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Physiotherapy Brisbane

The Best Physiotherapists in Brisbane

Updated 12 April 2023

Summary

  • Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Physiotherapy is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to health care that promotes optimal functioning and mobility of the body.
  • Physiotherapists typically use exercise, manual therapy, and other therapeutic modalities to treat patients, while Osteopaths focus on the entire body and use manual manipulation techniques to restore balance and improve function.
  • If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your bones, joints, or muscles, seeing a physiotherapist may be able to help.
  • Our guide covers treatment costs, Medicare options, what to know before making an appointment and frequently asked questions.
  • We also list Brisbane’s most trusted and experienced Physiotherapists to help you in your search for a local specialist.

Know This First: Do I need to see a Physiotherapist?

  • Physiotherapy can effectively treat various conditions, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches and migraines, arthritis, sciatica, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries, and postural problems.
  • If you’re unsure whether Physiotherapy is the right treatment for your ailment, it’s always a good idea to consult your GP or a healthcare professional to help you make an informed decision.
  • Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regular Physiotherapy can also help prevent injuries and improve your overall wellbeing.

Physiotherapy Brisbane Cost

How Much do Physiotherapy Treatments Cost? 

  • An Initial session will cost between $90 and $250, depending on where you go in Brisbane. It will last from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the severity of your issue.
  • A return/follow-up session will cost between $88 and $130. Your follow-up sessions will last 30 to 45 minutes, and the frequency of follow-up sessions you require will depend on the severity of your condition.
  • A Medicare rebate-approved session will cost $56 but the qualification requirements are strict regardless of which health service provider your doctor chooses. This will cover your initial sessions and up to 5 sessions with a physiotherapist per calendar year.

How Can I Get the Best Price?

  1. If you are eligible for the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program, you will be able to receive the best pricing. The CDM program allows your doctor to refer you to a physiotherapist for up to 5 sessions within a year. Generally, only people with chronic pain, terminal medical conditions, or complex care needs will be placed on the CDM and referred to an osteopath or any other allied health professional. 
  2. If you are not eligible for Medicare rebates, there are still alternatives to reduce the costs of physiotherapy. Some clinics may provide bulk billing or reduced charges to people on a pension or low income. Since not all clinics offer this service, you should consult with them before scheduling your first appointment.

How do I Pay a Physiotherapist?

  • Cash, debit/credit cards (certain specialists charge a percentage fee for card charges), Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay are all accepted payment methods and may vary. 
  • If you qualify for Medicare rebates, you will receive a rebate of $54.60. After your session you will either pay the full amount of your session and use your detailed receipt to claim your rebate, or have your physiotherapist submit a claim. You can only do this with the agreement of the physio.
  • You will then claim your rebate and utilise it if you have private health insurance to cover the remainder of the cost.
  • Every physiotherapist is different; however, they should advise you if they will not take Medicare rebates as full payment for your treatment or if they will charge you a gap fee – the amount you pay above what the Medicare benefit is.

Physiotherapy Brisbane Questions to Ask Upfront

Questions to Ask When Making an Appointment

What will I need to bring to my first session?

Your therapist may ask you to bring any of the following to your initial physiotherapy session: 

  • Any relevant x-rays or medical documents, which your physiotherapist may be able to utilise to help manage your condition, 
  • A list of any medications you are currently taking, 
  • If you receive Medicare rebates, you must bring your Medicare card and your doctor’s or specialist’s referral/paperwork.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Make sure you’re dressed comfortably and loosely so your physiotherapist can evaluate the affected area of your body. In addition, you may be required to perform various exercises, so you must be able to move freely.

Which methods of treatment will you be using on me?

