New in Town? 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Physiotherapist in Groningen

TL;DR

New in Groningen? Choose a physiotherapist with proper credentials, multilingual staff, flexible hours, and a welcoming vibe.

Noorderbad ticks all the boxes— specialized care, multilingual staff, convenient hours, a team you can trust, and international insurance support—all within biking distance from the city center.

A little information can go a long way, especially when you’re navigating life in a new city.

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New in Town? 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Physiotherapist in Groningen

Hello, dear adventurers and welcome to Groningen! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re an international student or expat soaking in the sights, sounds, and experiences of our wonderful city. Because as we say here: “er gaat niets boven Groningen!” But hey, with all that excitement, it’s easy to forget about sorting out the boring stuff like finding a local doctor, physio, dentist etc… That’s where this blog comes in, I would like to talk to you about 5 important things to remember when choosing a physio in Groningen. And of course we’d love to be your go-to for all things health related.

So, how do you choose the right physiotherapist for you?

1. Credentials and Specialization

Before you let anyone put their hands on you, make sure they’re qualified for the task. A certified physiotherapist with specialization in the area you need—be it sports injuries, orthopedics, or neuromuscular conditions—is a must. In the Netherlands all doctors, nurses, physios, dentists and psychologists are registered in the BIG-register. If someone isn’t registered, they are not allowed to treat patients. Aside from the BIG-register there are 2 organisations that can certify and monitor quality, these are the KRF, and the SKF. Finally there is the Royal association of physiotherapists (KNGF). and its sub organisations such as NVOF, NVMT and so on.

So before committing to a therapist or practice make sure you play detective a little bit and check they have the required degrees and certifications.

Our therapists are specialised in head and spine related injuries and pain, hand injuries, shoulder and elbow complaints, and the treatment of chronic pain and illness. We are all registered in the appropriate registers and associations.

2. Location, Location, Location

With your busy student life, you don’t want to spend all your time traveling back and forth. Make sure your physiotherapist is conveniently located. In Groningen a bicycle is by far the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get around. The pubic transport system is also very effective and connects the city center to among other places, Zernike campus and Kardinge. By the way, did you know our clinic is just a short bike ride from the city center and conveniently located right across from the busstop between the UMCG and Kardinge?

3. Language Barriers? No Problem!

In a new country, communication is key. Look for a physiotherapist who speaks your language or has multilingual staff. No lost in translation moments here – our team is made up of therapists from England, Ireland, Poland and of course the Netherlands. In addition everyone in our practice speaks multiple languages to make you feel right at home.

4. Flexible Timings

Late-night study sessions, morning classes, or social events—your schedule can be unpredictable. Choose a clinic that offers flexible timings, so you can book appointments when it’s convenient for you. We offer appointments between 8 am and 9 pm Mondays through Thursdays and from 8 am till 1pm on Fridays. Appointments can be easily scheduled online and should you need to reschedule you can do so online via your patient-portal up to 48 hours before your appointment or via phone up to 24 hours before.

5. Don’t Skip the Chemistry

Finally, the “vibe” matters. You should feel comfortable, listened to, and cared for by your physiotherapist. So, drop by for a consultation and see if the chemistry is there. Trust me, you’ll know when you’ve found the right fit.

So there you have it! Your guide to finding the perfect physiotherapist in Groningen. If you’d like a consultation or simply want to learn more, feel free to reach out. We can’t wait to meet you and help you live your best life in this incredible city. And remember: “Er gaat niets boven Groningen!”

Bonus tip: insurance

So here’s the boring bit, but everything in life costs money and as a student that can be something that is in short supply.

Physiotherapy in the Netherlands is covered through the health insurance but only if you have what is called “aanvullende verzekering” which roughly translates to extended coverage.

If you don’t have Dutch insurance then make sure to check the specific conditions of your insurance before your first appointment. Many international insurance companies require you visit a doctor before your first appointment.

Also keep in mind most international insurance companies make you pay your bill first then reimburse you later, they won’t pay your physiotherapist directly.

If you have questions don’t hesitate to drop by our practice in Groningen, we have a lot of experience dealing with international insurance companies and are here to help! Or check out our blog about the Dutch healthcare system.

Finding the right physiotherapist in Groningen isn’t just about location—it’s about trust, expertise, and feeling understood.

Fysiotherapie Noorderbad checks all the boxes with certified professionals, multilingual support, accessible scheduling, and tailored care for expats and students.