various chiropractic treatments in order to maximise athletic performance, treat sports-related injuries and prevent additional injuries from occurring in the future, as well as having a solid education and experience base to rehabilitate post-surgery.

For more information on our general chiropractic and sports chiropractic treatments at Spinal and Sports Care, please call (02) 9683 1110. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options by making a booking online.

While chiropractors and physiotherapists share similarities and may even work together for an overall treatment plan, the two professions mainly differ through having distinct differences historically.

The confusion between the two generally lies in the fact that both professions aim to treat musculoskeletal problems that have occurred as the result of injury, ageing, life changing circumstances, chronic illness or problems that have been present from birth. Through their therapies, both chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment aims to increase movement, promote strength and alleviate pain to improve an individuals overall health and wellbeing and allow them to participate in everyday activities.

However, the main difference between chiropractic and physiotherapy, is that chiropractors place great emphasis on spinal health and the relationship between the joints and the nervous system. Chiropractors believe that poor spinal and muscular function can contribute to common pain experienced in many individuals. Therefore, chiropractic treatment generally uses techniques such as massage, manipulation and postural advice with exercises to promote better functioning.

Meanwhile, physiotherapy places a greater emphasis on movement and mobilisation techniques to strengthen weakened muscles and joints. Weakened joints or muscles can contribute to injuries and therefore pain, so strengthening on these joints and muscles can help treat injuries and prevent their reoccurrence.

At Spinal and Sports Care, our practitioners work closely together, to ensure the best suited clinician manages your condition, understanding the inherent strengths and weaknesses of each profession in their management of your concerns.

For more information on our treatments at Spinal and Sports Care, please call (02) 9683 1110. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options by making a booking online.

Our highly skilled physiotherapists at Spinal and Sports Care have a vast experience in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Physiotherapy can be beneficial to treat sporting and workplace injuries, sprains and strains, back pain, arthritis, pelvic floor conditions, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, neck pain, sciatica, cardiovascular conditions and paediatric conditions. Physiotherapy can also play a pivotal role in pre and post surgery rehabilitation, working closely with your surgeon to strengthen weakened areas and restore mobility to get you back to optimal functioning sooner!

At Spinal and Sports Care, our chiropractors have diverse experience in treating a variety of conditions. Chiropractic treatments may be of benefit to you if you suffer back pain, herniated discs, headaches, neck pain, sublaxation, sciatica, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis and more. Additionally, our sports chiropractors have great knowledge and experience in treating sports related injuries as well as maximising athletic performance by addressing abnormalities in the body’s neuromusculoskeletal system that may hinder performance and contribute to pain and injuries.

The short answer is no!

While we do accept referrals at Spinal and Sports Care from various sources including GP’s, specialists and other allied healthcare providers, a referral is not necessary to see our team of physiotherapists and chiropractors.

However, in some circumstances a referral from a GP will allow eligible patients to access Medicare rebates under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, previously known as the Enhanced Primary Care plan (EPC). We also accept Work Cover or DVA claims upon consultation with your GP.

Additionally, in order to ensure a holistic treatment plan, Spinal and Sports Care may work with your GP or specialist closely. With your permission, we may send reports of your condition and the treatment you are receiving to ensure your medical file is up to date and encourage a complete care plan.

Currently, Spinal and Sports Care has three clinics conveniently located in Parramatta, Castle Hill and Wetherill Park with highly skilled chiropractors and physiotherapists. You can find details on our clinics below.

Parramatta Clinic:

Spinal and Sports Care Parramatta

32 Elizabeth Street,

Parramatta, NSW, 2150

Bella Vista Clinic: 

Spinal and Sports Care Bella Vista

Suite G10 (Ground Floor)

29-31 Lexington Drive,

Bella Vista, NSW, 2153

(ENTRANCE Via Meridian Place)

Wetherill Park Clinic:

Spinal and Sports Care Wetherill Park,

Unit 2 (Level 1)

1002-1010 Canley Vale Road,

Wetherill Park, NSW, 2164

(Joined with Futboltec Football Academy)

Gregory Hills Clinic:

Spinal and Sports Care Gregory Hills,

Unit 3/33 Rodeo Rd,

Gregory Hills, NSW,  2557

(Joined with Futboltec Football Academy)

At Spinal and Sports Care, we accept private health fund “on-the-spot-claims” with our HICAPS health claims and payment solution terminals, meaning you will only need to pay the “GAP” for all eligible private health fund related claims.

