About Me

Hello, I’m Yuji Kitano, founder and physiotherapist at Yokohama Physio.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my website.

If you’re here, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking for a better understanding of your body. Whatever brings you here, I’m glad you found us.

People often ask me why I became a physiotherapist.

The answer is simple: I’ve always been fascinated by how the human body works.

Growing up, I loved sports and martial arts. Whenever someone was injured, I found myself asking, Why did this happen? Why do some people recover quickly while others struggle with the same problem for months or even years? That curiosity eventually became my career.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in New Zealand. Since then, I’ve worked in hospitals, private practices, fitness facilities, and elite sporting environments across New Zealand and Japan, helping everyone from office workers and older adults to professional athletes and Paralympians.

Throughout my career, one lesson has shaped the way I practise:

Pain is often not where the problem begins.

Many treatments focus only on the painful area. While that can sometimes provide temporary relief, I believe lasting recovery comes from understanding why the pain developed in the first place.

The body is one connected system. The way your feet move can influence your knees. Your hips can affect your back. Your shoulders can be limited by your spine. Every joint and every movement works together.

Rather than asking, “Where does it hurt?” I prefer to ask, “Why is your body placing stress there?”

That philosophy became the foundation of Yokohama Physio.

Why I Started Yokohama Physio

After working in different healthcare settings, I realised I wanted to practise physiotherapy differently.

I wanted to spend more time with each person. I wanted to understand their goals, their lifestyle, and the story behind their pain—not simply treat the symptoms.

Starting my own clinic gave me the freedom to provide the kind of care I believe every patient deserves.

At Yokohama Physio, appointments are never rushed. Every assessment is thorough, every treatment is personalised, and every exercise is prescribed with a clear purpose.

My goal isn’t just to help you feel better today.

It’s to help you understand your body, move with confidence, and stay active for years to come.

Outside the Clinic

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me staying active.

I enjoy rugby, surfing, snowboarding, Muay Thai, karate, and spending time with my cats. Being active isn’t just a hobby—it’s one of the reasons I’m passionate about helping others return to the activities they love.

Having experienced injuries myself, I understand how frustrating it is when pain stops you from doing what you enjoy. That’s why I treat every patient the way I would want to be treated—with honesty, respect, and a genuine commitment to finding the root cause of the problem.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing persistent pain, preparing for a sporting event, or simply wanting to move better, I’d be honoured to help you.

I look forward to meeting you.

Yuji Kitano
Founder & Physiotherapist
Yokohama Physio