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SERVICES At Atlas Physio, treatments are personalised to provide effective relief of pain and other problems, and are carried out within a caring and professional environment. ​ Treatments are designed to reduce pain, promote function and independence, and to help clients return to work and daily life with a minimum of disruption. ​ Clients of Atlas Physio can access treatment on a flexible schedule, and can attend the clinic after hours, on the weekend, and during public holidays. We understand that unexpected problems often require immediate solutions, and so will do our best to offer an accessible and supportive environment in which pain and discomfort can effectively be managed. SERVICES Atlas Physio is also happy to provide WorkSafe / WorkCover, TAC, CDM / EPC, and DVA subsidised services to clients with appropriate entitlements and referrals. You can find out more about these different services and how to access them by following the links below. WorkSafe / WorkCover and TAC Read more >> Medicare and Bulk Billing Physio Read more >> Home Visits Read more >> Home Care Read more >> Training and Exercise Read more >> DVA and Veteran's Physio Read more >> Telehealth Read more >> WHAT PROBLEMS DO WE TREAT? Sports Injuries Postoperative Rehabilitation Carpal Tunnel Sciatica and Sciatic Pattern Pain Arthritis Pain Management Balance Difficulties Back Pain Neck Pain Shoulder Pain Knee Pain Foot and Ankle Pain Work Injuries Shin Splints Injuries from Transport Accidents Tendonosis, Tendinopathy, Tendonesis Elbow and Wrist Pain Hip Pain Pre-Employment Physical Assessments V I E W A L L P H Y S I O C O N D I T I O N S WHAT TREATMENTS DO WE PROVIDE? Massage Exercise Joint Manipulation Spinal Manipulation Stretching Prescription of Equipment (eg. TENS) Activity Modification Postural Assessment Ergonomic Assessment Workplace Assessment Seating Assessment Spinal Mobilisation V I E W A L L P H Y S I O T R E A T M E N T S L E A R N M O R E A B O U T A P P O I N T M E N T S

Whiplash Whiplash is a specific kind of head and neck pain that is the result of a rapid foward-and-backward displacement of the skull on the neck. Simply put, whiplash happens when the head is thrown forward and backward. Whiplash pain can be felt in the head, the neck, and in the shoulders. Whiplash pain may be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, nausea, and numerous other symptoms. The variety in symptoms and the broad area in which the pain may be felt is due to the interconnected nature of the skull, the neck, and the shoulders. These structures are well-reinforced by muscles, nerves, and arteries that contribute to the stability of the neck and shoulders, as well as the appropriate alignment of the head. When the head is thrown forward and backward or side to side, the muscles in the neck, the base of the skull, and the top of the shoulders all experience spasm and tightening. This is a guarding response against trauma, to protect the spine from injury. Unfortunately, this tightness and guarding may persist long after the initial incident, and the ongoing pain and discomfort has the potential to severely impact the quality of life of the person who suffered the accident. Further to this, whiplash pain is commonly accompanied by headaches that can be felt in the back, the front, or the sides of the scalp. This onset of symptoms can be confronting to people who do not normally experience headaches. Management of Whiplash depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Arthritis Arthritis is a medical condition in which the body's joints are damaged and inflamed. This can cause discomfort, stiffness, and pain, and this pain can range from mild to severe. While typically associated with ageing, anyone of any age can experience arthritis, and while there is no cure for the underlying causes, the symptoms can be well-managed. The term Arthritis refers to a constellation of medical conditions that affect the joints in the body. A joint is any location where two separate bones articulate with each other, and the physical nature of this articulation produces movement due to the action of muscles. Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints (arthron = joint, itis = inflammation of). Osteoarthritis One major form of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis, which can affect the large and small joints of the body including joints in the hands, hips, spine, and knees. Osteoarthritis is the result of wear and tear of the joint, as well as injury. In Osteoarthritis, the cartilage in joints becomes worn down and underlying bone may be exposed. This can cause pain on weightbearing, movement, and during rest. Osteoarthritis is worsened by heavy lifting, repetitive kneeling or squatting, and there is also a familial element to this disease as well. If your parents had osteoarthritis, you may be at increased risk of experiencing it yourself. Typical symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and inflammation of the tissues in and around the affected joints. Additionally, the cartilage within the joints may become worn down, which increases the friction with which bones move against each other, and can even result in the weardown of those bones. Osteoarthritis typically occurs in weightbearing joints which move a lot through the day, so it is typically experienced in the lower back, the hips, the knees, and sometimes the neck. However, Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, so it is a good idea to be vigilant. Rheumatoid Arthritis Another form of Arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the body's own immune system starts to attack its own tissues. This attack is not only directed at the joint but toward many different body tissues. In Rheumatoid Arthritis, there is similar joint surface weardown that appears in Osteoarthritis. Bone erosion is a central feature of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Bone continuously undergoes remodeling which may cause joints to swell and become stiffer and more restricted. The causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis are unknown at this time, but lifestyle factors such as regular exercise can minimise the severity of symptoms. While Osteoarthritis affects weightbearing joints more than others, Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect the small joints between fingers as well as larger joints. The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis develop gradually, and they can often be felt alongside muscle stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid Arthritis can flare up, meaning that you may experience periods of time where your symptoms are more severe than otherwise. You may experience pain, stiffness, warmth and redness of the affected joints, as well as fatigue, fever, loss of energy and weightloss. These other symptoms are a consequence of the auto-immune nature of the disease affecting tissues and organs that are not joints. Treatment Arthritis is best addressed through a combination treatment which will involve your doctor, your physiotherapist, a specialist if needed, and your family. Arthritis is a disease that has the potential to impact many dimensions of your life, including mobility, independence, and community participation. For this reason, it is important to discuss how Arthritis impacts these aspects of your life, so your clinical team can help you comprehensively. Management and assessment of Arthritic Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time the pain has persisted. Simple strategies include gentle stretching of sore joints with a view to relieving the pain, as well as using hot or cold packs for a little temporary relief. Effective pain medication includes anti-inflammatory medication if appropriate, or prescription medication if recommended by a physician. A physiotherapist can assess the nature of a person's Arthritic pain, determine the most likely factors leading to and aggravating that pain, as well as minimise that pain and promote a healthy recovery. Once the pain has been minimised, the physiotherapist will prescribe and monitor a program of individual exercises to best address any functional or muscular weaknesses that may cause a flare-up in the future. Once the pain and the weakness has been managed, the physiotherapist will continue to monitor the patient and amend their exercise program accordingly to ensure continued benefits from their exercises and management. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Work Injuries Many people who work experience injuries related to their obligations at work. Everyone is at risk of experiencing a Work Injury, regardless of the nature of their jobs. Injuries like sprains, Back Pain, Shoulder Pain and Knee Pain are highly represented in physical jobs such as Trades and Technical fields, while conditions like Carpal Tunnel, Neck Pain, Headache are commonly represented in Desk jobs. ​ If you experience a Work Injury, it is important to be assessed and treated quickly. This will minimise the time spent off work, improve the likelihood of returning to work at your previous duties, and will also ensure a productive relationship between yourself and your care provider. If you suspect you have experienced a Work Injury, you should speak to your treating clinician or doctor. ​ As part of treatment for your Work Injury, you may be eligible for subsidised treatment under WorkCover / WorkSafe. At Atlas Physio, we do NOT charge a gap fee in addition to any subsidised cost of treatment. However, the cost of gait aid prescription, gym or pool membership as part of rehab, as well as imaging or reporting may not be covered under the schedule of subsidised fees. Make sure to discuss this with your treating clinician. ​ Management of your Work Injury will depend on the nature of that injury, your physical obligations at work, the time you need to return to work, as well as your schedule. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, a structured Return to Work plan, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. We will also be happy to liaise directly with your insurer, legal representatives, and employer if required. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Home Care Atlas Physio is happy to provide you with services on behalf of Home Care Package providers. Home Care Packages are amounts paid by the federal government to an older person to provide services which will enable them to continue to live independently. The amount of money provided depends on the person's needs, as assessed by an independent assessment agency. The funding that the patient receives through their Home Care Package can be spent on a wide range of nursing services, care services, social, support and well-being services, as well as on some types of equipment and home modification, to enable them to live safely and well at home. When your physiotherapist delivers services as part of a Home Care Package, they liaise with the Home Care Package Provider to do so. Atlas Physio has provided in-home care to clients in their own houses, in retirement homes, and in residential