Yes that is right re: physios in NZ. We don't have an exact medical equivalent in the medical profession like physiatrists in the US or physical medicine drs. We do have musculoskeletal physicians and sports physicians - but they are a relatively small body. Such physicians may practice some physiotherapy modalities and may also use injections and drugs and could refer on for physiohterapy.

We also have rehab physicians mainly in the hospital system. The rehab physicians are generally valued members of rehab teams and tend to confine themselves to overall medical diagnosis management referring on for physiotherapy where appropriate. Likewise physios refer to the rehab physician for medical management issues. These physicians may take a leadership role in a more traditional multidisciplinary team although in other teams the physician is really just another team member. Generally there is a good relationship between rehab physicians and physios although there is always some potential for conflict and disagreement. Rehab services remain under-financed and under resourced so all staff tend to be maximise what resources are available rather than squabbling over care.