Breakfast Point, New South Wales33 physiotherapists near you

To work as a physiotherapist, you need to have a state diploma as a masseur-kinésithérapeute, whose training lasts 5 years at one of the 42 IFMKs (institutes for training in massage therapy) in France - a very selective entrance exam. The course is as follows: one year of selection and 4 years of preparation. The access to the studies is done after a specific course "accès santé" or a licence with option "accès santé en kinésithérapie". The training in IFMK is divided into 2 cycles of 2 years: - The first cycle is devoted to engineering and the fundamentals of physiotherapy as well as to transversal knowledge; - Second cycle dedicated to the deepening of the previous themes and to the preparation to the exercises.

Physiotherapy is a paramedical discipline which consists of taking charge of pain and treating it through massage and medical gymnastics. The physiotherapist specialises in motor rehabilitation and works with people suffering from musculoskeletal, psychomotor, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. He treats benign conditions such as sprains, torticollis and scoliosis as well as trauma caused by accidents. The physiotherapist generally intervenes after a consultation with the attending physician or following the recommendations of a surgeon. The physiotherapist begins to study the patient's medical file on the basis of a medical prescription, which enables him to define the appropriate rehabilitation devices and treatments. Depending on the diagnosis made, he or she may practice several techniques: muscle strengthening, massage, gymnastic movements using equipment, lymphatic drainage, ultrasound, etc. The masseur-physiotherapist may also intervene without a medical prescription as part of a fitness or relaxation session in the sports or beauty field.

A physiotherapist can be called in for a fracture, sprain, stiff neck or prolonged muscle soreness. It is also common to call on him in the event of a stroke or neurological and psychomotor disorders. It should be noted that the physiotherapist is the only professional authorised to use the title of masseur. As a result, they can be called upon to perform relaxation massages.

With the number of physiotherapy practitioners in France, it can be difficult to find the right professional. If the attending physician can refer his patients to a physiotherapist, he will usually leave the choice to them. To find a competent one and moreover close to home, going through a directory like StarOfService is the best solution. Just follow the steps indicated to find many physiotherapists in your region or city and select the one that suits you best.

The cost of a physiotherapy session will depend mainly on the act performed by the practitioner as well as his status: conventionné or non conventionné. It is important to know that the fees of a physiotherapist under agreement are regulated by the Social Security: for the rehabilitation of a limb, which is the most common procedure, the fee is €16.13, while for other types of care, the cost can reach €33. Within the framework of a coordinated care pathway, i.e. on the prescription of the attending physician, the health insurance covers 60% of the basic rate - 100% for people under 18 and people with a long-term illness (ALD); a medical excess of €0.50 remains payable by the patient for all consultations. In the case of a session outside the health care circuit, only 30% of the cost will be covered, and no cover will be granted for any consultation without a prescription.

The choice of the right physiotherapist will depend on many criteria. First and foremost, the practitioner must put his patients at ease. Benevolence, patience and trust are the key words that must punctuate his sessions. Thus, he must inspire confidence from the beginning of the consultation and communicate easily and pleasantly. Then, experience is a determining factor. The physiotherapist must be able to make a diagnosis at the first consultation. If this is not the case, he/she still lacks practice.

- How long have you worked as a physiotherapist? - Are you covered by a convention? - What can I expect during the session? - Do you also prescribe medication in addition to manual treatment?