If you’re looking for physiotherapy in Neutral Bay, you’ve probably got two questions right at the top of your mind:

1. How much is this going to cost me?

2. Is it actually going to work — or am I signing up for endless appointments?

Because let’s be honest: plenty of people have tried physio (or chiro) before, felt better for a day or two, then ended up in a ‘maintenance’ rhythm that never really builds confidence.

This guide will make it simple. You’ll learn what physiotherapy typically costs (and what can change the price), what conditions physios commonly treat, whether you can claim anything back through Medicare, NDIS, or private health, and exactly what happens in your first session. Most importantly, you’ll understand what you’re paying for at a good clinic: a clear assessment, an explanation you can actually follow, and a plan built around education, exercise, and lifestyle factors — so you can manage the problem long-term, with support there when you need it.

Costs and pricing: how much does physiotherapy cost in Neutral Bay?

If you’re trying to compare clinics, the easiest way is to look at two things: time and who you’re seeing.

What can change the price of physio (and what it means for you)

• Initial vs standard appointment: Your first session is usually longer because it includes a thorough assessment, goal setting, and your initial plan.

• Appointment length: Longer sessions cost more because there’s more time for assessment, coaching, refining technique, and progressions.

• Clinician experience: Fees may vary between clinicians due to differences in experience, further training, and areas of clinical interest. This doesn’t mean ‘better’ or ‘worse’ care — it’s simply different levels of experience for different needs.

How to choose the right appointment (quick rule of thumb)

• If your issue is straightforward and you mainly need a clear plan and coaching, starting with any clinician is a great option.

• If your issue is complex (long-standing pain, repeated flare-ups, multiple areas, or you’ve tried treatment before without lasting results), you may prefer a clinician with more experience or a specific focus.

• If you’re not sure, don’t overthink it — book an initial consult and we’ll help match you to the right option.

Our current fees (Neutral Bay)

Fees vary based on appointment length and which physiotherapist you see. As a guide:

Senior Physiotherapist

• Initial consult: $150 (45 mins) or $170 (60 mins)

• Follow-up: $105 (30 mins), $140 (45 mins), $160 (60 mins)

Director Physiotherapist

• Initial consult: $220 (60 mins)

• Follow-up: $115 (30 mins), $150 (45 mins), $180 (60 mins)

Fees are correct at the time of publishing and may change. If you want to double-check the latest pricing, you’ll always see it on our online booking page.

‘What am I paying for’ if it’s not just hands-on treatment?

It’s a fair question — especially if you’ve previously had appointments that were mostly manual therapy.

In an active-first clinic, the value is usually:

• A proper assessment (so you’re not guessing)

• A clear explanation in plain English (so you understand what’s going on)

• A tailored plan (not a generic sheet of exercises)

• Coaching and progression (so you improve, not just ‘do movements’)

• Education and lifestyle factors (so it stays better and flare-ups are less likely)

The aim is that you need less help over time, not more — with support there when you need it.

Conditions physiotherapists commonly treat (and when you should book in)

Physios don’t just ‘treat pain’. They help you work out what’s driving it, then build a plan to get you moving better, getting stronger, and feeling more confident in your body.

Here are some of the most common reasons people book in.

Everyday aches that won’t shift

• Low back pain (including ‘tight’, ‘stuck’, or recurring flare-ups)

• Neck pain (often linked with desk work, stress, or sleep positions)

• Headaches linked to neck or upper back irritation

• Discomfort that builds across the day, especially with sitting or repetitive work

If symptoms keep returning, the answer usually isn’t another quick fix. It’s figuring out the trigger (load, habits, strength, mobility, sleep, stress) and changing the pattern.

Sports and gym-related injuries

• Running-related pain (shin, calf, Achilles, knee, hip)

• Tendon pain (Achilles, patellar, gluteal tendons)

• Shoulder pain (pressing, pulling, overhead work)

• Sprains and strains that still don’t feel right weeks later

These tend to respond best when the plan is progressive: the right amount of load, at the right time, with the right technique.

Joint pain, stiffness, and osteoarthritis

• Knee pain (stairs, squats, walking, osteoarthritis)

• Hip pain (glutes, groin, stiffness)

• Shoulder pain or stiffness (including rotator cuff-related pain)

• Support for osteoarthritis and joint stiffness to help you stay active with fewer flare-ups

Age-related joint changes are common and don’t automatically equal pain. The focus is on building strength, improving tolerance to load, and keeping you doing what you enjoy.

Post-injury and post-operative rehab

• Rehab after orthopaedic surgery (for example, knee, shoulder, ankle)

• Returning to sport after an injury

• Building capacity back after time off training

This is where clear milestones matter: range of motion, strength targets, return-to-run or return-to-gym progressions, and confidence.

