When should you see a physiotherapist?

Many people wait weeks, hoping pain will simply go away. Some aches do settle by themselves, but a physiotherapy assessment is worth booking sooner in these situations:

• Pain that has lasted more than two weeks or keeps returning
• Stiffness or weakness that makes everyday tasks harder
• Pain, numbness or tingling that spreads into an arm or leg
• Recovering from surgery, a fracture or a sports injury
• Difficulty with balance or walking after an illness such as a stroke

What happens at the first visit

The physiotherapist asks about your symptoms and history, examines how you move, and explains what they find. You then agree a plan together: how many sessions are likely, what you can do at home, and when to review progress.

Seek urgent medical care first if

You have sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, severe chest pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a serious injury. These need emergency medical attention, not a physiotherapy appointment.