Rowville Sports Medicine Centre Frequently asked questions
Remedial Massage FAQ's
Q:What is Remedial Massage Therapy (RMT)?
RMT is the use of various soft tissue therapy modalities to treat, manage, and care for those suffering musculoskeletal complaints.
Q:Who should see a RMT practitioner?
Anyone! Whether you are an athlete, office worker, student – no matter what you do, if you are suffering soreness, tightness or pain in any muscle or joint, or if something is just 'not quite right', an RMT session is for you.
Q:Can I claim RMT on Private Health Insurance cover?
In most cases, yes. However, this will depend on the type of cover you have, which insurer you are with and how often you have claimed previously, as some insurers have a limit to the quantity of RMT sessions that can be claimed per sector. We recommend that you check with your health fund as to what you are covered for, to avoid any unexpected costs.
Q:What is involved in an RMT session?
Initially, an RMT session will involve the recording of your general health and injury history and the gathering of relevant information, an assessment of the presenting condition, soft tissue treatment for the condition, and the formation of a treatment plan for future sessions. We strongly recommend booking a longer session (40mins or 60mins) for this initial session, to allow adequate assessment time. Follow up sessions will also involve reporting condition progress and re-assessment of the condition, and may be of any time length (20mins, 40mins or 60mins).
At RSMC we offer a variety of services, and will always strive to find the best treatment method for your individual complaint. Please be aware that an RMT practitioner may refer a client to see a physiotherapist or other specialist before treatment or making a follow-up appointment, or to see in conjunction with RMT sessions, if deemed necessary.
Q:How is RMT different from Myotherapy?
RMT and Myotherapy both take a hands on approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Both clinicians work to treat and manage athletic, pathological and acute and chronic injury related complaints.
An RMT practitioner will use a variety of massage techniques, cupping and stretching to treat muscular tension and fatigue, causing the body to relax and begin the healing process. The benefits of RMT can include improved circulation, alleviation of muscle contracture/tension, reduction in recovery time from exercise induced fatigue, indirect nerve stimulation and stress reduction. An RMT qualification involves 6-18months study at a recognised tertiary institution.
Myotherapy takes a more specialised approach to treatment, including injury prevention, health and fitness promotion/maintenance and corrective/rehabilitation techniques. In addition to RMT modalities, Myotherapists also use myofascial techniques, deep tissue massage, corrective exercise and myofascial dry needling to treat clients. A qualification in Myotherapy is 2-3years study at a recognised tertiary institution, and will often include an RMT qualification.
Q:What should I wear/bring to a RMT appointment?
You should bring any information, referrals or medication that is relevant to your health and current musculoskeletal complaint to your appointment. All RSMC therapists practise appropriate towel draping techniques, and are willing to work around clothing if necessary, however in most instances we ask that clothing be removed from the area being treated (where appropriate). As an example, bike/running shorts or a singlet top can be worn during treatment. We strive to maintain your optimum personal comfort levels so please let us know if you have any concerns or issues at the beginning of the session.
Myotherapy FAQ's
Q: Do I need a doctors referral to see a Myotherapist or Remedial Massage Therapist (RMT) as a Private patient?
A: No. A Myotherapist & RMT are both a primary health care professionals so you do not need a doctors referral as a private patient.
Q: Can I claim Myotherapy or RMT treatment through my Private Health Insurance?
A: Yes. If you have extras that covers Myotherapy or RMT under the complimentary therapies you can claim on the spot and pay only the gap using the HICAPS terminal. The amount you get back will be determined by your Health Fund and level of cover.
Q: I have regional pain what can a Myotherapist do?
A: A myotherapist is a practitioner who is trained to assess, diagnose and treat/manage conditions or problems of the body. Your Myotherapist at RSMC can help with a many issues or conditions that you wouldn't have thought to see a myotherapist about. You may be given stretching or strengthening exercises,alongside physical treatment modalities to help with your condition.
