If you’ve ever been to the doctor or needed treatment for a health concern, you’ve probably heard the term “allied health”. It’s a term that people in the industry know well and hear often, but is confusing for those outside it.

Companies like us at Rehab Management, who’ve been around for over 20 years are very familiar with the term and are proud to serve our client’s needs using our allied health services. But, what does that actually mean?

Here’s what you need to know about the allied health industry.

What does allied health mean?

The term ‘allied health’ refers to professions in the healthcare industry who diagnose and treat common health issues that don’t require direct medical intervention. Allied health refers to the network of healthcare specialists who aren’t medical doctors, but who still treat clients with health concerns.

Who are allied health professionals?

An allied health professional is any trained practitioner working in the healthcare industry who isn’t a medical doctor. They are trained in specialist fields addressing common health concerns many people have in their lifetime, assisting people with chronic physical illnesses, disability, mental illnesses and those who’ve suffered an injury.

What do allied health professionals do?

Australia has over 195,000 allied health professionals who represent more than a quarter of our healthcare workforce.

Allied health professionals diagnose and treat people of all ages, from very young children to providing palliative care for our older population.

Allied Health professionals include the following disciplines:

• Occupational therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Exercise physiologists
• Psychologists
• Speech pathologists
• Counsellors
• Social workers
• Registered nurses
• Chiropractors
• Audiologists
• Dietitians
• Nutritionists
• Art therapists
• Pharmacists
• Podiatrists

Where do I find an allied health professional?

There are many ways you can be referred to an allied health professional. Your GP will be able to refer you to the appropriate supports depending on your medical history.

Your workplace may also be able to refer you to supports if you’ve had an accident at work. At Rehab Management, we work with many employers to help their staff return to work safely after an injury or illness.

You can make a referral or a general enquiry on our website.

Case study

Winston works at an office where he commutes via car on weekdays. One day after work, he was in a car accident and sustained significant brain and bodily injuries. This left Winston unable to return to work for many months and needing both physical and mental specialist support.

Winston’s work contacted Rehab Management to assist him returning to work in the near future.

Since the accident, Winston has been working with James his occupational therapist and Stephanie his psychologist to help him gain cognitive skills and body movement which he lost in the accident.

James has also arranged desk modifications with Winston’s employer to accommodate a smoother transition back into employment and further assist in Winston’s physical recovery on his return to work.