However, not all health insurance policies are the same, and more importantly, not all health funds are affiliated with HICAPS. So we advise that you check your policy cover before arranging an appointment to avoid any surprises. You will still be entitled to your health fund claim for services rendered, however, you will be required to submit your receipt online via your specific healh fund portal or phone app.

You will need to have extras cover on your health insurance plan to be covered for partially subsidised physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments. Some common physiotherapy services that attract rebates with applicable policies include initial consultations and the development of treatment plans, follow up consultations, antenatal exercise classes and rehabilitation services. You may also receive rebates from your health insurance provider for hydrotherapy, Pilates, dry needling and electrotherapy if deemed medically necessary.

Alternatively, chiropractic health insurance typically attracts rebates for chiro services such as massage, adjustments, X-rays, exercise programs and educational classes.

You should also be aware that many private health insurers have waiting periods or yearly caps on claims, so it is best to check with your provider to confirm your entitlements.

Unfortunately, many allied health services such as private physiotherapy treatments or chiropractic care is not covered under the current Medicare Benefits Schedule for the majority of patients.

However, if you have a chronic illness such as arthritis, diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease and more, you may be eligible to receive Medicare rebates provided that you have a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan as set out by their GP. This plan, formerly referred to as the Enhanced Primary Care Plan, gives patients with chronic illness greater accessibility to various services that can greatly improve their health and wellbeing.

For more information regarding Medicare eligibility, do not hesitate to call our friendly team at Spinal and Sports on (02) 9683 1110.

At Spinal and Sports Care, we’re committed to providing beneficial chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments to maximise our patient’s outcomes. We charge the following fees for chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments at our Spinal and Sports Care Clinics. Please note that these are the fees charged before any applicable private health insurance or Medicare rebates are applied.

Physiotherapy & Chiropractic Treatments *

Initial Consultation

• Initial Consultation (Associate Practitioners):    $127
• Initial Consultation (Principal Practitioners):    $187

Follow Up Appointments:

• Standard Consultation: $92
• Extended Consultation (Associate): $127
• Extended Consultation (Principal Practitioners): $ 157

Additional Services at Spinal and Sports Care

Health Fund Rebates Available for Eligible Patients

• Massage Therapy: $97/60 mins; $82/40 mins; $157/90 mins
• Mat Pilates (Physio): $30 / Group Session
• Hydrotherapy (Physio): $40#

Prices are accurate as of 1st January 2024. Prices subject to change without notice.

* Unless agreed upon prior to commencement, it is a condition of booking that payment will be due in full the same day as service.

# Does not include pool entrance fee

Our team at Spinal and Sports Care understand your time is valuable. In addition, we appreciate that our clinicians have limited appointments. As such, we strive to run our appointment books to optimise your time and to ensure our practitioners do their best to run on time. Hence, clinicians and reception staff will always allow the correct amount of time for your appointment to service your needs based on your treatment plan. To maintain this level of service that we are proud of and sets us apart from many other medical and allied healthcare clinics, it is imperative that you are punctual in attendance so that our clincians can honour your reserved treatment time. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time.

If you happen to arrive late for your appointment, the reduced treatment time will affect the practitioner’s ability to provide a safe and effective treatment. Where possible, our practitioners will attempt to honour your appointment, but there may be times that our reception staff may be obliged to reschedule your appointment. This is because we prioritize maintaining the highest standards in delivering quality care, and our practitioners do not rush through or shorten treatments. Additionally, this delay can disrupt our appointment schedule, affecting all subsequent patients with appointments on that day, and their ability to go about their normal daily schedule. We appreciate your understanding!

