FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A Chronic Disease Management Plan (formally Enhanced Primary Care Plan or EPC) enables GP’s to plan and coordinate the health care of patients with chronic or terminal medical conditions who require the care of a GP and allied health care providers. Typically, your GP will prescribe you with 5 sessions on your care plan. The rules and regulations changed this year (2026) which provides the patient with a lot more flexibility and autonomy over what provider they see using their care plan. At Alchemy, patients who have a valid CDM pay for their consultation in full, then our admin team will process your Medicare rebate using your care plan. We do not bulk bill consultations at Alchemy.

No, unfortunately we are unable to process both at the same time

No, unless you have an CDM care plan from your GP we unfortunately cannot offer you discounted rates.

e accept DVA, certain Homecare providers, Workcover, Private Health Insurance and CDM Plans.

No – you can call us directly to make an appointment.

Any relevant referrals, x rays/CT/MRI reports/images, any relevant paperwork.

Comfortable clothing that is easily removed is best as usually we like to do full body postural and movement assessments.

We are more than happy for your baby to attend your session.

Yes of course!

A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess, diagnose and manage conditions or concerns within the pelvic cavity such as bladder or bowel incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction and pain, pre and postnatal rehabilitation or pre and post operative rehabilitation after procedures such as hysterectomy, prolapse repair, laparoscopy or prostatectomy. A pelvic floor physiotherapist provides extensive education, reassurance, support and encouragement in addition to prescription of individualised specific exercises and rehabilitation which restores optimal muscular function, strength, coordination and endurance. In addition to this, pelvic floor physiotherapists can prescribe devices to improve bladder, bowel, sexual or pelvic function such as electrical stimulation, dilators or vaginal pessaries. Pelvic floor physiotherapists work closely alongside specialists (such as obstetricians, gynaecologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons and pain specialists), GP’s and other allied health professionals who all assist patients to improve their wellbeing and function.

A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment does not always involve an internal examination nor is it always indicated. Depending on the specific concerns, we will discuss a range of assessment options which may involve, real time ultrasound, external palpation or viewing or internal palpation. You will always be involved and informed in the decision making process when it comes to what assessment will provide the best or clearest indication and explanation for the cause or contributing factors which may be leading to your concern or condition. There will never be any assessment carried out without your consent. Typically, in a consultation we sit down with you first and ask a range of specific questions related to your concern. From here, we will discuss what assessment options are available or indicated. If an internal assessment is recommended, your physiotherapist will explain how this will be carried out and they will always request for your consent. Your physiotherapist will leave the room to allow you to remove your clothing – typically this is only from the waist down. You will be provided with a towel or sheet to cover your pelvis so that you feel comfortable. Your physiotherapist will knock before reentering the room. From there, your physiotherapist will describe again what they will be assessing specifically in the consultation. The findings of the examination will be discussed with you during the consultation so that you feel informed and involved in the assessment process. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, your physiotherapist will then prescribe exercises, devices, education or support to manage your concern.

Yes, absolutely evidence demonstrates that pelvic floor physiotherapy can improve urinary incontinence in up to 80% of cases. Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will ask very specific questions related to your bladder function then based on what you are describing, they will prescribe exercises, bladder retraining programs, toileting advice and advice around hydration. In most cases, they will assess your pelvic floor function which may also indicate specific pelvic floor rehabilitation in order to support your bladder and improve or control your symptoms.

