Looking for a “physio near me“? Our trusted and experienced team of physiotherapists at Central Performance bring you effective high-quality treatment programs that deliver long-lasting results. Plus you’ll love our state-of-the-art clinic with private treatment rooms, fully-equipped onsite gym and spacious Pilates studio. Add the convenience of extended opening hours (including Saturdays), online appointment bookings, HICAPS on-the-spot health fund rebates, and a great location in Surry hills near the Sydney CBD, Central train station, light rail and buses, and you’ll see why we are one of the leading physiotherapy clinics in Sydney.
What Do Physiotherapists Do, And How Can They Help?
Physiotherapy can help with a wide range of conditions including;
- sports injuries
- back pain and sciatica
- neck pain and headaches
- running injuries including shin pain/shin splints, runners knee/knee pain, tendinopathy/tendonitis (Achilles, patella, hip flexor…), ITB syndrome and heel pain
- arthritis and chronic pain
- post surgery rehab including ACL/knee reconstruction, Achilles rupture, knee arthroscopy, total hip and knee replacement surgery, and shoulder reconstruction
We believe that every client is unique, so our treatment programs are fully tailored to your particular injury, goals and history. Your program will include the most effective combination of proven treatments including;
- targeted exercises for strength, flexibility and movement control
- manual therapy including joint mobilisations and massage
- education to ensure that you really understand your recovery pathway, what may have caused your current problem, and how we can minimise your risk of future injury
Sydney Physio – Key Takeaways
- Physiotherapy helps with many types of pain and injury by providing pain relief, restoring movement and rebuilding strength
- Physios use a personalised treatment program for each client, which includes targeted exercises, manual (hands-on) therapy, and education
- Central Performance adds the convenience of extended opening hours (including Saturdays), HICAPS on-the-spot health fund rebates, online bookings, and a great location near Central Station and Sydney CBD
The Best Physio Treatment – Provided By Our Team of Experts
Our team of physios have post-graduate experience and training covering a comprehensive range of injuries and conditions. We focus on providing tailored solutions that are perfectly matched to each client’s needs and goals. We also work closely with our team of exercise physiologists, Clinical Pilates instructors, running coaches and massage therapists. Having this multi-disciplinary team all working together at one location means you always see the right person to maximise you recovery, every step of the way.
Running Physio
Running physiotherapy focuses on minimising and treating injuries common to runners. Our experienced running physios quickly diagnose your injury and get you back out on the road as quickly as possible. We also focus on working out what may have caused you injury in the first place. This is especially important as most running injuries are over-load type injuries rather than traumatic incidents, so identifying and correcting the cause is important to minimise the risk of future injuries. This may having a running gait assessment to identify potential issues, as well as checking your strength, flexibility and movement control. From this assessment our running physio will create custom a physio treatment plan that includes:
- Strengthening exercises
- Manual therapy (hands-on treatment), eg joint mobilisations and muscle releases
- Flexibility techniques such as stretches or using the foam roller or trigger-point ball
- Running gait improvement and optimisation
- Discussion and adjustment of your running training program (volume, frequency, type of run etc…), including a structured return-to-running program as you recover
- Advice on ensuring you have adequate recovery time and techniques built into your training routine
- Footwear recommendations
These strategies help runners minimise injuries, and recover faster from problems if they do occur. As an added bonus, they often also help improve running performance at the same time. For example, strength training is a key part of most injury recovery programs, and increasing strength has also been proven to improve running economy, efficiency and performance. Similarly, the insights gained from your running gait assessment during your injury management program will often highlight ways to improve your running form into the future, helping you to run faster for longer with less risk of injury.