aged care facilities. Since its founding, Atlas Physio has served the communities of the North and Northeast suburbs including Thornbury, Northcote, Westgarth, Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Abbotsford, Darebin, Brunswick, Preston, Coburg, Fairfield, Reservoir and Alphington. Visits conducted on behalf of Home Care Providers are conducted differently to normal clinical visits - be sure to familiarise yourself with these important factors. Reporting Visits undertaken on behalf of home care packages require reporting to the Home Care Package Provider. This reporting entails the details of your sessions as well as the progress you make, the problems you are overcoming, and your engagement with therapy. During this reporting, Atlas Physio will comply with our Consent and Privacy policy. Payment Home Care visits are charged differently to in-clinic visits. This is to address costs associated with travel, time, and the unique needs of our patients' in-home environments. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the differences in pricing as noted in our fee schedule. Specials Sessions conducted under Home Care Package funding basis are not eligible for discounts. Attendance Policy Once a home visit has been scheduled and confirmed, it is your responsibility to be present at the nominated address at the nominated time. In the event that the client resides in a gated community, critical care unit or other such location that requires security access, you are responsible to inform the administrators of that location that the appointment is taking place. Cancellation Policy Home Care visits may be cancelled with at least 24-hours notice. Confidentiality Home Care visits conducted in assisted retirement homes, residential aged care facilities, domiciles, critical care units and other supervised residences may require our clinicians to liaise with other medical staff. In this event, we will abide by the consent and privacy information stated on our website, and we will always endeavour to respect our patients' confidentiality.

Congenital Disorders Congenital disorders are those that arise during the growth of an embryo, and which are present at birth and very often which arise before birth. Congenital disorders also include those conditions which develop within the first month following birth. They can vary widely in their causative factors, their implications on function, and their presentation and evolution over time. Embryonic development is the process by which a human embryo undergoes cellular, physical, and physiological change to develop into a human infant, which then is born and undergoes further development and growth into an adult. Human embryonic development the first step in the development of what will become a human from a zygote, and while it is a tightly controlled process, there is always the potential for changes in this process, and for those changes to have an affect that impacts the life and development of the human body. Cerebral Palsy One congenital issue that is managed by physiotherapists is Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is an umbrella term for chronic, non-progressing neurological conditions that affect a child's ability to move and to maintain posture and balance independently, due to damage to or change in the areas of the brain that control movement, coordination, and muscular reflex. This damage can occur before or after birth. Because neurological conditions present with highly varied features depending on the individual, each diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy will have uique signs and symptoms. Physiotherapy management of Cerebral Palsy depends on the age of the person participating in physiotherapy, as well as the severity of their individual condition. A child with cerebral palsy may attend physiotherapy to support their ability to move safely and engage with play, as well as being provided with gait aids like frames, walking sticks, or other assistive devices. A child with a more severe or impactful form of the disease may require admission to a specialised education provider where therapy is incorporated into the school as a day-to-day input. As the child grows and their bodies and needs change, the therapy they receive will change as well, focusing on promoting safe and sustainable engagement with meaningful activities like education, training, and supporting independence at home and in the community as is safe and sustainable. Muscular Dystrophy Muscular dystrophies are another family of congenital disorders which are progressive, are characterised by increasing muscular weakness which most often begins in the legs, and which may affect the heart and the lungs which can create life-threatening complications in their more serious presentations. This disorder is caused by irregularities and mutations in the genes responsible for muscle structure, and as time goes on, the effect of these mutations becomes more profound and the level of disability becomes more significant. Physiotherapy management of muscular dystrophies may require specialist input by clinicans trained in muscular dystrophies generally in addition to the specific condition. Management will depend on the severity of the disorder at initial assessment, the assessed change in severity over time, and will be based on the understood best practice regarding the condition. Depending on the rate at which the level of disability changes, physiotherapy input will necessarily change with time to support participation in the community as well as individual