Physiotherapy assists in relieving a patient’s movement and daily functioning through a series of treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. Asking which treatment will be used for your condition will give you an idea of what to expect during your first session. There are six common treatments physiotherapists use, so you can expect any of these methods:

  1. Range of Motion (ROM) exercise – stimulating movement, increasing joint mobility, and improving circulation
  2. Soft tissue mobilisation – this is a form of therapeutic massaging that can assist in the relaxation of the muscles and minimise swelling.
  3. Electrotherapy – Electrodes are attached to the skin to provide electrical stimulation. This shortens the muscles and prevents atrophy.
  4. Kinesio taping – tape that is applied straight to the skin to stabilise joints and muscles.
  5. Cryotherapy and heat therapy – applying either hot packs or ice packs to aggravated areas. Some therapy may also include ice massages. 
  6. Therapeutic ultrasound – Doctors have increasingly been using sound waves to treat injuries in recent years. Using ultrasound frequency, soft beams can be carefully aimed at injured tissue.

What kind of experience do you have in treating my specific condition?

The physiotherapist’s answer to this question can give you an idea of their expertise and experience in treating your condition. It can help you determine whether the physiotherapist has the necessary knowledge and skills to treat your condition effectively. If not, you’ll likely need to look elsewhere.

How many sessions do you expect I will need?

Asking this question can help you understand the anticipated duration of the treatment and whether it fits within your schedule and budget. It can also help you plan and manage your time accordingly.

Can you explain the goals and expected outcomes of the treatment? 

The answer you receive will help you set realistic expectations for the treatment and understand what you need to do to support your recovery.

Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with the treatments you will be using?

The answer you receive will help you be fully informed about your treatment. 

Do you have any recommendations for things I can do in between sessions to support my recovery further?

Asking for recommendations can help you understand what you can do to support your recovery outside of the treatment sessions. It can also help you develop healthy habits to prevent further injuries or conditions.Physiotherapy Brisbane Must Know Facts

Physiotherapy Must-Know Facts 

  1. Physiotherapists need certain qualifications to practice physiotherapy – They are highly qualified professionals who are well-equipped to treat their patients. In Australia, a variety of physiotherapy programmes are offered, with admittance through a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree at a university. They are then legally required to register with the Physiotherapists Registration Board in the state where they practise.
  2. Physiotherapy is not just for those with health conditions or who are in pain – it can be an effective method of helping a patient build their physical strength and endurance. Many athletes utilise physiotherapists for this reason. 
  3. You may be required to do some homework (e.g. exercises) after your sessions – Strength-based exercises are regarded as homework in physiotherapy, and success in doing this homework directly affects the outcomes. How much time you spend doing the exercises your physiotherapists give you will impact how quickly you recover from your injuries.
  4. Physiotherapy can help prevent injuries – Physiotherapists can provide preventive care by identifying potential issues and designing exercise programs and ergonomic advice to help prevent injuries and promote overall health and well-being.
  5. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for various conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, neurological conditions, respiratory conditions, and more.
  6. Physiotherapy can also assist in post-surgical rehabilitation – it can help patients regain their strength, mobility, and flexibility and assist in the healing process.
  7. Many private health insurance plans cover treatments; some even provide full coverage for physiotherapy treatments.
  8. There are many specializations within physiotherapy – Physiotherapists can specialize in areas such as sports physiotherapy, paediatric physiotherapy, geriatric physiotherapy, and more. This can help patients receive tailored treatments that meet their specific needs.

Physiotherapy Brisbane Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?

No – because Physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners, you only need to call or book online to schedule an appointment. The only time you will need a referral is if you receive claims of any kind, then your doctor or health fund will refer you to a physiotherapist.

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need? 

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies depending on the type and severity of the condition being treated. Your physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan that outlines the recommended number of sessions, which may be adjusted based on your progress.

Will Medicare cover physiotherapy?

Medicare only covers physiotherapy for certain conditions and under certain circumstances. For example, physiotherapy may be covered under a chronic disease management plan or an enhanced primary care plan. Your physiotherapist can provide you with more information on Medicare coverage.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy session?

During your first session, your physiotherapist will thoroughly assess your condition, medical history, and physical abilities. They may also provide an initial treatment and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Is physiotherapy suitable for children?

Yes – Physiotherapy can benefit children with various conditions, including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and sports injuries. Paediatric physiotherapists are specifically trained to work with children and provide age-appropriate treatments.

