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Physiotherapy

At Hong Kong Sports Clinic, our experts provide only the best physiotherapy services

What is (good) physiotherapy?

A general definition of physiotherapy

According to the World Health Organization, Hong Kong physiotherapists should comply with the following:

  • Create rehabilitative programs that improve or restore movement ability, and treat or prevent physical challenges associated with injuries, diseases, and other impairments. 
  • Apply a broad range of physical therapies and techniques such as movement, ultrasound, heating, laser, and other techniques.
  • Develop and implement programs for screening and prevention of common physical ailments and disorders.

Please note that we do not agree with everything this definition encapsulates, as several techniques have been proven to not add noticeable benefits in many cases – like ultrasounds therapy, for example. At Hong Kong Sports Clinic, we rely on a hands-on approach to physiotherapy.

Different terms referring to physiotherapy

In Hong Kong, most people refer to this discipline by either physiotherapy or physical therapy. The practitioner is often called a physiotherapist, or simply physio. Kinesiotherapy is commonly used worldwide, but not so much in our city.

The concept of evidence-based physiotherapy

This worldwide used terminology does not have a strict definition. Collecting data from various part of the world, evidence-based physiotherapy can be defined as:

“The integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values”.

From this definition, we can see that it involves the science available at the time of treatment, mixed with each physiotherapist’s skills and decision-making abilities, and each patient’s individual thoughts and beliefs about their pain/pathology.

By pushing a bit further, we have come to the more thorough definition of evidence-based physiotherapy: “an area of study, research, and practice in which clinical decisions are based on the best available evidence, integrating professional practice and expertise with ethical principles”.

A good, modern physiotherapist wants to seek continuous education - being up-to-date with the best available scientific evidence while integrating ethics within the professional practice. This last point expands our professional responsibility to try our best to consider each patient individually, but also to the society as a whole - for example, reflections around optimal costs to benefits/risks ratios.

“The integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values”.

From this definition, we can see that it involves the science available at the time of treatment, mixed with each physiotherapist’s skills and decision-making abilities, and each patient’s individual thoughts and beliefs about their pain/pathology.

By pushing a bit further, we have come to the more thorough definition of evidence-based physiotherapy: “an area of study, research, and practice in which clinical decisions are based on the best available evidence, integrating professional practice and expertise with ethical principles”.

A good, modern physiotherapist wants to seek continuous education - being up-to-date with the best available scientific evidence while integrating ethics within the professional practice. This last point expands our professional responsibility to try our best to consider each patient individually, but also to the society as a whole - for example, reflections around optimal costs to benefits/risks ratios.

More information about physiotherapy in Hong Kong

  • The approach for good and modern physiotherapy is a combination of hands-on techniques and exercises, rather than medication and surgery.
  • Modern, best available physiotherapy should be evidence-based, with accurate clinical judgment and informed interpretation at its core.
  • We see ourselves as “guides” helping patients through their journey towards a pain-free life
    • At Hong Kong Sports Clinic, the physios trust in patients’ active role in the rehabilitation process.
    • We guide through education, precise touch and movement assessments, as well as tailored exercise plans.

Why do patients choose to see physiotherapists at Hong Kong Sports Clinic

We are very proud and humbled by the number of positive feedback we get from our patients. We also put a lot of effort into making every session a meaningful experience.

We strive at learning and progressing

Science advances daily, and the amount of knowledge available in scientific literature pushes us to become better physiotherapists every day. We believe there is always room for improvement in manual therapies.

We want to offer the best personalized treatments available

We try to have a good balance of evidence-based and practice-based approaches. Mixing our hands-on experience with the latest scientific discoveries.

Our patients are not a number

Following-up on our patients is an essential part of our work. Monitoring symptoms progress, checking exercises diligence, or simply answering any questions and worries the patients may have. We will always take the time to get back to you.

We believe in active treatments

A good Hong Kong physiotherapist should encourage patients to take charge and responsibility for their recovery. The on-table part of the treatments is “passive”. It aims at reducing symptoms and controlling the pain level. The prescribed tailored exercise plan aims at helping to work at the root cause of the problem. It is up to each patient to be as diligent as possible and practice the exercises at home, or in a gym environment if required. We want our patients to feel responsible and in control of the improvements, while guiding and supporting them the best we can.

