We can help you if you have problems with bladder or bowel function, sexual health, pain or movement caused by injury or disease. We look after patients staying at The Royal Hospital for Women and those in the community who have been referred to one of our outpatient clinics. We also see patients referred from outpatient clinics on campus, for example: 

• RHW gynaecology oncology outpatients
• POWH/RHW Breast Service
• POWH Urology department
• RHW gynaecology outpatients
• UNSW Lifestyle Clinic
• RHW/POWH pain clinics

Our outpatient clinics are for those living in the community. Our clinics include:

• Physiotherapy outpatient service: We care for people living in the community with problems with their bladder, bowel and sexual health. We also support people as they recover from or plan to have surgery for example, breast, prostate and gynaecological surgery.
• Cancer Prehab and Rehab: We help people having cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) by providing exercise plans, education, social support and self-management advice to improve response to cancer treatment, reduce cancer-related fatigue and manage side effects.
• Gestational diabetes GYM: We run exercise programs in the physiotherapy gymnasium to support people with diabetes in pregnancy improve their glucose control; provide follow-up after birth via our postnatal lifestyle session and prevent a diagnosis of diabetes for pregnant people who might be at risk.
• EMBODY: We provide virtual weekly group physiotherapy during pregnancy and after birth. The EMBODY program has been designed to be completed weekly during pregnancy and for up to 3-6 months after having a baby. The program combines movement with education to prevent common pelvic floor problems and improve the health of childbearing people. It’s a great way to get your pelvic floor exercises done! 

Our team includes trained pelvic floor physiotherapists, student physiotherapists and visiting physiotherapists completing training in pelvic health who will be responsible for your assessment and physiotherapy treatment plan.

We work in partnership with specialist nurses, midwives, medical and surgical specialists and your local doctor (GP).

Our administration officers can help you with bookings, referral management and telephone enquires.

We provide options to attend physiotherapy appointments and exercise programs via telehealth. This means that we communicate with you through a video link on your computer screen. We recommend attending your first appointment in person. If you would like to attend subsequent appointments via telehealth, you can discuss whether this option is suitable for you with your physiotherapist.

Health professional referral:

To come to the Physiotherapy Outpatient Department you will need to have your local doctor (GP) or treating specialist write you a referral letter explaining your relevant surgical and medical history. The referral may then be mailed, emailed or faxed to us or you can bring it into our department in person.

To make or cancel an appointment please telephone 9382 6540.

We try to see all of our patients as quickly as possible. However, we have a large number of patients seeking treatment. Appointments are offered based on urgency. Urgent conditions are generally given an appointment within a few days of receiving the referral. Non-urgent conditions may need to go on a waiting list. It can take up to 2 months for non-urgent conditions to receive an appointment.

Can I chose the day and time I attend appointments?

We will try to find appointment times that suit your availability. Our hours of operation however are 8:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday. We do not offer weekend treatments.

Self-referral for Physiotherapy services:

Click here to self-refer 

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide. All physiotherapists in our team are committed to achieving the best possible health outcome for you and complete regular supervision with a senior or specialist physiotherapist. You can ask your physiotherapist if your care can be reviewed with a senior or specialist physiotherapist and your physiotherapist might suggest this from time to time.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Read about other women's experiences of Physiotherapy by following the link below.

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We can help you if you have problems with pain or movement caused by injury or disease. We look after patients staying at Prince of Wales Hospital and those in the community who have been referred to one of our outpatient clinics.

Our outpatient clinics are for those living in the community. Our clinics include:

• Physiotherapy outpatient service - we care for people living in the community with problems with their bones and muscles caused by disease, trauma or overuse. We also support people as they recover from surgery.
• Hydrotherapy outpatient service - we use pool exercises to help people reduce any pain or problems you may have with your bones and muscles
• Pulmonary and Heart Failure Rehabilitation Program - we help people with long-term lung and heart problems by providing exercise plans, education, training on how to self-manage your health and social support.

We are teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Our team includes:

Orthotists are allied health professionals who assess and treat the physical and functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities. Orthotists are trained to prescribe, design, fit and monitor orthoses.

Technicians and Technical Assistants manufacture the orthoses from casts, measurements, materials and components at the orthotics service. They may also provide technical advice and assistance during your visit.

Administration staff will help you make appointments, inform you about what will happen at the Orthotics Department and answer any questions you may have.

We work in partnership with your medical specialist, physiotherapist and other medical professionals at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services.

If you are new to our service, you will need a referral to attend our Orthotics Department. A referral from a medical specialist is preferred. Your local general practitioner (GP) can refer you to a suitable specialist if you don’t have one already.  Alternatively your local doctor may refer to us directly although there is likely to be a cost to you.

Please ask your Doctor to fax the referral to our department on 9382 8178. We will then contact you to make an appointment.

If you need an adjustment or replacement of a device we have already provided then you don’t need a new referral.  If your medical condition has changed and you need a different device then a new referral is required.

Call the Orthotics Department on 9382 8184 to make, cancel or change an appointment.

How often do I need to attend the Orthotics Department?

You will need to attend for an initial assessment and any subsequent visits associated with the provision of the orthoses.  This may include a cast, scan or measurement followed by fitting and adjustment.  Your Orthotist may ask you to return for review, adjustment and maintenance of the orthoses.  You should make an appointment if you are having any problems or concerns with your orthoses.

You will not be charged for your orthoses if you are eligible for Medicare and have a current referral (no older than 12 months) from one of the following:

• Prince of Wales Hospital Inpatient or Outpatient services.
• POWH Community Health Team.
• Sydney Children’s Hospital.

