Is Physical Medicine similar to physiotherapy, chiropractic or osteopathy?

Whilst the various disciplines of physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy have successes in their own modality of diagnosis and treatment, Physical Medicine Doctors are qualified medical practitioners that have undergone extensive University postgraduate training followed by Fellowship certification with the Australian College of Physical Medicine providing you with

  • a concise medical diagnosis leading to fast results
    Physical Medicine Doctors are trained to pinpoint and treat the underlying causes of musculoskeletal pain. Therefore, Physical Medicine treatments are extremely effective in alleviating pain and restoring function in the shortest possible time.


  • a unified approach
    Physical Medicine often does not focus on one part of the body. Instead, specific symptoms are examined medically, socially, emotionally, and vocationally. This allows a comprehensive plan to be developed that includes treatment, rehabilitation, and also proactive planning for the prevention of injuries.


  • complete treatment modality
    Physical Medicine combines the most appropriate techniques from the many disciplines of biomechanic musculoskeletal medicine delivered by medical practitioners applying personal "hands-on" treatment. Many techniques are sought from our medical and allied health colleagues around the world making our Australian Physical Medicine Doctors a very unique and highly skilled medical musculoskeletal special interest group.


  • preventing recurrence
    Physical Medicine treatments are designed to prevent recurrence by prescribing specific post-treatment exercises and annual musculoskeletal checkups and rehabilitation.


  • minimal costly extras
    A thorough physical examination leads to a logical diagnosis for the vast majority of mechanical musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Therefore, the need for unnecessary costly and potentially harmful radiological or diagnostic testing is minimised.


  • medical support
    Physical Medicine Doctors are qualified medical practitioners, so they can quickly identify musculoskeletal dysfunctions whose origins are not bio-mechanical. Early detection, and a referral to the relevant specialist, allows appropriate treatment to commence without delay.