FAQs
General Information
At Immelman and Redivo we pride ourselves in putting the patient first. Feel free to speak to any of our friendly administrative team if you have any questions.
Can I make appointments via email?
Yes, you can. You are welcome to communicate to the Team via phone, WhatsApp or email. Should you prefer to set up appointments via email, please bear in mind that the confirmation of appointments may take time.
Do you need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
No, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are considered first-line practitioners, and will be able to refer you to other medical and allied health professionals where it is appropriate.
Are we contracted in with the medical aids?
Yes, we do charge medical aid rates.
In-Hospital: We send medical aid accounts to your fund. You will need to speak to your medical aid and work together with our administration staff in order to get authorisation and payment for services rendered.
Private accounts must be settled within a week from the end of the hospital stay.
Out-Patients-Department (OPD): All OPD accounts must be paid by the patient directly after each session. A statement will be emailed to you in order for you to claim back from your insurance.[Text Wrapping Break]Please speak to our administration staff if you require more details or would like to make a special arrangement.
Do you need to bring anything with you?
Please bring your x-rays/scans/other investigations and the referral letter (if applicable).
Remember that the painful limb/part of your body will need to be exposed – pants or a short-sleeved top works well. You are welcome to bring your own towel and exercise shorts for strenuous exercises sessions or if you so prefer.
How long does a treatment take?
A thorough assessment of your problem will normally require an initial consultation of 60 minutes. If you want to have multiple areas assessed or are experiencing a complex problem, please inform our reception staff when booking.
A follow-up consultation will take approximately 45 minutes. If you are a new patient, please arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of your appointment, to allow time to fill in our new patient information form.
What can I expect to feel after treatment?
Following treatment, symptoms are usually relieved and patients feel an improvement. However, it is completely normal to experience post-treatment soreness. This could happen if the therapist stimulated areas or structures that are causing the pain. Don’t be alarmed if you have pain following treatment. Follow the physiotherapist’s advice, make a note of the pain, this will help grade the intervention during the next appointment. It is best to inform your physiotherapist if this has happened.
Can you help me with authorisation?
The Immelman and Redivo admin team each has a role to help you with any administration requirements. Sometimes it is necessary for patients to speak to their medical aid to fasten the process of authorisation. The admin team will let you know how to do this, in order to get your claims finalised.
How many times will I need to come in?
The therapist will do a detailed evaluation in your first session and discuss with you your detailed treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Practical Information
Physiotherapy is a wonderful treatment approach to prevention and recovery. Speak to one of our physiotherapists regarding your personal journey.
What is Cranio Sacral Therapy?
It is a light touch, whole body work therapy that helps alleviate pain and dysfunction. We have been trained according to the Upledger approach. Please follow the links for more details: Upledger
What is Dry Needling?
What is my role in treatment and recovery?
We use a goal-focused approach to treatment. Together, you and your physiotherapist will determine goals for treatment. The physiotherapist will fully inform you about your condition and the key things that you need to do, to aid your recovery and prevent further injury. You can help by working with the physiotherapist and following the advice and recommendations to achieve the best results! If at any time, you feel uncertain, feel free to ask the physiotherapist.
What is the difference between Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists and Biokineticists?
Physiotherapists are trained to treat pain and pathology. The treatment is based on assessment and a complex evaluation. Massage is one of the treatment techniques used by physiotherapists. Other techniques may also be used to treat the soft tissue, joint and/or the nerve. The interaction between the three, as well as the control of movement will be addressed. At times anti-inflammatory treatment is needed and this includes ultrasound, laser or electrotherapy. Exercise and education are always used in treatment. Our physiotherapists use a variety of techniques specific to the patient. Once pain and pathology have been resolved, one could be referred to a biokineticist to do final rehabilitation.
Do you need to bring anything with you?
Please bring your x-rays/scans/other investigations and the referral letter (if applicable).
Remember that the painful limb/part of your body will need to be exposed – pants or a short-sleeved top works well. You are welcome to bring your own towel and exercise shorts for strenuous exercises sessions, or if you so prefer.
How long does a treatment take?
A thorough assessment of your problem will normally require an initial consultation of 60 minutes. If you want to have multiple areas assessed or are experiencing a complex problem, please inform our reception staff when booking.
A follow-up consultation will take approximately 45 minutes. If you are a new patient, please arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of your appointment, to allow time to fill in our new patient information form.
What can I expect to feel after treatment?
Following treatment, symptoms are usually relieved and patients feel an improvement. However, it is completely normal to experience post-treatment soreness. This could happen if the therapist stimulated areas or structures that are causing the pain. Don’t be alarmed if you have pain following treatment. Follow the physiotherapist’s advice, make a note of the pain, this will help grade the intervention during the next appointment. It is best to inform your physiotherapist if this has happened.
What is my role in treatment and recovery?
We use a goal-focused approach to treatment. Together, you and your physiotherapist will determine goals for treatment. The physiotherapist will fully inform you about your condition and the key things that you need to do, to aid your recovery and prevent further injury. You can help by working with the physiotherapist and following the advice and recommendations to achieve the best results! If at any time, you feel uncertain, feel free to ask the physiotherapist.
How soon after operation or surgery should I start physiotherapy?
For most surgical interventions physiotherapy will be started before or during your stay in hospital. It is recommended to start as soon as possible after your surgery. Your physiotherapist will give you the necessary information for each phase of healing and rehabilitation. For more information: Immelman & Redivo
What is the difference between Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists and Biokineticists?
Physiotherapists are trained to treat pain and pathology. The treatment is based on assessment and a complex evaluation. Massage is one of the treatment techniques used by physiotherapists. Other techniques may also be used to treat the soft tissue, joint and/or the nerve. The interaction between the three, as well as the control of movement will be addressed. At times anti-inflammatory treatment is needed and this includes ultrasound, laser or electrotherapy. Exercise and education are always used in treatment. Our physiotherapists use a variety of techniques specific to the patient. Once pain and pathology have been resolved, one could be referred to a biokineticist to do final rehabilitation.
Does physiotherapy work for chronic pain ?
Yes, we use a variety of skills to guide and support people with chronic pain towards a better quality of life. If you would like to read more about our approach please follow this link: Immelman & Redivo
Prehab versus Rehab
Both are a crucial part of injury prevention and recovery.
Prehab focuses on the proactive measure to strengthen and prevent injury before it occurs. Prehab is often done before an operation like a total knee replacement to strengthen the muscles, improve balance and ensure correct walking with assistive devices.
Rehab is the recovery after an injury has occurred. Rehab is a vital part of your recovery process after an operation, like a total knee replacement, has been done.
At IR Physio we aim to guide you through these processes while respecting constraints such as funds and time limits. Speak to your physiotherapist to work out the details of your treatment plan.