Sports Physio
Sports physiotherapy aims to minimise and treat injuries related to exercise, sport and athletic activities. Our physios are experts in this field and they understand the unique demands of different sports, which is crucial to achieving a full recovery as well as minimising your risk of future injury. They work with athletes of all abilities, from recreational to elite, young to old, and from seasoned competitors to people who are new to their chosen sport or exercise. We help our clients to;
- Minimise injuries
- Speed up recovery from sports injuries
- Improve their performance
- Enhance flexibility and strength
- Understand key training principles that can help them improve performance while minimising their risk of injury
Treatment will involve a tailored selection manual therapy (hands-on treatment techniques), exercise prescription, and sometimes advanced techniques like taping, bracing and sport-specific technique correction. Our sports physios also educate athletes on proper warm-up routines and injury prevention strategies. They often collaborate with coaches and trainers to ensure a holistic approach to athlete care.
Physio for Back Pain – Effective Treatment For Low Back Pain
Back physiotherapy targets the complex issues causing low back pain. Our experienced physios work with clients every day to quickly diagnose the cause of their pain, and achieve fast relief. We then focus on determining why the pain came on in the first place, and what management strategies will be effective in minimising the risk of future pain. We use a range of techniques to relieve pain, restore movement and function, then rebuild strength and resilience. These may include:
- Manual therapy – targeted hands-on treatment techniques to relieve pain and restore movement
- Core strengthening exercises, progressing on to functional strengthening
- Pain management strategies and advice
- Clinical Pilates can be very effective for relieving low back pain and reducing the risk of future problems.
Once your back pain is under control, the research shows that increasing your strength using a personalised strength training program is the most effective way to minimise your risk of future pain or injury. It is crucial that the program is tailored to your particular needs, goals, level of fitness and injury history. The early stages of this strengthening program is guided by our physios, and then most clients progress on to a back strengthening program with one of our accredited exercise physiologists
Physio For Neck Pain
Neck physiotherapy provides rapid relief from neck pain, then focuses on management strategies to fully restore neck strength and minimise the risk of future pain or injury. Our physios use a combination of evidence-based manual therapy and exercises that are tailored for each client to;
- Relieve pain
- Reduce muscle tension and pain
- Restore full joint range of motion
- Increase strength for posture and movement control
- Provide advice regarding ergonomics (i.e. desk and work-station setup) and work breaks to avoid fatigue
- For some clients, advice on pillows and sleeping positions is required
Your treatment program will usually include joint mobilisation techniques, massage and muscle releases (trigger point or myofascial releases), stretching, and strengthening exercises. Research highlights that improving the strength of your neck and shoulder muscles, as well as your core and overall spinal muscle strength, is among the most effective ways to minimise the risk of ongoing or future neck pain.
Physio For Knee Pain
There are many causes of knee pain, from overload/overuse injuries like runners knee through to trauma-related twists and sprains like ACL injuries and meniscus tears. Our experienced knee physios provide comprehensive assessment and treatment programs for all types of knee injuries, whether the problem is related to sport, running, arthritis, or just pain without a particular cause. Treatment plans will often include:
- Manual therapy to relive pain and improve movement
- Targeted strengthening exercises
- Balance and proprioception training, progressing to movement control and sport-specific drills as required
- Taping or bracing techniques
- Advice on how to safely return to sport, exercise and activity, while minimising your time out of the action
Physio Pilates – Private & Group Clinical Pilates
Physio Pilates, also called Clinical Pilates, combines traditional Pilates exercises with physiotherapy principles. This approach focuses on personalising a Pilates exercise program for each client to help them recover from injury, increase their core strength, flexibility, movement control and body awareness. Both private (1:1) and small group (4:1) sessions are available, with all sessions being lead by registered physios or exercise physiologists with advanced Pilates training. Benefits include;
- Recovery from injury by reducing pain and restoring movement
- Improved core stability and movement control (proprioception)
- Enhanced balance and coordination
- increased strength and flexibility
- Reduced risk of injury
- For clients with long-term (chronic) or recurrent pain, physio Pilates is one of the most effective ways to regain the confidence to get moving and begin exercising again
Experienced physio and exercise physiology instructors tailor Pilates exercises to individual needs and abilities. Private sessions allow for more focused attention, while progressing to small-group classes offers a more social environment once you have gained confidence in your technique and ability. Physio Pilates is suitable for rehabilitation, injury prevention, and is also great for general fitness.
