Top Physiotherapists in Victoria, BC (2025 Edition)
Victoria, BC is home to a vibrant community of highly qualified physiotherapists and multidisciplinary clinics. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from a sports injury, a post-surgery patient regaining mobility, a parent seeking pediatric physio, or someone managing chronic pain , Victoria offers expert care across all specialties.
This comprehensive guide highlights the best physiotherapists and clinics in Greater Victoria, covering a range of focus areas – from sports injuries and orthopedic rehab to neurological recovery, pediatric physiotherapy, pelvic health, and more. Use this guide to find the right practitioner for your specific needs.
Understanding Physiotherapy: How It Can Help You
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on restoring and maintaining physical function, mobility, and overall well-being. Using evidence-based approaches, physiotherapists assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory systems.
The Science Behind Physiotherapy: Evidence-Based Care
Modern physiotherapy combines scientific research with clinical expertise to deliver personalized treatment plans. Physiotherapists are university-educated healthcare professionals who understand how the body moves and functions, and how various conditions can impact your mobility and quality of life.
At its core, physiotherapy involves thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment using techniques such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, education, and specialized modalities like IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) or shockwave therapy.
Injury Recovery
Effective for sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, fractures, sprains, and strains
Pain Management
Addresses chronic pain, arthritis, back pain , neck pain, headaches , and workplace injuries
Functional Improvement
Enhances mobility, balance, strength, and overall physical performance
A Wealth of Benefits: What Can Physiotherapy Do for You?
- Pain Relief: One of the most well-documented benefits is relief from acute and chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, low back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sports injuries
- Improved Mobility: Restore range of motion and functional movement patterns after injury or surgery
- Injury Prevention: Learn proper movement techniques and exercises to prevent future injuries
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Accelerate healing and restore function following orthopedic surgeries
- Neurological Rehabilitation: Regain function and independence after stroke, brain injury, or with conditions like Parkinson’s disease
Our Selection Criteria: How We Identified Victoria’s Top Physiotherapists
Choosing a healthcare provider is a significant decision. To assist readers in finding reputable physiotherapy services in Victoria, this guide has employed a careful selection process, prioritizing clinics and practitioners who demonstrate a commitment to quality care, patient safety, and professional excellence.
Key Selection Criteria
- Practitioner Qualifications & CPTBC Registration: All physiotherapists practicing in British Columbia must be registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) . This regulatory body ensures practitioners meet specific educational requirements, adhere to a code of ethics, and maintain practice standards.
- Advanced Certifications: We considered physiotherapists with post-graduate certifications such as FCAMPT (Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy), IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation), specialized training in areas like pelvic health, vestibular rehabilitation, or pediatric care.
- Years of Experience: Practitioners with substantial clinical experience, particularly in their areas of specialization.
- Patient Experience and Reviews: Clinics that cultivate positive patient experiences, as reflected in publicly available testimonials or reviews .
- Clinic Facilities and Technology: The availability of modern equipment, private treatment rooms, and specialized technology that enhances treatment outcomes.
Ultimately, finding the right physiotherapist is about establishing a good “fit” – a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable, who listens to your concerns, and whose treatment approach aligns with your preferences and health goals. This guide is here to empower you with information to make that choice confidently.
Victoria’s Leading Physiotherapists: A Comprehensive Guide
Victoria, BC, is home to many exceptional physiotherapists with diverse specializations. This section highlights some of the most highly regarded practitioners and clinics across the region, organized to help you find the right care for your specific needs.
Downtown / James Bay
Downtown Victoria offers a high concentration of physiotherapy clinics, making it convenient for those who work in the city center or prefer urban accessibility.
Dockside Physiotherapy
Key Practitioners: Evan Thomas (FCAMPT, IMS), Cathy Stedman (Pelvic Health Specialist)
Where to find them: 399 Tyee Rd, Unit 103, Victoria (Vic West)
Get in touch: (250) 590-5840
What they offer: Comprehensive physiotherapy services including manual therapy, IMS/dry needling, pelvic health, concussion management, bike fitting, and exercise-based rehabilitation.
Good to know: Award-winning clinic (Gold Winner in CommunityVotes Victoria 2024) with a strong reputation for personalized care. BC Green Business certified.
