As physiotherapists we talk about the muscular system and the skeletal system (bones and joints). An injury to either or both of these systems is known as a musculoskeletal injury and can be treated successfully with physiotherapy.

How we can help;

The physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment of the area of concern and present a diagnosis. The ensuing treatment will fix the problem. Treatment may include some of the following:

• Joint mobilisations
• Muscle release techniques
• Strapping
• Kinesiotape
• Targeted exercises
• Motion analysis
• Hydrotherapy
• Education
• Workplace rehabilitation
• Postural analysis and modification

This is a standard consultation which takes 30 minutes. Ensure that you wear suitable clothing so that the body part can be seen by the therapist.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Mitchell Physiotherapy is proud to support a number of local sporting clubs. We currently sponsor Maitland Blacks Rugby Club, Kurri Kurri Bulldogs, Maitland Pickers, HVGS Rowing Club and Maitland Athletics Club. Our physiotherapists are trained in treating a wide variety of pre-game, post-game, and sideline injury management and prevention. For a lot of these groups, taping is used to help support muscles and joints, and prevent excess movement (especially in the contact leagues).

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Dry needling involves a manual therapy technique utilising a very fine needle similar to that used in acupuncture (called a filament) to stimulate tight and tender muscular trigger points that can cause pain, loss of movement, and weakness.

Dry needling is effective in treating a wide variety of injuries such as shoulder impingement, neck and lower back pain, tennis elbow, and foot pain with running.

How does Dry Needling Work?

One of the theories behind Dry Needling suggests after an injury, chemicals are released into the injured muscle to begin the healing process.  These same chemicals, if not cleared from the muscle by the body within a reasonable time, may cause a sustained muscular contraction.  This contraction is like a cramp and can cause loss of movement and weakness, typically associated with an ache or burning sensation. Dry Needling stimulates the tight portion of the muscle to contract, which is followed by a reflexive relaxation of the muscle.

Does Dry Needling Hurt?

The needle used is between 0.25-0.3 mm in circumference (less than 0.1mm thick). The average needle used in a doctor surgery is greater than 0.4mm. The average person will feel the Physiotherapist tap the needle into place but not the needle itself. Dry Needling is not a pain-free technique and some people report a feeling of the needle still being under the skin after it has been taken out for a short time after the session. That said, some people will experience no sensation and some will experience a strong sensation. Dry Needling does NOT involve injecting substances into the body.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

From tight muscles to spasms and referred pain – whatever is bothering you, our massage therapists can help you move well and feel great. We have a dedicated remedial massage therapist as part of our team. She is qualified in trigger point soft tissue remedial massage and pregnancy massage, but also does sporting and general massage as well.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Hydrotherapy is the prescription of therapeutic exercises in warm water. This can be used successfully for many conditions.

Mitchell Physiotherapy has a hydrotherapy pool onsite at Maitland. Hydrotherapy is perfect for acute injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation and osteoarthritic individuals. Hydrotherapy enables people to exercise in a less stressful environment, allowing them to do more exercise. Benefits can include increased muscular strength and endurance, swelling reduction, muscle relaxation and pain relief.

More Information

Hydrotherapy is prescribed for many conditions. It is effective for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, early strengthening, balance and co-ordination, whiplash injury, Arthritis, strengthening pre joint replacement and low back pain rehab.

We have our own on-site pool at Mitchell Physiotherapy Maitland. The pool is heated to 34 degrees Celsius, a bit warmer than other heated pools.  Commonly patients are given a program of exercises to complete independently. This is often upgraded by the physiotherapist as people improve. In some cases the physiotherapist will get into the pool with the patient if assistance is required.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Mitchell Physiotherapy hold a range of classes throughout our locations;

Fit to Function Class –

Our ‘Fit to Function’ class focuses on core stability and draws exercises from Pilates and evidence based core stability programs. Classes are held at all locations and go for 1 hour. Small group classes are conducted by experience physiotherapists. Some conditions that can benefit from this class are;

• Lower Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Lower Limb Injuries

Classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Exercises can be adapted to ensure every individual is challenge. Assessments are conducted prior to class admission using real time ultrasound, ensuring targeted muscle are working soundly.

