Sports Physio
in Richmond
Hands-on sports physiotherapy in the heart of Richmond. Real treatment, real rehab, and a physio who talks to your coach — so you never stop progressing. HICAPS rebates on the spot.
Pain, injury, and everything before both
From the weekend runner with a niggle to the lifter coming back from surgery — we treat the full spectrum of musculoskeletal complaints Melbourne's active population brings through the door.
Lower Back Pain
Acute strains, chronic stiffness, disc-related pain, desk-job back. Assessment, hands-on treatment, and a strength plan to stop it coming back.
- Lifting-related strain
- Postural pain
- Sciatica & nerve referral
- Return-to-gym planning
Shoulder & Neck
Rotator cuff, impingement, frozen shoulder, tension headaches. Loaded rehab, not just ice and ultrasound.
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Impingement syndromes
- Postural neck pain
- Overhead athlete rehab
Knee & Hip
Runner's knee, ACL rehab, hip impingement, tendinopathies. Progressive loading protocols that get you back to sport properly.
- Patellofemoral pain
- ACL / meniscus rehab
- Hip & glute tendinopathy
- Return-to-run programs
Running Injuries
Shin splints, plantar fasciitis, IT band, calf strains. Biomechanical assessment, running retraining, and load management.
- Shin & calf pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- ITB syndrome
- Marathon prep rehab
Strength-Related Injuries
Tweaks from deadlifts, benching, squatting. We actually train — we know what the movements feel like and what cues to give.
- Lifting strains
- Technique review
- Return-to-lift protocols
- Program modification
Post-Op Rehab
ACL, shoulder, hip, back surgery. Guided return from week one through full return to sport or training.
- Post-surgical protocols
- Staged loading
- Return-to-sport testing
- Long-term programming
Your physio talks
to your coach
This is the bit most clinics can't offer. Our physios and coaches are literally in the same building — so if something flares up, your program adjusts the same day. No cross-referrals, no waiting two weeks for a letter, no "just stop training until it's better."
Same-Day Coach Handoff
Treated on Tuesday, your Wednesday session is already modified. No lost weeks.
Actual Gym Equipment
We don't rehab with resistance bands in a 2×2m room. You get squat racks, dumbbells, cable machines — because rehab is just loaded strength work.
Physios Who Train
Our physios actually lift. They know the difference between "squat pain" and "bad squat" — because they've been under the bar.
Transparent physio pricing
Standard AHPRA-registered physiotherapy rates. HICAPS on-the-spot rebates for most health funds — you pay the gap only.
Initial Assessment
- Full history & assessment
- Hands-on treatment
- Exercise prescription
- Treatment plan & next steps
Follow-up Session
- Reassessment & treatment
- Hands-on + loaded rehab
- Progression review
- Same-day HICAPS rebate
HICAPS & Rebates
- All major health funds
- Claim at reception
- You pay the gap only
- WorkCover & TAC accepted
We don't believe in open-ended treatment. Every person who walks in gets a plan with a start, a middle and an end.
Initial Assessment
45 minutes. Full history, physical exam, diagnosis. You leave with a plan and hands-on treatment already started.
Acute Care
Symptom management, early loading, modified training. Usually 2–3 weeks of closely-spaced sessions.
Progressive Loading
Rehab is just loaded strength work. We build you back with proper programming, not resistance bands forever.
Return to Sport / Training
Measured, tested, signed off. You know you're back because the numbers say you're back — not because it "feels ok."
Real people. Real recoveries.
"Keeping in mind my own fitness goals, Matt has always provided a varied and challenging routine. Due to his experience working in corrective exercise and rehabilitation, he is great at working around any niggling injuries or joints I may have. As a 52 year old, this skill is becoming increasingly needed."
"Matt has been my personal trainer for over six years. He knows his craft well and his instruction has helped maintain me in good physical condition well into my 70's. Whether training indoor or outdoor he has tailored training sessions appropriate to my needs and capabilities."
"Matt is extremely professional and knowledgeable. He pushes me to do that bit extra to extend myself but never ever at the risk of injury. I have definitely become stronger. The sessions are varied and enjoyable — I never feel bored and the time passes quickly."
Straight answers on physio
Do I need a GP referral to see you?
No — physiotherapy is a primary contact profession in Australia, so you can book directly. You only need a referral for WorkCover, TAC, DVA, or EPC (Medicare) claims.
Do you accept HICAPS and health fund rebates?
Yes. We process HICAPS on the spot for all major funds — Bupa, Medibank, HCF, NIB, AHM, HBF and more. You tap your card and only pay the gap.
What's the difference between an initial and a follow-up session?
Initials are 45 minutes and include a full history, physical exam, diagnosis and first treatment. Follow-ups are 30 minutes focused on progression and continued treatment. If you're new to us or haven't been in for 6+ months, book an initial.
How long until I'm back to sport / training?
Totally dependent on the injury — a mild strain might be 1–2 weeks, post-ACL is 9–12 months. We'll give you an honest range at the initial assessment and progress you based on objective testing, not guesswork.
How is this different from a generic physio clinic?
Two big things: our physios train themselves (so they get lifting/running injuries properly), and we have a full gym and coaching team in-house. Rehab here is actual programming, not band exercises for 12 weeks.
Do you accept NDIS?
We can see self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants for musculoskeletal physio. Get in touch with your NDIS details and we'll confirm fit before booking.
Do you offer after-hours appointments?
Yes — we have evening appointments until 7pm on weekdays and Saturday mornings. Great for Richmond and Hawthorn professionals who can't do 9-to-5.
Stop managing pain.
Start fixing it.
Book an initial assessment. 45 minutes to understand what's going on and build you a real plan — not another six weeks of ice and ultrasound.
Or email hello@shapeshift.fitness — we reply within 2 hours.