Frequently Asked Questions — Hydrotherapy Studio

Bookings & Appointments

Do I need a referral to book?

No referral is needed for private clients or private health insurance. NDIS, Medicare, WorkCover QLD, CTP, DVA, and Home Care Package clients do require a referral or care plan before their first session.

How do I book?

Book online at our online booking page or call us on (07) 3132 2785 during business hours.

What are your opening hours?

Monday to Friday 8:30am–5pm, Saturday 8am–2pm. Closed Sunday. All sessions are by appointment. On some weekday afternoons the clinic closes between 2:30pm and 3:30pm — if this affects your booking, it will be reflected in the online calendar. Call us if you need to confirm afternoon availability.

Can I book on behalf of someone else, such as an elderly parent or a child?

Yes. You are welcome to book on behalf of a family member or dependent. Just include their name and relevant health information when booking. If you have questions beforehand, call us on (07) 3132 2785.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We recommend booking at least a few days in advance — weekday mornings and Saturday sessions fill quickly. Same-week appointments are often available. Check online or call us.

Can I bring a carer or support worker?

Yes. Carers and support workers are welcome to attend sessions at no additional charge. Please let us know when booking so we can accommodate everyone comfortably.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require at least 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule a booking. Cancellations made inside 48 hours will incur the full session fee. This applies to all bookings including NDIS, WorkCover, DVA, and Medicare. If you are unwell or unable to attend, please call us as early as possible on (07) 3132 2785.

Funding & Billing

What does a session cost if I am paying privately?

Self-funded sessions are $91.50 for 30 minutes, $137.25 for 45 minutes, or $183.00 for 60 minutes. Pool hire for self-guided sessions is $20 per 30 minutes or $40 per hour. See our full pricing page for all rates.

Is hydrotherapy covered by Medicare?

Yes. With a GP referral and a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, you can access up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year under item 10960. The Medicare rebate is $61.80, leaving a gap of $29.70 (30 min), $75.45 (45 min), or $121.20 (60 min). Ask your GP to refer you specifically for a one-on-one hydrotherapy session with a physiotherapist. Learn more about Medicare-funded hydrotherapy.

Do you bulk bill NDIS?

Yes. We bulk bill NDIS participants under item 15_055_0128_1_3 at the current Queensland rate of $183.99/hr (or item 15_003_0118_1_3 for participants under 9). Plan-managed and self-managed participants are welcome. We do not support NDIA-managed participants. No out-of-pocket cost. Find out more about NDIS hydrotherapy.

Do you accept WorkCover QLD?

Yes. Bulk billed under WorkCover QLD item 100402. No out-of-pocket cost. Requires a GP referral and an accepted WorkCover claim. After your first session we will ask for your claim manager’s name to submit a Provider Management Plan. See how WorkCover covers hydrotherapy.

Do you accept CTP claims?

Yes. CTP claims for motor vehicle accident injuries are bulk billed to your insurer. We obtain approval for your initial consultation and submit a Provider Management Plan for further sessions. Requires a referral from your treating practitioner. Learn more about CTP-funded hydrotherapy.

Do you accept DVA clients?

Yes. We bulk bill DVA Gold and White Card holders — no out-of-pocket cost. Gold Card holders can access treatment for any condition. White Card holders can access treatment for accepted service-related conditions, and prior approval is required to confirm the condition matches the treatment. A GP referral is recommended. Please contact us before your first booking so we can confirm eligibility and arrange approval. Learn more about DVA-funded hydrotherapy.

Can I use my Home Care Package?

Yes. Available to clients with a Level 1–4 Home Care Package who have Allied Health or Physiotherapy funding allocated and case manager approval in place. We invoice your HCP provider directly — no out-of-pocket cost if your funding covers the full session rate. Find out how to use your Home Care Package for hydrotherapy.

Do you accept private health insurance?

Yes, via HICAPS on-site — claim your rebate on the spot. The amount depends on your fund and level of extras cover. To check your rebate in advance, contact your insurer with our physiotherapy item numbers (500 for initial, 505 for subsequent sessions) and provider number 417602CJ. See how private health insurance works for hydrotherapy.

Can I get an invoice or receipt for my sessions?

Yes. Invoices and receipts are issued automatically through our booking system after each session. If you need a specific format for a plan manager, insurer, or employer, contact us and we will arrange it.

