Christchurch physiotherapists are continuing to treat an influx of patients affected by the region’s devastating earthquake.

Physiotherapy New Zealand president Gill Stotter said many residents and workers sustained severe bruising from the 6.3 magnitude quake that rocked the city on February 22.

Ms Stotter said physical labour carried out in the aftermath of the quake, such as shovelling silt, digging holes, carrying heavy water containers and emptying chemical toilets, coupled with stress and anxiety, had left many with back and shoulder pain and injuries.

"Physiotherapists have used normal physiotherapy interventions for presenting injuries, but have allowed more time for treatment sessions because patients have needed to talk more," she said.

In the immediate aftermath of the quake, Christchurch physiotherapists helped out where needed – there were those working in hospitals, others in the medical tent or joining the general volunteer effort.

Many physiotherapists were also personally affected by the quake, losing friends or colleagues and having their homes destroyed or badly damaged while seven have since closed their businesses.

"Private physiotherapists reopened their clinics as soon as possible," Ms Stotter said.

"Several had clinics in the red zone, which they could not open.

"Our members showed a very co-operative spirit in sharing premises when others’ clinics were unusable for reasons such as being unreachable, damaged or unsanitary."

Ms Stotter said members, along with the general Christchurch community, had shown their resilience in the face of the natural disaster.

"Like others they have had to cope with grief and loss, with all the aftershocks, difficult conditions at home and work, and learning to sleep despite everything," she said.

"On top of that they have continued to treat patients, and provide support and a listening ear."