If you are experiencing muscular aches and pains that are affecting your movement, chances are you need to see a physiotherapist.

Yellow Pages has more than 12,000  physiotherapists listed right around Australia, but like all experts, they differ in their areas of specialization. So how do you find the right physio  for you?

We’ve compiled our list of the top five things you should look for in a physiotherapist.

Qualifications

TO be a practising member of the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, your physiotherapist must have completed a degree and have full registration. By checking that your physio is a member of the PBA means that you can rest assured that he or she will meet the standards set by the Board. This includes indemnity insurance, codes of conduct, and ongoing professional development.

Specialisation

After completing their degree, many physiotherapists further their expertise and become specialists. There are many areas of expertise, including:

• sports injury,
• mental health,
• care of the aged,
• stroke rehabilitation,
• ergonomics and office set up,
• spine and head injuries,
• respiratory problems,
• pregnancy
• post-surgery rehabilitation.

If you have a specific condition, look for a physiotherapist that specializes in that field. Otherwise, a general practicing physio will be able to address a range of conditions.

Methods of treatment

Physiotherapists use a range of methods to ease pain, including movement, massage, manipulation and electrotherapy. But some physios are incorporating more alternative treatments into their methods of pain relief. These might include

• acupuncture,
• reflexology,
• reiki,
• hydrotherapy,
• shiatsu,
• Bowen technique treatments,
• cranio-sacral therapy,
• neuro-structural integration

 Ask your physio what methods they use for treatments.

Accessibility

If you require regular sessions with a physio it’s important to make sure that they are easily accessible. Ideally, you’ll find a physiotherapist that is close to your home or work, and easy to access via public transport if necessary. If you need wheelchair access, check that they have disabled parking as well.

Availability

When we need a physio, chances are we need one immediately because we are in pain and need quick relief.  If this is you, finding a therapist that is available immediately is better than finding the perfect physio that is booked out weeks in advance. It’s also good to know that you physio will be able to squeeze you into an emergency appointment if you need one before your next scheduled appointment. 

Checklist

• check qualifications
• check specialisations
• choose the  method of treatment
• choose the location
• check availability

Use the Yellow Pages Compare tool to shortlist physiotherapists, before you make the call.