Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists help you improve movement and function lost from an injury, illness or long-term health condition. They can lodge ACC claims for you and refer you to specialists to look at specific issues.
What physiotherapists do
Physiotherapy can help with many conditions, including:
- muscle and joint sprains and strains
- back injuries
- neck pain
- return to sports and work after injury
- breathing problems
- heart and lung conditions
- pelvic health
- recovery and preparation for surgery
- exercise to improve health and mobility
- pain problems
- headaches
- brain and nerve conditions
- living with a long term condition, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis (MS)
- relaxation and breathing to relieve stress.
Where physiotherapists work
Physiotherapists work in:
- hospitals
- medical centres
- marae
- schools
- workplaces
- communities
- private clinics.
Physiotherapy costs
If ACC accepts your claim, ACC will cover most of the costs of your treatment.
If ACC does not cover your claim, you will need to pay a fee, which varies from clinic to clinic. It is always best to contact the physio before visiting to talk about costs.
Your healthcare provider may be able to refer you to hospital for funded physiotherapy.
You may be able to claim the cost of physiotherapy through your health insurance.
Accident cover and ACC
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a government agency that helps pay for treatment if you are injured in an accident.
The ACC provides comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all residents and visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand. This means if you are hurt in an accident, ACC can help no matter who caused the accident.
If you have an accident and need emergency care in a hospital, it will be covered by ACC.
ACC usually pays some of the other medical costs if you have an accident, like surgery, physiotherapy and medicines. ACC may also be able to cover some loss of earnings resulting from an accident.
I'm injured — The Accident Compensation Corporation
Find a physiotherapist
Talk to your healthcare provider about being referred to a physio or visit a physio directly.