FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS:
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
As a private patient you do not need a referral to visit Strides Physio Newcastle.
However, if you are planning on claiming your appointment through worker's compensation, CTP or medicare, it is best to bring a referral from your GP to your initial appointment, or alternatively email it to us prior at hello@stridesphysio.com.au
CAN I USE MY PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE?
Yes, you can claim your physiotherapy appointment through private health insurance. We have a HICAPs machine to claim your rebate on the spot.
Don't have your card with you? No problem, we can send you a receipt after your appointment for you to claim yourself later.
HOW MUCH WILL I GET BACK FROM MY HEALTH FUND?
Your health insurance rebate will be dependent on your own health insurance policy and your level of cover. If you would like a quote prior to your appointment, we suggest giving us a call to collect the appointment item number, and then taking this to your health insurance to enquire what your out of pocket cost will be.
CAN I CLAIM MY APPOINTMENT THROUGH MEDICARE?
In some circumstances you may be eligible to claim your appointment through Medicare. This scheme is now known as the Chronic Disease Management Plan. We suggest enquiring with your GP prior to your appointment if you wish to check your eligibility for this scheme.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
We are located on the corner of Fern St and Coal St in Islington (Newcastle) NSW. There is abundant parking on either of these streets, with Fern St being free 2 hour parking, and Coal St being free all day parking.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?
If you have had any previous imaging then please either forward copies of results to hello@stridesphysio.com.au or alternatively bring them with you on the day of your first appointment.
For any lower limb injures (hip/knee/foot) it is advisable to bring or wear a pair of shorts where possible.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
At Strides Physio we understand that life is busy, and emergencies do come up. If you cannot keep your scheduled appointment, we request that you give us a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to your appointment. This is so that we may be able to give your appointment to someone else, as physiotherapy clinics like other health clinics often have a waitlist. If you do not provide us with 24 hours notice, you may be charged a cancellation fee of 50% of your appointment consultation.
REFORMER
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS:
WHAT IS A REFORMER MEMBERSHIP AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
A reformer membership is a weekly direct debit subscription that gives you a set number of classes per week at a reduced rate. Options are one, two, or three classes per week. Memberships require a minimum 12-week commitment and terms and conditions apply. They're ideal if you're using reformer as an ongoing part of your training or rehabilitation routine.
CAN I CLAIM REFORMER CLASSES ON PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE?
Depending on your level of cover, you may be eligible for a rebate on reformer sessions. We have HICAPS on-site for on-the-spot claiming. We recommend calling your health fund with the appointment item number beforehand to confirm your out-of-pocket cost — item numbers vary by fund and level of cover.
IS REFORMER PILATES SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
Yes. We offer pre and postnatal-friendly sessions, and our Monday 10:30am, Wednesday 10:30am AND Friday 8am classes are specifically mums and bubs friendly. Your physiotherapist will modify exercises throughout each trimester to keep you moving safely. We recommend booking your Initial Reformer Screen early in your pregnancy so your program can be set up appropriately from the start
WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPIST-LED REFORMER AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A REGULAR PILATES CLASS?
At Strides Physio, all reformer classes are led by qualified physiotherapists, not fitness instructors. This means your program is designed around your injury history, movement assessment, and individual goals - not a generic class plan. Your physiotherapist can modify exercises in real time, monitor technique with a clinical eye, and progress your program based on how your body is responding.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE TO START REFORMER AT STRIDES PHYSIO?
No prior experience is needed. All new clients complete an Initial Reformer Screen ($135, 45 min) before joining classes. This one-on-one session with a physiotherapist assesses your strength, mobility, and goals so we can place you in the right class type and ensure you get the most out of every session from day one.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INITIAL REFORMER SCREEN?
The Initial Reformer Screen is a 45-minute one-on-one appointment with a physiotherapist. We assess your movement, strength, joint range of motion, and injury history, then use this to build an individualised reformer program tailored to your goals. This screen is required for all new reformer clients - private and group - before attending any class.