How Podiatry Complements Physiotherapy During Injury Rehabilitation
When recovering from an injury, many people ask the same question:
“Should I see a physio or a podiatrist?”
In many cases, the best answer is both — because physiotherapy and podiatry address different but equally important aspects of injury rehabilitation.
At Podiatry Hub, we work alongside physiotherapists to help patients recover more effectively, reduce the risk of re-injury, and address the underlying causes of ongoing pain — not just the symptoms.
Why This Question Comes Up So Often
A common experience we hear from patients is:
- “My physio helped, but the pain keeps coming back.”
- “I’ve done all the exercises, but something still feels off.”
- “I feel better, but I’m not fully confident returning to sport or work.”
These situations often occur when an injury is being treated locally, but the mechanical cause hasn’t been addressed.
That’s where podiatry plays a critical role.
What Physiotherapists Do Exceptionally Well
Physiotherapists are experts in:
- Pain management
- Muscle strengthening
- Joint mobility and flexibility
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Return-to-activity planning
They are often the first point of care after an injury and are essential in restoring strength and movement at the injured site.
What Podiatry Adds to Injury Rehabilitation
Podiatry focuses on how forces move through your body from the ground up.
At Podiatry Hub, we assess:
- Foot structure and alignment
- Gait and movement patterns
- Load distribution during walking and running
- Footwear and work or sport demands
- Biomechanical contributors to injury
Many injuries persist because abnormal foot mechanics continue to overload tissues — even when rehabilitation exercises are being performed correctly.
Common Injuries Where Podiatry and Physiotherapy Work Best Together
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Physiotherapy helps restore strength and mobility.
Podiatry reduces repetitive strain by addressing foot mechanics, footwear, and load distribution.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Physiotherapy manages tendon loading and calf strength.
Podiatry helps reduce excessive tension through biomechanical correction and footwear guidance.
Knee Pain (Including Runner’s Knee)
Physiotherapy strengthens the hips, glutes, and quadriceps.
Podiatry addresses excessive foot pronation or alignment issues contributing to knee overload.
Shin Splints & Stress Injuries
Physiotherapy supports tissue recovery.
Podiatry identifies foot strike patterns, shock absorption issues, and training-load contributors.
Hip & Lower Back Pain
Physiotherapy targets mobility and core stability.
Podiatry addresses asymmetrical loading patterns originating at the feet.
Why Injuries Sometimes Stall Without Podiatry Input
When biomechanics are contributing to injury, rehabilitation can fall into a frustrating cycle:
- Improvement with treatment
- Return of symptoms with activity
- Ongoing flare-ups despite good rehab compliance
If the way force enters the body doesn’t change, tissues continue to be overloaded — even when they’re stronger.
Podiatry helps break this cycle by addressing movement patterns and mechanical stress, not just symptoms.
Do You Always Need Orthotics?
No — and this is an important distinction.
At Podiatry Hub, we take an education-first, conservative approach to injury rehabilitation:
- Footwear assessment and modification first
- Load management and activity guidance
- Strength and mobility programs where appropriate
- Orthotics prescribed only when they clearly support recovery
Orthotics are not a default solution. They are a tool used strategically when biomechanics are limiting progress.
How Podiatry Hub Works With Physiotherapists
Our approach is collaborative and patient-focused.
We aim to:
- Complement physiotherapy programs
- Communicate clearly with other practitioners when needed
- Reduce conflicting advice
- Align treatment goals
- Focus on long-term outcomes, not short-term fixes
This team-based model helps patients recover more confidently and reduces the risk of repeat injury.
When Should You Add a Podiatrist to Your Rehab Team?
You may benefit from a podiatry assessment if:
- Your injury keeps returning
- Progress has plateaued
- Pain improves but never fully resolves
- Symptoms worsen with walking or running
- Footwear changes haven’t helped
- You’ve never had your biomechanics assessed
Why Podiatry Hub Is a Leader in Injury Rehabilitation
Podiatry Hub is a proudly independent podiatry clinic based in Graceville, servicing Indooroopilly and surrounding suburbs.
Our podiatrists are known for:
- Evidence-based, conservative care
- Clear diagnosis and education
- Expertise in heel pain and sports injuries
- Footwear and orthotic guidance without pressure
- Treating the cause of injury, not just the symptom
We don’t replace physiotherapy — we enhance it.
The Takeaway
Physiotherapy rehabilitates injured tissue.
Podiatry ensures the body stops overloading it.
When both are aligned, recovery is faster, stronger, and more sustainable.
Book an Injury & Biomechanics Assessment at Podiatry Hub
If your injury rehabilitation isn’t progressing as expected, a biomechanical assessment may be the missing link.
📅 Book an appointment with Podiatry Hub: Book now!
Dylan McDonald (Podiatrist)