About Physio

Find a physio

What is physiotherapy?

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.

A physiotherapist will 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.

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

While well known for treating injuries, physios also 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

Qualified Physios

All physiotherapists are health professionals with a university degree in physiotherapy (at a minimum). Many go on to further study and areas of expertise.

Physios who work in New Zealand need to be 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 our national membership organisation; Physiotherapy New Zealand. This shows they are committed to high standards of practice and professionalism.

Expertise

Physiotherapy covers a wide range of health problems and physios often choose to concentrate their expertise on a particular area. Areas of practice can include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Cardio-Respiratory
  • Hand Therapy
  • Manual Therapy
  • Mental Health
  • Neurology
  • Occupational Health
  • Older Adults
  • Paediatric
  • Pelvic, Women’s and Men’s Health
  • Sports and Exercise

Use our Find a Physio tool to find a physio with a particular area of practice.

Physiotherapy Works: The Evidence

Download our series of evidence-based sheets on how physiotherapy can help a range of different health conditions. Each sheet covers case studies, research and cost effectiveness.

Why choose physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy can help you achieve and maintain movement. Physios are highly qualified health professionals who can help with a range of conditions and symptoms.

You can also self-refer to a physio; this means you don't need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist.

How to choose a physio

Physiotherapy New Zealand (PNZ) is the national membership organisation for physiotherapists. While all physios working in New Zealand must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board and hold an Annual Practising Certificate, being a PNZ member reflects a commitment to our high standards of practice and professionalism.

You can find a PNZ member, by area of expertise and location, through the Find a Physio search tool.

Also look out for our member authentication mark below.

Person and Whānau Centred Care

The PNZ Professional Development Committee has developed a model of Person and Whānau Centred Care for physiotherapy in Aotearoa New Zealand. This model highlights how physiotherapists can provide care that meets the needs of you and your whānau, and improves your health outcomes. Physiotherapists can use the model to plan their professional development, and to enhance their professional practice.