Womens Health Class –

Our Womens Health class focuses on learning to integrate pelvic floor control with movement. Classes are currently held at Maitland and Kurri Location and go for 45mins . Some conditions that can benefit from this class are;

• Incontinence
• Pre and Post Natal
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• Prolapse

Classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Exercises can be adapted to ensure every individual is challenge. Assessments are conducted prior to class admission using real time ultrasound, ensuring targeted muscle are working soundly.

 Osteoporosis Building Bones Classes –

Our ‘Building Bones’ class focuses on exercises that target bone strength. Classes are conducted at both our Maitland and Kurri Kurri locations. Durations of each class is 1 hour.  There is evidence to support that certain exercises are effective in increasing bone density. The class involves a variety of weight-bearing aerobic exercise, resistance training, balance and coordination exercises. The class is suitable for those with the following:

• Osteoperosis
• Osteopenia
• Pre/post menopause
• Low vitamin D or calcium
• Low levels of physical activity
• Corticosteroid use
• Thyroid conditions
• Low or excessive body weight
• History of rheumatoid arthritis

Cost:

Class Times:

Maitland

Kurri Kurri

Dungog

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Hand therapy is the specific treatment and management of hand injuries, both without surgical intervention and after surgery.

How we can help;

Hand therapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy. We often use splints to rest the hand. Scar management is very important as the hand is small and joints and tendons are very close together.

Hand therapy is a standard consultation which takes approximately 30 minutes.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

A cast can be either fiberglass or Plaster of Paris; these are placed on if you need a period of immobilisation following a fracture or surgery.

What we offer;

Water proof fibreglass cast. This can be used if you have a low risk of swelling in the limb. You can shower with the cast and let water run through it. The type of cast lining is what makes it waterproof.

When a back/front slab is required we make these from Plaster of Paris impregnated bandages and they are not water proof.

Cast cost vary according to the body part (size) and the type of lining, either waterproof or not, fibreglass or not.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

We can supply and fit mouldable orthotics. Orthotics are used to support foot posture. This can assist with foot pain, knee pain and lower back pain. Orthotics need to be prescribed for you and are individually fitted.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Mitchell Physiotherapy has 2 physiotherapists with a special interest in women’s health. These physios can help you with light bladder leakage, incontinence, faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic girdle pain, pregnancy pain, recovery after delivery, separation of the abdominal muscles, and correct exercise prescription.

Research has shown conclusively that 80% of women that present to a women’s health trained physiotherapist for incontinence will get a 100% cure. Yes, that’s a complete fix.

We focus on the control and strength of the pelvic floor muscles, which are the primary issue in most incontinence cases. The physiotherapist will also consider the bladder habits and help you address overactive bladder issues also.

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For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Mitchell Physiotherapy has physiotherapists with a special interest in men’s health. They can help you with insidious and post-surgical bladder leakage (incontinence), faecal incontinence, pelvic girdle pain, erectile dysfunction and pain with intercourse, and correct exercise prescription.

We focus on the control and strength of the pelvic floor muscles, which are the primary issue in most incontinence cases. The physiotherapist will also consider the bladder habits and help you address overactive bladder issues also. For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Incontinence is the uncontrolled loss of urine which can occur in both men and women. There are several types of incontinence which the physiotherapist can diagnose and treat with Incontinence Rehabilitation.

What we can do

Assessment and treatment is based on exercise prescription for the pelvic floor muscles. At Mitchell Physiotherapy we have a real-time ultrasound which enables both the therapists and the patient to see the workings of the pelvic floor muscles. This is a non-invasive technique and we have found it to be of great use to both males and females.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

We have a physiotherapist who has a special interest in pelvic girdle pain. She has a vast amount of experience in treating chronic pain and the human body, combined with a women’s health perspective.

Pelvic girdle pain is pain located in the pelvic area. If you have had every medical investigation and the Gynaecologist and GP both cannot find a cause from the pain it could be muscle or joint related. That’s when seeing a physio would be appropriate.

We can also help with pain during intercourse and vaginal pain, known as vaginitis, vulvodynia, and vaginismus. This pain can be related to the pelvic floor muscles and the sacroiliac joint. We have also been able to help some ladies who have had issues following mesh repair. For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Mitchell Physiotherapy has a specialist Neuro Physiotherapist, Professor Paulette van Vliet. Paulette has written multiple research papers on stroke recovery. She is helping people with stroke, head injury, Parkinson’s, MS and any other condition that affects movement due to brain or central nervous system disease or damage.

