Here's a pattern I see all the time. Someone books a physio session, feels a lot better, and gets busy. The exercises slip to "when I get a chance". A few weeks later the injury flares up again, and we're back where we started.
It's not a lack of effort or willpower. Life gets in the way, and when you book one session at a time, it's easy for the next one never to happen. That's exactly why I created my 3, 6 and 12 week rehab programs. In this post I'll explain how they compare with paying session by session, and who each program suits best.
Why consistency matters more than anything else in rehab
Hands-on treatment can ease pain in the short term, but lasting results come from
exercise done regularly over weeks. Tendons, muscles and joints
adapt to load gradually. That adaptation only happens if the load keeps coming, week after week.
In my experience, the people who reach their goals aren't always the ones with the mildest injuries. They're the ones who stay consistent. They:
- Do their exercises most days, not just the day before an appointment
- Have their program progressed regularly, so it keeps challenging them
- Get problems picked up early, before a small setback becomes a big one
- Have someone checking in, so the plan doesn't quietly fade away
That last point is accountability, and it's the part most people underestimate. Knowing I'll see you in a few days, and that we'll look at how your exercises have gone, is a powerful reason to do them.
Programs vs paying session by session
Both options give you the same 45-minute, one-on-one sessions with me, wherever suits you: at home, at work, at the gym or on the field. The difference is the structure around them.
| Session by session | Rehab program |
|---|
| How it's booked | One appointment at a time | All sessions mapped out from the start |
| How often | Whenever you book | 2 or 3 sessions a week, depending on the program |
| Accountability | Up to you | Regular check-ins keep you on track |
| Exercise progression | When you next come in | Reviewed and progressed every few days |
| Equipment | Bought separately if needed | Equipment allowance included |
| Cost | $110 per session | A set package price, less than the same sessions booked one by one |
Here's how the numbers compare:
| Program | Sessions | Equipment allowance | Booked one by one | Program price | You save |
|---|
| 3 week | 3 a week (9 in total) | $40 | $1,030 | $865 | $165 |
| 6 week | 2 a week (12 in total) | $80 | $1,400 | $1,150 | $250 |
| 12 week | 2 a week (24 in total) | $150 | $2,790 | $2,230 | $560 |
"Booked one by one" is the same number of $110 sessions plus the same equipment, paid for separately. You can pay for a program upfront or in instalments. Each session is still invoiced individually at the discounted rate, so you can claim your private health rebate as you go.
The savings are nice, but they're not the main reason I recommend programs. The real benefit is that the plan is set before life gets in the way. Your sessions are already in the calendar, your program is progressed on schedule, and you know exactly what the next few weeks look like.
Which program suits you?
The 3 week program: get out of pain, fast
Three sessions a week for three weeks. This is the most intensive option, designed for a recent injury where the priority is settling pain and getting you moving again quickly.
It often suits:
- A recently rolled ankle, acute back pain or a stiff, sore neck
- A flare-up of an old injury you already understand
- A niggle that has popped up close to a race, a game or a trip
- People who respond well to close support in the first few weeks
Three weeks is enough to get you out of pain and moving, but it may not leave time to fully work out and address why the injury happened. If that matters for you, we can continue with follow-up sessions or step up to the 6 week program.
The 6 week program: fix it properly and get back to sport
Two sessions a week for six weeks. This gives us time to treat the injury, find the factors that caused it, and rebuild strength so you can return to sport safely.
It often suits:
The 12 week program: for bigger injuries, surgery and long-term goals
Two sessions a week for twelve weeks. This is for injuries that need extra time, and for people who want to address the underlying factors that put them at risk.
It often suits:
- Recovery after surgery, such as a knee or hip replacement or ACL reconstruction (see my physio after surgery page)
- Higher-grade injuries that need a longer return to sport
- Tendon problems like Achilles or patellar tendinopathy, which typically need months of steady loading
- Runners building back towards a goal race after injury (more on my sports physio page)
- Persistent pain, where steady progress over time matters more than quick fixes
When paying session by session makes more sense
Programs aren't for everyone. Booking one session at a time may suit you better if:
- You have a minor niggle that should settle in one or two sessions
- You want a one-off check-up or a program review
- You're already confident with your exercises and just need occasional guidance
- Your sessions are funded through WorkCover, CTP, DVA or Support at Home, which are billed per session
How we choose together
You don't need to decide before we meet. At your
first appointment I'll assess your injury, talk through your goals and your schedule, and recommend the option I think will get you there. That might be a program, or it might be a few individual sessions. If you choose a program, that first appointment counts as your first program session, because it includes treatment and advice, not just an assessment and a recommendation. Either way, the choice is yours, and there's no pressure.
Common questions
Do I have to pay for the whole program upfront?
No. You can pay upfront or in instalments, whichever suits you. I also offer payment plans, because I don't believe cost should stop anyone getting the care they need.
Can I claim my private health rebate?
Yes. Each program session is still billed and invoiced individually, just at a discounted rate, so you can claim from your private health extras cover as normal.
What if I miss a session?
You won't lose it. We'll make it up, either by fitting in an extra session within the week or by extending your program so you still get every session.
What if I recover faster than expected?
That's the best outcome. If you reach your goals before the program ends, I'll refund what you've paid for the sessions you haven't used.
What does the equipment allowance cover?
Equipment for your home program, such as resistance bands, foam rollers and trigger point balls. It's included in the program price, so there's nothing extra to buy.
Is the first session part of the program?
Yes. Your first appointment is session one of your program. It includes treatment and advice, so you start making progress straight away.
Can I switch from session by session to a program?
Yes. If you start with individual sessions and decide you'd like more structure, we can move you onto a program.
Ready to get started?
If you're tired of the start-stop cycle and want a clear plan to reach your goal, a rehab program could be the right fit. You can see the full details on my
rehab programs and
pricing pages, or
book online and we'll work out the best option at your first session. Questions first? Call or text me on 0448 135 747.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for an individual assessment. Program prices are current as of October 2026; see the rehab programs page for full terms.