Equilibrium Therapeutics
Where to find them: 101-1121 Yates St, Victoria (Downtown)
Get in touch: (250) 388-7888
What they offer: Physiotherapy in a spa-like environment, with additional services including massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and osteopathy.
Good to know: Founded in 2006, this clinic has expanded to three locations (Downtown, Tillicum, and Eagle Creek) and is known for its calming atmosphere and integrated approach to wellness.
Oak Bay / Fairfield
These established neighborhoods offer several well-regarded physiotherapy clinics with diverse specializations.
Arbutus Physiotherapy & Health Centre
Key Practitioners: Sandy Wilson (Owner, BScPT)
Where to find them: 1928 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria
Get in touch: (250) 598-9828
What they offer: Comprehensive physiotherapy with specializations in sports injuries (particularly running injuries), IMS/dry needling, vestibular therapy, bike fitting, and pelvic floor health.
Good to know: Awarded “Best Physiotherapist in Victoria 2025” by Quality Business Awards. Sandy’s athletic background gives her unique insight into sports injuries.
Foul Bay Physiotherapy
Key Practitioners: Michael Coey (BScPT, FCAMPT, CAFCI)
Where to find them: 220-1964 Fort St. Victoria
What they offer: Treatment for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, with particular expertise in ankle, knee, lower back, neck, and shoulder issues. Specializes in plantar fasciitis treatment.
Good to know: Michael has over 25 years of experience and served as Head Physical Therapist for the Canadian Rowing Team at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Saanich / Gordon Head
The Saanich area offers several established physiotherapy clinics with diverse specializations.
Shelbourne Physiotherapy
Key Practitioners: Penny Salmas (BScPT, FCAMPT), Holly Mallari (DPT, MPT), Bhavana Billapaty (MClSc-CMP, FCAMPT)
Where to find them: 3200 Shelbourne St., Saanich (Gordon Head) & 1002 Cook St., Victoria
Get in touch: (250) 598-9828
What they offer: Comprehensive physiotherapy services including orthopedic rehab, sports injuries, pelvic floor physiotherapy, vestibular & concussion therapy, post-stroke & neurological rehab, clinical Pilates, and custom knee bracing.
Good to know: Established for over 20 years with a large team of highly trained specialists. Named “Best Physiotherapist in Saanich 2021” by Quality Business Awards.
Broadmead Physiotherapy
Key Practitioners: Paul McIntyre (BSc.PT, FCAMPT, CGIMS), Mary Wong Colebrook (B.Sc. PT, CAFCI, CGIMS)
Where to find them: #102 – 4420 Chatterton Way, Victoria
Get in touch: (250) 727-3040
What they offer: Advanced treatments including manual therapy, IMS, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), sports rehabilitation, and vestibular rehabilitation.
Good to know: Renowned clinic trusted by over 12,000 patients, including Olympians and elite athletes. Founded in 2002 by Paul McIntyre, who has over 25 years of experience.
Specialized Physiotherapy Clinics
Victoria is home to several clinics that focus on specific populations or conditions, offering highly specialized care.
Neuromotion Physiotherapy
Key Practitioners: Pauline Martin (MSc, PT, Bobath Trained), Briana May (MScPT, NDT/C, IMS)
Where to find them: 100-775 Topaz Ave, Victoria
Get in touch: (250) 590-7878
What they offer: Specialized neurological rehabilitation for stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, MS, Parkinson’s, balance disorders, and concussions. Features cutting-edge technology like the Lokomat® robotic gait trainer.
Good to know: Victoria’s premier neurological rehabilitation center with over 15 years of specialized experience. Includes the MOVE Adapted Fitness gym for ongoing rehabilitation.
Kids Physio Group
Key Practitioners: Carly Slater (MPT, Pediatric Specialist), Megan Tennant (Co-owner)
Where to find them: 202-3550 Saanich Rd, Victoria
Get in touch: (250) 590-1033
What they offer: Specialized pediatric physiotherapy for infants, children, and teens. Services include treatment for gross motor delays, developmental disabilities, coordination issues, pediatric sports injuries, concussion management, and pediatric pelvic health.
Good to know: Child-friendly clinic with a play-based approach to therapy (“We make physio fun!”). Features a brightly equipped gym and specialized pediatric equipment. Over 120 five-star reviews.
