Physiotherapy

What physiotherapy is for

Physiotherapy is used to treat a wide range of problems, including:

• bone, joint and muscle issues, such as arthritis, back pain, neck pain and sports injuries like a sprain or strain
• heart and circulation problems, such as high blood pressure and recovering after a heart attack
• problems moving after a stroke, or if you have a condition like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease
• difficulty breathing caused by conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• problems during or after pregnancy, such as pelvic pain and leaking pee or poo (incontinence)

Physiotherapy is also often used to help improve your movement, strength and stamina after having surgery.

People of all ages can have physiotherapy, including children and older people.

Find out more

• Conditions physiotherapy can help treat (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy)

How to get physiotherapy

You can get physiotherapy for free on the NHS, but there may be a long waiting list.

There are many ways to get physiotherapy. If your condition prevents you getting to your GP surgery or local hospital, a physiotherapist may be able to visit you at home.

Some physiotherapists offer telephone or video appointments. Some also offer group physiotherapy sessions, particularly for common problems like long-term pain.

Refer yourself for physiotherapy

In many areas, you may be able to get physiotherapy from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Speak to your GP surgery

You can make an appointment with a GP to discuss your problem and whether physiotherapy might help.

Some GP surgeries have health professionals that specialise in bone and joint problems (called first contact physiotherapists) who can assess you and offer advice.

The GP or first contact physiotherapist may refer you to another specialist if needed.

Paying for private physiotherapy

You may choose to pay for private physiotherapy rather than have it on the NHS.

When choosing a private physiotherapist make sure they're chartered (they'll have MCSP after their name) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Find a chartered physiotherapist near you on the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website

What happens during physiotherapy

At your first appointment, the physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle.

They may also feel the affected area and check things like your strength and balance.

The physiotherapist will discuss the treatment options with you and advise you about the number of sessions you may need.

Physiotherapy treatments

Your physiotherapy treatment may include:

• exercises to help with things like improving the movement of your joints and strengthening your muscles
• manual therapy - where the physiotherapist uses their hands to massage and improve movement in the affected part of your body
• advice about how to manage your symptoms
• treatments, such as ultrasound therapy (where high energy sound waves are used to increase blood flow to the injured area and help it heal), TENS (where a device sends a weak electrical current to your nerves to relieve pain), hydrotherapy (exercise in warm water) and acupuncture

After each session, you may be given some exercises to do at home before your next appointment. It's important you do them regularly to help with your recovery.

Find out more

• Exercises for common problems (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy)
• Keeping active and healthy (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy)

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