Should you miss your appointment or fail to provide adequate notice of non-attendance (less than 6 hours notice), it is a policy of our clinic that a fee of $50 for a standard appointment and $75 for a long consultation will be charged on the first occassion. Full consultation fees will be charged for all subsequent missed or appointments without adequate notice. Health Fund rebates are not permissible for these fees.

If a patient has multiple appointments booked for future dates and fails to attend an appointment, then it is important to confirm these appointments again with reception. Failure to do so will result in reception releasing these appointments to other patients.

Although rare, occasionally one of our clinicians may report sick or unavailable for an appointment. We take your appointment and healthcare seriously. So should one of our clinicians be unavailable for your appointment, we will attempt to find a suitable replacement clinician, so that your management and treatment plan will not be disrupted, and your booking may proceed as normal.

Making a booking at our clinic means that you understand and appreciate this, and our terms and conditions of that booking, including the late cancellation policy.

To provide the ultimate convenience to clients, each Spinal and Sports Care clinic has a various opening hours to suit your needs. The opening hours for each of our clinics are provided below. Please note, that these hours may vary during public holidays and festive seasons. These will be updated on our social media pages.

Spinal and Sports Care Parramatta Appointment Hours:

Spinal and Sports Care Bella Vista Appointment Hours:

Spinal and Sports Care Wetherill Park Appointment Hours:

With three conveniently located clinics, Spinal and Sports Care has a wide range of appointments available daily to accommodate your needs. If you need require immediate physiotherapy or chiropractic services, we recommend calling our friendly team on 9683 1110. Alternatively, you can book an available appointment by using our online booking function.

At Spinal and Sports Care, our physiotherapy sessions run anywhere between 20mins to 40mins in order to adequately accommodate to your needs and address your concerns.

The exact duration of your appointments may vary throughout your rehabilitation journey, and will be discussed with your practitioner at the time of your examination and treatment. Our physiotherapists take the time necessary to thoroughly consult on your condition and apply appropriate treatments and exercises to effectively manage and care for the problem.

These will be booked accordingly with our friendly reception staff, to ensure that your practitoner receives adequate time to address your concerns in a safe and effective manner.

At Spinal and Sports Care, we offer a mix of standard consultations and long consultations with our experienced general and sports chiropractors in order to effectively consult on your condition and apply the appropriate chiropractic treatments necessary. This length, determined in consultation with you and with our chiro’s, provides great benefit to both our patients and practitioners to ensure that you feel comfortable, understand the treatments provided by our chiropractors and adequately manage your concerns and exercise programs.

These will be booked accordingly with our friendly reception staff, to ensure that your practitoner receives adequate time to address your concerns in a safe and effective manner.

The frequency of chiropractic and physiotherapy visits at Spinal and Sports care greatly depends on your condition and/or the severity of the issue.

Your practitioner will be able to advise on the appropriate length of treatment by developing a comprehensive treatment plan they wish to implement upon the initial consultation, in consultation with you.

Our aim is to have you up and moving as soon as possible, and to ensure that you are actively involved in your treatment and rehabilitation/exercises. So, doing your provided exercises and being actively involved in your care and education will ensure you will visit us less often.

At Spinal and Sports Care, our qualified and highly experienced chiropractic and physiotherapy practitioners offer a variety of treatment solutions to our patients. We may offer treatments such as massage therapy, corrective exercise and injury rehabilitation, cold laser therapy, orthotic therapy, dry needling, myofascial release and VAX-D treatments, just to name a few.

In addition to our comprehensive chiropractic and physiotherapy offerings, we also have experienced dietitians in clinic to offer holistic treatments that improve overall health and wellbeing.