Active Recovery Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic
Key Practitioners: Nicole Hart (BScPT, CHT), Emily Grainger (PT, CHT)
Where to find them: #604 – 771 Vernon Avenue, Victoria (Uptown area)
Get in touch: (250) 940-3530
What they offer: Specialized hand therapy for conditions such as finger/hand fractures, tendon repairs, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, wrist sprains, and post-surgical hand rehab. Custom splint fabrication on-site.
Good to know: One of the few clinics in Victoria with Certified Hand Therapists (CHT). Nicole Hart has over 18 years of experience and served as Treasurer of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists.
This is just a selection of the many excellent physiotherapy clinics available in the Victoria region, including Langford and Colwood . We recommend contacting clinics directly for the most current information about practitioners, specializations, and services.
Specialized Care: Understanding Different Types of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy encompasses a variety of specialized approaches, each with unique techniques and applications. Understanding these differences can help you choose a practitioner whose expertise aligns with your specific needs.
Orthopedic & Manual Physiotherapy
Orthopedic physiotherapy focuses on the treatment of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Manual therapy, a cornerstone of this approach, involves hands-on techniques to improve tissue mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.
Key Features:
- Joint mobilization and manipulation techniques
- Soft tissue release and myofascial techniques
- Therapeutic exercise prescription
- Treatment of conditions like back pain, arthritis, and sports injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
Sports Physiotherapy
Sports physiotherapy specializes in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise. These practitioners understand the unique demands placed on an athlete’s body and work to optimize performance while minimizing injury risk.
Key Features:
- Sport-specific assessment and treatment
- Injury prevention strategies
- Performance enhancement
- Return-to-sport programming
- Treatment of acute and overuse injuries
Neurological Physiotherapy
Neurological physiotherapy addresses conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. These specialized practitioners help patients regain movement, function, and independence following neurological injury or when managing neurological conditions.
Key Features:
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Treatment for conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy
- Brain and spinal cord injury recovery
- Balance and coordination training
- Functional movement retraining
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic health physiotherapy specializes in conditions affecting the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. These practitioners treat a range of issues affecting both men and women, from incontinence to pelvic pain.
Key Features:
- Assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction
- Management of urinary and fecal incontinence
- Treatment of pelvic pain conditions
- Pre and postnatal care
- Prostate health for men
Pediatric Physiotherapy
Pediatric physiotherapy focuses on the assessment and treatment of infants, children, and adolescents. These specialists understand child development and create engaging, play-based interventions to address developmental delays, congenital conditions, and childhood injuries.
Key Features:
- Developmental assessment and intervention
- Treatment of conditions like cerebral palsy, torticollis, and toe walking
- Pediatric sports injury management
- Play-based therapy approaches
- Family education and home program development
Specialized Techniques & Modalities
Many physiotherapists incorporate specialized techniques and technologies into their practice to enhance treatment outcomes.
IMS/Dry Needling
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) involves inserting thin needles into tight muscles or trigger points to release tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in chronic tendon conditions, calcifications, and other soft tissue disorders.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders related to the vestibular system.
Clinical Pilates
Therapeutic exercise approach focusing on core stability, posture, and controlled movement patterns to rehabilitate injuries and improve function.
The Perfect Pairing: How Massage Therapy Enhances Physiotherapy
While both massage therapy and physiotherapy are powerful healing modalities in their own right, when combined, they create a synergistic approach that can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes. This integrated approach addresses both the physical and energetic aspects of health, offering a more comprehensive path to wellness.
Complementary Benefits: How These Therapies Work Together
Massage Therapy Prepares the Body
- Relaxes tight muscles and fascia, making the body more receptive to physiotherapy interventions
- Improves circulation, enhancing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues
- Reduces initial tension, allowing for deeper joint mobilization during physiotherapy
- Helps identify areas of restriction that may benefit from targeted physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Enhances Massage Results
- Addresses biomechanical issues that may be causing recurring muscle tension
- Provides specific exercises to maintain the flexibility gained through massage
- Targets joint mobility and movement patterns that massage alone cannot address
- Offers education on posture and ergonomics to prevent the return of muscle tension
Conditions That Respond Well to Combined Treatment
The integration of registered massage therapy and physiotherapy can be particularly effective for addressing a wide range of health concerns:
Musculoskeletal Issues
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Sports injuries and recovery
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Muscle tension and spasms
Stress-Related Conditions
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Stress-induced muscle tension
Chronic Conditions
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
What to Expect in an Integrated Session
When receiving both massage therapy and physiotherapy in a single session or as part of a coordinated treatment plan, the experience typically follows one of these approaches:
Sequential Treatment
The practitioner may begin with deep tissue massage to relax the muscles and tissues, followed by physiotherapy to address specific movement patterns and joint issues. This sequence allows the body to be more receptive to physiotherapy techniques after the muscles have been relaxed.
