What to Expect
Call us on 9803 7755 to book an appointment
If you have more detailed questions about your condition or what to expect, one of our physiotherapists will be happy to talk to you over the phone before booking your first appointment.
1. Contact our office to book an appointment.
The first step is to contact our friendly administration team. We accept referrals over the phone or via email, directly or through a referrer.
Our admin team will want to know some information about your neurological condition and what part of our service you are wanting to engage in. With many different types of neurological conditions and issues our team want to match you with the right clinician. They will also have questions about funding as we provide services to NDIS, TAC and other third party patients. You do not need a referral to attend our clinic but the admin team will give you information on the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan through Medicare to see if that is something you can apply for.
The admin team will explain what to expect at your first appointment and if you have more clinical questions they will hand you over to a clinician or get one to call you back to answer any specific questions. They can then book you in at one of our three locations or in the community at a place of your preference.
At your first appointment your physiotherapist or exercise physiologist will listen to your journey, they want to understand your goals and frustrations. Every patient is unique and we want to understand what life is like for you and what you want to achieve.
Following this we will conduct a physical analysis of your function and movement in a safe and supportive environment. We are likely to look closely at how you move and what physical factors are contributing to your issues. We often provide treatment within the first session and will analyse how you respond to the treatment to give us an idea of future management. By the end of the consultation you will have a clear understanding of your condition, for improvement and what further input and management is required to help you work towards your goals.
Your family and support system are important so if you would like them to attend the first appointment, they are very welcome. With your consent the clinician will send correspondence to your referrer and medical team about your presentation, findings and proposed management.
2. First appointment
Your ongoing appointment pattern and frequency will be determined by you and your support team under the guidance of the clinician. Some patients prefer regular appointments for instance weekly, some are appropriate for group therapy and might have a combination of 1:1 and group, others prefer irregular appointments and a home program or there is the option of a therapy ‘burst’ where you might come in for an intensive period to achieve a particular goal and then have a break.
Your clinician will help you understand the best management options for you and help you decide on how to fit your management into your life. We believe in team work and we might pull other clinicians in at different times if we feel a second set of eyes and hands is useful to the rehabilitation process. Ongoing appointments might be in the clinic or you might decide that a session at the gym, pool or your home is beneficial.
3. Ongoing appointments
4. Work with professionals
With over 35 years of experience in Melbourne the team at Neurological Rehabilitation Group have excellent links with various other health professionals in the community. We have solid links and communicate with the following professionals regularly. As community therapists we are good at picking up the phone, organising case conferences and working with the wider team to ensure the best comprehensive care for our patients.
Occupational therapists
Speech and Language therapists
Neuropsychologists
Neurologists
Psychologists
Rehabilitation Physicians
Carer support teams