Our team at Spinal and Sports Care is committed to providing an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere at our clinics to ensure our patients are comfortable in our care. Our practitioners will undertake a comprehensive analysis of your condition by assessing the area of concern or discussing your condition, as well as analysing any X-rays, scans and results you may bring along. Our practitioners will also work with you to determine goals for your treatment.

You can then expect that our physiotherapy and chiropractic practitioners will discuss the findings of their assessment and use your goals to develop a proposed treatment plan in relation to the findings. Your practitioner will then thoroughly advise on the proposed treatment options highlighting both the benefits and any potential risks associated so that you can make an informed decision in relation to your treatment.

This educational and informative consultation ensures that both the patient and practitioner collectively have a firm understanding on the concern and move forward with suitable, evidence-based options that will be of benefit to achieve your goals.

Where reasonable and safe to do so, we will commence your treatment on the first consultation.

It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that also allows our practitioner to access the area of concern.

For example, if you are visiting our physiotherapists due to a knee injury, wearing shorts is ideal so that our practitioners can easily assess the area.

Practitoners will provide adequate draping for patients to ensure adequate patient privacy and dignity is maintained throughout the consultation. Practititoners will always respect any Religious clothing which is worn in accordance with religious practice, tradition or significance to a faith group.

Yes. Whatever information you can bring to help our practitioners understand and formulate a complete picture of your concern from your first appointment.

At Spinal and Sports Care, we develop individualised treatment plans specific to each patient’s needs. With this in mind, the items you bring along to your appointments will differ depending on your condition.

“Alot of delays in not treating patient’s on their first visit is due to missing important medical information!”

It is advised that you bring recent X-ray, MRI, ultrasounds or CT scan results if you have them. If you have been provided with a referral from a GP, surgeon or other health professional, it is a good idea to bring that along as well. There is no such thing as irrelevant information, so please allow your clincian decide what is important to the delivery of your care.

Additionally, AHPRA National Guidelines for Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Minimum Practice Standards stipulate a full medical history is required to proceed with all treatment. Failure to provide adequate past medical history will unfortunately restrict our providers from providing care.

Additionally, if you’re a Work Cover or DVA patient, you will need to bring the applicable documents with you to process your claims.

Similarly, if you are receiving physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments as a part of a Chronic Disease Management plan, the appropriate documents will be needed in order to process Medicare rebates.

Our physiotherapists, chiropractors and sports chiropractors are able to provide sick leave certificates valid for short durations (24-72 hours), providing it is within our musckulo-skeletal scope of practice. We are also able to provide certifiicates for carers attending appointments with patients.

If you believe you may need additional time off, you will need to visit your GP in order to access a valid medical certificate for longer durations.

In addition, our clinicians are unable to prescribe medication, or render advice on medication. Please contact you local pharmacist or GP to discuss any concerns that you may regarding medication.

Booking an appointment at Spinal and Sports Care is simple. You can call our friendly team on (02) 9683 1110 to arrange an appointment.

Alternatively, you can utilise our easy to use online booking system. Simply choose your desired location, select your service and choose the time that best suits you. A “Fair Go Policy” is in place at Spinal and Sports Care. Our FAIR GO POLICY has been created so that Spinal and Sports Care can continue to provide high quality and convenient online booking services to all of our patients.

Whilst we welcome patients booking appointments in advance, it is our understanding that patients are aware that these appointments will be reserved and be UNAVAILABLE to other patients. Should staff at Spinal and Sports Care feel that patients are booking appointments in breech of “Fair Go Policy”, future appointments may be cancelled and offered to other patients.

Please be aware, whilst appointments are available online, not all available practitioners and only a limited number of appointments are listed online. If you do not find a suitable appointment time, please feel free to contact our friendly reception staff, who will assit you in making an appointment that suits.

Sports chiropractors and physiotherapists have experience in treating sports related pain or injuries while also optimising performance for athletes of all abilities through their treatments.

For elite and amateur athletes, improper joint movement and biomechanics can greater hinder performance, thus sports chiropractors work to address these issues. For example, track and field athletes with a poor gait may experience pain the lower limbs of the body resulting in weakened performance when training or competing and a higher risk of injury.

