Physiotherapy has become one of the most widely recommended treatments for pain, injury recovery, and long-term mobility. Yet despite its popularity, there are still plenty of misconceptions about what physios actually do and how physiotherapy works.

To help clear the confusion, we’re breaking down the five most common myths about physiotherapy, with insights from Australian physiotherapist Ryan Dorahy, known for his work with both everyday clients and high-performance athletes.

Myth 1: Physiotherapy Is Only for Injuries

Many people think physio is something you only seek after you get injured. The truth? Physiotherapy is equally powerful as a preventive tool.

Modern physios help people improve movement, posture, strength, and mobility long before injuries occur.

As Ryan Dorahy, physio in Bondi Junction, explains:

“People often wait until pain stops them in their tracks. But the best outcomes come from proactive care, addressing movement issues before they turn into injuries.”

Whether you're recovering from pain or aiming to prevent it altogether, working with a knowledgeable clinician can help keep your body functioning at its best.

Myth 2: Physios Only Treat Muscle Pain

While muscle pain is a common issue physios treat, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Physiotherapy covers a wide range of conditions, including:

Joint injuries
Tendon and ligament problems
Posture-related pain
Sports injuries
Chronic pain conditions
Mobility limitations
Post-surgery rehabilitation

Physios also work extensively on movement retraining, strength development, balance, and functional recovery, far beyond just sore muscles.

Myth 3: Physiotherapy Is Just Massage and Stretching

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry. Physiotherapy is not just hands-on treatment or passive therapy.

A good physio uses a mix of:

Movement analysis
Exercise-based rehabilitation
Strength and conditioning
Joint mobilisation
Education on posture and daily habits
Injury prevention strategies

Hands-on therapy helps reduce pain, but long-term change comes from retraining movement and building strength. That’s where the real transformation happens.

Myth 4: You Need a Referral to See a Physiotherapist

In most countries, including Australia, you can see a physiotherapist without any referral from a doctor. Physios are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of conditions.

If additional medical imaging or specialist care is needed, they’ll guide you through those steps. But for general pain, mobility issues, sports injuries, or preventive care, booking directly with a physio is the fastest way to start recovering.

Myth 5: All Physiotherapists Treat the Same Way

Just like any healthcare profession, physiotherapists differ in their approach, experience levels, specialties, and treatment methods.

Some physios focus on:

Sports rehabilitation
Chronic pain
Post-operative recovery
Strength and conditioning
Preventative therapy
Functional movement

Practitioners like Ryan Dorahy, who have worked extensively with elite athletes, often bring high-performance principles into everyday clinical care, blending hands-on treatment with evidence-based exercise and long-term planning.

Final Thoughts

Physiotherapy is far more than just injury management. It’s a holistic approach to movement, strength, performance, and long-term health.

By understanding the truth behind these common myths, you can make more informed decisions about your body, whether you’re recovering from pain, returning to sport, or aiming to prevent injuries before they happen.