Physiotherapy uses proven techniques to help restore movement and function to anyone affected by an injury, disability or health condition. It’s a therapy that can help you achieve movement for life!

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Physios use their in-depth knowledge of how the body works, combined with hands-on clinical skills, to assess, diagnose and treat your symptoms. They can even help you prevent many injuries and health conditions.

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While well known for treating injuries, physios have the skills to treat and prevent a range of health problems involving;

• Joints, bones and soft tissue

• Heart

• Chest and lungs

• Brain and nervous system

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Physios work in lots of different settings including hospitals, medical centres, schools, work places, communities and private clinics.

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Why choose physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy can help you avoid surgery, reduce your medication, manage your pain and reduce the risk of injury. Physios are highly qualified and can help you with a range of conditions and symptoms, including chronic conditions such as arthritis. Compared with many other treatments physio is also highly cost-effective and you can self refer.

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All physios are health professionals with a university degree in physiotherapy (at a minimum), many go on to further study and areas of specialisation. Physios who work in New Zealand are registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand; the board makes sure that they are qualified, competent and that their skills are updated frequently. You can also check that your physio is a member of Physiotherapy New Zealand. This shows they are committed to high standards of practice and professionalism.

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Your first visit

When you visit your physio for the first time, they'll talk to you about your medical history and assess your health issue. They'll discuss what you'd like to achieve from the treatment.

From there, they'll develop a treatment plan just for you. They'll explain what it involves, what results you can expect, how long it'll take and how much it'll cost. If you agree, your treatment can start.

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What treatment should I expect?

Physiotherapists use a variety of treatments. These may include:

• Exercise programmes

• Manipulation and mobilisation

• Lifestyle advice

• Education to prevent future injury

• Acupuncture

• Massage

• Hydrotherapy

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If you don't understand a procedure or exercise, ask your physiotherapist to explain it again or to demonstrate it. Your physiotherapist may provide you with written instructions and diagrams of exercises to continue with at home.

If you have any side effects from your treatment, please let your physiotherapist know immediately.

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Your first visit

At your first appointment your physio will take a thorough medical history, assess your problems and discuss your goals for treatment. This information will help to develop an individual treatment programme. Your physiotherapist will then explain your treatment, expected results, how long it will take and how much it will cost, and seek your agreement before proceeding.

It’s a good idea to wear clothes that you’ll be comfortable in and to bring along any important information, such as your X-rays.

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Your rights and responsibilities

• To be treated with care and skill, dignity and respect

• To bring a family member, whanau, friend, caregiver and/or interpreter to your treatment

• To withdraw from your treatment at any stage or seek a second opinion.