The latest research is showing that the brain is so much more plastic than was originally thought, it can make remarkable recovery in the face of very bad odds. Research is also showing that it is never to late to make these plastic changes.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Sports Physiotherapist specific to the horse rider. Two of our physios are horse riders. One has completed her level 1 coaching certificate through EA.

These physios understand the complexities of equine sport and understand the requirements of the human body during riding.

How can we help?

We can help with riders who get pain when riding, have trouble with certain movements, eg. “my halt is never straight” or “I just can get my left leg against the horse the same as the right.” Through analysis of muscle weaknesses, tightness’s, and areas of stiffness, looking a photos and video of you riding we can pin point the issues and give you exercises to fix them. We have lots of happy riders out there, who have fixed significant issues.

How it works

By taking video footage of movement and applying specialised software the Physiotherapist is able to analyse where the joints, limbs and trunk are placed in relationship to one another. This knowledge, combined with knowledge of biomechanics and horse riding, the physio is able to pin-point issues and provide solutions. This process enables a truly effective result getting to the core of the problem.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

All of our treating physiotherapists are WorkCover accredited and can help you recover and rehabilitate from your work injury. Please bring with you your GP referral, WorkCover Medical Certificate, and the relevant details of your insurer (claim number, case manager, contact details, etc). If these details are provided correctly, we can invoice the insurer directly for you.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

We are happy to come to you for your treatment.

We understand that some conditions limit or make it difficult for patients to leave their home. At Mitchell Physiotherapy we can provide home visits.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. 

If your GP has provided you with up to 5 physiotherapy consults as part of your Enhanced Primary Care plan, you are entitled to a Medicare rebate on part of your consult fee. You will need to pay for the consultation in full on the day and we can put the rebate back onto your cheque or savings account. Alternatively, you can take your receipt to Medicare and they will rebate you, or you can claim online via the relevant Medicare portal. Please be sure to bring your GP referral along with you when you attend our clinic so that we can process this for you.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

We can provide treatments for Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Gold card patients, and for approved areas on a DVA White Card. Please ensure that your bring a current DVA referral from your GP when you attend our clinic.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

All of our treating physiotherapists are accredited and can facilitate your rehabilitation from any Compulsory Third Party motor vehicle accident claims. Please bring your GP referral and current acceptance of insurer liability specific for physiotherapy, and if all details are correct, we can invoice the insurer directly for your care.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

At Mitchell Physiotherapy we complete Pre-Employment Assessments.  We have an accredited Jobfit assessor and have all the equipment necessary to complete even the most complex assessment. Assessments usually take 1 hour to complete and the guarantee same day turn around for reporting.

Clients undertaking assessment:

• Please arrive at your appointment 10 minutes early to complete all the necessary paper work.
• Ensure you bring photo ID. Eg licence
• Wear comfortable, closed in shoes that you are happy to exercise in.
• Bring a water bottle, as you will be doing exercise.
• Try to reduce your coffee and stimulant usage before your appointment.
• Make sure you have a good night sleep before your assessment.

The assessment is not a “medical” health check.  The purpose of the assessment is to examine your Musculoskeletal system.  The physiotherapist you see DOES NOT determine your suitability for employment but is an independent assessor. Your results are forwarded onto an independent company for analysis.

Some of the tasks you will be doing are fitness tests, general motion, maintaining certain postures and lifting.

For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

Mitchell Physiotherapy currently provide onsite physiotherapy for a local aged care facility. We offer first class professional assessment and treatment programs. If you are involved with an aged care facility and think that our service can assist your valued residents well-being please contact us.

We are currently proud sponsors of a number of local sporting clubs including; Maitland Blacks Rugby, Maitland Pickers and Kurri Bulldogs. If you require a Physio onsite for your team during games, whether it is a one off, full season support or perhaps a training camp we would love to be there. For more information contact us.

Mitchell Physiotherapy has a range of products to hire. Your physio may suggest you take home a product to use for a month.

We have a Bone Stimulator unit for hire. It has been shown that a specific frequency of ultrasound is effective in increasing bone healing by 38%. It is useful for stress fractures and non-union.

For more information regarding Mitchell Physiotherapy’s Bone Stimulator units and hire products please contact 02 4933 6845.