Aches and pains are a normal part of life, especially as you get older. Physiotherapy can often help. Primarily a physical treatment involving movement and manipulation of joints, physiotherapy is recognised as one of the best treatment options for musculoskeletal issues.
In this article, you'll find:
- What is physiotherapy?
- What are the benefits of physiotherapy?
- What conditions can physiotherapy treat?
- What to expect during a physiotherapy appointment
- How can I get physiotherapy?
Key points
- Primarily a physical treatment involving movement and manipulation of joints, physiotherapy is recognised as one the best treatment options for musculoskeletal issues
- From sprained ankles to clicking shoulders, physiotherapy can support treatment for a range of injuries and general issues
- Physiotherapists carry out a comprehensive assessment, then work with you to create a personalised treatment plan, often a combination of advice and manual therapy
- There are several routes to seeing a physiotherapist, including a referral from your GP. Whichever option you choose, your physio will assess you and work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your personal recovery goals
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is an evidence-based profession that takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, which means physiotherapists focus on the body and the person as a whole. Patients are directly involved in their own care and treatment, which can be a combination of advice and education, personalised movement and recovery plans, and manual therapy.
What are the benefits of physiotherapy?
The aim of physiotherapy is to help recovery, promote healthy life habits, and empower people to take part in their own treatment, helping people with a range of injuries and conditions, and with rehabilitation after surgery. And it’s got a wide range of benefits:
- It can treat a wide range of joint issues, injuries, and strains, including musculoskeletal conditions
- It takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, focusing on the individual patient as a whole
- Physiotherapists work with their patients to create a tailored recovery plan that works best for the individual
- Patients can keep their independence, stay in work, and help prevent any injuries or issues in the future
- The physiotherapist will follow their patient’s recovery, supporting them and adapting their plan based on how the patient is progressing
What conditions can physiotherapy treat?
Physiotherapy can support treatment for a range of injuries and general issues that may limit your body movement, including musculoskeletal conditions. These include: Footnote [1]
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Stiffness
- Sports injuries
- Foot pain
- Post-natal rehabilitation.
From sprained ankles to stiff shoulders, physiotherapists are expert clinicians who have seen it all before and use their vast experience on a daily basis.
What to expect during a physiotherapy appointment
Your first appointment will start with an initial consultation.
Your physiotherapist will carry out a comprehensive assessment, discussing everything from your symptoms, medical history, general wellbeing and lifestyle to what your treatment expectations and goals are. They’ll also run some physical tests to work out the best course of treatment.
After they’ve completed the initial assessment, your physiotherapist will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan. This can include a combination of: Footnote [1]
- Manual therapy – hands-on techniques to mobilise joints and soft tissues
- Exercise prescription – tailored progressive exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and function
- Education and advice – guidance on posture, movement, and how to manage your condition day-to-day
- Massage – targeted massage to relieve tension in problem areas
After your first appointment, every session you have with your physiotherapist will probably be slightly different from the last, depending on any progress you make between appointments.
Each follow-up session will typically start with a quick review of your progress and any changes in symptoms. Your physiotherapist may then adjust your treatment plan based on how you’re responding. For example, they might introduce more advanced exercises or reduce the frequency of sessions if you’ve improved. If progress is slower, they may reassess and try a different approach.
You’ll likely be given a home exercise programme with stretches and exercises to do between appointments to support recovery and improve your symptoms. These are a key part of your treatment and reinforce the work you’ve done during your appointments.
How can I get physiotherapy?
If you need to see a physiotherapist, a number of different options are available to you Footnote [2]:
- A referral from your GP
- Contacting a physiotherapist directly
- At some GP surgeries
- Privately
When you see a physiotherapist, they’ll assess you and work with you to develop a treatment plan to fit your personal recovery goals. Reaching those goals may require some hard work and patience, but your physio will be there to support you along the way.
