For Health Professionals

Collaborative neurological rehabilitation, with communication at the centre of care.

Function First Physio provides specialist neurological and vestibular physiotherapy for adults and children with neurological, vestibular and complex rehabilitation needs.

We welcome referrals from medical specialists, GPs, allied health professionals, hospitals, NDIS support coordinators and other healthcare providers.

Our approach is evidence-based, goal-directed and collaborative. We recognise that complex neurological rehabilitation is rarely delivered by one clinician alone, and we value close communication with the broader treating team.

When to Refer

Referral may be appropriate for patients experiencing:

Neurological diagnosis or functional decline
Changes in gait or mobility
Balance impairment or recurrent falls
Freezing of gait
Reduced strength, coordination or physical capacity
Dizziness, vertigo or vestibular dysfunction
Functional neurological symptoms
Persistent symptoms following concussion
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Reduced confidence with movement
Difficulty maintaining independence at home or in the community
Need for neurological rehabilitation following hospitalisation or illness
Need for ongoing rehabilitation or exercise planning for a progressive neurological condition

We also welcome complex presentations where the appropriate rehabilitation pathway is not yet clear.

Conditions We Commonly Manage

Our clinical caseload includes:

Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism
Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
Huntington's disease
Acquired and traumatic brain injury
Cerebral palsy
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Vestibular disorders and persistent dizziness
Concussion
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Balance disorders and recurrent falls
Complex neurological and movement presentations

Comprehensive Assessment & Reporting

Communication with the treating team is an important part of our model of care.

Initial neurological consultations involve a comprehensive assessment of the patient's presentation, function, mobility and rehabilitation priorities.

Where appropriate and with patient consent, a clinical report can be provided to the treating team outlining relevant assessment findings, clinical considerations, functional goals and the proposed rehabilitation plan.

Progress reports, clinical correspondence and case conferencing can also be provided when required.

Collaborative Care

Neurological disability can affect mobility, cognition, communication, mental wellbeing, independence, family life and community participation.

For this reason, we actively collaborate with the patient's broader care team, which may include:

Neurologists and other medical specialists
General practitioners
Occupational therapists
Speech pathologists
Psychologists and mental health professionals
Exercise physiologists
Dietitians
Nurses
Support coordinators
Support workers
Families and carers

Our aim is to reduce fragmented care and ensure rehabilitation goals are understood and supported across the team.

A Whole-Person Approach to Complex Rehabilitation

Neurological rehabilitation does not occur in isolation from the person's broader life experience.

Our approach is trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming. We recognise the potential influence of pain, fear, previous experiences, cognition, sensory processing, mental wellbeing and the person's environment on movement and engagement with rehabilitation.

Treatment remains physiotherapy-led and evidence-based while recognising the complexity of the person behind the diagnosis.

Time to Assess. Time to Listen.

We intentionally avoid a high-volume treatment model.

Appointments are a minimum of 45 minutes, allowing adequate time for clinical assessment, treatment, education, discussion and collaborative goal setting.

For complex presentations, this time also allows us to explore the patient's history and contributing factors without rushing the assessment.

Clinic & Community Rehabilitation

Patients can be seen in our private clinic in Varsity Lakes or, where clinically appropriate, within their home or community environment.

Community-based assessment can be particularly valuable when mobility, falls, environmental barriers or participation in everyday activities are central to the patient's rehabilitation goals.