If you have a question regarding your appointment that is not addressed below please contact our reception team and they will be happy to assist you.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy uses proven techniques to help restore movement and function to anyone affected by an injury, disability or health condition.
While well known for treating injuries, physiotherapists have the skills to treat and prevent a range of health problems involving;
- Back and neck pain
- Lack of coordination, balance and flexibility
- Gait (walking pattern)
- Arthritis (swelling, stiffness of joints)
- Sports injuries
- Pre and post operative rehabilitation
- Peripheral joint rehabilitation
- Recovery after a fracture
- Pain relief
- Occupational over-use
How can a Physiotherapist help me?
Our physiotherapists can provide a thorough examination and evaluation of your condition to identify the source of your discomfort or dysfunction. Once examined and evaluated, our therapists will develop a treatment programme unique to your needs and goals.
Your treatment may consist of any combination of hands-on manual therapy, exercises, acupuncture and advice. You will likely be given some exercises to do at home, as well as education on proper body mechanics and posture, to prevent re-injury.
What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
If you are unavoidably delayed for your appointment, please let our reception staff know as soon as you can, as it helps to plan the remainder of the day. We ask that a cancelled appointment be done 2 hours in advance which will enable us to schedule another patient.
Is off street parking available?
We have ample FREE off-street parking at the Richmond Health Centre. Additional parking is available in the Warring Car Park or on Oxford Street.
Does your clinic only see patients with certain injuries?
We are happy to assess and treat any injury.
What times are you open?
We are open Monday to Friday 8.45am – 5.30pm but in some circumstances your appointment can be scheduled slightly earlier or later.
How many appointments will I need?
Each case is different, and some need more treatments than others – ask your therapist for an indication of how many treatments your condition is likely to require. Our statistics show our patients on average receive 3-4 treatments per injury.
Sometimes after a treatment you may feel some soreness or stiffness but it should not be excessive or last more than the rest of that day. If you are in pain or feeling uncertain or unhappy about anything between treatments please call us immediately – we’re here to help.
What should I wear for my Physiotherapy treatment?
It is easier for you and the therapist if you come suitably dressed for treatment.
We can provide some alternative clothing in the form of gowns and shorts to use during treatment when necessary – ask your Physio.
- For neck treatment
- Wear a shirt that is easily removed, or a low necked T shirt
- For back and hip treatment
- Jeans and tight pants will need to be removed for treatment.
- Track pants are good as they are easily pulled up and down.
- For knees and ankles
- Shorts or skirts, without stockings, are best.
- For arms and shoulders
- Wear a shirt that is easily removed. ( ladies may also wish to wear a camisole for modesty).
- Watches and bracelets should be removed.
What should I bring to my physiotherapy appointment?
Your referral letter form from your physician (if you have one).
Any ACC paper work related to your treatment.
If you have any other information pertaining to your injury such as specialist reports, scan results, or X-rays and/or X-ray reports.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is safe when practiced by a Registered Physiotherapy Acupuncturist. At Waimea Physiotherapy Clinic, Nikki Waterman has post graduate qualifications in this discipline and adheres to strict health and safety standards.
Do I need a referral to be seen at your clinic?
No, you can come directly to the clinic without a referral from your GP. Our physiotherapists will assess your injury and determine what treatment is appropriate. The clinic treats ACC claims and private clients, as well as private insurance claims. If your physiotherapist feels you need to see your GP – they will let you know on your first visit.
What if I don’t have ACC?
Our clinic provides treatment for all types of claims including private claims where the client pays for their own visit. You may have private medical insurance or private insurance (through a work related injury). Our physiotherapists are happy to treat your injury regardless of whether you are paying for the treatment yourself, your insurance company is covering your treatment or you are covered through work insurance.
Please also note that there are additional charges for materials such as tape, bandages & slings, rehabilitation equipment and loan items.
What rights do I have when I come for treatment at a Waimea Physiotherapy Clinic?
During your treatment at our clinic your privacy throughout your treatment is paramount. All your medical records are kept in confidence. Your medical records will not be submitted to anyone without your permission.
If you have specific cultural needs or feel that your culture or religion warrants a different treatment approach, please do not hesitate to talk to your therapist or our reception staff. We are more than happy to accommodate your needs so that you obtain the best treatment possible in an environment that makes you feel comfortable.
You have the right to have a support person present during your treatment or a chaperon if you wish. You have the right to a second opinion about your injury or pain. This can be from another physiotherapist or other specialist.
What happens when I come in for my first appointment?
When you make an appointment, you will be told who you are seeing, when to come and what to bring. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early. This will give you time to fill in our patient information form and complete any other documentation. Even though you may have seen us for a previous injury before we may require you to fill in the paper work for each new injury. When entering the clinic, please introduce yourself to our reception staff and take a seat in our waiting room.
Whilst we try to keep appointment times, sometimes a short delay can occur. If the wait is likely to be more than 10 minutes, we will endeavour to let you know.
Your first appointment will include an interview and a physical examination to establish the nature of your current condition. Your physiotherapist will discuss the likely treatment, outcomes and time frames with you before treatment commences and as the programme progresses.
If you become concerned about any aspect of your treatment, we can arrange for a second opinion to be provided about your progress. This can be done by your doctor, another physiotherapist or specialist of your choice.
Can I bring a support person?
It is your right to bring a support person with you to your treatment if you wish. Guidelines for this situation are shown below.
Your support person may:
- Help you into the clinic.
- Help with filling in forms.
- Help with getting clothes off and on – provide moral support/company during treatment.
- Act as interpreter.
- Help where there is difficulty understanding or remembering advice and instructions.
- Help at home if you need physical assistance with any exercises or stretches.
- The support person may sit beside you in the treatment cubicle, or remain in the waiting area, as you wish.
Do I need a doctors referral for an ACC claim?
No, you can come directly to the clinic without a referral from your GP. Our physiotherapists will assess your injury and determine if making an ACC claim is appropriate. The clinic will file a claim with ACC on your behalf. If your physiotherapist feels you need to see your GP – they will let you know on your first visit. If you feel that your injury is limiting your ability to work then you will need to see your GP to obtain a work certificate.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of promoting natural healing by inserting fine, solid needles into specific areas of the body for pain relief, healing and general well being.