Physiotherapy

What we do

We aim to improve your ability to move and function in daily life. We will do this by

• performing individual physical assessments
• setting specific goals  as discussed with you
• tailoring specific therapeutic treatments and exercise programs to help you reach your goals.

Physiotherapists are highly trained and use as wide range of treatment approaches, some of which include:

• exercise programs to improve mobility and strengthen muscles
• joint mobilisation to reduce pain and stiffness
• muscle re-education to improve control
• airway clearance techniques and breathing exercises
• assistance with use of aids, splints, crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs
• education regarding your condition and how you can help manage it yourself

At Caulfield Hospital, we also provide hydrotherapy as an additional treatment method for suitable patients. 

Who we care for

We care for:

• inpatients at all three hospital sites
• outpatients who have been referred from a clinical service within Alfred Health
• people in the community whilst under specialised programs (such as HARP and ABI)
• people in the community who are referred to the Caulfield Community Health Service or a Community Rehabilitation Program.

Physiotherapy workforce & research

The Alfred Health Physiotherapy Department is a clinical school for both La Trobe and Monash Universities.

We are committed to improving the level of evidence for physiotherapy best practice through clinical research.

Find out more about our research achievements.

New graduate program

The Physiotherapy Department at Alfred Health offers rewarding new graduate opportunities every year. Find out more about new graduate opportunities.

Advanced practice musculoskeletal physiotherapy services

Alfred Health advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy services utilise the expertise of experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists (minimum 5-7 years experience), with post-graduate training, to work collaboratively with the medical teams to manage uncomplicated, isolated musculoskeletal presentations.

For each service there is a clinical lead physiotherapist who is responsible for education & training, credentialing and competency of the musculoskeletal physiotherapists working in their area, the service development and evaluation of the clinics.

Advanced practice services available at Alfred Health:

Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in the Emergency and Trauma Centre

• Physiotherapy ED Soft Tissue Review Clinic
• Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Screening Clinic
• PAR (Physio Arthroplasty Review) Clinic
• The Osteoarthritis hip and knee service (OAHKS)
• Neurosurgery Physiotherapy Screening Clinic
• Neurosurgery Post-Operative Review Clinic

How to access this service

Referral from your Alfred Health doctor

We accept referrals for inpatients and patients who have been referred internally from Alfred Health services.

If you are living at home in the community, you can access certain outpatient clinics through the Caulfield Community Health Service (CCHS) or the Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP). Contact the Caulfield Access Unit on (03) 9076 6776.

What to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed

For a clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

What to wear for rehabilitation or exercise classes

• Comfortable day clothes, such as a tracksuit
• Well-fitting, closed-toe styled shoes with firm grip soles. Do not wear open back, slip-on slippers