NDIS

Which NDIS funding category covers hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is billed under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (Support Category 15), item 15_055_0128_1_3 (Physiotherapist) at the current Queensland rate of $183.99 per hour. For participants under 9 years, we bill under item 15_003_0118_1_3.

Do I need to be registered with a specific provider to use your service?

No. We accept plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants directly. We do not support NDIA-managed (agency-managed) participants. If you are unsure how your plan is managed, check with your support coordinator or the NDIS portal.

Do I need a support coordinator to book?

No. You can contact us and book directly without a support coordinator. If you are plan-managed, we will invoice your plan manager after each session. It is worth confirming your Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living funding is allocated before your first appointment.

How many NDIS sessions can I have?

There is no fixed limit set by us. The number of sessions is determined by your allocated Capacity Building funding. Your plan manager or support coordinator can confirm your available budget. Ben will recommend a treatment frequency based on your goals at your first appointment.

Can hydrotherapy support my NDIS goals?

Yes. Aquatic physiotherapy directly supports goals related to improved mobility, pain management, independent daily living, and community participation — all common NDIS outcome areas. Ben can provide progress reports and goal-aligned documentation to support your plan reviews if needed.

Conditions & Suitability

Is hydrotherapy suitable for elderly patients?

Yes — it is one of the most effective therapies for older adults. The buoyancy of warm water reduces joint load by up to 80%, making movement possible for people who find land-based exercise too painful or risky. Our facility has two hoists for pool entry — a ceiling hoist and a seat hoist — as well as gradual pool steps for clients who can weight-bear.

Can hydrotherapy help after a hip or knee replacement?

Yes. Post-surgical hydrotherapy is one of the most common reasons people come to us. Water-based exercise typically begins 4–6 weeks after surgery once wounds are fully healed, and allows earlier, more comfortable mobilisation than land-based rehab. Your surgeon or GP will confirm when it is safe to start.

Is hydrotherapy safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Hydrotherapy is generally safe during pregnancy and can be very effective for managing back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and general discomfort. Ben will tailor the session to your stage of pregnancy and any specific needs. Please let us know you are pregnant when booking.

Is hydrotherapy suitable for children?

Yes. We offer paediatric aquatic physiotherapy for children with developmental conditions, cerebral palsy, autism, hypermobility, and other neurological or musculoskeletal needs. Sessions are one-on-one with Ben and tailored to the child’s needs and comfort level.

Can someone with a neurological condition like MS or Parkinson’s benefit?

Yes. Warm water therapy is particularly well-suited to neurological conditions. The water provides sensory feedback, reduces the fear of falling, and allows movement that is not possible on land. Many of our clients with MS, Parkinson’s, and stroke find hydrotherapy one of the few forms of exercise they can do comfortably.

I have a complex medical condition — can I still attend?

Possibly yes — but we require a GP clearance letter before your first session if you have a complex or unstable medical condition. This allows Ben to understand your situation fully and ensure the session is safe and appropriate. Call us to discuss before booking.

I have been told I am not a candidate for surgery. Can hydrotherapy still help?

Often yes. Hydrotherapy is one of the most effective conservative management options for people who cannot have, or have chosen not to have, surgery. It can reduce pain, maintain or improve function, and support quality of life. Call us to discuss your situation before booking.

Are there any conditions where hydrotherapy is not appropriate?

Yes. Hydrotherapy is not suitable if you have an open wound or active skin infection, gastroenteritis or gastro symptoms, uncontrolled bowel or bladder conditions, severe cardiovascular instability, or an active fever. If you are unwell on the day of your appointment, please call us as early as possible. If you are unsure whether your condition is suitable, call us and Ben can advise before you book.

Do I need a diagnosis to book?

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to book a private session. Ben will conduct a full assessment at your first appointment — which takes place in the water. If you are claiming through a funding body (NDIS, Medicare, WorkCover, etc.), a referral or care plan from your GP or specialist is required before your first session.

Pool Hire & Self-Guided Sessions

What is pool hire and who is it for?

Pool hire allows you to use the hydrotherapy pool independently — without a physiotherapist present — to carry out a program you have already been prescribed. It is ideal for people who have completed an initial consultation and want to continue their exercises at a lower cost. Self-managed pool hire is $20 per 30 minutes or $40 per hour, and uses the single-person spa.

Do I need to have seen a physiotherapist first before using pool hire?