Physio For Headaches
Physiotherapy can effectively manage various types of headaches, including tension and cervicogenic headaches. It can also help reduce the frequency and intensity of other types of headaches, including migraines. Having a thorough initial assessment is vital, and this includes taking a full headache history as well as a performing a physical examination. This comprehensive assessment helps your physio determine how physio treatment can help, and what the most effective treatment program will be.
An important part of physio treatment for headaches is to make sure that any other medical causes for the headaches have been investigated and ruled out. We may liaise with your GP or other doctors, and review any scans or other tests that you have had done. You can find out more about physio treatment for headaches by reading our full post on the subject.
Physio Rehab After Surgery – Rebuild Strength & Movement
Post-surgical physio rehabilitation is crucial for optimal recovery from many types of surgery including ACL (knee) reconstructions, meniscal repairs, spinal surgery, shoulder stabilisation/reconstruction, and total hip and knee replacement surgery. Regaining your full strength and mobility is a key part of achieving a full and pain-free recovery. It is also crucial for returning to full activity, including sport and exercise as well as normal daily activity, while minimising the risk of future problems.
Our physiotherapists create tailored programs to help patients progress through their rehab. This personalisation is important because while the overall structure of the post-surgical protocol for each type of surgery will be the same across different clients, each person must progress at their own pace. We also regularly liaise with your surgeon as you progress, to ensure that your recovery is on track to be as fast as possible while also being safe.
Post-op physio rehab programs usually a structured selection of treatment techniques including;
- Graded exercise programs for strength and mobility
- Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and muscle length, as well as to relieve pain
- Pain management techniques such as ice, or compression for swelling
- A guided return to functional activity, and then to sport and exercise as appropriate
Physio For Runners Knee, Shin Pain and Achilles Tendinopathy (Tendonitis)
Runner’s knee, shin pain and Achilles tendinopathy are some of the most common issues our physios see in runners. When they are managed correctly early on, they generally respond well and fairly quickly. This allows the runner to return to their running training program as rapidly as possible, while also minimising the risk ongoing or recurrent pain. For a more detailed review of how physios assess and manage these three common running injuries, click below to read our full posts on the topics.
- Strength Exercises for Runner’s Knee Pain
- The 3 Most Common Causes of Knee Pain When Running
- Shin Pain With Running – What To Do
- Achilles Tendinopathy (Tendonitis) Treatment and Prevention
Physiotherapy For Arthritis
Arthritis physiotherapy aims to relieve pain, increase flexibility and strength, and improve joint function. Physios are the most trusted and referred-to treatment providers for arthritis by GPs, orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists and sports physicians. By combining targeted exercise programs with hands-on treatment, physios are able to guide clients back into their regular daily and sporting activities as quickly as possible, while staying within their symptom limits.
Importantly, managing arthritis is not just about immediate pain relief. Once the current symptoms have settled, using exercise and other treatment strategies to support and protect the joint into the future is vital. This usually focuses on using a tailored strength training program, because research clearly shows that for almost all types of arthritis, building and maintaining adequate strength is the most important and effective way to stay active and minimise symptoms in the long term. Other treatment strategies may also be used, for example using a brace or modifying activity or exercise routines.
Physiotherapy Treatment Techniques
Physiotherapy uses various strategies to help patients recover from injuries, relieve pain, regain movement and strength, and then work on minimising the risk of future problems. As a general rule, manual therapy is used earlier in the course of treatment, as it can be very effective at relieving pain and helping restore movement, and then the focus switches to exercise to increase strength and movement control. This progression towards strength exercise happens because, for most injuries, the research clearly shows that improving strength and movement control is the most effective way to minimise the risk of future injury or recurrence.
