Whether you are recovering from a sports injury, managing chronic pain, or rebuilding strength after surgery, Align Health provides physiotherapy in Abu Dhabi delivered by DOH-licensed physiotherapists. Our clinics in Al Zeina and Saadiyat Island offer personalized, evidence-based care in a calm, professional environment designed around your recovery.
Every patient at Align Health receives a thorough assessment, an individualised treatment plan, and honest, outcome-focused guidance from a qualified physiotherapist.
What Is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy (also known as physical therapy) is a healthcare discipline that uses evidence-based, hands-on treatment techniques to restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. It addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions — helping patients of all ages and activity levels improve movement and physical function.
Physiotherapy is not simply passive treatment. Your physiotherapist assesses your symptoms, movement and factors that may be contributing to your pain or movement limitation and builds an active rehabilitation plan that progresses with your recovery. Sessions combine hands-on therapy with targeted exercise, education, and self-management strategies for supporting your ongoing recovery and self-management.
Physiotherapy vs. Physical Therapy: Is There a Difference?
The short answer: no meaningful difference. 'Physiotherapy' and 'physical therapy' refer to the same healthcare profession. The terminology varies by region:
| Term | Common Usage |
|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, UAE, most of the world |
| Physical Therapy | United States — same qualification, same scope of practice |
| At Align Health | We use both terms interchangeably. All our practitioners hold internationally recognised physiotherapy degrees. |
Does Insurance Cover Physiotherapy in Abu Dhabi?
Many health insurance plans in the UAE include physiotherapy coverage. The extent of coverage — number of sessions, co-payment percentage, and pre-authorisation requirements — varies by provider and policy. We recommend contacting your insurer directly before booking. Align Health accepts a range of insurance providers; contact our team to confirm your plan.
Why Choose Align Health for Physiotherapy in Abu Dhabi?
- DOH-licensed practitioners — All Align Health physiotherapists hold active Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) licenses, ensuring your care meets the regulated medical standards in Abu Dhabi.
- Internationally trained team — Our physiotherapists hold degrees from universities in the UK, Malta, Spain, Egypt, and Greece, bringing diverse clinical expertise to every session.
- Personalised treatment plans — No two patients are the same. Every treatment plan at Align is built from a thorough assessment of your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle.
- Modern clinic environment — Our modern facilities are equipped with advanced therapeutic tools in a calm, clinical setting focused on patient comfort and recovery.
- Two convenient Abu Dhabi locations — Al Zeina and Saadiyat Island, open 7 days a week with early morning and evening availability.
- Integrated care approach — Physiotherapy at Align can be may be complemented by other services, depending on individual needs sports massage, dry needling, cupping therapy, chiropractic care, and our recovery suites for comprehensive treatment.
Physiotherapy Treatments at Align Health
Our physiotherapists are trained in a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatment techniques:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on joint mobilisation, manipulation, and soft tissue techniques to support movement and help manage musculoskeletal pain.
- Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Targeted recovery programmes for acute and chronic sports injuries — from muscle strains and ligament sprains to tendinopathies and stress fractures.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Structured recovery protocols following orthopaedic surgery, including joint replacement, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and spinal procedures.
- Chronic Pain Management: Individualised programmes addressing persistent musculoskeletal pain through movement therapy, manual techniques, and pain neuroscience education.
- Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation: Assessment and treatment of injuries to muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments — from acute trauma to overuse conditions.
- Neurological Rehabilitation Support: Physiotherapy for conditions affecting the nervous system, supporting mobility, balance, and functional independence.
- Postural and Movement Assessment: Identification and treatment of postural imbalances contributing to pain, injury risk, or movement restriction.
- Mobility and Flexibility Training: Structured programmes to restore joint range of motion and muscle flexibility, tailored to your activity level and goals.
- Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy: Integrated soft tissue treatment to complement physiotherapy and support recovery.
Conditions Treated at ALIGN Health
Our physiotherapy team has extensive experience treating a wide range of conditions across all patient groups:
Back Pain
Back pain is the most common reason patients seek physiotherapy. Our physiotherapists assess and treat all forms of back pain — from acute lower back strains and disc problems to chronic postural pain and sciatica. We work across our dedicated back pain physiotherapy programme for a structured, evidence-based recovery plan.
- Lower back pain (acute and chronic)
- Herniated or bulging disc
- Sciatica and nerve root pain
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Post-surgical back rehabilitation
Neck Pain
Neck pain and stiffness often result from postural habits, desk work, trauma, or cervical disc issues. Our physiotherapists provide hands-on manual therapy, targeted exercises, and postural retraining to help manage pain and improve neck movement.
