Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps people improve movement, strength and function after injury, surgery or when living with pain or long-term conditions. Treatment is usually active and goal-led, combining assessment with exercises and practical strategies.

Physios may also use hands-on techniques, education and pacing plans to help you return to activity safely.

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Physiotherapy is an evidence-informed healthcare profession focused on movement, function and rehabilitation. A physiotherapist will typically assess how your symptoms affect daily life and then create a plan to build strength, restore mobility and improve confidence in movement.

What happens in a physiotherapy appointment?

Physiotherapy usually begins with a discussion of symptoms, goals, medical history and current activity. Your physio may assess range of motion, strength, balance, gait and relevant functional tasks (for example: squatting, stairs, lifting or sport-specific movements).

Common physiotherapy approaches

Exercise therapy (strength, mobility, control, endurance)
Education (pain understanding, pacing, flare-up planning)
Manual therapy where appropriate (mobilisation, soft-tissue work)
Rehab planning after injury or surgery
Work/ergonomic guidance for strain and repetitive loads

What can physiotherapy help with?

Back pain, neck pain and joint pain
Sports injuries and recovery support
Repetitive strain and work-related pain
Chronic pain management as part of a wider plan
Limited mobility and balance confidence

How long does physiotherapy take?

Some issues improve in a few sessions; others require a longer period of guided rehab. Your physio should help you set measurable goals (for example: walking tolerance, pain on movement, return to sport milestones) and review progress regularly.

History of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy developed through the 19th and 20th centuries as rehabilitation methods expanded in response to injury, surgery and chronic conditions. Over time it evolved into a core healthcare profession with a strong emphasis on assessment, exercise therapy and function.

In the UK today, physiotherapy is widely used in both NHS and private settings for injury rehabilitation, pain management and restoring movement confidence.

Typical conditions that use Physiotherapy

Condition	Evidence	Notes
Back pain (lower)	strong	Core area; exercise-based rehab and education are key.
Neck pain	strong	Assessment and targeted exercise often effective.
Sports injury recovery support	strong	Core scope: graded return to activity and performance.
Chronic pain	moderate	Multimodal approach; pacing and functional goals.
Joint pain	strong	Rehab and strengthening commonly used.
Limited mobility support	moderate	Improving function and confidence in movement.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)	moderate	Ergonomics + load management + exercise.

Frequently asked questions

Will I get exercises to do at home?

Yes. Home exercise is usually central to rehabilitation and will be tailored to your goals and progress.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your goals, condition and response. Your plan and review schedule will be agreed with you.

Do I need a referral?

Not usually for private practice. If you are under medical care, follow your clinician’s advice about referrals and contraindications.