Manual Therapy Techniques: Hands-On Treatment
Physiotherapy uses various strategies to help patients recover from injuries, relieve pain, regain movement and strength, and then work on minimising the risk of future problems. As a general rule, manual therapy is used earlier in the course of treatment, as it can be very effective at relieving pain and restoring movement. Then, the focus switches to exercise to increase strength and movement control. This progression towards strength exercise happens because, for most injuries, the research clearly shows that improving strength and movement control is the most effective way to minimise the risk of future injury or recurrence. Improving strength is also among the most effective ways to improve performance in many sports.
Exercise Prescription In Physiotherapy
Exercise is a key part of physiotherapy treatment for every injury that we treat. Our physiotherapists create custom exercise plans for each client based on their current injury, goals, previous injury history, and activities or sport that they want to return to. Initial exercises usually focus on pain relief, regaining range of movement, and re-activating muscles which may have become inhibited by pain and injury. Then, the focus switches to strength, movement control, and any sport-specific drills that will deliver a safe return to sport
Physio At Central Performance – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours for Central Performance physio?
Central Performance physio clinic in Surry Hills is open extended hours, including Saturdays. This provides the convenience of making your appointments outside of work hours if you need to.
- Monday – Thursday 7am – 7pm
- Friday 7am – 5pm
- Saturday 8am – 12pm
Is physio available on Saturdays?
Yes, physio is available on Saturdays at Central Performance. We are open from 8am – 12pm on Saturdays. You can book online, or if there are no suitable appointments shown then please call reception on 9280 2322 and we will try to arrange an appointment time that works for you.
Can I book physio online?
Yes, Central Performance provides online physio bookings for you. Please note that if you can’t find a time that suits you, please call reception on 9280 2322 and we will do our best to work out a time that is suitable.
Can I claim physiotherapy on my health fund?
Yes, you can claim health fund rebates for physiotherapy at Central Performance. All of our physios are fully registered with all health funds, and we provide the HICAPS on-the-spot health fund claims system for your convenience. Please note that your eligibility and rebate amount will vary depending on your level of cover – you can check with your fund if you are unsure.
Is physiotherapy treatment claimable through Medicare?
Medicare covers some physiotherapy treatments under specific circumstances. To be eligible you will require a referral from a GP. The referral required is a generally part of a chronic disease management plan.
How do physios treat sports injuries?
Physiotherapists use various techniques to treat sports injuries. These may include manual therapy, exercise prescription, sport-specific training drills, taping, bracing, and a structured return-to-play program. An important part of treating sports injuries is in-clinic testing prior to returning to play, ensuring that you are ready to return to training and competition without an increased risk of re-injury.
What physio treatment is available for runners knee and shin pain?
Treatment for runners knee and shin pain often involves a combination of load management, manual therapy, targeted exercises, and running gait analysis. Physios may also provide advice on proper footwear, and use drills and cues to optimise your running technique.
How do physios treat back pain?
Physiotherapists provide fast and effective relief of back pain using a range of evidence-based treatment techniques. These can include manual therapy, specific exercises for flexibility and muscle activation, progressive strengthening programs, and movement re-education. When appropriate, physios also provide guidance on structuring gym programs and training routines to minimise your risk of injury while still achieving the best possible results from your sessions.
Can physiotherapy help with neck pain or headaches?
Yes, physiotherapy is a first-choice treatment for neck pain and headaches. Treatment usually involves manual therapy, targeted exercises, and advice on posture and workplace ergonomics. Once your pain has settled, improving the strength of your neck, shoulder and upper back muscles is a very effective way to reduce your risk of future problems.
Is Pilates physio available at Central Performance?
Yes, Central Performance provides a comprehensive Pilates program. The program includes private (1:1) sessions, and small-group (4:1) classes. Pilates can be a very helpful addition to physio treatment, and forms a smooth progression back into exercise after an injury. All of our Pilates programs are fully personalised to each client’s needs, even in our group sessions. Plus you can progress your Pilates program into an all-round fitness, flexibility and strengthening routine as you improve.