Q: What is myofascial dry needling?
Myofascial dry needling is a treatment modality used by Myotherapists and certain other trained practitioners use that applies fine needles to the musculoskeletal system to deactivate trigger points. A trigger point is a contracted muscle fibre that is painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, referred tenderness, motor dysfunction and autonomic phenomena. Myofascial dry needling it is used in the treatment of chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and back pain.
Q: What if I am running late for my appointment?
A: Please inform us as early as possible if you are running late for you appointment. You will get seen but your appointment may be shortened due to other bookings, you will be charged for your full consult amount. It is not fair to leave another client waiting. If you are too late or don't attend you maybe charged a fee and your appointment may need to be resuceduled.
Q:What if i need to cancel my Myotherapy/RMT appointment?
A:We require 24hrs notice on all cancellations for Myotherapy/RMT consults, failing to do this may result in your being chared the full consult fee, we often have clients on a wait list for appointments failing to advise us 24hrs prior means that these clients may miss out on an appointment, please be mindful of this when booking your appointments. Incase of emergency, please have someone contact the clinic as soon as possible. The practice manager will determine if you will be charge the full consult or a nominal fee for any late notice cancellations or a non-attended appointment without noticiation.
Q: What are your Payment Policies?
A: Payment is required on the day for all appointments. If you have private health insurance you can claim on the spot with HICAPS , this way you will only have to pay the gap. Payment can be made by cash, eftpos or credit card.PLease note the Hicaps, is an outside service that we have no direct control over, so on occassion you may have to pay in full and claim directly from your health yourself.
Q: What should I bring to my appointment?
A: Any information that you believe may help your Myotherapist or RMT with your treatment (such as letters from your GP or charts). It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing that is easily removable as your therapist may require you to remove certain items to be able to assess and treat regions of the body adequately.
Q: What is the difference between an Myotherapist and a Remedial Massage Therapist?
A Myotherapist has to become a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist before completing their qualification in Myotherapy. A Myotherapist has a more in depth knowledge of the human body, has a wider scope of exercise perscription and can do different treatment modalities such as myofascial dry needling and taping.
Podiatric FAQ's
Q: Do I need a doctors referral to see a Podiatrist?
A: No. A Podiatrist is a primary health care professional so you do not need a doctors referral
Q: Can I claim Podiatry treatment through my Private Health Insurance?
A: Yes. If you have extras that covers podiatry you can claim on the spot and pay only the gap using the HICAPS terminal. The amount you get back will be determined by your Health Fund and level of cover. You can also claim on Custom Orthotics if necessary.
Q: I have foot pain what can a Podiatrist do?
A: A podiatrist is a health care profesional who is trained to assess, diagnose and treat/manage conditions or problmes of the foot and lower limb. Your Podiatrist at RSMC can help with a multitude of problems you may not have thought to see a podiatrist about. You may be given stretching or strengthening exercises, taping, padding, orthotics or other means of treatment to help with your condition.
Q: What if I am running late for my appointment?
A: Please inform us as early as possible if you are running late for you appointment. You will get seen but your appointment will be shortened and you will be charged the full amount. It is not fair to leave another client waiting. If you are too late or don't attend you maybe charged a small fee and your appointment may need to be resuceduled.
Q: What are your Payment Policies?
A: Payment is required on the day for all appointments. If you have private health insurance you can claim on the spot with HICAPS, this way you will only have to pay the gap. Payment can be made by cash, eftpos or credit card.
Q: Are orthotics covered by private health insurance?
A: This depends on your level of cover and the type of device prescribed. Different private health funds will re-imburse different amounts.
Q: Is podiatry covered by medicare?
A: Not usually, however if your doctor decides you are elegible for a care plan (EPC- Enhanced Prinary Care Plan) you may be eligible for up to five visits a year of which medicare will cover most of.
Exercise Physiology FAQ's
Q: Is Exercise Physiology covered by Medicare?
