Back Pain
Lower back stiffness, sciatica, disc-related pain or that ache that lingers after work, gym or long drives.
Attention: Hervey Bay locals living with pain
Fix Back, Hip, Knee or Shoulder Pain — Without Endless Scans, Injections or Surgery.
Experience expert physiotherapy at The Physio Don. A proper assessment, a clear plan, and the hands-on care + exercise you need to get resolve your pain and back doing the things you love.
Limited offer: 50% off your initial assessment
Trusted by hundreds of locals across Hervey Bay & the Fraser Coast
Get out of pain fasterMove with confidenceHands-on + exercise-basedReal 1:1 time with your physio
What we focus on
For Those Who Need To Get Back To Life — ASAP
Evidence based protocols. Tailored to suit you.
Hip Pain
Groin, glute and outer hip pain — bursitis, impingement, arthritis and the stiffness that creeps in with age or training load.
Knee Pain
Runner's knee, meniscus issues, post-op rehab, arthritis or that knee that flares up after walking, golf or kneeling in the garden.
Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff strains, impingement, frozen shoulder, post-surgical rehab and the pain that wakes you up at night.
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.
What Hervey Bay Locals Are Saying
Live reviews from our Google Business Profile.
Your physio
Hi, I'm Donovan…
I started The Physio Don because I was sick of seeing people get bounced around the system — 5 minutes with a physio, hooked up to a TENS machine, a handout of exercises, and a "see how you go". That's not what gets people better.
Every session is genuine 1:1 time. We figure out what's actually driving your pain, build a clear plan around your life, and progress it week by week until you're back to the things you love.
- · Doctor of Physiotherapy (Macquarie University)
- · Bachelor of Exercise Science (Griffith University)
- · Member, Australian Physiotherapy Association
Next step
Book Your Assessment
Includes 50% off your initial assessment
Fill in the form and we'll call to lock in a time.
FAQ
Common Questions
How long is a session?
Your initial assessment runs for approximately 45–60 minutes so we have time to do things properly. Follow-up sessions are typically 30 minutes of focused, hands-on treatment and exercise.
Do I need a GP referral?
No referral is needed. You can book directly and we'll take it from there.
Where are you located?
We're located at Shop 2/172 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba, inside LIFT Strength & Conditioning, with free parking right out the front.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is best. Shorts and a singlet or t-shirt usually work well so we can properly assess the area that's bothering you.
Do you have private health rebates?
Yes. We offer on-the-spot claiming through HICAPS with most major health funds.
What happens during the first appointment?
We take the time to understand your story, assess what's going on, explain things in plain English and put together a clear plan to get you back doing the things you enjoy.
Will I get treatment on the first visit?
Usually, yes. In most cases we'll begin treatment during your first appointment and give you some practical strategies to get started straight away.
Do I need scans or an MRI before seeing a physio?
Not usually. Many people improve without needing scans. If we believe further investigations are appropriate, we'll discuss this with you.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your injury, goals and how long you've had the problem. After your assessment we'll give you our recommendations and a clear roadmap moving forward.
I've had pain for years. Is it too late?
Absolutely not. We regularly help people who have been dealing with pain for months or even years. While every situation is different, many people are capable of much more improvement than they realise.
Do you only treat sports injuries?
Not at all. We help people with everyday aches and pains, work injuries, arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation and those who simply want to move better and feel stronger.
How much does an initial assessment cost?
Initial assessments are private-pay and eligible for private health rebates on the spot via HICAPS. Call us on (07) 3535 1236 for current pricing. We keep it transparent and there are no surprise fees. Booking with this offer will give you 50% off your initial appointment.
I'm not very fit. Can I still see you?
Absolutely. You don't need to be fit, sporty or already exercising. Everything is tailored to your starting point.
Do you treat older adults?
Yes. We have extensive experience helping older adults improve strength, mobility, balance and confidence.
Will I be given exercises?
Usually, yes. Exercise is often an important part of recovery, but we'll explain exactly why we're prescribing it and tailor it to suit your abilities and lifestyle.
Will exercise make my pain worse?
Usually no. When given the right exercises at the right stage of your rehab, exercise will almost always improve your condition. The key is finding the right amount and progressing appropriately.
Do you do hands-on treatment?
Yes, where appropriate. Depending on your situation, treatment may include hands-on techniques, dry needling, exercise, education and strategies to help you move better and get back to life.
What if I'm nervous about exercising?
That's completely normal. Many people haven't exercised in years or are worried about making things worse. We meet you where you're at and progress things at a pace that feels manageable.
What makes The Physio Don different?
We believe people deserve more than five rushed minutes, a handout of exercises and a "see how you go." Every session is genuine 1:1 time. We work out what's actually driving your pain and build a practical plan around your goals and lifestyle.
Why are you inside a strength and conditioning gym?
Because rehabilitation shouldn't stop at basic exercises. Having access to a premium gym environment allows us to progressively rebuild strength, confidence and capacity in a way that's much closer to real life.
What areas do you service?
We regularly see clients from Pialba, Urraween, Eli Waters, Scarness, Torquay, Urangan and across the wider Fraser Coast.
Do you take NDIS, Medicare or DVA referrals?
This offer is for private-paying clients booking directly with us. We absolutely work with NDIS, DVA, Support at Home and Medicare-funded clients. Visit our main website or contact us to discuss the most appropriate pathway.