Which groups work
- Clinical Pilates for back pain, pregnancy and general strength.
- Falls prevention and balance for older adults.
- Post-natal recovery.
- Knee and hip osteoarthritis education and exercise.
- Return to running or strength for sport.
The best groups follow naturally from your one-to-one caseload. If you see many knee patients, a knee group is an easy next step for them.
Keep it clinical
A group is still physiotherapy. Assess each person one-to-one before they join, keep groups small enough to watch everyone, and write a short note for each attendee. That protects patients and is what makes the class worth more than a gym session. See treatment notes.
Fill the class
- Offer the class to suitable one-to-one patients when their acute treatment ends.
- Sell terms or packs of classes so people commit. See treatment packages.
- Let people book a place online, with the class size capped so it never overfills.
Run the admin once, not every week
Classes create admin: who is coming, who paid, who is on the waitlist. In Clinidiary each class has a capacity, a list of who is booked, attendance marked in one tap, and a waitlist when it is full. See group classes.
Price it so it pays
A class fee is lower than a one-to-one consult, but six people paying it brings in more for the hour. Check what private health funds rebate for group sessions in your area and set the fee so the class pays its way even when a couple of places are empty.
Frequently asked questions
How many people should be in a physio group class?
Small enough that you can watch and correct everyone, often four to eight depending on the class and the patients.
Do patients need an assessment before a class?
Yes. A one-to-one assessment first keeps the class safe and lets you tailor exercises.
Can private health insurance cover group classes?
Some funds rebate clinical group sessions such as Pilates run by a physiotherapist. Rules vary by fund, so patients should check their cover.