FAQ
Frequently Asked Question
Everything you need to know before, during, and after physiotherapy is answered clearly by our clinical team.
What exactly is physiotherapy and what does a physiotherapist do?
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to restoring, maintaining, and maximizing movement, function, and quality of life. Physiotherapists are university-trained clinicians who assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of physical conditions — from sports injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation to chronic pain, neurological conditions, and age-related issues.
A physiotherapist uses a combination of hands-on manual techniques, therapeutic exercise, electrotherapy modalities, patient education, and movement retraining to address the root cause of your condition — not just the symptoms. They work with people of all ages and fitness levels, from elite athletes to elderly patients recovering from a fall.
Is physiotherapy the same as massage or chiropractic treatment?
No — though there is some overlap, these are distinct professions with different scopes, training, and treatment philosophies.
Physiotherapy is a broad, evidence-based healthcare discipline. Physiotherapists can diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, prescribe therapeutic exercise, use a wide range of manual and electrotherapy techniques, and manage complex clinical presentations.
Massage therapy focuses specifically on soft tissue manipulation for relaxation and muscle tension relief. While massage is a tool physiotherapists use, it is just one part of a much broader clinical
toolkit.
Chiropractic focuses primarily on spinal manipulation and alignment. Physiotherapy takes a broader approach that includes spinal manipulation alongside exercise, rehabilitation, and a wide range of other modalities.
When should I see a physiotherapist? What are the signs I need help?
You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if you experience any of the following:
- Pain — Any persistent pain in your muscles, joints, or spine that has not resolved on its own within 1–2 weeks, or any pain that is affecting your sleep, work, or daily activities.
- Limited movement — Stiffness or reduced range of motion in any joint, such as difficulty turning your head, raising your arm, or bending forward.
- After an injury — Sports injuries, sprains, strains, or fractures that need proper rehabilitation to heal fully and prevent re-injury.
- Post-surgery — Recovery after any orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery, such as a knee or hip replacement, ACL reconstruction, or rotator cuff repair.
- Recurring problems — If the same injury or pain keeps coming back, physiotherapy can identify and address the underlying cause.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist?
In most cases, no — you can self-refer directly to our clinic without needing to see your GP first.
Physiotherapists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions independently, and direct access means you can start your recovery sooner.
However, a GP referral or consultation may be advisable if: you have unexplained or rapidly worsening symptoms; you are recovering from recent surgery and your surgeon has specified a referral pathway; or your health insurance requires a GP referral for reimbursement purposes.
When in doubt, feel free to call our clinic and speak with a physiotherapist who can advise whether
you can book directly
What happens during my first physiotherapy appointment?
Your first appointment is called an initial assessment and typically lasts 45–60 minutes. Here is what you can expect:
- Subjective Assessment — Your physiotherapist will ask detailed questions about your symptoms: where the pain is, when it started, what makes it better or worse, your medical history, lifestyle, and
goals. - Physical Examination — This involves observing your posture and movement, testing your range of motion and strength, assessing the relevant joints and soft tissues, and performing specific clinical
tests to confirm or rule out diagnoses. - Diagnosis and Explanation — Your physiotherapist will explain what they have found, what is causing your symptoms, and what can be done about it.
- Treatment Begins — Often, some treatment is provided at the first appointment itself — whether manual therapy, dry needling, electrotherapy, or a home exercise programme.
- Planning — You will agree on a treatment plan together: how many sessions are likely needed, what each session will involve, and what you can do between visits.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need and how long will it take?
This varies depending on the nature and severity of your condition, how long you have had it, your general health, and how actively you engage with your home exercise programme. As a general
guide:
Acute injuries (recent sprains, strains, minor tears) — typically 3–6 sessions over 2–4 weeks.
Post-surgical rehabilitation — typically 8–16 sessions over 2–4 months, depending on the procedure.
Chronic or long-standing conditions — typically 6–12 sessions, though complex cases may require longer programmes.
Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic estimate at your first appointment and reassess your progress regularly. You should notice meaningful improvement within the first 3–4 sessions.
Why should I choose physiotherapy instead of just taking pain medication or waiting for the pain to go away?
Pain medication manages symptoms — it does not address the underlying cause of your pain. While medication has its place in acute pain management, relying on it long-term can mask important signals from your body, lead to dependency, and allow the root problem to worsen over time.
Waiting and hoping can work for minor, self-limiting injuries. But for musculoskeletal conditions, untreated problems frequently become chronic. Scar tissue forms, muscles weaken through disuse, movement patterns become compensatory, and the nervous system can become sensitized.
Physiotherapy gets to the root cause. By identifying why the pain is there and systematically correcting it, physiotherapy produces lasting results rather than temporary relief. Research consistently shows that physiotherapy is more effective than medication alone for back pain, neck pain, shoulder problems, and knee osteoarthritis.
Can physiotherapy help me even if I have had pain for years?
Yes — absolutely. Physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference even for people who have lived with pain for many years and who have tried other treatments without lasting success.
Long-standing pain often involves a combination of physical factors (tight muscles, stiff joints, scar tissue, nerve sensitivity), movement habits (compensatory patterns that developed to protect the original injury), and central nervous system changes (the brain’s alarm system becoming oversensitised over time).
Modern physiotherapy addresses all three. Through targeted manual therapy, progressive exercise, and pain neuroscience education, we can help retrain your nervous system, restore normal movement mechanics, and reduce pain — even after years of suffering.
Still have questions?
Our physiotherapists are happy to answer any questions before you book. Call us or send a message — there is no obligation.
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