Expert Physio in Hervey Bay
Evidence-based physiotherapy at our Pialba clinic and online — from everyday aches and pains, sports injuries to post-surgical rehab and more, we've got you covered. Qualified, results-driven care from The Physio Don.
Hervey Bay's evidence-based physiotherapy clinic
The Physio Don is an independent physiotherapy clinic in Pialba, Hervey Bay, located at 2/172 Boat Harbour Drive inside LIFT Strength & Conditioning Gym. Led by Donovan Baker (Doctor of Physiotherapy), we provide hands-on assessment and treatment for pain, injury and rehabilitation across the Fraser Coast.
We offer in-clinic physiotherapy for knee pain, back pain, hip pain and shoulder pain, sports physio, TMJ & jaw physio, pre & post-surgical rehab, geriatric physio & healthy ageing, and online consults. We accept HICAPS private health, NDIS, Support At Home, DVA, Medicare EPC and WorkCover. Open Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm.
Our Services
Comprehensive physiotherapy services tailored to your needs, delivered by highly qualified practitioners.

Online Physiotherapy, Programs & Resources
Personalised remote treatment plans, self-guided programs, Don's book and education to support you wherever you are.
- Online Physiotherapy Consults
- Built to Last — Online Program
- Getting Old Is Sh*t. Here's What To Do About It (book)
- Education & Blog
- Youtube Channel
How it works
Why Our Approach Is Different
Most people don't come to physiotherapy because they want treatment. They come because they want their life back — to walk without thinking about their knee, sleep through the night without shoulder pain, or get back to golf, the gym and chasing after the grandkids.
That's why we believe great physiotherapy should do three things.
Stage 1
Book your assessment — figure out what's actually going on
We start with a proper 1:1 assessment. We listen to your story, assess how you're moving, and explain what's driving your symptoms in plain English. Most people feel better simply knowing what's happening and having a clear plan.
Stage 2
Get a clear plan — and calm things down
Once we know what's going on, we build a tailored plan. Treatment may involve hands-on therapy and targeted strategies to settle symptoms, improve movement and restore confidence. Often, you need to calm things down before you can build things back up.
Stage 3
Get back to life — and build a stronger, more resilient body
This is where we stand out. We don't hand you a sheet of exercises and send you on your way. We coach you through progressive strength rehab in-clinic and in the gym, rebuilding capacity and tissue resilience so the issue doesn't come back, and you can return to the things you love.
Because rehabilitation shouldn't finish when the pain settles.
With direct access to the premium strength and conditioning facility at LIFT, we bridge the gap between feeling better and actually becoming stronger and more resilient. The goal isn't simply helping you hurt less today — it's helping you move well, stay active and keep doing the things you love for years to come.
Meet Our Team
Highly qualified physiotherapists with specialised expertise across sports, gerontology, TMJ, and strength & conditioning.

Donovan Baker
Principal Physiotherapist
Doctor of Physiotherapy (Macquarie), BExSc (Griffith), ASCA Strength & Conditioning, APA Gerontology, DMA Clinical Pilates, Dry Needling & Western Acupuncture.
View profile
Nathan McKeough
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy — Honours (CQU), APA Sports Physiotherapy Level 1, APA Temporomandibular Disorders (Jaw), APA Dry Needling.
View profileWhy Choose The Physio Don?
Evidence-Based Treatment
Every intervention is backed by current research. No gimmicks, just proven techniques that deliver results.
Premium Facilities
Located inside LIFT Strength & Conditioning Gym with access to private treatment rooms and premium rehabilitation equipment.
Free Parking
Plenty of free parking right in front of the clinic on Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba.
Personalised Treatment Plans
No cookie-cutter programs. Every treatment plan is tailored to your goals, lifestyle and individual needs.
Focused on Long-Term Results
We don't just treat symptoms. Our goal is to help you move better, stay active and prevent future injuries.
Dedicated 1-on-1 Appointments
Every appointment is spent with your physiotherapist. No passing you off to assistants, no leaving you on a machine while we treat someone else. Just focused, personalised care from start to finish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers. If you can't find what you're looking for, send us an email.
What does a physio session look like at The Physio Don?
