Physiotherapy in Western Sydney

Our physiotherapists assess, treat and manage many conditions, including:

• musculoskeletal conditions such as neck, shoulder, elbow, back, hip, knee, ankle and foot pain
• orthopaedic injuries such as sprains, strains and fractures
• chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis
• hand injuries or reduced hand function after trauma or surgery
• long term hand conditions
• rehabilitation after orthopaedic or abdominal surgery
• rehabilitation after lower limb amputation
• respiratory issues caused by acute infections
• chronic respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and bronchiectasis
• developmental delays and musculoskeletal concerns in babies
• falls prevention for older adults
• sarcopenia and frailty in older adults and people living with cancer
• neurological conditions caused by sudden events such as stroke
• progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Motor Neurone Disease
• vestibular disorders such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and dizziness
• women’s health issues such as incontinence and pelvic pain

Respiratory medicine physiotherapy

Physiotherapists work across the general respiratory wards and the medical high-dependency unit (HDU). They review patients to improve lung function and support mobility.

Services include:

• physiotherapy support for the emergency department, day-only areas and recovery wards on request
• assessment and treatment at several respiratory outpatient clinics
• an outpatient service for people with chronic lung disease, with treatment plans and long-term self-management strategies (referral required from a respiratory physician).

General surgery physiotherapy

The general surgery team covers the general surgery wards and the surgical HDU. Physiotherapists support recovery after surgery by:

• optimising lung function
• restoring or maintaining mobility.

Intensive care unit physiotherapy

Physiotherapy services are provided to the intensive care unit (ICU) where patients may be recovering from surgery, trauma, neurological injury, acute medical issues or organ failure. Most ICU patients are intubated and ventilated. Physiotherapists assist with early mobility, respiratory care and rehabilitation planning.

Emergency department physiotherapy

Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapists work in the emergency department (ED) and urgent care centre.

What they do

They assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions such as:

• fractures and dislocations
• sprains, strains and sports injuries
• back pain and other muscle or joint issues.

Primary contact service

In the urgent care centre, physiotherapists:

• see patients directly from triage
• complete independent assessments and diagnoses
• order x-rays
• liaise with ED doctors about medications and presentations
• arrange specialist consultations
• provide treatment, apply braces and splints, prescribe mobility aids, and organise follow-up
• issue sickness certificates when appropriate.

They also take referrals from all ED areas for musculoskeletal issues, complex mobility assessments, difficult casts or braces, and acute respiratory conditions.

Geriatric medicine physiotherapy

A team of physiotherapists and therapy assistants provide care on the acute geriatric ward (D4C) and the geriatric rehabilitation ward (C4C).

Therapy and exercise programs

• Patients take part in weekday group therapy, including 3 exercise classes led by physiotherapists.
• Individual or group gym sessions are provided, with a goal of at least 2 physiotherapy sessions each day.
• Each patient receives an exercise program to complete with family members during visits.
• Exercises are expected to be completed two to 3 times on weekends.

Student placements

University of Sydney 3rd and 4th year physiotherapy students complete rehabilitation placements throughout the year. Work experience students also attend the wards at times.

Orthopaedics and trauma physiotherapy

Services are provided in:

• the orthopaedic and trauma ward
• trauma high-dependency ward
• pre-admission clinic (orthopaedics)
• day-only orthopaedic surgery
• fracture clinics
• acute assessment unit (orthopaedics).

What the service includes

• Acute treatment after fractures and trauma.
• Rehabilitation following injury.
• Education before surgery and throughout recovery.
• Casting and splinting.

Neurosciences and trauma physiotherapy

Physiotherapists provide early rehabilitation for neurosurgical, neurological and trauma patients. Care is delivered in the high-dependency ward (E3c) and the neurosciences ward (D5c).

The team provides evidence-based rehabilitation for neurological, traumatic and respiratory conditions, working closely with the multidisciplinary team.

SMART program (Specialist Management with Acute Rehabilitation Treatment)

SMART provides early rehabilitation for inpatients recovering from general and cardiothoracic surgery, and for patients with neurological or oncological conditions.

Aims

The program helps patients to:

• make a good recovery
• prevent physical weakness
• return safely and independently to their usual accommodation
• transition to ongoing rehabilitation if required.

Who can access the program

The program operates in:

• General surgical wards (B3a/b/c)
• Cardiothoracic ward (D3c)
• Neuroscience ward (D5c)
• Oncology ward (C5c)
• Renal/urology ward (A6a)
• Gastroenterology ward (D3a).

Patients are referred by their treating medical team. Suitability is confirmed by the SMART consultant and registrar.

SMART team

The team includes:

• rehabilitation physician and registrar
• nurse coordinator
• physiotherapists
• occupational therapists
• social worker
• therapy assistants.

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy helps people manage joint, muscle, nerve and spine conditions. Treatment aims to reduce pain, restore movement and improve daily function.

Conditions treated include:

• neck, shoulder, elbow, back, hip, knee, ankle and foot pain
• chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, hypermobility and fibromyalgia
• rehabilitation after fractures, dislocations, tendinopathies, sprains and strains or joint replacement surgery
• cervicogenic dizziness and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Women’s health physiotherapy

Women’s health physiotherapy provides assessment and treatment for women with pelvic floor and pregnancy-related conditions.

