From chronic back pain and sports injuries to pregnancy aches and postpartum recovery, physiotherapy can help at all stages of life. Here, we talk with top physiotherapists in Singapore about the conditions they treat and the benefits of seeing an experienced physio.
Which physio?
Edge Healthcare for physiotherapy
Edge Healthcare is a leading, evidenced-based physiotherapy practice in Singapore with locations in the CBD (#06-02 139 Cecil Street) and Orchard (#11-01 The Forum, 583 Orchard Road). The practice prides itself on being research-led and forward-thinking in its methods and treatments, and providing quality, personalised care in an approachable and friendly clinic setting.
All of their therapists are committed to getting patients back to full functionality as quickly as possible. From thorough clinical examination to full explanations of their findings and diagnoses, to providing the most appropriate and effective treatments, they take the time to address patients’ concerns and put their minds at ease every step of the way. They can also refer patients for further investigations as necessary.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, Edge Healthcare physiotherapists work closely with other medical and health professionals, including general practitioners, sports physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, cardiac surgeons, midwives, podiatrists, personal trainers and sports coaches to help achieve the best result for clients.
Hear from Catherine O’Brien, physiotherapist at Edge Healthcare Orchard:
“As a physiotherapist, every day is different. I’m constantly meeting new people and facing new challenges. My favourite part of working as a physiotherapy specialist is watching my patients recover and return to what they enjoy. I often feel like I’m putting together pieces of a puzzle – finding the root cause of an injury and figuring out what I can do to help. For me, it is fulfilling to help people recover from injury. Often, patients are so appreciative of even the smallest step in the recovery process.
Normally, a first session involves a detailed discussion about the path that brought the patient through the door. It also involves a series of observations to identify the root cause of the problem and an overall evaluation to get a diagnosis. We will discuss the cause of the injury, along with an overall treatment plan.
From manual therapy, progressive rehabilitation exercises, and strength and conditioning to dry needling and Pilates, we have many different treatments and skills at our disposal to use. And, treatment will never be a replicated recipe. Rather, each treatment plan is tailored to what the individual patient wants to achieve.”
Cecil Street and Orchard Road
6222 4766 | edgehealthcare.com.sg
Activex Physio in Singapore
Activex Physio in Singapore is a boutique musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinic dedicated to delivering unparalleled care and service. Their mission is to empower individuals through active rehabilitation and exercise to achieve strength, improve performance and enhance their overall quality of life.
As an exercise first clinic, a big part of what we do involves being active participants in the wider sporting community. This includes being the on-site physios in Singapore National Powerlifting Competitions, Strongman Static Monsters Competition 2022, Strength Games 2023, and hosting educational workshops to local gyms and corporations.
Hear from physiotherapist, Helen Nguyen:
“As the founder of Activex Physio, I have always been driven to help others and live an active lifestyle. This passion led me to pursue a career in physiotherapy, and I have been practising for over eight years.
At Activex Physio, we are dedicated to facilitating lasting positive change and empowering individuals to lead healthier, more active lives. Our clinic prioritises exercise rehabilitation, with manual therapy techniques used as adjuncts to treatment.
New patients can expect a comprehensive assessment, personalised treatment plans, and expert guidance to help them achieve their goals. We conduct a thorough assessments to find the root cause and risk factors, and use tools such as hand-held dynamometers and a variety of tests to obtain comparable objective measures. From there, we provide personalised exercise programmes and expert guidance to foster a culture of wellness. We want to enable our clients to reach their full potential.
I love helping people recover from injury, regain their strength and return to their optimal level of performance.”
#04-13 SBF Centre, 160 Robinson Road
8023 3805 | activexphysio.com
The Rehab Lab physiotherapists and sports massage
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, looking to enhance your athletic performance, or simply seeking a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, The Rehab Lab’s team of expert therapists are there to guide you every step of the way. They offer a wide range of services designed to complement core physiotherapy treatments. They also provide a comprehensive approach for various sports and musculoskeletal conditions, and post-operative cases. This includes everything from movement-based treatment for back and neck pain, runner’s knee and golfer’s elbow to personalised rehabilitation programmes after ACL surgery, knee replacement or other orthopedic procedures.
