Frequently asked questions
The questions people actually ask.
Practical, honest answers to the things people want to know before booking — about Emil's services, billing, the conditions he treats, and the specialist programs he delivers. Use the jump-nav below to find what you're looking for.
01
Category 01
Booking & services
How to book a consult, what each service offers, and how to choose between mobile, in-clinic, and telehealth.
Q. How do I book my first appointment?
The simplest way is to send Emil a message via the contact form describing your situation. He'll reply within 24 hours (business days) confirming availability and the most suitable service. You can also email him directly at emilfilophys@gmail.com.
Q. Do I need a GP referral?
No referral is required. Physiotherapists are first-contact practitioners — you can book directly. If you do have a GP letter, specialist referral, recent imaging, or prior physio notes, bring them along. They're useful context but not mandatory.
Q. What's the difference between mobile, in-clinic, and telehealth?
Mobile: Emil comes to your home or workplace — best for limited mobility, busy schedules, or treatment in your own environment. In-Clinic: visits at AXM Exercise Physiology or Beyond Rehab — full equipment access, HICAPS instant claiming. Telehealth: secure video consults from anywhere in Australia — best for assessments, education-led sessions, follow-ups, and exercise reviews. If you're not sure which suits you, just say so when you message — Emil will recommend.
Q. How quickly can I get an appointment?
For most situations, an initial appointment is available within 1–2 weeks. Urgent presentations may be accommodated sooner — flag this in your message. Telehealth slots tend to have the most flexibility.
Q. Can I switch between service types over time?
Absolutely — and many patients do. A common pattern is an initial in-person assessment (mobile or in-clinic), then telehealth for follow-up reviews and exercise progressions. Emil will help you plan the right mix as your situation evolves.
Q. What happens if Emil decides physio isn't right for me?
He'll tell you directly — and where helpful, recommend the right next step (your GP, a specialist, a different allied health professional). An honest "this isn't the right starting point" is more valuable than booking a session that won't help. This is part of why Emil works the way he does.
02
Category 02
Billing & logistics
Health fund rebates, HICAPS, locations, mobile catchment, and the practical side of getting treated.
Q. Do you accept private health fund claims?
Yes. Most major Australian private health funds reimburse physiotherapy across all three service types — though specific rebate amounts vary by fund and policy. For in-clinic appointments, HICAPS instant claiming is available. For mobile and telehealth, you'll receive a tax invoice for online claiming with your fund.
Q. Is HICAPS available for mobile or telehealth visits?
HICAPS is only available for in-clinic appointments. Mobile and telehealth visits are paid in full at the time of consult, and you'll receive a tax invoice to claim back through your private health fund's online or app-based claiming.
Q. What about Workers Compensation, NDIS, or DVA?
Workers compensation cases are accepted with prior approval from the relevant insurer. NDIS, DVA, and other third-party funding arrangements may also be available — please mention your funding source in your initial enquiry so Emil can confirm the specific billing approach for your situation before booking.
Q. Where in Canberra do you cover for mobile visits?
Mobile visits cover most of Canberra, with a primary focus on the North Side. Outer suburbs and surrounding areas may be possible, with a possible travel adjustment depending on distance. Just include your suburb in your message and Emil will confirm.
Q. Where are the in-clinic locations?
Emil sees in-clinic patients at two Canberra locations: AXM Exercise Physiology (axmep.com.au) and Beyond Rehab (brphysio.com.au). Both have full gym equipment access. Specific addresses and parking notes are confirmed at booking based on your appointment.
Q. What's the cancellation policy?
24 hours' notice is appreciated for cancellations or reschedules — particularly for mobile visits, where Emil has often blocked travel time around your appointment. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows may incur a fee. Emergencies and unavoidable issues are handled with common sense.
03
Category 03
Conditions & treatment
How Emil approaches assessment, what to expect from a session, and what kinds of conditions physio actually helps with.
Q. What conditions do you treat?
Emil's three specialist focus areas are osteoarthritis (GLA:D® certified), inflammatory arthritis & spondyloarthropathy, and balance & vestibular conditions. He also routinely treats musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical rehabilitation, sporting injuries, chronic pain, neurological conditions, and falls prevention. See the full list of conditions.