Conditions treated include:

• pelvic organ prolapse
• urinary or faecal incontinence
• pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
• pregnancy-related pelvic girdle and low back pain
• postpartum musculoskeletal concerns.

Services may also include pregnancy and postpartum hydrotherapy classes and continence education sessions.

Hand therapy

Hand therapy supports people recovering from injuries and conditions affecting the elbow, wrist and hand.

Common conditions include:

• post-surgical rehabilitation
• fractures
• tendon or ligament injuries
• tendonitis
• osteoarthritis.

Treatment may include exercise programs, splinting and education to support safe recovery.

Cancer rehabilitation (Breast Cancer Institute)

Physiotherapists support breast cancer patients to prevent or manage shoulder stiffness and functional limitations after surgery.

Services include:

• individual assessment and treatment
• home exercise programs
• support at multidisciplinary breast cancer clinics.

FAME exercise group

A 12-week program combining resistance and aerobic exercises to support recovery and general fitness for breast cancer patients.

Amputee physiotherapy service

Westmead Hospital provides the NSW-wide amputee physiotherapy service. The service supports people with upper and lower limb amputations through:

• pre- and post-operative physiotherapy (for inpatients and outpatients)
• ongoing rehabilitation after discharge
• coordinated care with specialist amputee clinics
• connection with prosthetic service providers.

Amputee clinic

The amputee clinic runs every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 2pm.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy uses warm-water exercise to support movement and rehabilitation.

Before starting hydrotherapy, all patients must:

• be assessed by a physiotherapist
• provide medical clearance from their referring medical officer.

Hydrotherapy supports people with:

• osteoarthritis
• neck, back or shoulder pain
• post-operative joint replacement rehabilitation
• general musculoskeletal conditions
• pregnancy or postpartum needs.

Hydrotherapy groups

• Circuit class – for chronic conditions and exercise maintenance.
• Minimal supervision program – helps you transition to community pools. This program runs for up to 3 months.
• Pregnancy and postpartum class – led by specialist physiotherapists, offering whole-body exercise.

Outpatient rehabilitation

Outpatient rehabilitation helps people with movement limitations or physical impairments, including vestibular conditions.

Treatment may include:

• individualised exercise programs
• mobility aid prescription
• education and self-management strategies
• functional and balance training.

Education sessions (continence management)

Continence education sessions help people understand continence and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Sessions are led by a continence physiotherapist and dietitian.

After attending an education session, you may be offered an individual appointment based on clinical need.

“We would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity and privilege to do our rehabilitation with you. It really means a lot to us, because it has helped us all, both physically and emotionally. I don’t think we can put into words the relief and happiness we feel when we move in ways we used to cause us pain but no longer do.”

Hydrotherapy group participants

“I just wanted to send you a personal email to thank you so much for putting on such a fabulous course. Your energy and explanations on all the topics were fantastic.”

Justine

“I just want to say thank you for the help and comfort I received on the day I arrived in hospital and was unable to walk ……. it helped me so much”

Phyllis

“I just wanted to personally thank you for the last 5 weeks. Out of all my 3 pracs this one is the one I feel I have improved the most. Before this prac I was starting to doubt my ability as a physio and whether physio was even for me. I found the feedback that you gave me to be the best feedback that I’ve had so far, and I understood exactly what you wanted me to do…… Thanks again”

Jo – physiotherapy student

“I attended 8 sessions of exercise classes for back pain, and I am pleased to say how wonderful my therapist was. She is full of energy, kind, pleasant and efficient. She took individual care with affection, smiling all the way. My appreciation and best wishes are due to her. I wish her a bright future.”

Sandra

“I just want to thank you for the manner in which you cared for me, when I attended you class yesterday. I was very sore, upset, ‘baby bluey’ and anxious about my operation. Thank you for being so understanding, so reassuring, so comforting. You gave me some helpful tips in the class and encouragement to ‘keep on keeping on’ looking after my body, its muscles, its support. All so appreciated!!!

Debbie – a new mum

I am the patient you helped direct to a referral for physiotherapy for my sore back. Thank you for your help. I’m now 29 weeks pregnant and it has been so helpful seeing the physio as an outpatient to keep me going! Thanks again for your time.

Danielle

Thanks so much for your lovely classes and support! We definitely know much, much more than 6 weeks ago and it gives us more confidence to cope with our new life. We can't say enough good things about your classes, and we will recommend you to any parents to be if they wish to attend any classes. Thanks.

Ann and Greg

Thank you for assisting me throughout my ordeal with my hand…. look it’s messy, but I can write with it again. Thank you so much.

Carol

Just wanted to say thanks for all your effort in me achieve what seemed unimaginable! Thank you.

Nikki

If you are an inpatient

Ask your doctor or nurse for a physiotherapy referral.

If you are an outpatient

Ask your GP or specialist for a referral. You may also be referred after an inpatient stay.
Referrals can be sent by fax or email.

