FAQ

• Do I need a referral?
  No, unless you are a veteran or would like to claim through Medicare. If Workcover or another Third Party is funding you treatment, we need to check approval prior to commencing treatment.
• What do I need to bring to my appointment?
  • Bathers, towel and bottle of water.
  • Referral if you have one
  • Any Xrays or scans that you think might be relevant.
• What if I don’t have any bathers?

  A lightweight, clean pair of shorts and t-shirt are fine initially but water suitable clothing such as bathers/board shorts/sunshirts are preferable. We can discuss options after your initial appointment.

• Is the pool heated?

  Yes. The Hydrotherapy Pool at Palm Beach is indoors and heated to 34°C which is considered thermoneutral (does not increase you core body temperature). This is ideal for performing light to moderate intensity exercise. There is also an indoor learn to swim pool that is heated to 30°C and outdoor Olympic lap pool on site.

• Are there change rooms, toilets and showers in the Hydrotherapy area?

  Yes, there are male and female change rooms and a disabled change room with a shower and toilet. Most clients wear their bathers under their clothes when coming for treatment then rinse and change afterwards. The showers in the pool area are for rinsing only as soap/shampoo is not permitted to be used in this area however there are other showers near the squash courts for full showering.

• How long is the treatment session?

  The initial consultation is 60min and subsequent treatments are 30min.

• What can I expect in the first session?

  During the first session, we will ask you to fill out a screening sheet to ensure that it is safe for you to exercise in a hydrotherapy pool. If you arrive 10 min before your appointment time, this can be completed. We will then assess you on land and in the water and start to work out what movement/exercise strategies are most appropriate for you. The first session is 1 hour long and is more about us getting to know you and developing a relationship with you.

• Are you in the pool with me?

  Each person receives individual, hands-on treatment and instruction to assist them in reaching their goals. We are in the water with you at all times. Once you are safe and confident with your program/exercises, you can attend independently and just pay reception for your entry.

• What if I cannot swim?

  The pool has rails all around the edges and ranges in depth from 1.1m to 1.4m so even at the deepest point; most people can still touch the ground. We will be in the pool with you and certainly stay very close until you feel more confident. As aprt of our assessment we will assess your water safety and swimming ability to determine your suitability to attend alone or move into a class situation.

• What if I’m on crutches or in a wheelchair?

  There is a ramp with rails into the pool so if you are on crutches you can use the rails to help you down the ramp. If in a wheelchair, there are water wheelchairs that if you transfer into, we can wheel down the ramp. A hoist is available if necessary.

• What if I need help with dressing, showering and getting in and out of chair?

  You will need to bring a carer with you to assist.

• What are your fees?

  Fees vary depending whether a person is seen individually or in a group.
  Pensioners and Health Care Card holders receive a discount and we always endeavour to keep our fees affordable for our clients.
  All fees include a $6 entry/pool use fee charged by the pool so it is not necessary to pay an entrance fee at reception when you are seeing us.  
  Please contact us so that we can provide you with more information and discuss your individual needs and circumstances.

• Do you see veterans and patients referred under the EPC program?

  Yes. Veterans just need a referral from their doctor. Those clients with an EPC (Extended Primary Care) Plan completed by their Doctor are eligible to claim a rebate from Medicare for up to 5 sessions per year from the date of your first session. This is for patients with chronic or complex conditions and patients must have a plan completed by their GP prior to starting physiotherapy and have the name of the company or therapist doing the treatment on the plan. If you are unsure of your eligibility, speak to your GP. We do not bulk bill and ask for payment at the time of the consultation however you can then claim online or take your receipt to Medicare to claim the rebate.

• Can I claim your services under my private health insurance?

  Most health funds provide the same rebate as if you are having physiotherapy on land (individual sessions). If you attend a class, your rebate is usually less. Unfortunately we do not have HICAPS facilities at the pool but a receipt will be given so a claim can be made with your fund.

• Can I attend the hydrotherapy pool without you?

  Once you are safe and confident with your program, you can attend the pool independently. Palm Beach Hydrotherapy pool is a public facility and you just pay the entrance fee at reception.

• Can I wear my glasses or hearing aids in the pool?

  You can wear your glasses in the pool, as usually you will not be putting your head under water, however we recommend you remove your hearing aids.

• Are there any medical conditions that require precautions and that I should let my physiotherapist know about prior to attending hydrotherapy?
  • If you are a diabetic, a medical check up prior to commencing hydrotherapy is recommended. It is also important you eat an hour or so before your appointment and bring some fast acting carbohydrates with you (eg. boiled sweets) in case your blood sugar level drops. (It is well known that blood sugar levels can drop significantly when exercising in water.) Checking your BGL before and after exercise is recommended, particularly initially. You may want to wear protective footwear if you have poor sensation in your feet.
  • If you suffer from asthma or angina, make sure you bring your ventolin or anginine medication with you to your appointment and this will be kept poolside.
  • If you have any open sores/wounds, these need to be completely covered by a waterproof dressing that should be applied at least 20min before your appointment. Non waterproof dressings are not suitable.
  • If you have low blood pressure, take care on exiting the pool, as your blood pressure tends to drop when exercising in a warm pool, particularly if you have spent a lot of time in the deeper end and it is a very warm day.
  • We will ask you to fill out a screening sheet at your first appointment and discuss any relevant issues at the time.
• Under what circumstances is it not appropriate to get into a hydrotherapy pool?

  If you:

  • Feel very unwell or have a fever/chest infection.
  • Have diarrhoea or have had diarrhoea/ gastroenteritis in the last 7-10 days.
  • Have unmanageable incontinence of urine or faeces.
  • Are considered a high risk pregnancy
  • Have an unstable medical condition. For example if you have had a very recent stroke or heart attack or are suffering from severe renal or heart failure.
  • Are menstruating and have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A,B,C or AIDS
  • Have wounds that cannot be adequately covered.
  • Have had a Positive swab of MRSA in a wound
  • Are on cytotoxic therapy (chemotherapy) and are incontinent.
  • Are intoxicated

  This is a general list so please call us if you have any queries.

• Do you only work at Palm Beach Aquatic Centre?

  The hydrotherapy pool at Palm Beach is an excellent design and caters for all levels of ability so we prefer to use this venue. Travel to other hydrotherapy pools requires a minimum of 4 bookings and is by appointment only. Private sessions in home pools may be possible but must be deemed as safe.