Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my Initial Consultation?
• Any correspondence you might have from medical professionals.
• A list of the medications that you may be taking.
• Results of any investigations that you might have had. Don’t worry if you don’t have these. If the investigations were undertaken at a radiology practice on the Sunshine Coast, our practitioners have access to their portals.
• A recent headache or pain diary – if you have been in the habit of keeping one.
• Consider wearing clothing that is loose around the neck region so that the joints and soft tissues of the neck can be carefully evaluated.
If you could arrive five minutes before your initial appointment it would be much appreciated so that you can complete our “Patient Details” form if you have not already done so online.
How many sessions will I need?
• Your practitioner will be able to give you an idea of how many treatment sessions are likely to be required at the completion of your initial consultation. • If the initial evaluation supports the use of Watson Headache® Approach to relieve your headache or migraine symptoms and restore normal biomechanics of the upper neck, most clients attend twice a week for two weeks. This strategy has been found clinically to obtain the best results. There needs to be appreciable improvements made over this time to warrant further sessions. 80% of clients require no more than six to eight treatment sessions.
Should I see my doctor first?
• A referral from a medical practitioner is not required to see a physiotherapist, even when using Private Medical Insurance. You will need a GP referral if you are wanting to utilize the Medicare scheme that involves a GP Management Plan (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangements (TCA).
• You should see your doctor first with regards to your headache if:
- You are over the age of 50 at the time of headache onset or you have recently developed a new type of headache.
- If the onset of your headache or dizziness was sudden and severe.
- You have had a recent trauma to your head or neck and you now have a new or significantly worsened headache or other symptoms.
- Your headache changes significantly with lying or standing.
- You develop a stiff neck or spine with or without associated leg pain within days or weeks of a severe headache.
- You or your family have noticed changes in your coordination, concentration, level of alertness, or significant personality traits.
Should I bring a partner/friend?
• If you are experiencing significant dizziness or vertigo, it is recommended that you have someone with you who can drive you to and from your appointment.
• For all other circumstances, you do not need to bring a partner or friend but of course you can if you wish.
Does Coastal Headache Clinic use evidenced based practice?
• The answer is “most definitely”. We take a holistic and patient goal centered approach. In all the work we do, we blend science with compassion. • The manual therapy techniques that are at core of the Watson Headache® Approach have been scientifically shown to reduce sensitization within certain brain stem nuclei. The increased sensitivity of these nuclei is now considered to be a key feature found in sufferers of persistent headache and migraine. For more information about the Watson Headache® Approach click here.
What are the consultation costs?
Initial Consultation - Concussion Related (50 mins): $150 - cost covers CCMI fee
Initial Consultation - All Other Conditions (50 mins): $135 Subsequent Consultation All Conditions: $95
Still not sure if evaluation and treatment at Coastal Headache Clinic is for you?
Contact us using the details below to receive a FREE 15 minute telephone clinical consult to discuss your situation further.