Bring any recent scans or test results, such as X-rays, CTs or MRIs, and any letters from your GP or specialist.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing. You may need to remove some clothing so your physiotherapist can assess the area being treated. Gowns and draping are available. Tell your physiotherapist if you have any concerns.

Arrive on time and allow extra time for travel and parking. If you arrive late, your appointment may be shorter.

To cancel or rebook, call the Physiotherapy Department:

• Auburn Hospital: (02) 8759 3117
• Westmead Hospital: (02) 8890 6500

Missed appointments without notice are recorded as non-attendance. Repeated non-attendance may lead to your treatment ending.

Interpreters are available for all physiotherapy appointments through the NSW Health Care Interpreting Services.

You, your family member or your carer can ask for an interpreter. Interpreters may attend in person or join by phone or video.

Clinicians must use accredited interpreters for assessments and treatments, even if a family member offers to interpret.

Physiotherapy staff screen urgent inpatient cases every day to identify treatment needs.

Referral criteria

Your referral can be accepted if:

• You have a written medical referral requesting physiotherapy treatment.
• You have a Medicare card or you are willing to pay the required fee if you are an overseas visitor.

Workers compensation, third party, or private insurance patients

If you are covered by workers compensation, third party insurance, or private insurance, you are encouraged to seek treatment from a private physiotherapist.

Your referral will still be accepted if it is for:

• hydrotherapy or a specific exercise group
• pelvic floor or continence training
• amputee rehabilitation.

How to refer a patient

You can send referrals by email, fax or post.

• Auburn Hospital
  • Fax: (02) 8759 3088
  • Post:
    Physiotherapy Department
    Level 1, Auburn Hospital
    Hargrave Road
    Auburn NSW 2144
• Blacktown Hospital
  • Fax: (02) 9881 7077
  • Post:
    Physiotherapy Department
    Level 3, B Block
    Blacktown Hospital
    18 Blacktown Road
    Blacktown NSW 2148
  • Email: WSLHD-BMDH-AHAdmin@health.nsw.gov.au
• Westmead Hospital
  • Fax: (02) 8890 710
  • Post:
    Physiotherapy Department
    Level 1, E Block
    Westmead Hospital
    PO Box 533
    Wentworthville NSW 2145

• All referrals are triaged and placed on a wait list. Patients are contacted when an appointment is available.
• The first appointment can take up to one hour.
• Some patients may be seen by a supervised student physiotherapist. In these cases, the first appointment may take up to 1.5 hours.
• Immediate treatment for chronic conditions cannot be guaranteed. Patients may be directed to a group exercise class for ongoing management.
• The physiotherapy team may contact the referring doctor as needed during treatment.
• Patients who miss appointments without contacting the department may be discharged. The referring doctor will be notified.

Participating universities

Westmead Hospital’s physiotherapy service provides placements for students from:

• Australian Catholic University
• Canberra University
• Charles Sturt University
• Griffith University
• Newcastle University
• Sydney University
• University of Western Sydney

Placement areas

Students may complete placements in:

• Acute and respiratory care
• Musculoskeletal and ambulatory care
• Acute neurology
• Neurological rehabilitation
• Mixed caseload rehabilitation
• Aged care
• Amputee rehabilitation
• General inpatient care
• General physiotherapy experience
• Hand therapy
• Orthopaedics and trauma
• Women’s health

General placement enquiries

Call (02) 8890 6500 and ask for Cadi Hansen, Dragana Ceprnja or Rebecca Lee.

Information about your specific placement

Call (02) 8890 6500 and ask to speak with your clinical supervisor.

• Phone:(02) 8759 3117 - Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm
• Fax: (02) 8759 3088
• Email:
  • General enquiries, musculoskeletal and women’s health physiotherapy: wslhd-auburnphysiotherapy@health.nsw.gov.au
  • Hand therapy: wslhd-auburnhandtherapy@health.nsw.gov.au
  • Outpatient rehabilitation: WSLHD-Auburn-Outpatient@health.nsw.gov.au
• Address:
  Physiotherapy Department
  Level 1, Auburn Hospital
  Hargrave Road
  Auburn NSW 2144
• Postal address:
  Physiotherapy Department
  Auburn Hospital
  Locked Bag 263
  Silverwater BC NSW 1811

• Phone: (02) 9881 8302 or (02) 9881 7076
• Fax: (02) 9881 7077
• Address:
  Level 3, B Block
  Blacktown Hospital
• Postal address:
  Physiotherapy Department
  Level 3, B Block
  Blacktown Hospital
  18 Blacktown Road
  Blacktown NSW 2148
• Hours of service:
  • Outpatients: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm
  • Inpatients: 24 hours, 7 days

• Phone: (02) 8890 6500
• After hours phone:(02) 8890 6500 (recorded message)
• Fax: (02) 8890 7102
• Address:
  Level 1, E Block
  Westmead Hospital
• Postal address:
  Physiotherapy Department
  Westmead Hospital
  PO Box 533
  Wentworthville NSW 2145
• Hours of service:
  • Outpatients: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
  • Inpatients: 24 hours, 7 days