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Physiotherapy

Our core physiotherapy service assesses and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal (muscle, joint and nerve) problems. Whether your pain came on suddenly or has built up over time, we work to understand the cause, ease your symptoms, and give you a clear plan to get moving again.

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Physiotherapy

What we help with

Common conditions and situations we see with physiotherapy.

  • Lower back and neck pain
  • Shoulder and arm conditions
  • Knee and hip pain or injuries
  • Ankle and foot injuries
  • Muscle strains and joint sprains
  • Sciatica and referred nerve pain
  • Stiffness, weakness and reduced movement
  • Postural and overuse pain

What to expect

A clear, supportive process from your first visit through to recovery.

01

Thorough assessment

We take a full history and examine how you move, so we understand what's driving your pain — not just where it hurts.

02

Clear explanation

We explain what we've found in plain language, what it means, and roughly how long recovery usually takes.

03

Hands-on treatment

Where helpful, we use manual therapy and soft-tissue techniques in the session to reduce pain and restore movement.

04

A plan you can follow

You leave with a tailored exercise programme and practical advice to keep progressing between visits.

Our approach

We provide evidence-informed, hands-on care combining manual therapy, soft-tissue techniques, therapeutic exercise, taping and education. Treatment is tailored to your goals — reducing pain, restoring movement, rebuilding strength, and helping you get back to work, sport and everyday life with confidence.

Physiotherapy — frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
No. In New Zealand you can book directly with a physiotherapist for most injuries — you don't need a GP referral, including for ACC-covered injuries.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many people notice improvement within a few sessions; longer-standing issues can take longer. We'll give you an honest estimate after your first assessment.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable clothing you can move in is ideal. Depending on the area being assessed, loose shorts or a singlet can help us see and treat the region easily.
Is physiotherapy painful?
Treatment should not be unnecessarily painful. Some techniques or exercises can feel tender, especially early on, but we work within your comfort and adjust to how you respond.

Guides from our physiotherapist

Practical reading on physiotherapy, written for patients.

All articles

Is ACC Physio Free? Costs, No GP Referral and How to Claim

ACC physio is subsidised, not automatically free. See what ACC pays, what you pay at AZ Physiotherapy, what counts as an ACC injury, and how to claim without a GP referral.

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Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: What's the Difference and Can It Help?

Dry needling and acupuncture use the same fine needles but different reasoning. Learn how they differ, what dry needling can help with, whether it hurts, and how it fits into physiotherapy.

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Lower Back Pain: When to See a Physio and Will ACC Cover It?

ACC covers lower back pain caused by an accident, such as lifting, a fall or a sports injury, but not pain that came on gradually. Here's when to see a physio, how ACC decides and which symptoms need a doctor.

Read article→

Related services

Sports Rehabilitation

Recover from injury and rebuild strength, mobility and confidence to return to your sport safely.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Structured exercise and treatment to restore movement, strength and function after surgery.

EDS & Hypermobility

Specialist physiotherapy support for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility — strength, stability and confidence.

Ready to get started?

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