We hear a variety of comments from first timers that make us chuckle, but also make us wonder if we are doing enough to spread awareness about our profession and how we can be of help to the community.

You need a referral to come see us

This is one of the most common things we hear. "I have been dealing with pain because I couldn't get in to see the doctor for a referral".

You DO NOT need a referral from a doctor to see a physio. If you have hurt yourself and you're concerned about the seriousness of it, make an appointment, you don't have to wait around and put the brakes on life.

Physios only massage people

No, we don't. Soft tissue treatments are a part of our protocol for acute pain management, but that's not all we do.

Depending on how a person presents to us, we also mobilise and prescribe specific exercises to help you with pain relief, improving mobility and getting you back to work, sport and life.

We believe in "no pain, no gain"

We most definitely do not. Yes, there is a chance you may be a bit sore post-treatment, but that's quite normal.

It's the same as doing a big walk or run and being slightly sore for a day or so.

On the contrary, physios strongly believe in the mantra "MOVEMENT IS KING".

Our aim isn't to increase your discomfort, but we also try not to be over-protective.

A little discomfort is acceptable to reassure and re-start your body to accept different types of movements.

We only prescribe exercises

It is a big part of what we do, but that's not all we do.

In the acute stage of an injury we also do a lot of passive, hands-on treatment techniques to ease you into moving better and without fear.

We don't believe in forcing the body to do what it isn't ready to do just yet.

It's a slow, gentle process, but we will get you there.

We only treat pain

We do encourage people to come see us in their acute stage of pain, but pain relief isn't the only tool in our box.

We also believe in prehab and rehab, and treat neurological conditions, women and men's health issues, ear- and balance-related issues and post-surgical rehab not limited to only musculoskeletal conditions.

Physiotherapy is a community-oriented profession which looks after specific and general wellbeing of everybody for a multitude of problems.

If you are unsure, talk to your local physio about how they can help you achieve your health goals.