- Cervicogenic headaches
- Whiplash-associated disorders
- Cervical disc problems
- Upper trapezius and levator scapulae tension
- Neck stiffness from desk posture
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder conditions are complex and require careful assessment to distinguish between rotator cuff, labral, AC joint, and postural causes. Align's physiotherapists provide tailored shoulder rehabilitation to support shoulder mobility, strength and function.
- Rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- AC joint injury
- Post-surgical shoulder rehabilitation
Knee Pain
From runners' knee to post-surgical ACL recovery, our knee pain programme is built on thorough biomechanical assessment and progressive strength rehabilitation.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Meniscal injuries
- ACL and PCL rehabilitation
- Knee replacement recovery
- IT band syndrome
Sports Injuries
Athletes and active individuals benefit from Align's sports-specific physiotherapy, which focuses on supporting a safe, progressive return to sport alongside injury prevention strategies.
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains
- Tendinopathies (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff)
- Stress fractures
- Overuse injuries
- Return-to-sport rehabilitation
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
A structured post-surgical recovery plan can play an important role in supporting recovery after surgery . Our physiotherapists work closely with your surgeon's protocol to ensure safe, progressive rehabilitation.
- Joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Ligament and tendon repair
- Fracture rehabilitation
- Spinal surgery recovery
- Arthroscopic procedure rehabilitation
What to Expect in Your First Physiotherapy Session
- Step 1 - Arrival and Intake: You complete a brief health history questionnaire covering your current symptoms, medical history, medications, and goals. This helps your physiotherapist prepare for your assessment.
- Step 2 - Thorough Assessment: Your physiotherapist conducts a detailed physical examination: range of motion testing, strength assessment, palpation of relevant structures, movement analysis, and neurological screening where appropriate.
- Step 3 - Clinical Diagnosis and Explanation: Your physiotherapist explains their clinical findings in clear, accessible language — what is causing your pain or restriction, what factors are contributing, and what the recovery pathway looks like.
- Step 4 - Hands-On Treatment: The first session typically includes some treatment — manual therapy, soft tissue work, or gentle exercises, where appropriate. Your first session may also include initial treatment or therapeutic exercises.
- Step 5 - Exercise Programme: You receive a personalised home exercise programme, explained and demonstrated, to support your rehabilitation between appointments.
- Step 6 - Treatment Plan: Your physiotherapist outlines a recommended treatment schedule — number of sessions, frequency, and milestones — with clear goals and progress indicators.
Our Team of Physiotherapists in Abu Dhabi
Align Health's physiotherapy team brings together internationally trained, DOH-licensed practitioners with a combined experience of over 100 years of clinical practice.
Fernando Tassi Salati
Head of Clinic, Al Zeina BranchQualification: Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the Catholic University of Valencia (UCV). Specialisation degrees in both Osteopathy (DO) and Naprapathy (DN).
Patrick Milton
Head of Clinic, Saadiyat BranchQualification: Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Malta(1996), Master's degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Leeds(2001).
Sion Gwydion Jones
PhysiotherapistQualification: BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Plymouth.
Konstantinos Kounas
PhysiotherapistQualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy – Technological Education Foundation of Physical Therapy (T.E.I), Athens (2009).
Joni Shanta
PhysiotherapistQualification: Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2010.
Moataz Elbadrawy
PhysiotherapistQualification: Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from Cairo University(2015), Doctor of Physical Therapy(2021).
David Slack
PhysiotherapistQualification: BSc in Physiotherapy from Northumbria University (2016).
Our Team of Physiotherapists
-
- Fernando Tassi Salati – Head of Clinic, Al Zeina Branch
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the Catholic University of Valencia (UCV). Specialisation degrees in both Osteopathy (DO) and Naprapathy (DN).
- DOH License ###
- Years of Experience:
- Fernando Tassi Salati – Head of Clinic, Al Zeina Branch
-
- Patrick Milton - Head of Clinic, Saadiyat Branch
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Malta(1996), Master's degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Leeds(2001)
- DOH License ####
- Years of Experience: 26 Years
- Patrick Milton - Head of Clinic, Saadiyat Branch
-
- Sion Gwydion Jones
- Qualification: BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Plymouth
- DOH License ####
- Years of Experience: 13 years
- Sion Gwydion Jones
-
- Konstantinos Kounas
- Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy – Technological Education Foundation of Physical Therapy (T.E.I), Athens (2009)
- DOH License ####
- Years of Experience:
- Konstantinos Kounas
-
- Joni Shanta
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2010
- DOH License ####
- Years of Experience: 10+ years
- Joni Shanta
-
- Moataz Elbadrawy
- Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from Cairo University(2015), Doctor of Physical Therapy(2021)
- DOH License ####
- Years of Experience:
- David Slack
- Qualification: BSc in Physiotherapy from Northumbria University (2016).
