Should you see a physio at home or go to a clinic? For most injuries, the honest answer is that both can work well. What matters most is the setting that gets you doing your rehab consistently, and that gives your physio time to understand your concerns and what you want to get back to.
As a mobile physio, I'm obviously a fan of home visits, but they aren't right for everyone. This guide walks through which setting tends to suit different injuries and situations, so you can choose what's best for you.
Three questions to ask yourself
- How easy is it for me to get to a clinic right now? If driving is painful or not allowed after surgery, or juggling kids and work makes travel hard, a home visit removes that barrier.
- Where does my problem actually show up? If it's your stairs, your desk, getting out of the car or a particular field, there's real value in your physio seeing it there.
- Do I need specialist equipment? A few things, like hydrotherapy pools or large gym machines, can only be found in a clinic or gym.
Injury-by-injury guide
| Situation | Home or mobile suits you when… | A clinic may suit you when… |
|---|
| After a knee or hip replacement | You can't drive yet, or stairs and chairs at home are the challenge | You want hydrotherapy |
| After ACL reconstruction | It's the early weeks, or later on-field running and agility work | You need large gym equipment you can't access elsewhere |
| Sports injury, back to play | You want rehab on your own field or court | You prefer a set clinic gym routine |
| Running injury | You'd like a video running assessment from your real runs, or a session at the trailhead or track | You'd rather be filmed on a clinic treadmill |
| Back or neck pain | Sitting in the car hurts, or your desk set-up is part of the problem | Either works well |
| Persistent pain | You're more relaxed and open in your own space | Either works well |
| Balance and falls risk | You want to practise in the rooms you move through every day | Travel isn't a barrier for you |
| Kids' and teens' sport injuries | It saves a parent leaving work | Either works well |
| Work injury (WorkCover) | Seeing your actual work tasks would help | Either works well |
After surgery, home visits are often most useful in the first few weeks, when getting in and out of a car is hardest. You can read more on my
physio after surgery page. For sport, being able to finish your rehab on the
field or court you'll be returning to is a big advantage.
Running assessment without a treadmill
A treadmill shows how you run when you're fresh, indoors and on a flat, moving belt. That's useful, but it isn't how most running injuries happen. Problems usually show up later in a run, as you tire, on the surfaces you actually train on.
So instead, I ask you to film yourself at three points during a normal run:
- At the start, when you're fresh
- When your symptoms start, if they do
- At the end, when you're tired
Comparing the three clips shows what changes in your running as you fatigue, and which areas seem to be tiring first. That tells me far more about your injury than a few minutes on a treadmill.
A few tips for filming: get a side view and a view from behind, keep the phone at about hip height, and choose a flat stretch of path. A friend, a tripod or a fence post all work. You can read more on my
sports physio page.
When a clinic is the better choice
Home visits suit most people, but a clinic may be the better option if you:
- Want hydrotherapy, or large gym machines that can't come to you
- Would rather not have sessions at home, work, the gym or a public space
- Live outside my service area
If I don't think home visits will suit you, I'll tell you and help you find the right place.
What stays the same either way
Wherever your session happens, the fundamentals don't change. You get the same thorough assessment, and every session with me is a full 45 minutes, one on one. I bring a portable treatment table and all the equipment needed to assess and treat you. And just like in a clinic, exercise is the core of your plan, because that's what builds lasting results.
Common questions
Is physio at home as effective as a clinic?
For most injuries, yes. The assessment, hands-on treatment and exercise that make physio work all travel with me. What matters most is an accurate diagnosis, a clear plan and an exercise program you'll actually stick with.
Does a home visit cost more?
No. Every session is $110 for 45 minutes, the same for first visits and follow-ups, with no travel fee. You can find the details on my
pricing page.
Can I switch between home and gym sessions?
Yes. Many people start at home and move to the gym, the oval or the track as their rehab progresses.
Can you see me at my gym, workplace or a trailhead?
Yes. As long as there's a suitable space, I can meet you almost anywhere in my service area.
Still not sure?
If you'd like to know more about how mobile physio works, read my post on mobile physio in North Brisbane and Moreton Bay, or
what happens at a home physio visit. When you're ready, you can
book online, with early, late and weekend times available. Or call or text me on 0448 135 747 and we can work out what suits you best.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for an individual assessment. If you have pain or an injury, speak with your physiotherapist or GP about your situation.