independence, alongside other professionals that may be involved depending on the individual's need. Spinda Bifida Another common congenital disorder is spina bifida, which occurs when there is a problem in the formation of the spinal cord in the developing embryo in which the spinal column fails to close and protect the spinal cord and associated nerves. This can happen at any level of the spine but most commonly happens in the lower back or lumbar region. Management of spina bifida is typically medical at first, and focuses on surgical intervention where necessary to minimise the risk of infection and damage to the exposed spinal cord. Depending on the severity of the condition, a child with spina bifida may present with bladder and bowel control issues, mobility issues, and cognitive issues. As is common with congenital disorders, the breadth and nuance of presenting symptoms means that physiotherapy management of these conditions will require input from a broad range of professions working together to address deficits across all domains of life. These are three examples of congenital disorders. The common thread between them is that while they may be grouped under umbrellas of diagnosis, the individual features of each of these disorders requires individualised treatment conducted by a clinician trained in paediatric physiotherapy as well as ideally oriented to the physiotherapy management of that problem, in the context of a broader multidisciplinary team. For a person with a congenital disorder, their therapy needs will evolve over the span of their lives, as the demands of the world around them change and as their bodies change as well, both through growth and ageing as well as due to the progression of their condition, which may be rapid, intermittent, or gradual. Management of a congenital disorder is a highly individualised process that requires skill, patience, effort, and time, focused on building independence and capacity and on making the most of the capabilities of the patient, while providing them with appropriate support and management. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Plantar Fasciitis Plantar Fasciitis refers to inflammation within and irritation to the Plantar Fascia. The Plantar Fascia is a band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis is a common problem that people experience, and may affect three in five people over the course of their lives. Plantar Fasciitis is felt in one or both of the feet, though you may feel the pain in the calf, the front of the lower leg, or in the toes if there is inflammation or involvement of the nerves of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis may last from weeks to months depending on the nature of the pain, the cause, the progression, and the speed with which treatment is sought. Planar Fasciitis is caused by irritation of the Plantar Fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue that extends along the sole of the foot before inserting at the base of the toes, and supports the arch of the foot The specific cause of the pain depends on many factors like the age of the person experiencing the pain, their occupation, whether the pain was caused by an accident or started rapidly, as well as other variables. Management of Plantar Fasciitis depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Plantar Fasciitis, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Training and Exercise Atlas Physio is happy to provide you with supervised clinical exercises in our clinic or in public gyms. Supervised training is useful for those clients who are not familiar with gym environments, need guidance in technique, or who want to engage in exercise after a period of medical unwellness. Atlas Physio has relationships with local gyms and pilates studios, and will discuss referral to those businesses for those clients who express interest in supervised exercises. However, if you have your own gym that you attend, you are more than welcome to express a preference and discuss that with your treating clinician. Since its founding, Atlas Physio has worked with people and gyms in the North and Northeast suburbs including Thornbury, Northcote, Westgarth, Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Abbotsford, Darebin, Brunswick, Preston, Coburg, Fairfield, Reservoir and Alphington. Training is conducted differently to normal clinical sessions - be sure to familiarise yourself with the differences between clinical sessions and training. Scheduling Training sessions are not able to be scheduled online. To schedule a training session, dial the clinic on 0400 174 015 to speak to a clinician and to schedule your visit. Payment Training sessions are charged differently to in-clinic appointments. This is to address costs associated with travel, time, and the gym location. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the differences in pricing as noted in the schedule of fees. Specials Training sessions are eligible for discounts. Attendance Policy Once a training session has been scheduled and confirmed, it is your responsibility to be present at the nominated address at the nominated time. Cancellation Policy Training sessions may be cancelled with at least 24-hours notice. Confidentiality Training sessions conducted in assisted retirement homes, residential aged care facilities, domiciles and other supervised residences may require our clinicians to liaise with other medical staff. In this event, we will abide by the consent principles stated on our website, and we will always endeavour to respect our patients' confidentiality.