How soon after an injury should I see a physiotherapist?

As soon as possible – by doing so, you can promote faster recovery and prevent complications. However, if you are experiencing pain or discomfort, it is never too late to seek treatment.

Can physiotherapy be painful?

No – while some physiotherapy treatments may cause temporary discomfort or soreness, physiotherapy should not be overly painful. Your physiotherapist will work with you to ensure the treatment is comfortable and effective.

How often should I do the exercises prescribed by my physiotherapist?

The frequency of exercises your physiotherapist prescribes will depend on the nature of your condition and treatment plan. They are important to follow – treatment is only one part of the recovery. The exercises need to be performed as frequently as recommended by your physiotherapist to ensure you’get better.

What is the difference between physiotherapy and osteopathy

Physiotherapy and osteopathy are distinct healthcare professions offering different approaches to treating pain, injury, and limited mobility. While they share some similarities, their treatment philosophies, methods, and scope of practice differ. Understanding these differences can help you decide which professional to consult.

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular problems. They use various methods, including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, and heat or cold therapy. Physiotherapists aim to restore and optimize movement, function, and overall well-being by addressing the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. Their treatments are often area specific and tailored to the individual’s condition and goals.

Osteopaths, on the other hand, focus on the body’s structure and how it influences function. They believe that the body’s various components are interconnected and that proper alignment and balance are essential for optimal health. Using a holistic approach, osteopaths identify and treat the root cause of a problem by addressing imbalances in the musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems. Their primary treatment method is manual therapy, which involves hands-on manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue work.

When deciding whether to see a physiotherapist or an osteopath, consider the following factors:

  1. The nature of your condition: A physiotherapist may be better suited to address your needs if you have a specific injury or a localized issue. However, if your problem seems to be related to overall body mechanics or involves multiple systems, an osteopath might be the more appropriate choice.
  2. Treatment preferences: An osteopath may be a better fit if you prefer hands-on treatment and a more holistic approach. A physiotherapist might be more suitable if you are more interested in exercise-based rehabilitation and the use of various therapeutic modalities.
  3. Availability and access: Depending on where you live, one profession may be more readily available than the other. Additionally, your insurance coverage or referral requirements may influence your decision.
  4. Personal rapport: Finding a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable and confident is important. Consider meeting with a physiotherapist and an osteopath to discuss your needs and determine which professional aligns best with your goals and preferences.

How can I find a qualified physiotherapist in my area?

You can search for a qualified physiotherapist in your area through the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) database or ask for a referral from your doctor or healthcare provider. Our list below includes trusted physiotherapists who successfully treat thousands of patients in and around Brisbane.The Best Brisbane Physiotherapists

Map of Best Brisbane Physiotherapy Clinics

We’ve put together the top Brisbane Physiotherapy Clinics and have collated them into a map for you to help show you where they’re located.

Our List of the Best Brisbane Physiotherapy Clinics

Le Physique Brisbane

Le Physique Physiotherapy & Exercise Rehabilitation

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Skilled physiotherapists who are knowledgeable and passionate about their work.
  • Provide personalised care to their patients.
  • Friendly front desk staff members and an entertaining dog.
  • Use a variety of evidence-based treatment techniques to help patients reduce pain and improve mobility.
  • Listen to patients’ concerns and work with them to set realistic goals and treatment plans.
  • Strong focus on empowering patients to be independent in their injury management and recovery.

Services offered (but not limited to): Physiotherapy, chronic pain treatment, Pilates, ACL protocols.

Elite Health and Performance Brisbane

Elite Health & Performance

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Effective treatments resulting in immediate pain relief and full movement return for many clients.
  • Treatments are comprehensively explained to the client.
  • Provides expert advice and helpful exercises.
  • Efficiency of the treatment, especially in terms of reducing pain.

Services offered (but not limited to): Chiropractic, physiotherapy, remedial massage, nutrition, performance screen, corporate health, NormaTec compression therapy.