Q. What does an initial consult actually involve?
A 60-minute (in-person) or 45-minute (telehealth) session covering: detailed history-taking, physical assessment (movement, strength, range, function), clear explanation of what's going on, and a treatment plan you'll leave with — written or emailed. Emil deliberately doesn't try to fix everything in the first session — understanding the problem properly comes first.
Q. How many sessions will I need?
It depends entirely on the condition. BPPV: often 1–3 sessions. Acute musculoskeletal issues: typically 4–6 sessions. GLA:D® for OA: ~6 weeks (2 education + ~12 exercise sessions). Inflammatory arthritis: longer-term, with reviews every 4–6 weeks once stable. Emil's goal is your independence and discharge from care — sessions reduce as you progress, not the other way around.
Q. Do you do hands-on treatment, or only exercise?
Both, where appropriate. Hands-on therapy has a real place — particularly for symptom relief, addressing muscular tension, and improving range. But the strongest evidence shows long-term outcomes are driven by exercise, education, and active strategies. Treatment will combine modalities, with the emphasis on building your capacity rather than ongoing dependency.
Q. Will Emil communicate with my GP or specialist?
Yes — when it's helpful and you consent. Particularly for complex cases, post-surgical rehab, or inflammatory conditions, Emil regularly writes brief updates to GPs, surgeons, and rheumatologists. This kind of coordinated care often leads to better outcomes. You can request communication or opt out — your choice.
Q. What if I have imaging (X-rays, MRI, scans)?
Bring it along — Emil will review it as part of your assessment. Imaging provides useful information, but it's only one piece of the picture. Treatment decisions are guided primarily by your symptoms, function, and physical assessment. Many people are surprised to learn that imaging findings often don't correlate strongly with pain or disability.
Q. Do you treat children or only adults?
Emil's primary clinical focus is on adults and older adults. Adolescent and young adult presentations (e.g. sports injuries, inflammatory conditions) are seen on a case-by-case basis. For paediatric physiotherapy needs, Emil is happy to recommend a paediatric-specialist colleague.
04
Category 04
Specialist programs
Specific questions about GLA:D® for osteoarthritis, vestibular rehabilitation, and inflammatory arthritis management.
Q. What is GLA:D® and is Emil certified?
GLA:D® stands for Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark — a structured, evidence-based education and exercise program for hip and knee osteoarthritis, developed at the University of Southern Denmark and now delivered in 12+ countries. Emil is a certified GLA:D® clinician, qualified to deliver the full program. Read more about GLA:D®.
Q. Will exercise damage my arthritic joints further?
No — the opposite, when prescribed correctly. Targeted, controlled exercise is one of the most effective treatments for OA, and is a first-line recommendation in clinical guidelines globally. GLA:D® is designed to be safe even with significant joint changes — you'll never be pushed beyond what your joint can tolerate.
Q. If I'm already booked for joint replacement, is GLA:D® worth it?
Often yes — for several reasons. Some patients find their symptoms improve enough to delay or cancel surgery. Even when surgery still proceeds, going in stronger and better-conditioned typically improves post-op recovery. Most surgeons are supportive of GLA:D® as preparation. Talk to your surgeon and Emil will work with their guidance.
Q. Can vestibular rehab actually fix dizziness or vertigo?
For many vestibular conditions, yes. BPPV often resolves in 1–3 sessions using repositioning manoeuvres. Other vestibular issues (neuritis, post-viral dizziness, PPPD, vestibular migraine) typically respond well to graduated retraining over 6–12 weeks. The key is precise diagnosis first — generic "balance exercises" rarely help and can sometimes make things worse.
Q. Will physio replace my rheumatology medications?
No — and it shouldn't. Disease-modifying medications and biologics control underlying inflammation in ways physiotherapy cannot. Physio is a complementary therapy that improves function, mobility, and quality of life alongside your medical management. Always continue your prescribed treatment as directed by your specialist.
Q. Do I need to be older to benefit from falls prevention work?
Not at all. While falls prevention is most commonly associated with older adults, the principles — strength, balance, vestibular function, confidence — apply at any age. People recovering from injury, surgery, neurological conditions, or post-concussion symptoms also benefit from structured balance training. The program is always tailored to your starting point.
Still have a question?
Ask Emil directly.
If your question isn't covered here, send a message and Emil will reply personally. No question is too specific or too small — and you'll often get a more useful answer than a generic FAQ entry.