Every appointment is one-on-one with your physiotherapist from start to finish. Your initial consultation begins with a thorough assessment so we can understand exactly what's causing your symptoms, what factors are contributing to them, and most importantly, what needs to change to get you back to doing the things you enjoy. What you'll get: • A clear understanding and explanation of your problem. • A personalised treatment plan. • Hands-on treatment where appropriate. • Exercises tailored specifically to you. • A clear understanding of what to expect during your recovery. For many people, the first few sessions focus on reducing pain, improving movement and restoring confidence. Depending on your condition, this may include manual therapy, joint mobilisation, soft tissue treatment, dry needling, movement retraining and carefully prescribed exercises. Once your pain begins to settle, our focus shifts to what we believe is the most important stage of rehabilitation: rebuilding strength, capacity and resilience. This is where many treatment providers stop. We don't. Whether your goal is returning to sport, getting back to work, playing with your grandchildren or simply walking without pain, we'll progressively build your strength and function so you're less likely to experience the same problem again. What makes us different? • We DO NOT put you on a machine and leave the room. • We DO NOT supervise multiple patients at once. • We DO NOT simply treat your pain and send you on your way. • We DO NOT hand you a generic exercise sheet and send you on your way. Every appointment is focused on moving you towards your goals with a combination of expert assessment, evidence-based treatment and progressive rehabilitation. Our aim isn't just to help you feel better today. It's to help you stay better long after your treatment has finished.
How much does an appointment cost?
Our consultation fees reflect the time, expertise and personalised care you receive. Every appointment is 1 on 1 with your physio from start to finish. 30-minute consultation: $105 60-minute consultation: $190 Unlike many clinics, every appointment is dedicated entirely to you. Your physiotherapist works with you one-on-one for the full consultation. We don't treat multiple patients at the same time, leave you on machines, or ask you to complete your exercises unsupervised while we see someone else. Every consultation is focused on understanding your condition, reducing pain where appropriate, and progressively helping you build the strength and confidence needed to get back to doing the things you enjoy. Where appropriate, your appointment includes: • A thorough assessment and diagnosis. • Hands-on treatment. • Individualised rehabilitation exercises. • Strength and movement coaching. • A clear management plan. • Home exercise guidance. Our goal isn't simply to provide temporary pain relief. We want to help you achieve lasting results and reduce the chance of your problem returning. Most private health funds cover 30% – 60% of the consult fee depending on your level of coverage. The Medicare CDM/EPC Package is a $63.40 contribution from Medicare to the cost of your appointment. Our fees are the normal rate listed above and you will receive the contribution back from Medicare in 24 hours.
Where is The Physio Don located in Hervey Bay?
We're at 2/172 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba QLD 4655, inside LIFT Strength & Conditioning Gym. There's plenty of free parking directly out the front, and we're a short drive from Scarness, Torquay, Urangan and surrounding Hervey Bay suburbs.
What are your opening hours?
We're open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm. You can book online any time, or call (07) 3535 1236 during business hours.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a physio?
No, you can book directly with us. However, if you have any existing referrals from your doctor or specialist (including Medicare EPC, DVA or WorkCover paperwork), please bring them to your appointment.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes. We have HICAPS available on-site, so if your private health insurance covers physiotherapy, you'll receive your rebate instantly at the time of payment.
Do you offer NDIS, DVA, Medicare and WorkCover physio?
Yes. We see eligible NDIS participants, Support At Home recipients, DVA cardholders, Medicare EPC referrals and WorkCover clients. The same clinical standard applies to every appointment regardless of funding source.
How many sessions will I need?
Every person and injury is different. As a rough guide: minor issues may resolve in 1–5 sessions, moderate issues in 5–10, and more severe or chronic conditions may need 10–15+. We'll give you a clear estimate after your initial assessment.
Do you offer online physiotherapy consults?
Yes. We offer fully guided video consultations with a qualified physiotherapist — ideal if you can't get to the clinic, are travelling, or prefer to be coached through your rehab from home.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Active wear is ideal — singlets and shorts work well. We'll need to assess certain areas of your body, so comfortable clothing that allows movement is best. Bring a towel and water bottle if you think you'll work up a sweat.
Is there free parking at the clinic?
Yes — there's plenty of free parking directly in front of the clinic on Boat Harbour Drive in Pialba.
Ready to Feel Better?
Book your appointment today and take the first step towards pain-free movement.

