Does a physiotherapist do massage?
Yes, a physiotherapist can do massage, but it’s not the same as a long, relaxing spa massage. Physio massage is usually more targeted, more clinical, and part of a bigger treatment plan. The goal isn’t just to feel good on the table—it’s to help you move better and get you back to your normal life.
Most physios use some form of massage or “hands-on” treatment. You’ll hear it called things like:
- Soft tissue release
- Trigger point therapy
- Deep tissue massage
- Myofascial release
It often focuses on a specific area: a tight calf, a stiff neck, that band of muscle next to your spine that feels like a rock. The pressure can be firm, sometimes a bit uncomfortable, but it should never feel unsafe or unbearable. You’re always in control—you can ask your physio to ease off.
Massage is usually just one part of physio. A full session might include:
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Hands-on work (massage, joint mobilisation, stretching)
- Exercises to strengthen or improve mobility
- Advice about posture, work setup, sport, or daily habits
So yes, physiotherapists do massage, but they also look at why that muscle tightened up in the first place and how to stop it coming back.
Real-life examples
- Desk worker with neck pain:
A patient came in with that classic “computer neck”—tight, burning pain across the shoulders and base of the skull. In the session, massage helped calm down the overworked muscles and reduce headache symptoms. But we also changed their desk height, showed them chin tucks and shoulder blade exercises, and set limits around long, uninterrupted sitting. The massage eased things quickly; the exercises kept it from flaring every week. - Runner with a tight calf:
Another patient, a weekend runner, kept feeling a sharp, grabby pain in the calf halfway through a 10km run. Massage to the calf and foot muscles helped release trigger points and settle that “cramping” feeling. Then we worked on ankle mobility, glute strength, and a gradual return-to-running plan. Without the load management and strength work, massage alone would’ve been a short-term fix.
What about Medicare and costs?
In Australia, a standard private physio session usually costs about 70–$130 AUD, depending on the clinic and location. Some clinics offer bulk-billed sessions under Medicare, but you’ll need a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan from your GP.
Private health extras cover often pays a portion of the consult, not a separate “massage fee”. The massage is included as part of the physiotherapy session. If you’re after a longer, pure relaxation massage, that’s usually better with a remedial massage therapist, not a physio.
How do you know if physio massage is right for you?
Ask yourself:
- Is the pain stopping you from doing normal things—walking, sitting, sleeping, working out?
- Does the same spot keep tightening up, even after a normal massage?
If yes, a physiotherapist can assess what’s actually driving the problem, then use massage plus exercise and education to treat it properly.
