Allied Health

Allied health services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology and hearing care, dietetics, myotherapy, hand therapy, exercise physiology, play therapy, and podiatry. These services support recovery from injury, management of chronic conditions, rehabilitation after surgery, and everyday wellbeing across Western Victoria.

You do not always need a GP referral to see an allied health professional, as many clinics accept self-referrals. A referral may be required for Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans, Department of Veterans' Affairs, workers compensation, or government hearing programs, so it is best to check with the provider and your GP.

At your first appointment you can expect a thorough discussion of your health history and goals, an assessment relevant to your concern, and a clear plan that may include hands-on treatment, exercise or activity programs, education, and follow-up options such as classes, splinting, or device fitting if needed.

Mobile and home-based allied health services are available in Western Victoria, with some providers offering in-home assessments, therapy, and functional capacity evaluations, as well as outreach to workplaces, schools, and multiple regional towns. It is worth asking providers about their service area and any travel fees.

To choose the right allied health professional for your needs, match your condition to the specialty, such as a hand therapist for upper limb injuries, an audiologist for hearing concerns, a paediatric OT or physio for children, a sports physio for injuries, or a dietitian for nutrition. Consider location, appointment flexibility, aftercare, group programs, and whether they offer mobile visits or telehealth.

WesternVIC helps you find local allied health care by listing a wide range of services and locations, so you can compare specialties, opening hours, booking options, and accessibility. Using WesternVIC makes it easier to identify nearby clinics or mobile providers that suit your goals and budget.