Nerina Whitfield Physiotherapy
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral in order to make an appointment?
​No. Physiotherapists are first line practitioners. This means that you can consult with us directly.
​How do I know if my medical aid funds are exhausted?
When we submit the claim to your medical aid, they notify us if there are no funds available. We then send you the account and notification that the funds are depleted.
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Does your practice charge medical aid rates?
​Yes we do charge medical aid rates. We claim from the medical aid on your behalf. If the medical aid funds are depleted, you become liable for the account. We accept cash and EFT payments for private patients without a medical aid. For private rates - please contact us telephonically.
What is the difference between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor?
Physiotherapy focusses on manual hands-on treatment, followed up by rehabilitation. Physiotherapists tend to use mainly mobilisation of joints (no forcefull movement) whereas chiropractors often use manipulation (forceful movements to end range of the joint). Lately, there have been an increase in less forceful treatment used by chiropractors.
Physiotherapists are members of and governed by the HPCSA (http://www.hpcsa.co.za), whereas chriopractors are governed by the AHPCSA (http://www.ahpcsa.co.za/)
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What does the physiotherapy qualification entail?
​Physiotherapy is a 4 year BSc Honours degree. First year is a combination of BSc subjects and physio-specific subjects including Chemistry, Physics, Anatomical pathology, Anatomy, Physiology etc. Later on in the degree, subjects become medically specific - Pharmacology, Surgery, Hand rehabilitation, Neurology, Peripheral nerve injuries, Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, Pulmonology, Orthopedics, Paediatrics, Sport injuries and rehabilitation.
In the 3rd year of study, students work half-day and have class half-day. In the 4th year of study, class is scheduled for week-long blocks during the year. Practical work and thesis/mini-dissertation (Honours) occupy the remaining time. Practical work at university level is done at state and private hospitals & practices in 4-week "blocks" including Orthopedics, Neurological rehabilitation (strokes, traumatic brain injuries, Cerebral Palsy), ICU (Trauma, Cardiothoracic, Multiple), Geriatrics, Sport injury rehabilitation etc.
After receiving the degree, physiotherapists complete a compulsory community service year at a state institution after which they are eligible to practise in private.
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