Raul Loppi Goulart is a Senior Physiotherapist and Acupuncturist with over 13 years of clinical experience across hospitals, private practice, urgent care and multidisciplinary rehabilitation settings. Originally trained in Brazil, he brings a strong blend of physiotherapy and acupuncture expertise to PhysioMotion Cairns, where he works with people from across Far North Queensland.
He’s not the kind of clinician who treats pain like it exists in isolation. If something’s been going on for a while—tightness, headaches, dizziness, or pain that keeps coming back—Raul tends to look deeper at the patterns behind it. And more often than not, that’s where acupuncture becomes a key part of the conversation, not just an add-on.
Clinical Focus
Raul works across a broad range of musculoskeletal and movement conditions, with a strong clinical focus on integrating physiotherapy and acupuncture for both pain relief and long-term recovery. He regularly treats spinal conditions such as neck and back pain, postural strain and cervicogenic headaches, as well as chronic musculoskeletal pain that hasn’t fully responded to previous treatment approaches. A major part of his practice also involves vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders, along with post-operative rehabilitation focused on restoring strength, movement quality and confidence after surgery.
He also provides geriatric physiotherapy, supporting older adults to maintain mobility, independence and balance as they age. But what really sets his practice apart is how consistently he uses acupuncture as part of rehabilitation. For Raul, acupuncture isn’t a separate or “alternative” add-on—it’s a clinical tool he actively integrates into treatment for pain modulation, muscle tension, nervous system regulation and stubborn conditions that aren’t responding to exercise or manual therapy alone.
Conditions Raul Commonly Treats
Raul supports people presenting with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Neck and lower back pain
- Sciatica and spinal-related pain
- Headaches and migraines (especially cervicogenic)
- Shoulder pain and joint injuries
- Muscle strains and soft tissue injuries
- Chronic or persistent pain conditions
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Vertigo, dizziness and BPPV
- Balance and vestibular disorders
- Age-related mobility decline
- General stiffness and movement restrictions
Acupuncture is often incorporated into treatment for many of these conditions, particularly when pain is persistent, widespread or not settling with movement-based care alone.
Treatment Approach
Raul’s approach is structured, practical and strongly results-focused, but never rigid. He combines physiotherapy and acupuncture in a way that supports both immediate symptom relief and longer-term movement change.
Treatment may include manual therapy, joint mobilisation, exercise rehabilitation, myofascial techniques and movement retraining—but acupuncture is a core part of his clinical toolkit. It’s commonly used alongside physiotherapy to help reduce pain, calm muscle tension, and improve how the body responds to rehabilitation.
Rather than relying on one method, Raul builds treatment around what the body needs most at that point in time. Sometimes that’s movement and strength work. Other times it’s acupuncture to settle an irritated system so movement can actually happen again.
Acupuncture & Integrative Care
Acupuncture is a central part of Raul’s clinical practice in Cairns.
He completed postgraduate training in acupuncture and Chinese medicine in Brazil and further advanced his clinical experience through international training at the Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center in China.
In practice, he uses acupuncture as an evidence-informed tool within physiotherapy care—not separately, but as part of a combined approach to rehabilitation.
It is commonly used for:
- Chronic pain and sensitised pain conditions
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle tightness and tension patterns
- Stress-related physical symptoms affecting movement
- Musculoskeletal injuries that aren’t responding to exercise alone
- Sleep disorders
- Consitipation
- Stress and anxiety
For many patients, acupuncture is the turning point that allows them to move more comfortably again so rehab can actually progress.
Who Raul Works With
Raul works with a wide range of people, particularly those dealing with persistent or complex conditions. That includes office workers with long-standing postural pain, active people recovering from injury or returning to sport, patients after surgery, older adults working on strength and balance, and people dealing with dizziness or vestibular issues affecting daily confidence. A large portion of his caseload also includes people specifically seeking acupuncture for pain management—either as a primary treatment or combined with physiotherapy for a more integrated approach.
Outside the Clinic
Originally from Brazil, Raul brings a calm and steady presence into the clinic that reflects both his clinical background and personal approach to life. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors and exploring Far North Queensland. He values balance, simplicity and consistency—something that also shows up in the way he treats patients. Nothing overly complicated, just thoughtful, targeted care that actually makes sense in real life.
Services at PhysioMotion Cairns
Raul provides:
- Physiotherapy (musculoskeletal and spinal conditions)
- Acupuncture (central to his clinical practice)
- Dry needling
- Vestibular rehabilitation (dizziness and vertigo)
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Chronic pain management
- Geriatric physiotherapy
- Movement and mobility rehabilitation
Qualifications & Training
Raul’s background includes physiotherapy training, postgraduate acupuncture study and international clinical experience across multiple healthcare settings.
He holds:
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy – Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
- Multiprofessional Residency in Urgency and Trauma – Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Brazil
- Postgraduate Qualification in Acupuncture – LIBERTAS Faculdades Integradas, Brazil
- International acupuncture training – Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, China
- Australian Physiotherapy Council – Certificate of Substantial Equivalence
- AHPRA Registered Physiotherapist (General Registration)
- Vestibular rehabilitation training
- Myofascial release certification
- Therapy taping certification
Professional Registration
AHPRA Registration: PHY0002931763
Medicare Provider Number: 3115921W
Languages
- English
- Portuguese
Book an Appointment
If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, dizziness or a condition that just hasn’t fully settled, Raul can help you work out what’s driving it and what actually needs to change. For many patients, acupuncture plays a key role in that process—either alongside physiotherapy or as part of a combined treatment approach that helps reduce pain and improve how the body moves and responds to rehab. The goal is simple: less pain, better movement, and a clearer path back to doing the things you want to do.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see Raul for physiotherapy?
Yes. Raul treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries and post-operative rehabilitation.
Does Raul offer acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture is a major part of Raul’s practice. It is used both on its own and combined with physiotherapy to support pain relief, muscle relaxation and movement improvement.
Can acupuncture help with pain?
Yes. In Raul’s clinical approach, acupuncture is commonly used to help reduce pain sensitivity, ease muscle tension and support the body’s response to rehabilitation.
Can Raul help with dizziness or vertigo?
Yes. He has additional training in vestibular rehabilitation and treats vertigo, BPPV and balance-related conditions.
Does Raul work with older adults?
Yes. Raul provides geriatric physiotherapy focusing on mobility, strength, balance and independence, often supported with acupuncture when appropriate.
