It's one of the most common questions we hear at MTM Physiotherapy Duncraig, and the good news is that for a wide range of injuries, a physiotherapist is a great first point of call. In many cases we can assess the problem, get you the right treatment quickly, and save you hours sitting in a waiting room for something that isn't a true emergency.

Here's what you should know.

Physiotherapists Are Trained to Assess Musculoskeletal Injuries

Physiotherapists are university-qualified, primary-contact health professionals — which means you don't need a referral to see us. We're specifically trained to assess and manage musculoskeletal (muscle, joint, ligament and tendon) injuries.

Common issues we assess and treat include:

• Sprained ankles and knee injuries
• Muscle strains, tears and corks
• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder injuries
• Sports-related injuries
• Overuse and tendon-related pain

During an assessment, we take a detailed history and perform a physical examination to work out what's injured, how significant it is, and what the best next step should be. In many cases, we can start treatment straight away and give you a clear plan to recover.

We Can Refer Directly for X-Rays When It's Clinically Needed

Sometimes an injury needs imaging to rule out (or confirm) something like a fracture. Where it's clinically indicated, our physiotherapists can refer you directly for X-rays — so you don't need a separate GP visit first just to get imaging organised.

This means a more streamlined process: we assess you, arrange imaging if it's warranted, review the results, and guide your treatment from there. If your injury does turn out to need medical or specialist care, we'll make sure you're pointed in the right direction.

Braces, Moon Boots and Crutches — Available On-Site

If your injury needs support to heal properly, we've got you covered on-site. Depending on what's clinically appropriate, we can provide and fit:

• Braces for joint support and stability
• Moon boots (CAM walkers) for foot and ankle injuries
• Crutches to help you get around while offloading an injured leg

That means you can often leave your appointment with the support equipment you need already fitted — no extra trips to the pharmacy or another provider.

Save Yourself Hours in the Emergency Department

Emergency Departments do a vital job, but they're set up to prioritise life-threatening and serious medical emergencies. For a non-emergency musculoskeletal injury — a sprained ankle, a sore knee, a strained back — that can mean long waits, often for several hours, before you're seen.

For these kinds of injuries, a physiotherapy assessment is frequently a faster, more convenient option. You'll be seen by someone who focuses on musculoskeletal injuries day in, day out, and you'll leave with a clear plan rather than just a "rest and see how it goes."

When You Should Go Straight to the ED or Call 000

Physiotherapy is the right choice for many injuries — but not all. Please go straight to your nearest Emergency Department, or call 000, if you experience any of the following:

• A suspected serious fracture (obvious deformity, bone through skin, or you can't bear any weight at all)
• A head injury with confusion, drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke
• Severe bleeding or a serious wound
• Sudden, severe or unexplained pain, numbness or weakness

If you're ever unsure whether something is a medical emergency, it's always safest to seek urgent medical care.

Still Not Sure? Ask Us

If you've had an injury and you're not certain whether physiotherapy is the right first step, get in touch. We're happy to help you work out whether we're the best option or whether you'd be better seeing your GP or another provider.

At MTM Physiotherapy Duncraig, our team can assess your injury, arrange imaging where needed, provide support equipment on-site, and get you started on the road to recovery — often on the same day.

📞 Call us on 9246 4066 or book online to see our physio team.