Physiotherapy Prices in Singapore: What to Expect

Understanding treatment costs, effectiveness & whether you need them.

Advanced physiotherapy treatments such as dry needling, shockwave therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound are increasingly common for people dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, and movement restrictions. 

Yet many patients are unsure about what these treatments actually do, how much they cost, and whether they are worth the price compared to massage or chiropractic care.

At MoveMed Physiotherapy, we believe patients should make informed choices. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect, who these treatments are for, and how pricing works in Singapore.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy pulses to stimulate tissue repair, break down scar tissue and reduce long-standing inflammation. It works especially well for injuries that don’t respond to massage or stretching anymore. Best for Patients with:

  • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

  • Tennis elbow / golfers elbow

  • Achilles tendon pain

  • Calcific shoulder tendonitis

  • Persistent tendon injuries

Sessions are short, about 5-10 minutes as part of a physiotherapy session.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling

Dry needling targets deep muscle tension with a fine needle that releases tight trigger points that hands often can’t reach.

It is not acupuncture (which follows meridian theory). Dry needling is based on muscle release for movement and pain reduction.

Best for Patients with:

  • Stiff neck / shoulder knots

  • Low back tightness

  • Referred pain down arms or legs

  • Glute/piriformis tightness & sciatica-like symptoms

  • Sports muscle tightness


It is especially useful when stiffness limits mobility despite stretching or massage.

What is Physiotherapy Ultrasound?

Therapeutic ultrasound delivers sound waves to increase tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. It complements manual therapy when swelling or acute irritation is present.

Best for Patients with:

  • Early tendon irritation

  • Acute sports injuries

  • Post-operative inflammation

  • Chronic soft-tissue irritation


How Much Do These Treatments Cost?

At Movemed Physiotherapy (Singapore, Novena), advanced modalities are included as part of physiotherapy sessions, with a small add-on only for shockwave due to equipment cost.

Typical Pricing at MoveMed (Future-proofed Ranges)

Service Estimated Price Range
Standard physiotherapy session (45–60 min), incl. all manual therapy & modalities ≈ $200 – $260 per session
Shockwave therapy add-on ≈ $50 – $70 additional

*Prices are estimates and may vary depending on treatment needs and updates over time.

Dry needling & ultrasound are commonly included within the physiotherapy session at no extra cost.

How Does This Compare to Industry Prices?

Treatment Typical Price
Physiotherapy session $120 – $250 depending on clinic & duration
Shockwave therapy $40 – $120 add-on
Dry needling Often included, or $20 – $60 add-on
Therapeutic ultrasound Mostly included

*Prices above are typical across private physiotherapy clinics in Singapore and may vary based on clinic expertise, session length, and equipment used.

MoveMed sits in the professional, specialist range due to the location near the Novena Medical Cluster, our physiotherapists’ post-graduate specialities and equipment inclusion.


Physio vs Massage vs Chiropractic — Which Should You Choose?

Treatment Type Best For Limitations
Massage Temporary muscle relief Doesn’t correct underlying movement or injury
Chiropractic Adjustments Spine manipulation, fast temporary change Doesn’t retrain muscles or movement patterns
Physiotherapy + Modalities Pain relief + movement correction + long-term recovery Needs active participation & exercise follow-up

*Modalities like shockwave, dry needling and ultrasound work best when combined with physiotherapy exercises & manual therapy.



Who Should Consider Advanced Modalities at MoveMed?

You may benefit most if:

  • You’ve had pain for more than 2–4 weeks

  • Massage gives relief but pain always returns

  • Stretching isn’t improving mobility

  • You’ve tried exercise but progress is slow

  • Pain affects work, sleep, sports or daily function

These treatments are most valuable when the pain is persistent or restricting your function.

About MoveMed Physiotherapy Singapore

At MoveMed, we support your recovery through purposeful movement.

Our professionally trained physiotherapists at Novena provide tailored sessions in a well-equipped facility—featuring treatment beds, shockwave therapy machines and more —to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

Whether it’s pre-op rehab, pain management or post-op rehab, our team is here to guide your journey every step of the way.

📞 Call / WhatsApp: +65 9627 2000
📧 Email: hello@movemedsg.com


Regain control. Move better. Live stronger.

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