Yes. You need a current hydrotherapy program from a physiotherapist before booking self-managed pool hire. This can be from Ben or from another physiotherapist. A brief safety orientation is also required before your first solo session — a 15-minute phone call and a short equipment video.

Can I bring someone with me during pool hire?

Yes. A carer, support worker, or family member can accompany you at no extra charge. They are not permitted to conduct physiotherapy during the session — that requires a practitioner booking.

Can pool hire sessions be funded through NDIS or WorkCover?

Self-guided pool hire is generally not claimable through NDIS, WorkCover, or Medicare, as these funding bodies require a registered therapist to be present during the session. If you are unsure, contact us and we can advise based on your specific plan.

What is contrast therapy and how do I book it?

Contrast therapy involves alternating between hot and cold water immersion to support recovery, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. It is booked as pool hire using the hot and cold pools option — the same $20/30 min or $40/hr rate applies.

For Practitioners & Referrers

How do I refer a patient to Hydrotherapy Studio?

Submit a referral via our online referral form or call us on (07) 3132 2785. We accept referrals from GPs, specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, support coordinators, and other allied health professionals. We will contact your patient directly to arrange their first appointment.

Can I bring my own clients as a visiting practitioner?

Yes. External physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and other allied health practitioners are welcome to bring clients and run sessions in our pool. Pool hire for external practitioners is $20 per 30 minutes or $40 per hour, and uses our larger swim spas which can accommodate multiple patients. A brief eligibility assessment is required before your first visit — a short phone call and equipment video. See our practitioner hire page.

Do you send progress reports back to referring practitioners?

Yes. We can provide progress notes and reports to referring practitioners on request. For NDIS participants, we can also produce goal-aligned documentation to support plan reviews. Please indicate at referral if you would like ongoing correspondence.

What conditions do you commonly see?

We regularly receive referrals for post-surgical rehabilitation (hip, knee, shoulder), neurological conditions (stroke, MS, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy), chronic pain, arthritis, paediatric developmental needs, spinal cord injury, fibromyalgia, and aged care mobility. We are experienced with complex, high-needs presentations. See our conditions page for the full list.

What to Bring & Wear

What should I wear?

Swimwear. Rash vests and board shorts are fine. There are private change rooms on site.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel, any referrals or care plans, and your health fund card if you are claiming a rebate through private health insurance.

Do I need to shower before my session?

Yes. We ask all clients to shower before entering the pool. There are no shower facilities on site, so please shower at home before you arrive.

Are there change rooms?

Yes, private change rooms are available on site.

Can I come if I have limited mobility?

Absolutely. Our facility has two hoists for pool entry — a ceiling hoist and a seat hoist — as well as gradual pool steps for clients who can weight-bear. No mobility level is too complex — getting you safely in and out of the water is something we do every day.

The Pool & Facility

Where is the entrance?

We are at 5/54 Kingston Rd, Underwood. Enter through the large roller door at Shop 5, which is beside the public toilets. There is plenty of free on-site parking including accessible spaces directly in front of the entrance.

Is the pool heated?

Yes. Our pools are heated to therapeutic temperature — typically 34–36°C.

How is the water sanitised?

The water is sanitised using an ozone system, which allows us to maintain a much lower chlorine concentration than a standard pool. This makes the water gentler on skin, eyes, and respiratory systems — particularly beneficial for clients with sensitivities or skin conditions.

Is the pool private? Will other patients be there at the same time?

Every session is completely private. You will never share the pool with another patient. The facility is booked exclusively for your session — no shared lanes, no public access, no other clients present during your time.

How deep is the pool?

The pool is 1.2 metres deep. The underwater treadmill sits on the pool floor, allowing you to walk at chest or waist height depending on your height — ideal for reducing body weight load while still allowing effective exercise.

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

Yes, fully. We have a ceiling hoist, a seat hoist, gradual pool steps, and wide doorways throughout. Accessible parking is available on site directly in front of the entrance.

Do I need to be able to swim?

No. The pool is 1.2 metres deep and Ben is with you the entire time during physiotherapy sessions. Many clients have never done hydrotherapy before and have no swimming ability.

What is the underwater treadmill?

A treadmill built into the floor of the pool that lets you walk or run in water with adjustable speed and water depth — ideal for gait retraining, return-to-sport rehabilitation, and low-impact cardiovascular exercise.

Still Have Questions?

Call us on (07) 3132 2785 or book online — Ben is happy to have a quick chat before you commit to anything.

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