A: If your General Practitioner finds that you are suitable for an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) then you may be eligible for a maximum of five appointments over a 12 month period, for which you can receive a Medicare rebate.
Q: Can Exercise Physiology services be provided for WorkSafe and Transport Accident Commission (TAC) cases?
A: Yes, however these are dependent on a referral from a medical practitioner and approval from the organisation in question. Please contact RSMC for more information.
Q: Can I claim Exercise Physiology treatment through my Private Health Insurance?
A: A number of private health insurance funds recognise Exercise Physiology, however this is also dependant on the level of cover. You should check with your health fund prior to your appointment if you are eligible for a rebate.
Q: What is the difference between an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and a Personal Trainer?
A: An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a recognised professional within the health and medical sector who has completed a minimum 4 years of university training in exercise prescription for specific clinical conditions, including chronic diseases and injuries for rehabilitation. Personal trainers generally complete courses ranging 6 to 18 months and work with healthy populations as part of the fitness and recreation industry.
Q: What should I bring to my appointment?
A: Any information that you believe may help your Exercise Physiologist with your treatment (such as referral forms or charts). It is advisable to wear light comfortable that you are comfortable in as well as appropriate footwear. If attending an exercise session, please bring a water bottle and towel, as well as any medications you may require.
Q: What if I am running late for my appointment?
A: Please inform us as early as possible if you are running late for you appointment. You will get seen but your appointment will be shortened and you will be charged the full amount. It is not fair to leave another client waiting. If you are too late or don't attend you may be charged a small fee and your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
Q: What are your payment policies?
A: Payment is required on the day for all appointments. Payment can be made by cash, eftpos or credit card.
Personal Trainer FAQ's
Q: What is the difference between a Personal Trainer and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
A: Personal trainers generally complete courses ranging 6 to 18 months and work with healthy populations as part of the fitness and recreation industry. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a recognised professional within the health and medical sector who has completed a minimum 4 years of university training in exercise prescription for specific clinical conditions, including chronic diseases and injuries for rehabilitation.
Q: Can I claim Personal Training services through my private health insurance?
A: Unfortunately Personal Training appointments are not eligible for rebates.
Q: What should I bring to my appointment?
A: It is advisable to wear light clothing that you are comfortable in as well as appropriate footwear. You should also bring a water bottle and towel, as well as any medications you require (such as Ventolin).
Q: What if I am running late for my appointment?
A: Please inform us as early as possible if you are running late for you appointment. You will get seen but your appointment will be shortened and you will be charged the full amount. It is not fair to leave another client waiting. If you are too late or don't attend you may be charged a small fee and your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
Q: What are your payment policies?
A: Payment is required on the day for all appointments. Payment can be made by cash, eftpos or credit card.
Psychology/Sport Pyschology FAQ's
Q: Do I need a referral from a doctor to see a psychologist or a sport psychologist?
A: A referral is not necessary to see a psychologist or a sport psychologist. You simply need to make an appointment and attend.
Q: Can I claim a Medicare rebate?
A: To receive a Medicare rebate (approximately $80) under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative you must have a recognised mental disorder (such as depression or anxiety disorder) and be referred to a psychologist by your GP, your psychiatrist or paediatrician.
Q: What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A: Your GP will need to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist. You then take the Mental Health Treatment or Care plan to the psychologist of your choice.
Q: Can I claim with my private health insurance?
A: Many private health insurance companies provide rebates for psychology services. Please enquire with your private health insurer.
Q: What if I am running late for an appointment?
A: Please inform us as early as possible if you are running late for you appointment. You will still be but your appointment may be shortened due to other bookings but you will be charged for your full consult amount.
Q: What if I need to reschedule?
A: Please contact us as soon as possible to cancel your appointment.
Q: What are your payment policies?
A: Full payment is required on the day for all appointments. You can take your receipt to Medicare for a rebate or if you have private health insurance you may also receive a rebate once you submit your receipt.