Our front desk staff works hard for patients’ satisfaction

From keeping the clinic neat and tidy to guiding patients through the booking process, we have received much positive feedback about the clinic’s front desk team. One of the patients’ most praised featured is the option to contact and book us through Whatsapp.

FAQ

Most frequently asked questions about the physiotherapy services at Hong Kong Sports Clinic

Some of our patients get confused about the clinic’s name. But while some physiotherapists specialize in a given field, practitioners at Hong Kong Sports Clinic tend to treat a wide range of conditions, including – but not limited to – orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, sports, rheumatology, geriatrics, and women’s health.

Athletes and desk-workers, adults and children, everyone are happily welcome to book our physios.

This is usually a personal decision. For insurance purposes, many patients are referred by other health professionals, like general practitioners. But we often see people coming to the clinic by themselves. Physiotherapists become their first-line specialists, and as such should be able to determine if their condition requires additional tests. The goal is to rule out a more serious cause of pain, also called “red flags”.

Each insurance in Hong Kong has different policies in regard to physiotherapy treatments. Please verify with your insurance company before coming to our clinic, as some require you to get a referral letter from a doctor before claiming the physio sessions.

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This is a tricky question that requires a thorough answer. We are working on this and will link it to the adequate page on our website as soon as possible!

Unfortunately not. Our physiotherapists are going above and beyond to help you out, but results can vary from one patient to the other. Sometimes pain level subsides significantly after a couple of sessions, other times it can take several weeks to start noticing improvements. No matter how hard we try, we have little control over this.

In many cases, it is not necessary. For specific cases that require further investigation, your physio will inform you about the type of exam that needs to be done. If you have images and results from previous consultations, you are welcome to bring them over with you.

How to experiment with Hong Kong's high level of physiotherapy?

Contact us

Simply call our reception - 37092846 - for more information, or to book an appointment. You can also use the Whatsapp button on the bottom right corner of the page.

Ask us a Question

Feel free to ask any physical therapy related questions over the phone, or get send your question via this form below. Your message will be dispatched directly to our staff who will answer as soon as they can.

    References

    Bjorbækmo, W. and Mengshoel, A., 2016. “A touch of physiotherapy” — the significance and meaning of touch in the practice of physiotherapy. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 32(1), pp.10-19.

    Kumar R, K., 2018. Physiotherapy-In the Modern Times-The Need vs Necessity. Examines in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 1(4).

    Physiopedia. 2020. Physiotherapy / Physical Therapy. [online] Available at: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Physiotherapy_/_Physical_Therapy

    Veras, M., Kairy, D. and Paquet, N., 2016. What Is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy?. Physiotherapy Canada, 68(2), pp.95-96.

    World Physiotherapy. 2020. Policy Statement: Description Of Physical Therapy. [online] Available at: <http://www.wcpt.org/policy/ps-descriptionPT#appendix_1> 

    Dereck Fu

    Physiotherapist

     

    Dereck completed his physiotherapy training at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. After graduation, he started practicing in a public hospital where he had extensive experience in treating different musculoskeletal, orthopedics, and sports conditions. He recognizes the complex contribution to pain and musculoskeletal injuries and is keen on using a wide range of skill sets such as exercise therapy, manual therapy, and acupuncture tailored to individual conditions.

    Before joining HKSC, Dereck completed his Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy) and accreditation in Level 1 strength and conditioning coach under the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA). These exposures enriched his practice, considering the psychosocial, biomechanical, and training load aspect of the clients’ story.

    He has a particular interest in treating sports-related injuries and desk job conditions, assisting clients on their way back to function, and prevent recurring injuries.

    Dereck has been a sports enthusiast since his teenage years. He is a keen football (soccer) and badminton player who treasures the enjoyment and satisfaction brought by both team and individual sports.

    Icy Bo Lin

    Head of Mobility

    Icy has spent thousands of hours studying yoga, stretching and mobility through a broad range of in-depth courses. She has more than 7 years of experience teaching group and 1-on-1 classes to people ranging from athletes, pregnant ladies and new mums, children and especially the average Joe’s.

    Icy is passionate about helping people move better, recover well and get pain free.

