How long is the first physiotherapy appointment at Evolutio?

Your initial assessment at Evolutio is 45 minutes. This includes a thorough history and interview, a comprehensive physical examination, a confirmed diagnosis, a treatment plan, immediate hands-on treatment, and a take-home exercise program.

How much does the first physio appointment cost in Melbourne?

At Evolutio in Richmond, initial assessments are $185 for a 45-minute session with a standard physiotherapist, or $235 with a Senior Physiotherapist (Bayden Campbell or Phill Danzi). Standard follow-ups are $125 (30 min) and senior physio follow-ups are $140. HICAPS is available on-site for instant private health rebates.

Do I need a referral for physiotherapy in Melbourne?

No referral is required for standard physiotherapy at Evolutio. Referrals are needed for Medicare EPC plans, WorkSafe Victoria claims, and TAC claims only.

What should I wear to my first physio appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the affected area. Shorts or leggings for lower body, a singlet or t-shirt for upper body. Bring the shoes you use for sport or exercise.

Will I get treatment at my first physio appointment?

Yes. Every initial assessment at Evolutio includes immediate hands-on treatment in the same session. You will also leave with 2 to 3 exercises to start that day.

New Patient Guide · Richmond Melbourne

First Physiotherapy Visit Melbourne: What Happens at Your Initial Assessment at Evolutio Sports Physio Richmond

A 45-minute assessment built over 14 years of treating 7,200+ patients. History, examination, diagnosis, hands-on treatment and a clear plan forward. All in your first session.

Book Your First Visit WhatsApp Us First

Est. 2013 · 7,200+ Patients · 45-Min Initial Assessment · Treatment on Day One · HICAPS On-Site · AHPRA Registered

Before You Arrive

A little preparation
goes a long way.

The more we know before you walk in the door, the more time your physio can spend treating you rather than working through paperwork. Pull these together in the 24 to 48 hours before your appointment.

Medical history and imagingAny recent X-rays, MRI or ultrasound results. Previous physio or treatment records. Specialist referrals if you have them.

Medications and supplementsA list of what you are currently taking, including dosages, supplements, and any known allergies or adverse reactions.

Insurance detailsPrivate health card or app, WorkSafe or TAC claim numbers if applicable. Your health fund item code for initial consultations is 500.

Your goalsWhat do you want to get back to? A specific sport, activity, or simply pain-free daily life. The more specific you are, the better your treatment plan will be.

Your injury historyPrevious injuries, how they were treated, and what worked or did not. Everything connects, even old injuries you think are unrelated.

When you arrive at the clinic

We are at 11/3 Bromham Place, Richmond VIC 3121. Look for the blue Evolutio sign. This is a warehouse conversion, not a sterile medical building.

Free parking on site. Close to Richmond Station and multiple tram routes. Bike storage available for cycling patients.

You will be greeted at reception. Reclaimed wood table,, ambient lighting, music, fresh coffee and water. It does not feel like a typical clinic on purpose.

Bring a support person if you would like. Partners, family members and friends are welcome in the reception area or treatment room.

Running late? Call (03) 9100 3798 or WhatsApp +61 430 436 531. Appointments more than 15 minutes late may need rescheduling to protect quality care for all patients.

Not sure if we are the right fit? Take our quick quiz before booking.

Are we your match?

The Assessment

What happens in
your 45 minutes.

Unlike clinics that only assess on the first visit, we provide immediate hands-on treatment in the same session. Here is how your 45 minutes breaks down. Read our full new patient guide for more detail, or meet the team who will be treating you.

Phase 01 · 15 to 20 minutes

History and Interview

Understanding you, not just the injury

An in-depth conversation covering everything relevant to your situation. People often think certain details are not important, but everything connects. That shoulder pain could be linked to your new standing desk setup. That recurring calf strain might trace back to those running shoes you bought three months ago.

How and when the injury happened
What makes it better or worse throughout the day
Your sport, training and lifestyle context
Previous treatment history and what worked
Your short, medium and long-term goals

Phase 02 · 15 to 20 minutes

Physical Examination

Evidence-based assessment of how you move

A thorough assessment using protocols recommended by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Sports Medicine Australia. Sometimes the way you stand up from a chair tells us more about a hip problem than any X-ray could.

