Your Rights

Treatment Consent

What you can expect from us, your rights as a patient, and how we handle sensitive clinical information.

Applies to all patients of House of Rehab Physiotherapy  |  8A Ryedale Road, Flagstaff, Hamilton 3210  |  Last updated: May 2026

At House of Rehab Physiotherapy, we are committed to providing safe, respectful, and evidence-based care. This document explains how consent works in our practice, what your rights are as a patient, and what you can expect from your treatment.

1. Informed Consent

Before any assessment or treatment begins, your physiotherapist will explain:

  • What they propose to do and why
  • What the assessment or treatment involves
  • The expected benefits and any known risks or side effects
  • What will happen if you choose not to proceed
  • Any alternative options available to you

You have the right to ask questions at any point — before, during, or after treatment. Your physiotherapist will answer in plain language and will not proceed without your understanding and agreement.

2. Your Right to Withdraw Consent

Consent is not permanent. You can withdraw consent at any time, for any reason, without needing to justify your decision. This includes:

  • Stopping treatment mid-session if you are uncomfortable
  • Declining a specific technique while continuing with other aspects of your care
  • Ending your course of treatment at any time

Withdrawing consent will not affect your right to access other services or the quality of care you receive.

3. What Treatment May Involve

Physiotherapy assessment and treatment may include:

Physical assessment

  • Observation of posture, movement, and function
  • Manual testing of joint range of motion, muscle strength, and neural tension
  • Palpation (hands-on examination) of muscles, joints, and soft tissues
  • Objective performance testing using VALD ForceDecks and Dynamo equipment

Treatment techniques

  • Exercise prescription and rehabilitation programming
  • Manual therapy (joint mobilisation, soft tissue work)
  • Dry needling (where consented — see below)
  • Blood flow restriction (BFR) training
  • Load management and activity modification guidance
  • Education about your injury, recovery process, and self-management strategies

Video and movement analysis

Movement assessment and exercise coaching may involve video recording. This is used solely for clinical purposes — to analyse your movement and inform your treatment. Video footage is stored securely and will not be shared externally without your specific written consent.

4. Dry Needling — Specific Consent

Dry needling involves the insertion of fine needles into muscle tissue. It is an invasive technique and requires specific consent separate from general treatment consent. Your physiotherapist will:

  • Explain the rationale, process, and expected effects before proceeding
  • Ask for your explicit consent each time dry needling is proposed
  • Not proceed if you decline, and this will not affect any other aspect of your care

Known risks of dry needling include temporary soreness, minor bruising, and (rarely) fainting. Serious adverse events are rare but will be discussed if relevant to your situation.

5. Pelvic Health Assessments — Specific Consent

For patients presenting with pelvic floor concerns, postpartum conditions, or women's health presentations, assessment may include internal examination of the pelvic floor. This is only performed:

  • When clinically indicated and explained to you in advance
  • With your explicit verbal and written consent on the day
  • By a physiotherapist with appropriate postgraduate training in pelvic health

You may decline internal examination at any time. External assessment methods are available as an alternative.

6. Sharing Your Information

With your consent, we may share relevant clinical information with other treating health providers — such as your GP, surgeon, or specialist — to coordinate your care. Information shared with ACC is governed by your ACC claim and our obligations as a registered ACC provider.

We will always tell you if we intend to share your information and with whom, unless we are legally required to do so without notification. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

7. Your Rights Under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights

As a patient in New Zealand, you are protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. You have the right to:

  • Be treated with respect and have your dignity maintained
  • Receive services of an appropriate standard
  • Be given information that allows you to make informed decisions
  • Make your own decisions about your care, including the right to refuse treatment
  • Have your privacy respected
  • Complain about any aspect of your care without it affecting your treatment
  • Have a support person present during consultations

8. Making a Complaint

If you have a concern about your treatment or the care you received, we want to hear from you. Please speak directly with your physiotherapist or contact us at hello@houseofrehab.co.nz. We take all feedback seriously and will respond within five working days.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC):

9. Completing Your Consent

Formal consent is collected via our Consent Form, which we ask all patients to complete before each new injury or episode of care. New patients should also complete the New Patient Registration Form before their first appointment. Your physiotherapist will also confirm consent verbally at the start of each session and before any new technique is introduced.

If you have any questions about this document or about consent in general, please contact us before your appointment.