We often think of physiotherapy as treatment for after you’ve had an injury or when you need to recover from major surgery. In reality, seeing a physiotherapist has many benefits for all aspects of life, from improving mobility and reducing pain, to gaining independence and the confidence to do the things you enjoy.
Here is a handy guide to help you learn more about physiotherapy and how it can support your needs.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy focuses on the structure of the human body and how it moves.
Physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques to diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of health conditions such as balance problems, joint pain, surgery rehabilitation and chronic health diseases like diabetes, osteoarthritis and stroke.
They can also help people living with a disability or a chronic health condition achieve their physical goals.
Some of the things physiotherapists do include:
Physiotherapists work in many different settings: private or public hospitals, a physiotherapy clinic, community health centre, aged care facility, sports organisations or in your own home.
You don’t need a referral from your doctor to book an appointment with a physiotherapy clinic, although they may refer you to one if they feel it is needed.
What conditions does physiotherapy treat?
Physiotherapy can treat a broad range of conditions and problems, from sudden injuries to your muscles or bones to chronic health conditions that you may have had for many years.
Here are some of the many conditions commonly treated using physiotherapy:
What qualifications does a physiotherapist have?
As a minimum, a physiotherapist must have completed a four-year bachelor, masters or professional doctorate program and practiced under supervision in a clinical setting.
They are required by law to be registered with the National Physiotherapy Board of Australia – an organisation supported by Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA). They must have insurance, meet certain checks and professional standards, and be continuing their education.
Physiotherapy and seniors
As we grow older, sometimes our bodies don’t move as well as they used to. But this doesn’t mean we can’t still lead healthy and fulfilling lives, or live independently in our own home.
Physiotherapy can help seniors with a wide range of issues, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life and empowering people to be actively involved in their own care. They can also be included as part of your health care team, working holistically alongside your GP, a specialist, dietitian, exercise physiologist, nutritionist or psychologist.
We can help you access a physiotherapist in your home, using funding from your home care package. To find out how we can help you live independently and receive quality care, get in touch for a free consultation.
What benefits does physiotherapy offer to seniors?
Alongside helping you to recover after an injury, here are some of the main benefits of seeing a physiotherapist as you age:
Improve your mobility
A physiotherapist will talk to you about what you struggle with and tailor a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. They can help you reduce stiffness, increase your mobility and improve your flexibility.
Learn how to move safely
Falling can be dangerous as you age. Physiotherapists can help you build strength, balance and stability so you can move around your home without slipping over. They can also help you exercise safely and reduce your risk of injury.
Reduce and manage pain
Physiotherapy treat and manage pain by looking at its source. They may look things that exacerbate pain such as tight or weak muscles, limited blood flow or instances of inactivity, and provide treatment to help you feel better.
Maintain independence at home
Moving confidently is a vital component to quality of life. Physiotherapy can help you keeping doing activities that maintain your independence, such as driving, walking, cooking and enjoying leisure activities.
Manage chronic conditions
Research shows physiotherapy can help prevent and treat many chronic diseases, including hypertension, emphysema, Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. A physiotherapist can also help you exercise regularly to improve your health.
Rehabilitation after surgery
After major surgery such as a hip replacement, a physiotherapist can work with you to strengthen your body, restore your overall stability and improve your range of motion. They can also help you prepare for surgery by building up your strength.
Offers a non-invasive treatment option
Building strength, movement and flexibility doesn’t just treat a range of issues – it also prevents invasive treatments down the track, such as surgery and pharmaceutical intervention (e.g. pain medication).
Improve quality of life
Physiotherapy can help us stay active and independent as we age. This helps us maintain good mental health and enjoy quality of life, despite the challenges that we may face along the way.
What can I expect at my first physiotherapy appointment?
Physiotherapy treatment is tailored to your needs, so you can expect a physiotherapist to spend their first appointment talking to you about your health. They may:
Once the physiotherapist reaches a diagnosis of an injury or condition, they will develop a treatment plan to manage it in the most appropriate way. They can also work with your GP, a specialist, dietitian, nutritionist or exercise physiologist to ensure you receive holistic care.
Can a physiotherapist come to me?
Yes! You can receive physiotherapy in a fully equipped clinic or, if travelling is difficult, in the comfort of your own home. To find out more about at home physio services with HomeCaring, please get in touch.
Physiotherapy supports people from all walks of life in achieving their individual health goals, including people living with disability. This can help you get the most out of life, whether that means improving your mobility, helping you exercise regularly, or removing barriers that stop you from getting out in the community.
