Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist or hand therapist at Flex?

No - you can book directly for a physiotherapy or hand therapy appointment with Flex - no referral required. However, if you're being treated for a workplace injury (worker's compensation), or under a Medicare GP Management Plan/EPC, a referral from your doctor or surgeon will be required. If you're unsure, our reception team can check for you before your first visit and help you through the process.

What conditions does Flex.Physio treat?

Flex.Physio's special area of interest is in hand and wrist injuries, upper limb orthopaedic conditions, post-surgical and post-operative rehabilitation, and chronic or complex pain. We see people who have a specific diagnosis and also people whose issues may not fit neatly into a specific diagnostic label. See our list of treated conditions! Although the upper limb is our area of special interest, our physiotherapists treat injuries and pain throughout the whole body, including the neck, back, hip, knee and ankle.

What services do you offer?

We have a broad range of services and will tailor our recommendations and treatment to your specific injury and your needs. Services will always include a thorough assessment and education regarding your injury and its prognosis. Your physiotherapist or hand therapist may also offer advice on what activities or movements to modify or avoid, manual therapy such as massage or joint mobilisation, dry needling, graded motor imagery including mirror box therapy, thermoplastic splinting and fabrication of other supports or braces as deemed necessary. Also, we love exercise! We advocate to keep you playing sport and doing what you love wherever clinically appropriate. It's a rarity that you would leave your appointment without some exercises to work on to reduce stiffness, increase your strength or settle your pain.

How much does an appointment cost and is it covered by private health or Medicare?

Prices for an initial appointment start at $153. Subsequent appointments start at $121. Prices vary depending on the level of experience and qualifications of the treating physiotherapist or hand therapist and the complexity of your issue. Every appointment includes a thorough assessment and, where needed, same-day splinting or hands-on treatment - so you leave with a clear plan and treatment already underway. Medicare can subsidise payments if you are referred from your GP under a chronic disease management plan. If you have private health cover for physiotherapy, you'll be able to claim on the day. Rebate amounts vary by fund and policy level. We recommend checking your specific level of cover with your fund before your appointment; our reception team can help with item numbers if needed.

I think I've fractured or broken my finger, hand or wrist. Should I see my GP or come directly to Flex?

This is actually something we help with all the time. You can come straight to Flex. Both Flex Physiotherapy clinics in Perth are conveniently located close to radiology clinics, meaning we can assess your injury, send you for X-rays, confirm if there's a fracture or not, and fit you with a custom, waterproof thermoplastic splint or talk you through the best next steps - all in the same visit!

What is hand therapy?

Hand therapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy or occupational therapy focused on assessing and treating conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder - combining hands-on rehabilitation with splinting to restore movement, strength, and function after injury or surgery. Hand therapists complete additional postgraduate training beyond general physiotherapy specifically in upper limb anatomy, splinting, and post-surgical protocols.

What causes wrist pain and when should I see a hand therapist?

Wrist pain can come from a range of causes — ligament sprains, tendon overuse, arthritis, nerve compression, or old fractures that haven't fully recovered. It's worth seeing a hand therapist if pain persists beyond a few days, limits your grip or daily activities, or is accompanied by swelling, numbness, or reduced movement — early assessment often prevents a minor issue becoming a persistent one.

What's the difference between a physiotherapist and a hand therapist?

A hand therapist is a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with additional postgraduate training specifically in the hand, wrist, and upper limb - including splinting, tendon and nerve injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation. At Flex, together our therapy team hold varying qualifications, including Masters-level and PhD qualifications and some are Certified or Accredited Hand Therapists, giving them expertise beyond general physiotherapy training for complex hand and wrist pain conditions.

How do I know if I need hand therapy or a specialist/surgeon opinion?

If you haven't yet seen a specialist, our team can help guide you - many hand and wrist conditions respond well to conservative treatment first, and we'll always aim to treat non-surgically where appropriate, referring you on for a surgical opinion if that's the better path. We work closely with a number of Perth's leading surgeons, and can help facilitate review by a surgeon/specialist if clinically indicated. If you've already been referred by a surgeon or GP, we'll work directly from their instructions as part of your treatment plan.

What should I expect at my first hand therapy/physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment will include a thorough assessment of your injury or condition, a discussion of your goals and daily activities, and hands-on treatment, splint fabrication and an exercise program on the same day, where indicated. Appointments typically run 30–45 minutes, but more complex cases can require 1hr+. Wear or bring loose clothing that allows easy access to the area being assessed.

Can I walk in without an appointment?

Yes. Flex Physiotherapy offers walk-in availability for acute injuries and urgent splinting needs, generally between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Waiting times can vary depending on how busy the clinic is, so if your situation isn't urgent, booking ahead is usually best. Feel free to call our reception team to discuss your needs.