Balance, falls prevention, and building strength as you age

• Balance confidence and unsteadiness

• Falls prevention strength programs

• General deconditioning

Small improvements here can make day-to-day life feel dramatically easier.

When you should book (instead of waiting it out)

Book in if:

• it’s not improving after about 1–2 weeks (or it’s getting worse)

• it keeps coming back with the same triggers

• you’re avoiding movement because you don’t trust the area

• it’s stopping you training, working, sleeping, or doing normal life

If you have severe or unusual symptoms (for example, significant weakness, spreading numbness, sudden loss of balance, bowel or bladder changes, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain after major trauma), seek urgent medical advice.

What to expect in your first physio session (step-by-step)

A good first appointment shouldn’t feel vague. You should walk out knowing what’s most likely going on, what to do next, and how you’ll measure progress.

1) A proper chat (so you’re not treated like a body part)

You’ll talk through:

• what’s bothering you and when it started

• what makes it better or worse

• what it’s stopping you from doing (training, work, sleep, daily tasks)

• relevant history (previous injuries, surgery, medical conditions)

• what you want back to (your goals)

This is also where you can raise any worries, like ‘I’ve been told I need maintenance’, or ‘I’m scared I’ll make it worse’.

2) An assessment based on how you move

You’ll be asked to do a few movements and tests so your physio can understand:

• what reproduces your symptoms

• what’s restricted, sensitive, or avoiding load

• strength, control, mobility, and tolerance to movement

• what might be contributing (your overall activity, training load, sleep, stress, and daily movement patterns at work and outside of it)

If you’ve had scans, bring them along — but they’re not always needed to get started.

3) A clear explanation in plain English

Your physio should explain:

• what they think is driving the issue (a ‘working theory’)

• what’s likely to help and what’s less useful

• what to modify for now (if anything)

• what a realistic timeline might look like

You shouldn’t leave feeling confused, scared, or like you’re ‘broken’.

4) A simple plan you can actually follow

Most people do best with a small number of high-impact actions. You’ll usually leave with:

• 2–4 exercises matched to your current capacity

• clear instructions (how often, how hard, what’s normal soreness vs too much)

• practical changes for the next week (pacing, training tweaks, and simple movement targets across the day)

This isn’t about giving you a giant list. It’s about giving you the right starting point.

5) Support when it helps, with a clear path to self-management

You may get extra support early on if it helps you move more comfortably or builds confidence — but it shouldn’t be the whole strategy.

The goal is to build your capacity over time so you can manage the problem yourself, with your physio guiding progress and adjusting the plan based on how you respond.

6) A follow-up plan that makes sense

Before you leave, you should know:

• what you’re aiming to improve before the next visit

• what would mean you should come back sooner

• the best next step (short follow-up vs longer session)

• a rough idea of what’s reasonable for your situation (as a range, not a promise)

A good plan feels structured, not open-ended.

Medicare, NDIS and private health: what you can (and can’t) claim

This is the part that trips people up, so let’s keep it simple.

Does Medicare cover physiotherapy?

Not usually. Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine private physio just because you’re sore or injured.

The main situation where Medicare can contribute is if your GP puts you on a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (for chronic conditions) and refers you for allied health services. In that pathway, eligible patients can access a limited number of individual allied health services per calendar year, and Medicare pays a rebate, which means there’s often still a gap depending on the clinic’s fees.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, ask your GP whether a Chronic Condition Management Plan applies to your situation.

Does the NDIS cover physiotherapy?

It can. Physiotherapy may be funded when it relates to your disability needs and goals, and it’s included in your plan’s funding. How it’s claimed depends on whether you’re self-managed, plan-managed, or agency-managed.

If you’re not sure what’s included in your plan, your plan manager or support coordinator (if you have one) can usually point you in the right direction.

Can I use private health insurance for physiotherapy?

Often, yes — if you have extras cover that includes physio. Your rebate depends on your policy, annual limits, and any waiting periods. It’s common to still have a gap.

If you want a clear answer before you book, ask your insurer: ‘How much do I get back per physio visit, and how much do I have left for the year?’

FAQ: physiotherapy costs, Medicare, and NDIS

How much does physiotherapy cost in Australia?

Physio fees vary by clinic, location, appointment length, and clinician experience. Initial consultations usually cost more than follow-ups because they include a full assessment and your initial plan.

If you’re comparing clinics, focus on appointment length (30/45/60 minutes), and what you walk out with (clear explanation + plan + progressions).

How much does physiotherapy cost in Neutral Bay?

Neutral Bay is a Sydney metro area, so pricing is often higher than regional areas. The quickest way to get clarity is to check the clinic’s fees and confirm:

• initial vs follow-up pricing

• session lengths

• whether fees vary by clinician experience

Does Medicare cover physiotherapy?

Not usually for routine private physio. Medicare generally doesn’t cover standard physio appointments just because you’re sore or injured.

