Inclusive LGBTQIA + Physio in Brisbane

Physiotherapy Column

Inclusive LGBTQIA + Physio in Brisbane –

WRITTEN BY: SAL (SHE/HER) – FOUNDER OF BAREFOOT PHYSIOTHERAPY.

Truly inclusive healthcare is a fundamental human right and underpins every part of the Barefoot approach. The philosophy behind the clinic is simple: empower people to confidently live the lives they choose.

Clinic values:

  • to us, you matter

  • Commitment to excellence

  • Bring the fireworks!

Meeting the Needs of the LGBTQIA+ Community

Recently, clients were asked to update their details — and while doing so, they were invited to share what they might type into Google if searching for a physio. Multiple responses included “LGBTQIA+ friendly physio.” A quick search showed that Barefoot Physiotherapy didn’t appear in those results, so this article was created to change that.

LGBTQIA+ Physio Brisbane

The aim of this blog is to rank highly enough on Google so that if “LGBTQIA+ physio Brisbane” is something you search for you end up in the right place. And by right place I mean reading our website and then deciding for yourself whether we may be the right people to help you with whatever it is you have going on in your body and life. Spoiler alert: we’re really good at what we do! (and we know you are too!)

The Barefoot Physiotherapy and Brisbane Oasis

Now I live in what is probably referred to by some as a bubble. I get to go to work with incredible humans, who take care of incredible humans from all walks of life, and we refer to and are referred to by (wait for it) incredible humans. We talk about Values, and Dreams and Goals and we continually work on our Soft Skills to ensure we connect wholeheartedly with those around us. It’s not all butterflies and rainbows because, as you know, living with Vulnerability means you have hard conversations (you know, that stuff your family doesn’t want to talk about at Christmas) and we own up to our stuff.

My understanding is that this is in fact an oasis and is not the case everywhere, hence articulating clearly in this blog that we are LGBTQIA+ friendly physio Brisbane clinic and we would love to help take care of you if that’s what you need.

Practical reasons we’re good at Inclusive/LGBTQIA+ Physio in Brisbane

  • We are all trained in the Barefoot Physiotherapy Plan™ way of treating – hands on, multimodal, truly holistic and cutting edge.
  • Each clinician is highly skilled in treating the thoracic rings, ribs, and surrounding muscles, joints, and ligaments. This expertise supports clients who use binders, have had top surgery, breast procedures, or experience postural or scar-related concerns.
  • Advanced palpation skills around the hips, pelvis, and lower back allow for detailed and respectful assessment. One option available is the Bike Pants Assessment – a consent-based, hands-on evaluation performed while wearing provided bike pants to assess deeper structures such as the hamstring insertion, adductors, and glutes. Many clients have shared that this was the first time someone had examined the area properly, and it often provides key insights into movement patterns and function.
  • The clinic provides comfortable, inclusive clothing for assessments, ensuring each person feels safe and supported. Physiotherapists also hold advanced training across pelvic health, invisible illness, sports, dry needling, and complex presentations.
  • Soft skills training is an ongoing priority at Barefoot Physiotherapy, with communication, empathy, and inclusivity treated as essential clinical competencies. Names and pronouns are always respected, and if a mistake occurs, it’s acknowledged and corrected immediately.
  • The clinic environment itself is designed for comfort and inclusivity, from furniture to room layout. When another practitioner is the best fit for a client’s needs, referrals are made confidently to trusted allied health professionals within Barefoot’s inclusive network.

Who else is out there doing great work in the LGBTQIA+ space in Brisbane?

Anybody (Exercise Physiology and Pilates – Milton)
Bodytrack (Exercise Physiology – Sherwood and Toowong)
Gray Mind (Psychology – Rosalie)
All Womens Health (Womens Health Physios – Paddington)
Wander and Nourish (Dietitian – Teneriffe)
Dr Carmen Main (GP – Hawthorne)
Dr Liz Hay (GP – Sherwood)

And you?

People who thrive at Barefoot are curious, engaged, and ready to be active participants in their care. They value open communication, inclusive language, and evidence-based treatment. They want to understand their body, get to the root cause of what’s holding them back, and feel confident in their recovery.

Where to from here?

If an inclusive and affirming physiotherapy space sounds right, the next step is simple:

  • Book online or Call 1300 842 850 to chat with a physiotherapist

Suggestions or additions to the “LGBTQIA+ allies” list are always welcome. Contact me on sal@barefootphysiotherapy.com.au

Contact

F 07 3054 7388

28 Curzon street,
Tennyson QLD, 4105

Locations

AT BAREFOOT PHYSIOTHERAPY, WE’RE PROUD TO SERVE CLIENTS FROM ALL CORNERS OF AUSTRALIA WHO MAKE THE JOURNEY TO OUR CLINIC IN TENNYSON, BRISBANE.

Below is a list of nearby suburbs that many of our local clients come from. Whether you’re near or far, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional care tailored to your needs.