What kinds of disabilities can physiotherapy support?
Physiotherapy can support a wide range of disabilities, including conditions such as:
What ways can physiotherapy support someone living with a disability?
Alongside providing support with mobility, physiotherapy can help people living with disability participate in physical activities they enjoy. They can also help people enjoy exercise, engage in community activities if they wish, and increase their independence in daily life.
Here are some of the common ways physiotherapy can support people living with a disability.
Is physiotherapy available for kids?
Yes – physiotherapists work with people of all ages, including children and teenagers. A physiotherapist can help children learn new skills, improve balance and coordination, access specialised equipment, improve their balance and coordination, and develop the skills needed to take part in daily activities.
They often work with children living with disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism and Muscular Dystrophy.
NDIS and Physiotherapy
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provides funds for people based on their individual needs. It covers allied health therapies that improve daily living for people with disability, including physiotherapy.
This means you can receive funding for physiotherapy services from an accredited NDIS provider. For help on how to use your NDIS funding to access a physiotherapist with HomeCaring, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a FREE consultation.
At Home Caring, we are here to listen to your needs and explain the options available to support you. Simply share your details, and our team will guide you every step of the way.
The Albanese Labor Government has introduced a landmark Aged Care Bill, marking a once-in-a-generation reform to prioritise the rights, safety and dignity of older Australians.
From 1 July 2025, the new Aged Care Act will bring significant changes, including:
-Tougher regulatory standards to ensure higher
accountability
-Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards for improved
care delivery
-A dedicated Statement of Rights for older Australians
-A $4.3 billion Support at Home program to help seniors live independently at home for longer
These reforms align with the Royal Commission’s recommendations, focusing on better complaint handling, greater participant choice, improved funding and enhanced fairness and quality across the sector.
If you’d like to learn more about how these changes impact you or your loved ones, Home Caring can guide you through the details. Please call us on 1300 875 377 for personalised support and assistance.
Read more 📱- health.gov.au/aged-care-act
#AgedCareReforms #SupportingOlderAustralians #australianhealthandagedcare #AHAC
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Even as we head into the final month of the year our incredible Home Caring teams show no signs of slowing down! Fueled by their passion for helping others they’ve been working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of our clients. Last weekend our Home Caring Vermont HomeCaring Narre Warren Home Caring Footscray HomeCaring Mornington Peninsula Home Caring St Albans Eltham and Bellarine teams all came together to showcase their dedication and expertise at the Melbourne Disability Expo.
The expo was an amazing opportunity for our teams to connect with the local community, meet new faces and raise awareness about the vital work we do. From sharing insights into our services to forming meaningful connections all of our Melbourne teams went above and beyond to make the event a resounding success. It’s clear that when you’re passionate about your work, it never feels like a job – and this passion was on full display throughout the weekend. A big thank you to everyone involved for representing Home Caring with such heart and dedication! 🩵
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Happy Friday HC fam!
It’s been a busy and productive week here at Home Caring with only forty days till the end of the year we are full steam ahead! One highlight was the team-building and networking session with our amazing Home Caring Bankstown team. The workshop was a huge success bringing everyone together to learn, grow and strengthen our skills.
These sessions are such a valuable part of what we do as they foster connection, build efficiency and empower us to deliver the best care to our clients. As we all know being a support worker can sometimes feel isolating but moments like these remind us of the incredible community we’re all a part of.
Let’s all carry that energy into the weekend—it’s going to be a hot one, so stay cool and take care! 🩵
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Happy Sunday HC fam! Recently our Home Caring Vermont team had the privilege of attending the 20th anniversary celebration of Hope City Mission, a vital organisation making a profound difference in our community. As proud sponsors we deeply admire their unwavering dedication to providing food relief, support and hope to those in need. Hope City Mission’s initiatives extend far and wide from their compassionate crisis support programs to sustainable efforts like planting seedlings, whose produce directly benefits people facing hardship. It’s a joy to stand beside them in their mission to uplift lives and foster resilience.
Our sponsorship reflects Home Caring’s core value of giving without expecting anything in return. We’re thrilled to have contributed to initiatives like installing a sprinkler system to nurture their community garden, where fresh produce is grown for those living in crisis. Supporting Hope City Mission means investing in kindness, growth and care and we couldn’t be prouder to play a part in their incredible journey. Here’s to creating positive change together! 🩵
#happysunday #welovewecare
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