Your NDIS Plan NDIS Plans are the backbone and basis of all treatment you receive as an NDIS client. An NDIS plan outlines a client's goals, and how the NDIS, community and private services, and the government all work together to achieve those goals. In order to do this, the NDIS plan considers a client's individual life circumstances: information about a client like disability, living situation, family and social networks, and other factors related to their lives and their unique situations. By considering these factors, the NDIA makes sure that the services they provide are reasonable and necessary: that those services will improve the quality of life and participation of the person for whom they are approved. The NDIS plan is a comprehensive assessment that states what you want to achieve, how you want to achieve it, what resources the NDIA are providing to assist in that process, and how those resources are allocated among multiple categories of potential spending. NDIS plans are developed in consultation with the NDIA through one or more meetings in which all of these factors are considered. Having a developed and authorised NDIS plan is essential to receiving physiotherapy support as an NDIS client. Having an NDIS plan in place means that your goals have been accepted by the NDIA and can be used to determine what therapy you receive as well as guide its input, and that funding can be allocated to things like sessions of treatment, purchasing equipment, and working with other services as needed. An NDIS plan is designed to provide clarity to you as the client and to the professionals and services with whom you work, so that the money you spend is done so transparently and with accountability, and is spent in a way that supports the things that you want to achieve. When you receive physiotherapy services as an NDIS client, the treatment you receive will be reviewed against your goals, your plan, and your timelines to make sure that what is done is relevant to you. This may mean discussing the goals in the plan and how physiotherapy treatment can help achieve those goals. This is important because physiotherapy treatment and management is much more than exercise - your physio can add value to your life and help you achieve your goals by advocating for services, by referring you to other professionals who may be helpful, by ordering equipment and by preparing reports for the NDIA and for anyone involved in your care. The important thing behind all of this is that all of those activities are guided by and in service to your NDIS plan. Having an NDIS plan means that you have been approved to receive funding from the NDIA to support the goals you want to achieve in your life. This opens the door for you to access services like physiotherapy in a supportive and flexible manner, and ensures that those services are effective within the context of your goals and the things you want to achieve. Your NDIS Plan is your plan for success, and by working with your physiotherapist in line with that plan, you can achieve your goals successfully and sustainably.

Post Surgical Physiotherapy Post-Surgical Physiotherapy refers to any physiotherapy intervention undertaken following, and in the context of, surgical management of a problem. Timely physiotherapy intervention in the form of post-surgical rehab has been established as a highly effective means of ensuring a good outcome following surgery, minimising the risk of an adverse outcome, and best preparing someone to meet the demands of their lives. Post-Surgical Physiotherapy can be conducted as soon as less than twenty-four hours of an operation, depending on the surgeon's orders as well as the state of the patient following the procedure. This physiotherapy is routinely conducted within the hospital, on ward or in a specific rehabilitation gym designed to provide a safe and supportive environment in which exercise can be undertaken, and where patients can be monitored and cared for in the event of an issue. After leaving the surgical ward, patients may receive physiotherapy treatment in a rehabilitation ward where they stay for the duration of their treatment, via a home-visit service in their place of residence, in a hospital clinic during daytime appointments, or in a community rehabilitation center. There are many options for someone to receive physiotherapy treatment following surgery, some of which may be more or less favourable depending on the type of surgery that has been performed and the best management plan following the procedure. It is common for patients who are already seeing a private physiotherapist prior to their surgery to maintain contact with and involvement from that same clinician after their surgery. This ensures continuity of care, appropriate patient management, and minimises the likelihood of information loss or confusion due to multiple handovers between professionals and clinics. Your private practitioner will liaise with the surgical team and other staff as needed to ensure appropriate management. Management of your discomfort depends on its causative factors, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.