Postural alignment and symmetry analysis
Movement screening including squat, lunge and step-up
Range of motion and muscle strength testing
Joint stability and neurological assessment
Gait analysis for runners, cyclists and walkers

Phase 03 · 10 to 15 minutes

Treatment and Planning

Immediate relief and a clear roadmap forward

Immediate hands-on treatment, a confirmed diagnosis, and a clear plan. No vague "come back when you feel better." You leave with a specific roadmap, measurable milestones, and exercises to start that day. A genuine plan.

Manual therapy, soft tissue release or taping
2 to 3 exercises you can start immediately
Clear diagnosis with a plain-English explanation
Recommended treatment frequency and timeline
Specific activity modification advice for your sport

Coming back from injury? Browse our specialist rehabilitation guides for your sport or condition.

All services

What to Bring

Come prepared.
Leave with answers.

Do not stress about having everything perfect, but the more context you bring, the better your first session will be. Your physio needs to see how you move naturally, so come dressed for function, not fashion.

Documents and medical information

Private health insurance card or mobile app
GP or specialist referrals, if you have them
Recent scan results including X-ray, MRI or ultrasound
WorkSafe or TAC claim number, if applicable
Current medications list with dosages
Previous physiotherapy or treatment records

Clothing and footwear

Lower body conditions: shorts or leggings for easy access to the affected area
Upper body issues: singlet or t-shirt that can be easily removed
Back problems: two-piece clothing for spinal assessment
The shoes you normally wear for sport or exercise
Multiple pairs if you use sport-specific footwear such as cycling shoes, CrossFit shoes or running shoes
Any orthotics or insoles you wear regularly

Unsure what to wear? Check our service pages for sport-specific preparation tips.

Running physio guide

Transparent Pricing 2026

No hidden fees.
No surprises.

Transparent pricing for quality physiotherapy in Richmond. Our 45-minute initial assessment is longer than the industry standard 30 minutes, because rushing a first appointment serves nobody. View the full pricing page.

Standard Physiotherapist

Initial Assessment

First Appointment

$185

45 minutes

Comprehensive history, full physical examination, diagnosis, treatment plan, immediate hands-on treatment, and take-home exercise program. Everything you need in one session.

Standard Follow-Up

Follow-Up Treatment

$125

30 minutes

Ongoing treatment, exercise progression, manual therapy and continued rehabilitation toward your goals. Item code 505 for private health claims.

Extended Follow-Up

Extended Treatment

$185

45 minutes

For complex presentations requiring longer hands-on treatment, detailed exercise review or conditions that need additional time and assessment.

Senior Physiotherapist Bayden Campbell & Phill Danzi

Senior Initial Assessment

First Appointment

$235

45 minutes · 9+ years experience

The same comprehensive initial assessment with a Senior Physiotherapist. Ideal for complex, multi-factorial injuries or cases that have not responded to previous treatment elsewhere.

Senior Follow-Up

Follow-Up Treatment

$140

30 minutes

Ongoing treatment with a Senior Physiotherapist, including advanced manual therapy, progressive rehabilitation and biomechanical analysis.

Your health fund item code for initial consultations is 500. Follow-up code is 505. Share these with your fund to confirm your rebate amount before booking.

Insurance and Payment Options

Pay less
out of pocket.

HICAPS is available on site for instant private health rebates. You pay the gap only. We also accept WorkSafe, TAC, DVA, NDIS and Medicare EPC plans.

Private Health Insurance

Typical rebate per session$40 to $80

HICAPS instant claimYes, on site

Referral requiredNo

Item codesInitial: 500 · Follow-up: 505

Rebates vary by fund and level of cover. Contact your health fund with codes 500 (initial) and 505 (follow-up) to confirm your exact rebate before your appointment. Most major funds are supported through HICAPS.

Medicare: EPC Plans

Rebate per session~$60

Sessions per calendar yearUp to 5

GP referral requiredYes, CDM plan required

Claiming processPay in full, claim rebate

Ask your GP about a Chronic Disease Management plan if you have an ongoing condition. More information at Services Australia. Note: you cannot claim both Medicare and private health for the same session.

WorkSafe Victoria

Initial consultation gap$41.76

Follow-up session gap$48.40

RequirementsCase manager and claim number

Session length45-min initial · 30-min follow-ups

You need a case manager and claim number before booking. For more information visit WorkSafe Victoria.