    She believes it takes a combination of tools to help build a healthy body and has therefore spent substantial time practising strengthening and conditioning as well

    Her passion for her craft is demonstrated through a focus and attention to detail with her clients.

    Icy is a mother, experienced former banker and we are proud to have such an accomplished person on our team.

    Below is a list of her completed training:

    Leslie T. Evangelista

    Head of Strength and Conditioning

    Leslie’s athletic achievements speak for themselves. She is a true world class power lifter and continues to compete at the highest level. She has reached the pinnacle of her sport, medalling in a number of international powerlifting federation events. She has been Asia’s best lifter and holds a number of national records.

    As impressive as it is, Leslie’s athletic resume pales in comparison to her passion, knowledge and dedication to the science of physical human performance. She is a student and expert of strength and conditioning, working in the industry as a coach and consultant for 10 years. We are very glad to have her on our team as her technical knowledge of compound movements and training methodology helps us bridge the gap between injury and a better you.

    Leslie takes most pleasure in teaching the average person. Leslie’s deep knowledge and experience means she can build you from the bottom up or take you to a level beyond your expectations. Whether you are a mother or a mother to be, an office worker wanting to learn how to keep strong, or a youth wanting to learn the essentials of training, she is the expert for you.

    Leslie is available as a consultant for long or short-term basis if you are serious about improving your health. She is an invaluable asset to have on anyone’s team.

    Hideo “Harry” Loasby

    Head Running Coach, Founder of BuffCo

    Harry discovered running at 16, and quickly rose through the ranks in Hong Kong and became a national champion over 1500m when he was 17. He represented Hong Kong at the Asian Schools Championships and won several gold medals in cross country and track. Harry’s performances earned him a place on the Loyola Marymount University cross country and track team.

    Towards the end of his university career, Harry became increasingly interested in studying various training methods and running philosophies. After moving back home, and knowing first hand the gap in grass roots development in Hong Kong, he set up Buffalo Running Company (BuffCo) in the hopes of changing that for the better. While coaching full time, Harry has remained competitive in the local scene, winning the 2020 China Coast Marathon by over 8 minutes. During the absence of races, he coached himself to personal bests in solo road time trials in the 10k and half marathon, running 31:38 and 70:30 respectively.

    After running and now coaching in Hong Kong for the majority of his running career, Harry builds his coaching and training philosophy around the context of the city and what it means to be a runner here. He enjoys hunting for excellence in every level of runner, because he knows what Hong Kong’s running scene has to offer despite the tough conditions. From complete beginner to aspiring college athlete, on any surface over any distance, Harry is keen to help you with your running journey.

    Harry is available as a consultant for any race you have on the calendar, but he is particularly passionate in developing runners over several years and building a sustainable relationship with all aspects of the sport, so that you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy running.

    May Lee
    Sports Massage Therapist and Sports Scientist

    May is an Internationally experienced Sports Massage Therapist, she focuses on deep tissue massaging to aid recovery, optimise performance but also general health and well-being. Throughout her years of training and watching others train, May has found that many people neglect the recovery process. The recovery process is fundamental for muscles to grow and develop and more importantly to reduce injury in the long term. Deep tissue massage helps to smooth out those little aches and pains you experience in normal day to day activities.

    May has studied Sports Science at degree level and has completed her Level 4 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy in the UK as well as being qualified in Dry Needling, Myofascial Release, Trigger point therapy and Pre-Hospital immediate care in sport.

    She has previously worked a ski season in Niseko followed by working in clinical practice in Tokyo before deciding to move to Hong Kong to pursue her career further.

    May has always had a keen interest in sports, training and exercise which has allowed her to pursue a successful career within sports and exercise rehabilitation.

    Lizemari Marais
    Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor

    Liz is a Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor from South Africa. Her greatest passion is health education and empowerment, which is why she flourishes in the corporate wellness setting. She’s good at analysing corporate settings to determine risk factors to individual health as well as employee productivity. She will not just remind your employees to sit up straight – she will walk a path with your company to encourage healthy lifestyles and happy employees.

    Liz’s approach to rehabilitation is grounded in the balance between mobility and foundation strength. She explores this in her calisthenics, yoga and pilates. She believes that with the right foundation and training, the human body can do anything.

    Liz values independence and wishes to equip her patients with everything they would need to maximise their body’s potential, allowing them to pursue independent lives.

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