Evidence indicates that the ideal time frame to commence pelvic floor physiotherapy is 4-6 weeks prior to undergoing a prostatectomy. Preoperative physio is geared towards improving bladder function, managing incontinence and commencing pelvic floor exercises to improve strength, coordination, function and endurance. After having a prostatectomy, typically you will have an indwelling catheter which will be draining urine from your bladder. We recommend that in most cases (unless specified otherwise by your surgeon) that you commence postoperative pelvic floor physiotherapy 1 week after your catheter has been removed (which is typically 2 weeks post op). Post operative pelvic floor physiotherapy is aimed towards improving bladder function, managing incontinence, improving pelvic floor strength and function and improving erectile dysfunction.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs typically when the soft tissues within the pelvis weaken or are damaged causing one or more pelvic organs to slip and descend into the vagina. Often, women experience a sensation of a bulge, fullness or dragging into the vagina or pelvis as a result which typically worsens with activity and by the end of the day. There are three primary types of prolapse – cystocele (bladder), rectocele (bowel) and uterine prolapse. A pelvic floor physiotherapist’s role in managing prolapse involves education around avoiding provocative factors such as heavy lifting, constipation management and specific types of exercise, improving pelvic floor function, strength, coordination and endurance in order to support the pelvic organs and when indicated, prescribing and fitting specific vaginal pessaries which act to support the vaginal walls and prevent the prolapse from dropping into the vagina.

As soon as you feel comfortable! Typically however, we recommend that you focus on bonding with your beautiful new baby and establishing good routines in the first 6 weeks. We recommend that you come in for your first postnatal check with your pelvic floor physiotherapist from 6 weeks post delivery.

Yes absolutely! Men have pelvic floor muscles, just like women and they can also experience incontinence especially after a prostatectomy which is a common surgical procedure to manage prostate cancer. There are primary supportive structures at the base of the bladder (near the prostate) that help to kink the urethra and stop urine from leaking involuntarily. In order to get clear margins and improve rates of remission, these supportive structures are usually removed along with the prostate as part of a prostatectomy. As a result, men can often experience incontinence after this procedure. Consequently, pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to improve strength, function, coordination and endurance of the pelvic floor so that it can support the bladder and manage incontinence.

Yes absolutely – we don’t need to do an internal examination on the initial consultation if that is your preference.

Exercise physiology is the use of structured, evidence-based exercise to improve health, physical function and quality of life.

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) works with people across a wide range of health conditions, injuries and abilities. We use exercise to help you build strength, improve mobility and fitness, manage chronic conditions, reduce the impact of pain and regain confidence in movement.

While there is some overlap between exercise physiology and physiotherapy, our approaches are different.

Exercise physiologists focus primarily on exercise-based management. We don’t provide hands-on manual therapy, massage or joint manipulation, and we don’t diagnose musculoskeletal injuries or medical conditions. Instead, we assess your physical capacity and exercise needs and develop a progressive program to help you achieve your goals.

Physiotherapists commonly focus on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and movement disorders. Their treatment may include hands-on therapy, manual techniques, mobility work and targeted rehabilitation.

The two professions often complement each other. For example, you may see a physiotherapist for the assessment and treatment of an injury, while your exercise physiologist helps you rebuild strength, fitness and function through progressive exercise.

In simple terms: physiotherapy may help address the injury or movement problem, while exercise physiology helps you build the physical capacity to move, function and live well.

Absolutely. Exercise physiology is specifically designed to help people safely exercise with chronic health conditions.

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist understands how different health conditions can affect your ability to exercise and can tailor your program around your individual needs. This may include conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain, neurological conditions and many others.

We don’t treat your medical condition itself or replace your medical care. Instead, we use exercise as a therapeutic tool to help manage its impact on your physical health and daily life.

Depending on your condition and goals, exercise may help improve strength, cardiovascular fitness, blood glucose management, mobility, balance, energy levels and overall physical function.

Your program is designed around what is safe and appropriate for you, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

No. You don’t need a referral or funding plan to see an exercise physiologist privately.

Exercise physiology can be accessed through a number of different pathways, depending on your individual circumstances. This may include private appointments, Medicare, NDIS, DVA, WorkCover or private health insurance.

Each funding pathway has different eligibility and claiming requirements, so it’s important to understand what applies to you.

If you already have funding or a referral, we can help you understand how exercise physiology may fit within your plan. If you’re accessing our services privately, you can simply book an appointment directly with us.

An exercise physiology session is much more than simply being given a list of exercises.

Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to understand you, your health, your current physical capacity and, most importantly, what you want to achieve.

We’ll discuss your health history, current activity levels, symptoms, lifestyle and goals. Depending on your needs, we may assess your strength, mobility, balance, cardiovascular fitness, functional capacity and exercise tolerance.

From there, we’ll develop an individualised exercise program and guide you through the exercises so you understand what you’re doing, why you’re doing it and how to perform it safely.

Sessions may include strength training, cardiovascular exercise, Pilates, mobility and balance exercises, functional rehabilitation or other forms of therapeutic exercise.

As your capacity improves, your program will progress with you.

Yes. Exercise physiology can be an important part of the transition from rehabilitation back to the activities you enjoy.

Following an injury, it’s common to regain basic movement before you’ve fully regained the strength, fitness, control and confidence needed to return to your usual activities.

An exercise physiologist can help bridge this gap through progressive, structured exercise. We’ll gradually increase your strength, cardiovascular fitness, movement capacity and tolerance to exercise, based on where you’re currently at.

We don’t diagnose or treat the injury itself, but we can work alongside your physiotherapist, GP or other healthcare professionals as part of your broader rehabilitation.

Whether your goal is returning to sport, getting back to the gym, returning to work or simply feeling strong and capable again, your program can be tailored around what matters to you.

Absolutely. Exercise physiology is for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

You don’t need to be fit, strong or physically active to see an exercise physiologist. Our role is to understand where you’re starting from and develop an exercise program that is appropriate for your current abilities.

Exercise can be adapted to accommodate limited mobility, pain, balance difficulties, disability or reduced exercise tolerance. This may include seated, supported, standing or floor-based exercises, depending on what is safe and appropriate for you.

For older adults, exercise can help maintain strength, balance, mobility and independence, while supporting healthy ageing and confidence with everyday activities.

The goal isn’t to make you exercise like everyone else. It’s to help you move better, feel stronger and maintain your ability to do the things that are important to you.

A dietitian is a university-qualified nutrition professional who is trained to provide evidence-based nutrition advice and medical nutrition therapy. Dietitians with Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) status are required to complete ongoing training and education throughout their career and adhere to a code of conduct.
In Australia, the term “nutritionist” is not regulated, meaning anyone can legally call themselves a nutritionist. While some nutritionists have completed higher education in nutrition, others may have little or no formal training. It’s important to check their qualifications and credentials before seeking advice. Nutritionists may focus more on general healthy eating and nutrition advice; the title itself does not guarantee training in medical nutrition therapy or managing health conditions.
For more information, see the Dietitians Australia website.

Absolutely. Exercise physiology is specifically designed to help people safely exercise with chronic health conditions.

No, you don’t need a referral to see a dietitian. You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if your GP refers you under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP). Eligible patients can access rebates for up to five allied health services per calendar year. Please note that this means five services across all eligible allied health professions, not necessarily five dietitian appointments.

Yes. A dietitian can help identify potential dietary triggers, improve gut symptoms and keep your diet well balanced. This may include changes to fluid and fibre intake, meal patterns or a low FODMAP approach when appropriate.

A dietitian can help you make realistic dietary changes that suit your lifestyle, preferences and health needs. They can also help make sure weight loss is achieved safely, with a balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs while minimising muscle loss and reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies. The focus is on long-term changes rather than highly restrictive diets or ‘quick fixes’.

Yes. Exercise physiology can be an important part of the transition from rehabilitation back to the activities you enjoy.

Dietitians can help with many conditions, including micronutrient deficiencies, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer care, osteoporosis, digestive conditions, coeliac disease, food intolerances, kidney disease, malnutrition and weight management.
If you’re unsure whether a dietitian can help with your particular case or condition, contact our reception team to book a 10-minute complimentary discussion with our dietitian.

It depends on your goals and health needs. Some people benefit from just a few appointments, while others require ongoing support. Your dietitian can recommend a follow-up plan based on your needs, and you can work together to adjust the frequency to suit your goals, progress and preferences.