Personalised, evidence-based physiotherapy at our Highgate Hill clinic in Brisbane.
Our approach to physiotherapy goes beyond treating symptoms. We believe in understanding the root cause of pain and working with the whole person: body, mind and lifestyle.
Conditions physiotherapy can help
Physiotherapy is a science-based practice that helps people restore movement, strength and function after an injury, surgery or illness. It's built on how your body actually works, joints, muscles, nerves and the way they move together, rather than guesswork. Using hands-on treatment, tailored exercise programs, posture correction and clear education, it supports recovery now and helps stop the same problem coming back.
A good physiotherapist doesn't just treat the spot that hurts. Pain in one place is often caused, or made worse, by something happening somewhere else entirely, a weak hip changing how your knee moves, or months of desk posture finally catching up with your neck. That's why the first session is always an assessment first: understanding your full picture before deciding on a plan, rather than jumping straight to treatment.
Combined with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and clinical Pilates when your condition needs it.
Time taken to listen to your story, lifestyle, posture and movement patterns.
Addressing the underlying cause of your pain, not just where it hurts.
Physiotherapy on its own is often exactly what's needed. But some conditions respond faster, or more completely, when it's paired with acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine. A stubborn, deep muscle knot that won't release with hands-on work alone often responds well to acupuncture alongside it. Ongoing inflammation might need a herbal formula working from the inside while physiotherapy rebuilds strength from the outside.
This isn't about stacking on extra treatments for the sake of it. Sandra assesses whether your condition would genuinely benefit before recommending anything beyond physiotherapy, and you're always told why, not just what. For conditions needing more structured movement work, clinical Pilates is often layered in once the acute pain has settled, to rebuild strength in a way that protects against the injury coming back.
Not sure whether you need physiotherapy, acupuncture, or both? See our full physiotherapy vs acupuncture comparison. Weighing up chiropractic care instead? Read physiotherapy vs chiropractic.
Every treatment is tailored to your individual needs, with many clients experiencing helpful improvements within just a few sessions.
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Over 20 years of clinical expertise in physiotherapy and natural health, across sports injuries, chronic pain, post-surgical rehab and pregnancy-related conditions.
Modern physiotherapy combined with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and clinical Pilates when it genuinely helps your recovery, never added as an upsell.
Every session tailored to your individual needs and goals, not a fixed program applied to everyone with a similar injury.
Highgate Hill, easily accessible from South Brisbane, West End and Woolloongabba, with on-site parking.
If pain, stiffness or injury is limiting your life, our physiotherapy can help you recover, move freely and regain confidence in your body.
“Sandra Tan is a very professional physiotherapist and has taken great care to help improve my Neck Pain. I always feel relaxed, relieved and positive about my recovery. She gives excellent one to one attention and has a kind and compassionate manner. Strongly Recommend her!”
Sukhjeet SajjanGoogle review
“Leya is a very professional physiotherapist and has taken great care to help improve my back pain. I always feel positive about my recovery. She gave some exercises to do at home also very helpful to recover pain. Strongly Recommend her!”
Nohan RanasingheGoogle review
“I've been to see Sandra several times now, for various injuries on my thigh, neck and back. I have always walked away from her clinic feeling relaxed, relieved and positive about my recovery. The combination of physiotherapy and acupuncture is fantastic.”
Nick MorrisseyGoogle review
“Sandra has guided me through recovery from an injury and been the much appreciated voice of reason. She's been very good at helping me consider the bigger picture.”
Dorothy ShanksGoogle review
“Leya is the best physiotherapist I have met. Her knowledge skills ethics and competence are exceptional.”
Maureen BreenGoogle review
“Adele looks after me on a fortnightly basis and she's absolutely amazing and helps me a lot with my neck, back and arm issues. Thank you so much Adele.”
Francois BijouxGoogle review
A patient came in with persistent neck pain that was affecting their daily comfort and sleep. Hands-on treatment combined with a small set of home exercises brought steady improvement, and they left each session feeling more relaxed and confident about their recovery.
Details altered to protect patient privacy. Individual results vary and depend on your specific condition and history.
Ancient wisdom, modern wellness
Physiotherapy paired with acupuncture and herbal medicine is more than a treatment. It's a reconnection to your body's natural rhythm and resilience.
Nervous about your first physio session? Here's what settles most people.
Treatment is adjusted to your comfort throughout. You are always in control, and we check in as we go rather than pushing through pain.
That's normal, most people don't. The first session is a thorough assessment to work out what's going on before any treatment plan is set.
It depends on your condition, but many people notice a helpful shift within the first few visits. We'll give you a realistic estimate after your assessment.
Comfortable clothing you can move in. We'll let you know if anything specific helps for your particular area of concern.
No, you can book directly. A referral is only required for WorkCover, Veterans' Affairs, CTP or a Medicare chronic condition management plan.
In most cases, yes. The clinic is registered with all major health funds for physiotherapy, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, so most policies allow you to claim on the spot through HICAPS and just pay the gap. Check with your fund to confirm your level of cover.
A suspected fracture, unexplained weight loss alongside pain, numbness in the saddle area, or loss of bowel or bladder control need urgent medical assessment, not physiotherapy. For the vast majority of everyday muscle, joint and posture-related pain, physiotherapy is appropriate first-line care and you don't need a referral to start.
If pain, stiffness or injury is holding you back, we welcome you to Holistic Physio in Highgate Hill.