Their comprehensive services also include:
- sports massage to speed up recovery, relieve pain and promote better movement;
- rehab training programmes;
- clinical Pilates classes to improve strength, flexibility and balance;’
- home physiotherapy services to provide expert care and support for conditions such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease; and
- on-site support at sporting events, including injury prevention and post-event recovery.
Additionally, The Rehab Lab team is dedicated to empowering individuals through education and self-awareness. They take a proactive approach to physiotherapy by encouraging patients to take control of their health by learning how to move and function optimally to prevent future injuries. They even offer ergonomic workshops to teach proper body mechanics and posture as a way to minimise risk of injury and improve comfort.
Hear from Muhd Fadhli Bin Mohd Hussein, who has 10 years of experience as a physiotherapist in Singapore:
“I take great pleasure in transforming people’s lives. Whether it’s helping someone with chronic pain regain control of their life or working with high-performing athletes to optimize their performance, each client’s journey is unique and inspiring. I am passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being by teaching them how to move and function optimally to prevent future injuries.
New patients can expect a professional and welcoming environment. We recommend arriving prepared to discuss your medical history and wearing comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. Our team will ensure a comfortable and informative first visit. The initial session involves a comprehensive assessment, including functional screening, movement assessment, postural evaluation, and special tests. Based on the diagnosis, we develop a tailored treatment plan mainly involving a movement-based approach, manual hands-on treatment, and coupled with passive modalities such as electrotherapy and dry needling where its needed. The first session lasts about 60 to 70 minutes, while follow-up sessions focus on treatment for about 45 minutes.”
#02-00 Civil Service Club, 60 Tessensohn Road
8057 1800 | therehablabsg.com
Physio Down Under for all ages
This unique physio clinic is the first of its kind in Singapore and is dedicated to treating a wide range of pelvic health conditions that can affect women, men and children. Founders Monica Donaldson and Tamara Gerdis have brought together a world-class team of dedicated physiotherapists with extensive experience and passion for all things related to pelvic health.
Physio Down Under’s highly qualified and experienced physiotherapists have a mix of special interests. These include urinary incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual pain, and bowel conditions (constipation, faecal incontinence), and specific men’s health issues (erectile dysfunction, hard flaccid syndrome, post-surgical rehab).
Common conditions that Physio Down Under’s paediatric pelvic health physiotherapist can treat include constipation, bedwetting, failed toilet training and difficulty with bladder and bowel control. Physio Down Under physiotherapists also treat pregnancy and post-natal conditions such as diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation), pelvic girdle pain, wrist conditions and blocked milk ducts.
Additionally, Physio Down Under offers a comprehensive Pilates service that is led by experienced instructors who have specialised training in pregnancy, post-natal and pelvic health conditions. They have access to a wide range of Pilates equipment such as the trapeze, reformer and chair. Clients can either choose one-on-one private sessions or small group classes.
Hear from physiotherapists in Singapore, Monica and Tamara (40 years of combined experience in pelvic health physiotherapy):
“We’ve had some excellent mentors and access to specialist pelvic health physiotherapy postgraduate courses over the years. We are proud to be the only specialist pelvic health clinic in Singapore offering physiotherapy treatment to the whole community, including men and children. Our team of physiotherapists are highly qualified, experienced and passionate about helping diagnose and treat what are often extremely personal and distressing conditions for women, men and children. We believe everyone should have access to professional care in a safe and supportive environment for these conditions.”
491B River Valley Road, Valley Point (Office Tower), Unit #04-01A
6980 8384 | physiodownunder.sg
The Stretch Clinic – holistic physiotherapist
The Stretch Clinic has been operating in Singapore since 2017, offering a wide range of physiotherapy services to treat chronic pain and recurring injuries. They also have great post-surgery rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning programs to improve athletic performance and mobility for all ages.