- DOH License ####
- Years of Experience:
- Moataz Elbadrawy
What Our Patients Say
Amazing service. Moataz knew exactly what I needed, and the treatment was very helpful. I suffer from an old injury and also back pain and he helped me a lot. Finally, I feel I can move better. Will definitely recommend and come back again. Thank youJacky Feighery
I had an excellent experience with David Slack. I visited him because of an ankle injury caused by incorrect running technique. The session was only a few days before a competition, and I was very worried at the time. After the session, I felt a significant improvement, and most importantly, I understood the real reason behind the injury and how to prevent it in the future. The explanation was clear, very professional, and the session was extremely helpful. A truly great experience, and I highly recommend it.Em Alaryani
I had a great visit to Aling Health Physiotherapy in Abu Dhabi. The place was spotless, which was a big plus for me. Mr. Konstantinos was super professional and really knew his stuff. He made me feel comfortable and well taken care of. Finding parking was a breeze, which was awesome. And let's talk about value - the price was really fair for the excellent service I got. I'd totally recommend this place to anyone looking for physiotherapy.Omair Almansoori
Working on my knee pain with Constantinos has been amazing. He is extremely knowledgeable and always does his best. I can confidently say that I am now 100% recovered. Thank you!Karim El Jamali
FAQ
Physiotherapy helps improve movement, reduce pain, and support recovery after injury, surgery, or everyday strain. It focuses on safe, guided care that supports long-term physical wellbeing.
If you experience sudden severe pain, loss of movement, numbness, or symptoms after an accident or fall, you should seek urgent medical assessment first, especially if the pain is severe or worsening. Once serious medical conditions are ruled out, a physiotherapist can support your recovery through a safe, structured rehabilitation plan.
If you need to speak with the team, you can contact Align Health on 600 525446 or visit the clinic at Ground Floor 4A, Block A – Al Rahah – Al Zeina – Abu Dhabi, where the team can guide you on the next appropriate step for your condition. You can also contact our Saadiyat Island branch on 054 538 1006 or visit us at Sunrise Residences, Saadiyat - Tower 5 - Street 5 - Al Saadiyat Island - SDN7 - Abu Dhabi.
Physiotherapy session costs in Abu Dhabi typically range from AED 200 to AED 500 per session, depending on the clinic, session type, and duration. Initial assessment sessions, which include a full evaluation and first treatment, are usually at the higher end of this range. At Align Health, contact our Al Zeina (+971 02 585 8322) or Saadiyat Island (+971 02 671 9103) clinics for current pricing and package options.
A one-hour physiotherapy session in Abu Dhabi typically costs between AED 300 and AED 450, depending on the clinic and the type of treatment. Some clinics include assessment in the first session, which may be priced slightly higher. At Align Health, we offer both 30-minute and 60-minute appointment options depending on your treatment plan.
There is no meaningful clinical difference — both terms refer to the same healthcare profession. 'Physiotherapy' is the term used in the UK, UAE, Australia and most countries; 'physical therapy' is the American equivalent. At Align Health, our practitioners hold physiotherapy degrees and the two terms are used interchangeably.
For back pain, a combination of manual therapy (joint mobilisation and manipulation), targeted exercise rehabilitation, and postural education is most effective. For sciatica and disc-related pain, neural mobilisation and specific core stability exercises are typically included. Our physiotherapists assess each patient individually to determine the most effective approach.
Some techniques — particularly deep tissue manual therapy and trigger point release — can feel intense during treatment. However, physiotherapy should not cause sharp or alarming pain. Your physiotherapist will work within your comfort level and explain any techniques before applying them. Post-session muscle soreness (similar to DOMS) is common and resolves within 24–48 hours.
Book Your Physiotherapy Session in Abu Dhabi
Book an assessment to discuss your symptoms, movement and rehabilitation goals
| Location | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Zeina (Al Raha Beach) | Ground Floor 4A, Block A, Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi | +971 02 585 8322 | Mon–Fri: 7AM–9PM | Sat–Sun: 9AM–6PM |
| Saadiyat Island | Unit G-09, 34 Al Dhiba Street, Sunrise Residences 5, Saadiyat Island | +971 02 671 9103 | Mon–Fri: 7AM–9PM | Sat–Sun: 9AM–6PM |