What does a Physiotherapist do?

What does a Physiotherapist do?

August 30th

If you’ve ever had an injury, pain, or want to improve your movement, you might be wondering:

What does a physiotherapist actually do?

A Physiotherapist (or Physio) helps people restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries through evidence-based assessment, treatment, and exercise programs. Physios work with muscles, bones, joints, and the nervous system to improve function after injury, surgery, or chronic pain.

Physiotherapy can benefit people of all ages, from athletes to desk workers to older adults. These are some of the common conditions Physios treat:

• Sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and ligament tears
• Back and neck pain from injury, posture, or overuse
• Post-surgical rehab (e.g., knee, hip, or shoulder surgery)
• Workplace-related injuries, such as repetitive strain injuries
• Osteoarthritis and other joint stiffness conditions
• Posture and mobility problems impacting daily life
• Pre- and postnatal musculoskeletal concerns, including the pelvic floor.

How do Physios work?  

At Kinematics, physiotherapists don’t just look at the site of pain; they consider how the whole body works together. After a detailed assessment, your physio will develop a plan that might include:

– Manual therapy (hands-on techniques to release tight muscles and improve joint mobility)

• Targeted exercise programs to strengthen weak areas and restore balance
• Education and advice about posture, ergonomics, and injury prevention
• Rehabilitation planning for returning to sport, work, or daily activities safely

What should you expect from a Physio appointment?

At your first session, your physio will:

1. Take a thorough history of your symptoms and goals

2. Perform a physical assessment to understand what’s happening

3. Explain assessment findings clearly

4. Begin hands-on treatment where appropriate

5. Provide exercises or advice to start your recovery right away

Follow-up sessions often focus on progressing your exercises, monitoring improvements, and adjusting treatment as needed. At Kinematics, all First appointments are generally 60 minutes long, which allows for a comprehensive history taking, assessment, and the start of a plan.

This combination of treatment and self-management strategies is designed to address both the symptoms and the underlying cause of your problem.

Kinematics is proudly based in Richmond, where we’re a go-to clinic not only for locals but also for neighbouring suburbs, including South Yarra, East Melbourne, Hawthorn, Kew, Abbotsford, Collingwood, and Fitzroy. Our experienced Physios use a combination of manual therapy, individualised exercise plans, and education to help you recover faster and move with confidence. We focus on addressing the root cause of your issue, not just the symptoms, so you can return to the activities you enjoy and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury, ongoing pain, or want to improve your performance, we’ll tailor your treatment to your specific needs.

If you would like to see one of our Physios. You can book an appointment here.