Chiropractic and physiotherapy practitioners analyse these issues and develop an individualised treatment plan to correct the athletes gait, which will in turn alleviate past pain for improved performance and prevent sports related injuries.

Our practitioners also help rehabilitate injuries acquired through sport by using various treatments such manipulation, mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, electrotherapy, exercise, strapping or nutritional advice. We will alwys work with your team, including your doctor, specialist and coaches to ensure best outcomes and optimal performance.

Yes!

Our practitioners at Spinal and Sports Care are Work Cover accredited providers and have great experience in working with Worker’s Compensation claims. Before you make an appointment with Spinal and Sports Care in regards to work related injuries, ensure you have followed the necessary procedures. You should have notified your workplace of the incident and consulted with your GP and be provided with a medical certification. You should then receive a Work Cover claim number from your insurance provider.

Our practitioners provide a range of solutions depending on your injury, ranging from acute pain management to strength retraining. Spinal and Sports Care also works directly with you, your insurance company and your GP to ensure a holistic and effective treatment.

Invoices and fees for Worker’s Compensation patients will be directly sent to the insurance company to provide peace of mind and easy accessibility of services.

At Spinal and Sports Care we are proud to provide assistance to DVA patients. Our team works closely with the Department of Veteran Affairs, along with your GP to inform your health care providers of appropriate treatments and to ensure holistic care.

Our team also utilises Medicare Online Claiming to ensure that patients are not charged a Gap Fee for the services they access, providing the ultimate accessibility for patients. DVA patients also have the added benefit of transportation arrangements as organised by our staff, in order to ensure worry-free access to and from your treatments.

Spinal and Sports Care is a team of professional chiropractors, sports chiropractors, physiotherapists, dietitian and naturopaths. Our dynamic team is dedicated to providing holistic treatment solution that aim improve the overall health and wellbeing for a range of individuals suffering with common conditions and ailments.

Upon consultation, our team will thoroughly assess the concern, develop a treatment plan and even begin treatments if applicable. We also work closely with GP’s and other health care providers to ensure a thorough and holistic treatment for patients.

OUR GURANTEE TO OUR PATIENTS

Spinal and Sports Care are committed to providing a high standard of care to benefit each patient’s health and well-being using a holistic approach to healthcare and patient education. We will give you timely and accurate information to ensure that we collectively provide you with the best decisions for you, with a strong focus on evidence based treatments informed by clinical research and years of experience, our team assess, diagnoses, treats, manages and prevents a diverse range of disorders and injuries.

We are committed to providing a collaborative approach to ensure that each patient receives personalised treatment and rehabilitation. We will sometimes supplement treatment with therapeutic devices and orthopaedic aids to assist long-term recovery. Patients should feel at ease that our 100% satisfaction guarantee covers these. Should any ancillary aids provided to patients not deliver expected results or reach a level of patient satisfaction, we will work with the patient to either:

1). modify/adjust the therapeutic aid if possible to achieve a better result or

2). offer a full refund of the purchase cost

That’s our promise to you to ensure optimal healthcare that is patient-centred and meets patients’ expectations.

Conveniently Located

Spinal and Sports Care also offers 4 conveniently located clinics with a variety of opening times to cater to busy individuals in Gregory Hills, Parramatta, Wetherill Park and Castle Hill regions.

Constantly Upskilling

Our staff are members of highly regarded organisations including Sports Medicine Australia, Sports Chiropractic Australia, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Chiropractors Association Australia, Chiropractic and Osteopathic Association of Australasia, Federation of International Sports Chiropractors and Exercise and Sports Science Australia, further cementing our expertise and assurance for high quality treatments.

Our practitoners are constantly upskilling and evolving their thinking, maintaining and improving their knowledge on latest developments and research findings. Frequent Spinal and Sports Care team in-services ensure all clinicians are regularly made abreast of changes and our team is providing consistent approaches to healh care.