Where Medicare may contribute is most commonly via a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan with a GP referral for allied health. Medicare pays a rebate, so there’s often still a gap depending on clinic fees.

Is physiotherapy covered by Medicare?

In most cases, no — not for routine private physio. Medicare may contribute in specific situations (most commonly with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and allied health referral), and it’s typically a rebate rather than full cover.

Can you claim physiotherapy on Medicare?

Yes — but only if you meet Medicare’s requirements and have the right GP paperwork. In practical terms, that usually means:

• a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan is in place

• you have the correct allied health referral

• you understand there may be a gap payment

• you know Medicare-funded allied health visits are limited per year

If you’re unsure, ask your GP whether you’re eligible and bring your referral to your first appointment.

Does NDIS cover physiotherapy?

It can. Physiotherapy may be funded when it relates to your disability needs and NDIS goals, and it’s included in your plan’s funding. How it’s claimed depends on whether you’re agency-managed, plan-managed, or self-managed.

If you’re not sure, check your plan goals and funding, then ask your plan manager or support coordinator what’s available.

Can I use private health insurance for physiotherapy?

Often, yes — if you have extras cover that includes physio. Your rebate depends on your policy, annual limits, and any waiting periods, and it’s common to still have a gap.

How to choose a physio in Neutral Bay (and avoid the ‘maintenance’ trap)

If you’ve seen a physio or chiro before, you might be walking in with a quiet worry: ‘Am I about to be told I need ongoing tune-ups?’

Here’s how to choose a clinic that helps you move forward, not stay dependent.

Green flags (signs you’re in the right place)

A good physio appointment should feel like it’s building momentum, not creating reliance. Look for:

• They ask about your goals, not just your symptoms, and link the plan to what you actually want to get back to.

• They assess how you move, not just where it hurts.

• They explain what they think is going on in plain English and check it makes sense to you.

• You leave with a plan you can actually follow at home, in the gym, or around your normal week.

• They progress things over time (exercises, loads, and the movements you’ve been avoiding).

• They encourage self-management and track progress with clear markers (for example: walking tolerance, sleep, training volume, strength targets, confidence).

Red flags (when ‘maintenance’ is the product)

No single sign is perfect, but these patterns should make you pause:

• Sessions are mostly passive treatment, with little change in approach over time.

• You’re told you’re ‘out of alignment’, ‘out of place’, or need regular ‘tune-ups’ to stay OK.

• There’s no clear plan for progress or independence, and ongoing visits feel like the default rather than a choice.

• You don’t know what you’re meant to work on between appointments.

• Progress is judged by how you feel right after the session, rather than what you can do week to week.

What to ask before you book (quick script)

If you want to filter clinics fast, ask one or two of these:

• ‘What does a first appointment usually include?’

• ‘Will I leave with a plan I can follow outside the clinic?’

• ‘How do you measure progress?’

• ‘Do you focus on self-management and building capacity over time?’

• ‘How do you decide how often I need to come in?’

A good clinic will answer clearly without getting defensive.

Picking the right clinician (when fees vary)

If fees vary between physiotherapists, it usually reflects experience, further training, or a specific clinical focus. That doesn’t mean one option is ‘good’ and the other is ‘bad’ — it’s about matching the right person to the problem.

• Straightforward issue? Start with any clinician and focus on consistency with your plan.

• Complex or long-standing issue? Consider a clinician with more experience or a specific focus.

If you’re unsure, most clinics can guide you to the best fit based on what’s going on.

The bottom line

You’re not just choosing a person — you’re choosing an approach. The goal should be support when needed, and more independence over time.

Ready to book? Here’s how to get the most out of your first session

If you’re in Neutral Bay (or nearby) and you’re sick of guessing, the next step is simple: book a session and get a clear plan.

What to bring (or think about) before you come in

• a quick timeline of what’s been happening (when it started, what flares it up, what helps)

• your goals (for example: ‘run 5 km again’, ‘lift without pain’, ‘sleep through the night’)

• any relevant reports if you’ve had scans or specialist letters (helpful context, not essential)

• your private health details if you’re planning to claim

• if you’re using Medicare, bring your GP referral paperwork

• if you’re using NDIS, know whether you’re self-managed, plan-managed, or agency-managed (and bring any key plan info if you have it)

What happens next (so it doesn’t feel open-ended)

After your first session, you should have:

• a clear starting plan you can follow at home, in the gym, and in day-to-day life

• a simple way to judge progress before your next visit

• a follow-up plan that suits your needs — whether that’s a short check-in, ongoing coaching, or spacing sessions out as you gain confidence

Final word

The goal of your first session is simple: clarity and a plan. You’ll leave knowing what we think is going on, what to do this week, and what progress should look like. If that’s what you’re after, book in and we’ll match you to the right clinician.