Hybrid Health Professional Brisbane

Hybrid Physiotherapy

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide exceptional service.
  • Values hands-on care and structured, individualised treatment plans.
  • Knowledgeable, and effective at targeting and treating issues.
  • The acupuncture doctor is knowledgeable and able to provide effective treatment quickly.
  • The clinic is located in a convenient location with ample parking.

Services offered (but not limited to): Physiotherapy, TECAR therapy, podiatry, acupuncture, clinical exercises and Pilates, remedial massage, myotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine.

Queen Street Physio Brisbane

Queen Street Physiotherapy

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Take the time to listen to the clients’ issues.
  • Give tips to decrease the odds of getting a new injury.
  • Friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the clinic.
  • Convenience of the clinic’s location in the heart of Brisbane.

Services offered (but not limited to): General physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, workplace physiotherapy, remedial massage.

Spring Hill Physiotherapy Brisbane

Spring Hill Physiotherapy

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Always prompt with appointment times.
  • Knowledgeable therapists.
  • Effectiveness of treatments.
  • Very personalised and sensitive care.
  • Target the root cause of the problem to minimise the numbers of treatment sessions needed.

Services offered (but not limited to): General physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, massage, chronic pain therapy, musculoskeletal disorder treatments.

Synergy Physiotherapy and Pilates Brisbane

Synergy Physiotherapy and Pilates

Overview: 

What customers like:

  • Friendly environment for recovery purposes.
  • Effectiveness of treatment.
  • Thorough investigation of problems and personalised treatment.
  • Friendly customer service.
  • Therapists are ‘like magicians’ when it comes to back pain.

Services offered (but not limited to): General physiotherapy, clinical Pilates, massage therapy, telehealth.

Leaders Sports and Spine Physiotherapy Brisbane

Leaders Sports & Spine Physiotherapy Brisbane

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Maintenance and cleanliness of equipment.
  • Address the root cause of pains, rather than just treating them.
  • Respectful staff willing to listen to the clients, and address their every needs.
  • Efficiency of treatments

Services offered (but not limited to): General physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, remedial massage, spine physiotherapy, Pilates, exercise therapy.

Brisbane Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Brisbane Physiotherapy

Overview:

What customers like: 

  • Professionalism of staff and personalised treatments.
  • Compatibility with sport recovery.
  • Kind and courteous bedside manner.
  • Approachability and friendliness of the staff.

Services offered (but not limited to): Massage, joint mobilisation, taping, exercise prescription, dry needling and stretching.

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia Brisbane

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Professional, friendly and communicative staff. 
  • Extremely helpful in reducing pain.
  • In addition to relieving clients of their pain, the clinic provides exercises to strengthen muscles. 
  • Extremely transparent plans that allow clients to have a clearer understanding of their treatment.

Services offered (but not limited to): Physiotherapy, sports physio, injury rehabilitation, acupuncture, clinical Pilates, pain therapy, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain.

All Care Physiotherapy Brisbane

All Care Physiotherapy

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Knowledgeable and passionate about women’s health.
  • The clinic is conveniently located and easy to find.
  • Provide a thorough examination and personalised exercise plan.
  • The clinic is professional and personable.
  • Create a welcoming and open environment for discussing common concerns.
  • The clinic provides an app to help with exercises and tracking progress.

Services offered (but not limited to): Physiotherapy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports physio, women’s health, vestibular physiotherapy, dry needling, rehabilitation physiotherapy, massage, headache treatment.

Holistic Physio Brisbane

Holistic Physio

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Wide range of skills, including physiotherapy and acupuncture.
  • Comprehensive care, insight, intuition, and informed knowledge.
  • Ability to recognize and address potential health issues.
  • Successful treatment of injuries through acupuncture and the use of prosthetics.
  • Ability to provide relief and improve the client’s quality of life.