This physio in Singapore has two clinic locations (Oxley Tower on Robinson Road and COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at Delfi Orchard) and an internationally accredited team of therapists who specialise in a variety of manual therapies. They are best known for the effectiveness of their signature Active Isolated Stretching technique.
Hear from chief therapist, Liam Harkneess:
“The Stretch Clinic adopts a holistic approach to therapy that focuses on identifying the deeper issues that cause movement restriction and joint pain. We have seen that many symptoms resolve themselves when you restore health and reduce inflammation as the nervous system is able to reset, improving the patient’s digestion, sleep quality, and pain levels.
It’s a common misconception that all aches and pains are in the musculoskeletal system. We’ve been able to resolve frozen shoulders by treating the liver and chronic lower back pain with a few small changes to diet and lifestyle.
By focusing on patient health rather than treating symptoms, we have seen far better outcomes than by using physiotherapy alone. We think our client-centered, holistic approach to physiotherapy is the future of health care.”
#13-04 Oxley Tower, 138 Robinson Road | 6242 0121
#06-01 COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, Delfi Orchard, 402 Orchard Road | 9358 6650
thestretchclinic.com/sg
City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy in Singapore
This holistic healthcare practice in Singapore has branches in the CBD, Bukit Time and Novena, plus a brand new location at Woodleigh (#02-30 The Woodleigh Mall, 11 Bidadari Park Drive). City’s experienced team of practitioners includes osteopaths, physiotherapists, women’s health experts, sports massage and more. They all work together to provide care for patients of all ages. This includes specialised paediatric care, using gentle techniques and exercises to effectively help children without the need for medication.
So, what can be expected at the initial physiotherapy consultation? This physio in Singapore conducts a thorough assessment to determine the underlying factors that may be contributing to the patient’s condition and pain. This includes looking at how you move, your posture, your endurance, and any compensatory strategies that may be leading to an injury or preventing recovery.
Following the diagnosis, the physiotherapist discusses the direction of the treatment plan with the patient. Treatment typically involves manual therapy in the form of soft tissue release, joint mobilisations or stretch therapy, and exercises. Adjuncts such as therapeutic ultrasound, dry needling, shockwave therapy or sports taping may be utilised as well. The physiotherapist will also prescribe suitable exercises or stretches for patients as part of their home exercise programme.
Hear from Eng Soo Ong, who has 11 years of experience as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in Singapore:
“Physiotherapy is an incredibly versatile medical field that goes well beyond traditional rehabilitation for existing injuries. While we treat everything from neck and back pain, joint aches and dislocations to sprains, strains and tears, you don’t have to suffer from a sports injury to come in for physiotherapy. It can be beneficial in boosting overall health, and improving flexibility and mobility, thus helping with future injury prevention. It can even be a powerful tool in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.
Additionally, physiotherapy can play a major role in restoring pelvic health for both women and men, whether it be urinary incontinence after childbirth, pregnancy pains or erectile dysfunction.
I love working with patients to maximise their rehabilitation potential and help them return to doing what they love.”
Bukit Timah, CBD, Novena, Woodleigh
cityosteophysio.com
UFIT sports rehab and physiotherapy
Taking a holistic and integrated approach to recovery and sports rehabilitation, this award-winning clinic is part of popular health and fitness brand, UFIT Singapore. The team believes everyone should have access to the same level of professional care as top athletes. Now, with four locations – Club Street (#01-01 21 Club Street), One-North (#01-02 Galaxis Building), Orchard Central (#06-11) and Fairmont Hotel (80 Bras Basah Road) – UFIT offers a wide range of rehab and wellness services though its Circle of Care, including physiotherapy, personal training, osteopathy, sports massage, reformer Pilates, sports doctor consultations and nutrition.
UFIT’s team of highly qualified and experienced physiotherapists in Singapore specialise in musculoskeletal conditions, soft tissue injuries, ligament sprains, muscle tears, joint problems, arthritis and post-surgery rehabilitation. Additionally, they have expertise in back and neck pain, whiplash injury, ergonomic advice, sports-related injuries, injury prevention and pre-natal care.