Integrated Approach
Some practitioners skilled in both modalities may integrate techniques throughout the session, perhaps using massage techniques to prepare an area before applying physiotherapy interventions, or incorporating therapeutic massage into a rehabilitation program.
Collaborative Care
In many multidisciplinary clinics, you might work with two different specialists who collaborate on your treatment plan, scheduling massage and physiotherapy sessions in a strategic sequence to maximize benefits.
Many multidisciplinary clinics in Victoria and surrounding areas offer both massage therapy and physiotherapy services, making it convenient to experience this powerful therapeutic combination. When seeking integrated care, look for practitioners who communicate well with each other and take a holistic approach to your health concerns.
Preparing for Success: What to Expect at Your First Physiotherapy Visit
Your first physiotherapy appointment sets the foundation for your treatment journey. Understanding what to expect can help ensure a productive and comfortable experience. Most initial sessions follow a similar structure, though specifics may vary between clinics.
Before Your Appointment
- What to Wear: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated. For lower body issues, shorts are ideal; for upper body concerns, a tank top or t-shirt works well.
- What to Bring: Health card, insurance information, referral from your doctor (if applicable), list of medications, and any relevant medical reports or imaging results (X-rays, MRIs, etc.).
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete intake forms if you haven’t done so online.
- Consider Your Goals: Think about what you hope to achieve through physiotherapy and be prepared to discuss your expectations with your therapist.
During the Initial Assessment
Your first physiotherapy visit will typically be longer than subsequent ones, as it includes a detailed assessment to understand your condition thoroughly.
- Health History: Your physiotherapist will review your medical history, current symptoms, and how your condition affects your daily activities.
- Physical Examination: This may include assessing your posture, movement patterns, joint range of motion, muscle strength, flexibility, and performing special tests specific to your condition.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, your physiotherapist will explain their findings, discuss your diagnosis, and outline a proposed treatment plan, including estimated timeline and expected outcomes.
- Initial Treatment: Time permitting, your first session may include some initial treatment techniques to begin addressing your condition.
- Home Exercise Program: You’ll likely receive instructions for exercises to perform at home between sessions.
After Your First Session
- Possible Soreness: It’s normal to experience some soreness or fatigue after your first treatment, especially if it included hands-on techniques or new exercises. This typically subsides within 24-48 hours.
- Follow Home Instructions: Adhering to your prescribed home exercise program is crucial for progress. Your physiotherapist will provide clear instructions, often with written materials or digital resources.
- Track Your Response: Note any changes in your symptoms, both positive and challenging, to discuss at your next appointment.
- Schedule Follow-up: Confirm your next appointment before leaving. Consistency is key to successful outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physiotherapy
Navigating physiotherapy services can raise many questions. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries to help you make informed decisions about your care. For more health-related questions, you can also check our FAQ section .
Conclusion: Your Path to Recovery Starts Here
Victoria, BC is fortunate to have an abundance of skilled physiotherapists and clinics, each with their own strengths and areas of focus. The “best” physiotherapist for you will depend on your specific condition, location, and personal preferences.
For sports injuries or active rehab, clinics like Parkway Physiotherapy or Saanich Physio offer experience with athletes and performance-focused therapy. If you’re dealing with a complex pelvic health issue, Dockside Physiotherapy or Shelbourne Physiotherapy have dedicated pelvic floor specialists. For neurological recovery, Neuromotion stands out with its technology and expertise. Parents seeking care for their children can turn to Kids Physio Group for a fun, effective approach.
When selecting a physiotherapist or clinic, consider: their specialty and whether it matches your needs; the convenience of their location and hours; whether you might benefit from a multidisciplinary setting with both massage therapy services and physiotherapy; and of course, where you feel most comfortable. Most of these clinics offer a free phone consult or the ability to ask questions before booking – don’t hesitate to reach out and ensure they’re the right fit for your specific condition.
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