TAC and DVA

TAC initial consultation gap$86.13

TAC follow-up gap$47.29

DVA Gold CardBulk billed, no cost

DVA White CardGP referral required first

TAC requires a claim number at booking. Alternatively, pay full amount and self-claim. For more visit TAC Victoria. Contact us at info@evolutio.com.au to arrange DVA billing.

FAQs

Questions before
you walk in.

Anything not covered here? WhatsApp us and we will get back to you before you even need to book.

How long is my first appointment? +

45 minutes, which is longer than the 30-minute industry standard. This gives your physio the time to properly assess, diagnose and treat in a single session. No "come back next time for actual treatment." This follows Australian Physiotherapy Association guidelines for thorough initial assessments.

Will I get hands-on treatment at my first appointment? +

Yes, always. Every initial assessment at Evolutio includes immediate hands-on treatment. You will also leave with 2 to 3 exercises you can start that same day. We have been doing this since 2013 across 7,200+ patients and it is a non-negotiable part of what we do.

Will the assessment be painful? +

Some testing may reproduce your symptoms, which often helps us identify exactly what is driving the problem. We always work within your comfort limits and follow gentle assessment protocols per Sports Medicine Australia guidelines. If something is uncomfortable, tell your physio and they will adjust.

Do I need a referral to see a physio? +

No referral is needed for standard physiotherapy. Referrals are required only for Medicare EPC plans, WorkSafe Victoria claims, and TAC claims. For everything else, just book directly online.

How many sessions will I need? +

This depends on your condition, health and goals. We will give you an honest estimate at your initial assessment, not a vague "it depends." Typical ranges: 3 to 4 sessions for minor acute injuries, 6 to 8 for moderate injuries, 12 or more for complex conditions or post-surgical rehabilitation including ACL recovery.

How much does my first appointment cost? +

A standard physiotherapist initial assessment is $185 for 45 minutes. With a Senior Physiotherapist it is $235. Follow-ups are $125 (30 min standard) or $140 (30 min senior). HICAPS is available on site for instant private health rebates. View the full pricing page.

How much will I get back from private health insurance? +

Typically $40 to $80 per session depending on your fund and level of cover. We process HICAPS on site so you only pay the gap at the time of your appointment. To confirm your exact rebate before you arrive, contact your health fund with item code 500 for initial consultations and 505 for follow-ups.

Can I continue exercising during treatment? +

This depends entirely on your specific condition. For athletes we almost always modify training rather than stopping completely. Whether you are a runner, cyclist, CrossFitter or play AFL, your physio will give you clear specific guidelines on what to continue, modify or temporarily avoid.

What if there is no improvement after a few sessions? +

We continuously monitor progress and adjust our approach. If things are slower than expected we will reassess, consider alternative strategies, request additional imaging or refer you to specialists within Melbourne's medical network. We will not keep doing the same thing if it is not working.

What is your cancellation policy? +

We ask for 24 hours notice for cancellations. Late cancellations may incur a fee to cover your physio's time. To reschedule, call (03) 9100 3798 or WhatsApp us and we will sort it out.

Find Us

Right in the heart
of Richmond.

Five minutes from Richmond Station, with free on-site parking and bike storage. Easy access from South Yarra, Prahran, Collingwood, and the CBD. Perfect for a lunchtime or post-work appointment.

Address 11/3 Bromham Place, Richmond VIC 3121
Look for the blue Evolutio sign outside.

Phone (03) 9100 3798

WhatsApp +61 430 436 531

Hours

Mon to Thu8:00am to 7:30pm

Friday8:00am to 6:00pm

Saturday8:00am to 1:00pm

SundayClosed

Areas

Richmond South Yarra Prahran Collingwood Abbotsford Clifton Hill Toorak Hawthorn Melbourne CBD

Ready When You Are

Your first visit is
45 minutes away.

$185 for a standard physio, $235 with a Senior Physiotherapist. 45 minutes. A diagnosis, a plan and immediate treatment. We have been doing this since 2013. We know what a first visit should feel like.

Book your first appointment WhatsApp us a question first

Or call us: (03) 9100 3798 · Mon to Thu 8am to 7:30pm · Fri 8am to 6pm · Sat 8am to 1pm

First Physiotherapy Visit Melbourne: What Happens at Your Initial Assessment at Evolutio Sports Physio Richmond

A little preparationgoes a long way.

When you arrive at the clinic

What happens inyour 45 minutes.