In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

breadcrumbs--red-border

Physiotherapy helps you to recover from an injury, surgery or from an illness. We will get you involved in your recovery by teaching you the best way to move and exercise.

About this service

Our community-based physiotherapy team provides short term treatment for people experiencing a wide range of conditions including:

  • muscle, bone and joint injuries
  • joint pain and arthritis
  • spinal problems
  • recovery after surgery
  • walking assessment and walking aid loan
  • problems with walking or balance
  • pelvic pain, incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Who we care for

You can use our service if you live in the ACT and are not seeing a physiotherapist from elsewhere.

We see everyone from 12 months old and up.

Our services are free if you have a Medicare Card or an Asylum Seeker Card.

If you have a compensation claim or private health insurance, you should seek treatment from a private physiotherapist. You can find them by searching online.

If you hold a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) gold card, you can see a private physiotherapist. The Department can give you more details.

If you have been approved for an NDIS package, you need to source a private physiotherapist from this funding if your referral relates to your NDIS claim.

How to access this service

You, your carer or your health professional can refer you to our service.

To book an appointment, call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977.

If you are unable to attend your appointment please cancel or reschedule your appointment by calling Central Health Intake or complete our online form.

If you are 65 years and over or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 50 years and over, please ask for a referral through the My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422 or www.myagedcare.gov.au

What to expect

When you call, Central Health Intake will find out how urgent your needs are and will book an appointment for you.

We will send you a letter with your appointment details, or an SMS message, if you give consent for us to contact you by mobile phone.

We offer physiotherapy appointments:

  • face to face at a community health centre
  • by video conference (Telehealth) or
  • by telephone.

Your physiotherapist will help you to identify your goals and then help you to work toward these goals through:

  • a tailored exercise program to do at home
  • advice, education, and self-management skills
  • pain management skills
  • muscle re-education to improve your muscle strength and control.

We find that most conditions are successfully managed in a maximum of 4 to 6 appointments. The physiotherapist will talk with you about how often you should see them and what you need to focus on to reach your goals.

We may use a range of different treatments to help you. This may include individual or group sessions. Although your physiotherapist may choose to use some hands-on treatment, this is a small part of physiotherapy treatment. You need to follow advice and do the exercises to see long-term benefit.

What to bring to your appointment

  • Medicare card
  • Any letters or correspondence from your GP
  • Medicines you need to take while you are here
  • Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports

Where we’re located

Information for referrers

Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.

Referral options:

mobile icon

In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

telephone icon

Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week