Services offered (but not limited to): Physiotherapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, clinical Pilates, holistic therapy

Refine Physiotherapy and Pilates Brisbane

Refine Physiotherapy & Pilates – Fortitude Valley Metro

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Professional and friendly staff.
  • Convenient location.
  • Patiently explains the treatment process and answers questions.
  • Highly skilled and experienced practitioners.
  • NDIS friendly and well equipped.

Services offered (but not limited to): Physiotherapy, Pilates, dry needling, remedial massage, paediatric physiotherapy, headache & migraine treatment, speech therapy, sports physiotherapy.

Bounce Physio Brisbane

Bounce Physio Hendra

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Helpful, kind, and caring staff.
  • Knowledgeable, sympathetic, and thorough in treatment approach.
  • Explains everything in detail and is efficient in dealing with the problem.
  • The clinic offers a discount for Bupa members.
  • There is parking available at the back of the building via a tight laneway on the southern side.

Services offered (but not limited to): NDIS physio, hydro paediatric, adolescent physio physiotherapy, whiplash, clinic, actively ageing (balance) classes, weekend physio, rehabilitative exercises, women’s/men’s health.

Queensland Physiotherapy Brisbane

Queensland Physiotherapy

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Offers high quality physiotherapy services.
  • Knowledgeable and professional.
  • Friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
  • The clinic is efficient and runs on schedule.
  • Convenient online booking system
  • Take the time to listen to and address patients’ concerns.

Services offered (but not limited to): Headache treatment, physiotherapy, osteoarthritis, post surgical rehab, posture treatment, pregnancy pain treatment, spinal pain therapy, sporting injuries therapy, work-related injury treatment, NDIS, telehealth, department of veterans’ affairs.

Move Osteopathy Brisbane

Move Osteopathy

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the issue and look at multiple potential causes.
  • Make clients feel comfortable and able to ask questions.
  • Knowledgeable and provide helpful maintenance and symptom management advice.
  • Treatment is effective, sometimes resulting in the need for only one appointment.

Services offered (but not limited to): Osteopath, physiotherapy, podiatry, Pilates, massage treatment.

Performance Podiatry Brisbane

Performance Podiatry & Physiotherapy

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Staff are warm and concerned, and will make efforts to fit patients in for urgent appointments.
  • Take the time to listen to and understand patient concerns.
  • Staff are happy to answer questions.

Services offered (but not limited to): Physiotherapy, podiatry, NDIS, Pilates.

The Health Collab Brisbane

The Health Collab

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provides tools and explanations for accelerating recovery from injuries.
  • Offers convenient appointment times.
  • Provides effective treatment for sports-related injuries.
  • Understands and caters to the specific needs of individual patients.
  • Offers a holistic and caring approach that puts patients at ease.

Services offered (but not limited to): Physiotherapy, swimming physiotherapy, running physiotherapy, team sports physiotherapy. 

Shoulder Guy Physiotherapy Brisbane

Shoulder Guy Physiotherapy

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Offers high-quality, individualised, and evidence-based physiotherapy.
  • Extensive knowledge and takes a whole-body approach to treatment.
  • Provides a comprehensive and interactive treatment plan.
  • Highly effective in managing pain, and rehabilitating injuries.

Services offered (but not limited to): Comprehensive shoulder assessment, post op shoulder physiotherapy, gym fit shoulders, comprehensive video consultations.

Wilston Physiotherapy Brisbane

Wilston Physiotherapy & Massage

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Professional and effective service.
  • Range of treatment options, including dry needling and massage.
  • Friendly and caring staff.
  • Knowledgeable and provide clear instructions and advice.
  • The clinic has a casual atmosphere and convenient parking.

Services offered (but not limited to): Physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture.

Aspley Physio and Sports Injury Clinic Brisbane

Aspley Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Effective and wide range of treatments.
  • Professional, knowledgeable, and friendly.
  • Highly skilled and provide excellent therapy.
  • Hands-on and experienced in treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Quick improvement and long-term benefits from therapy at the clinic.

Services offered (but not limited to): Musculoskeletal disorder treatment, physiotherapy, spinal care, sports injury treatment, women’s health, NDIS, remedial massage, hydrotherapy.