You may be charged for your orthoses if one of the following applies:

• You are Medicare ineligible (eg non-resident of Australia who is not covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement).
• You are referred directly to Orthotics by a General Practitioner, a Medical Specialist from private rooms or from other hospitals.
• You are covered by Motor Vehicle Accident, Work Cover or other third party insurance. In this case you could claim the cost back from these organisations.

Some private health funds may offer a partial refund for orthoses.

If I am charged for my orthoses, how much would it cost?

It depends on the type and complexity of the orthoses.  Also we have a fee structure depending on your circumstance. Speak with your orthotist or contact the Orthotics Department for more information.

People sometimes associate the word orthotics with feet.  We make many kinds of orthoses to fit the head, neck, arms, legs and spine. It depends on your needs.

Waiting times to see an orthotist can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the clinical urgency and availability of bookings. 

Generally speaking simple adjustments and the provision of off the shelf orthoses can be done on the day of the appointment.

Complex adjustments or follow up fittings require a return visit.

Time associated with the manufacture of orthoses, the ordering in of prefabricated orthoses or parts can vary. Ask your orthotist for an estimated week of completion.

Please bring:

• Current Medicare card or Veteran Affairs card
• Any Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.
• Insurer details (eg workers compensation, public liability or third party).
• If you are not eligible for Medicare you may need to pay for the some of the services you use.
• Your Private Health Fund Membership card if you are currently insured with a private health fund.
• Recent x-rays or medical images and their reports, if applicable.
• Current orthoses or supports you may have.
• Suitable clothing as the orthotists may need to examine your body movement or measure part of your body.  If you are being seen for:
  • Foot/ankle: bring your everyday footwear, sports or walking shoes.
  • Legs: bring shorts or clothing that can be brought above the knees.
  • Back, spine or arms: singlet / under garments.

Call us if you have any questions or concerns about what to bring.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak, and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the Orthotics Department on (02) 9382 8184.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Our team includes:

Orthotists are allied health professionals who assess and treat the physical and functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities. Orthotists are trained to prescribe, design, fit and monitor orthoses.

Technicians and Technical Assistants manufacture the orthoses from casts, measurements, materials and components at the orthotics service. They may also provide technical advice and assistance during your visit.

Administration staff will help you make appointments, inform you about what will happen at the Orthotics Department and answer any questions you may have.

We work in partnership with your medical specialist, physiotherapist and other medical professionals at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services.

If you are new to our service, you will need a referral to attend our Orthotics Department. A referral from a medical specialist is preferred. Your local general practitioner (GP) can refer you to a suitable specialist if you don’t have one already.  Alternatively your local doctor may refer to us directly although there is likely to be a cost to you.

Please ask your Doctor to fax the referral to our department on 9382 8178. We will then contact you to make an appointment.

If you need an adjustment or replacement of a device we have already provided then you don’t need a new referral.  If your medical condition has changed and you need a different device then a new referral is required.

Call the Orthotics Department on 9382 8184 to make, cancel or change an appointment.

How often do I need to attend the Orthotics Department?

You will need to attend for an initial assessment and any subsequent visits associated with the provision of the orthoses.  This may include a cast, scan or measurement followed by fitting and adjustment.  Your Orthotist may ask you to return for review, adjustment and maintenance of the orthoses.  You should make an appointment if you are having any problems or concerns with your orthoses.

You will not be charged for your orthoses if you are eligible for Medicare and have a current referral (no older than 12 months) from one of the following:

• Prince of Wales Hospital Inpatient or Outpatient services.
• POWH Community Health Team.
• Sydney Children’s Hospital.

You may be charged for your orthoses if one of the following applies:

• You are Medicare ineligible (eg non-resident of Australia who is not covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement).
• You are referred directly to Orthotics by a General Practitioner, a Medical Specialist from private rooms or from other hospitals.
• You are covered by Motor Vehicle Accident, Work Cover or other third party insurance. In this case you could claim the cost back from these organisations.

Some private health funds may offer a partial refund for orthoses.

If I am charged for my orthoses, how much would it cost?

It depends on the type and complexity of the orthoses.  Also we have a fee structure depending on your circumstance. Speak with your orthotist or contact the Orthotics Department for more information.

People sometimes associate the word orthotics with feet.  We make many kinds of orthoses to fit the head, neck, arms, legs and spine. It depends on your needs.

Waiting times to see an orthotist can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the clinical urgency and availability of bookings. 

Generally speaking simple adjustments and the provision of off the shelf orthoses can be done on the day of the appointment.

Complex adjustments or follow up fittings require a return visit.

Time associated with the manufacture of orthoses, the ordering in of prefabricated orthoses or parts can vary. Ask your orthotist for an estimated week of completion.

Please bring:

• Current Medicare card or Veteran Affairs card
• Any Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.
• Insurer details (eg workers compensation, public liability or third party).
• If you are not eligible for Medicare you may need to pay for the some of the services you use.
• Your Private Health Fund Membership card if you are currently insured with a private health fund.
• Recent x-rays or medical images and their reports, if applicable.
• Current orthoses or supports you may have.
• Suitable clothing as the orthotists may need to examine your body movement or measure part of your body.  If you are being seen for:
  • Foot/ankle: bring your everyday footwear, sports or walking shoes.
  • Legs: bring shorts or clothing that can be brought above the knees.
  • Back, spine or arms: singlet / under garments.

Call us if you have any questions or concerns about what to bring.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak, and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the Orthotics Department on (02) 9382 8184.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.