Hear from Lucy Warren, who has 13 years of experience as a physiotherapist and specialises in Clinical Pilates:
“When I was 15, I saw my dad undergo physiotherapy after having a hip operation. I was fascinated by how the physiotherapists managed to help him get on his feet in the early days, all the way through to getting his movement, strength and fitness back to play tennis again. I was inspired and felt it would be a fulfilling job to help others.
In my opinion, being a physiotherapist is as much an art as it is a science. What we do is based on a body of scientific evidence that continues to grow as we conduct more research and learn about the human body. But, there is also an art to performing the right assessment, choosing the right exercises, and delivering treatment plans that engage and motivate patients. Being a physiotherapist necessitates inventiveness and the ability to think outside of the box. I find that really exciting and enjoy the challenge!
At UFIT Clinic Orchard, we deliver physiotherapy, osteopathy and sports massage but also our unique offering of physio-led 3:1 Reformer Pilates classes. These classes are completely tailored to each individual client. I think this really sets us apart from other Pilates services in Singapore. It’s a great place for clients looking to manage an old or recurrent injury, complement their current training regime or just to explore a new highly effective form of exercise.”
Club Street, Fairmont Hotel, One-North and Orchard Central
9489 1136 | ufit.com.sg/physiotherapy
Heartland Physio for pain relief and home therapy
Focused on helping patients lead pain-free lives, this physio in Singapore offers musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, and post-surgery and stroke rehabilitation. The clinic is located in the CBD (#1819 The Octagon, 105 Cecil Street), but patients can also opt for at-home therapy sessions.
The clinic’s founder Ivy Yeung is a physiotherapist in Singapore with 19 years of experience. She’s a mentor to junior physiotherapists, and has served as a team physio for Team Singapore in various international games. Some of the most common conditions she treats include back and neck pain, shoulder impingement and injuries, tennis and golfer’s elbow, wrist injuries, hip and knee pain, and ankle sprains. What’s more, she says that physiotherapy treatment can help alleviate nerve irritation.
Hear from physiotherapist Ivy Yeung:
“When I see my patients, the main question in my mind is, ‘what has caused your pain?’ I want to get to the root cause, or causes, of your physical complaints. Only then will the treatment plans to resolve the physical problems (rather than only the pain itself) make perfect sense. The pain may be prone to relapse if the root cause is not revealed and treated. That said, a detailed interview and physical assessment will go a long way in guiding a proper rehabilitation plan for you.”
8725 8220 | heartlandphysio.com.sg
Benchmark Physio offers home visits too
At Benchmark Physio, physiotherapy is considered a cornerstone for restoring and enhancing mobility, function and overall wellbeing. The team of highly qualified and experienced physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques and the latest technology to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes. They also tailor treatment plans to the unique concerns, goals and musculoskeletal needs of each patient. In their safe hands, you’ll receive treatment rooted in expertise, experience and genuine passion for your wellbeing.
The clinic’s director and chief physiotherapist Ng Hong Kai has a particular interest in lower back, neck and knee pain. He holds the title of the first Singaporean to achieve dual credentials as both an Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and tertiary trained Exercise Scientist.
Alongside physiotherapy for musculoskeletal and sports injuries, the practice offers services to treat a wide range of conditions, from sports massage and dry needling, to home physiotherapy visits and post-operative physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Hear from chief physiotherapist Ng Hong Kai, who has more than a decade of experience in practicing musculoskeletal physiotherapy
“Every person’s pain experience is unique. We’re here to empower you to take control of your musculoskeletal health through delivering high-value, evidence-informed physiotherapy care. We’ll help you make sense of your musculoskeletal pain, devise an appropriate physiotherapy management plan that is in line with your physiotherapy goals, and ensure that you reach your physiotherapy goals. Our level of clinical training and experience puts us in the best position to deliver superior clinical outcomes.”
#02-03 Crown Centre, 557 Bukit Timah Road
8843 4303 | benchmarkphysio.com
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