Before booking a physiotherapy appointment
A physiotherapy appointment can help assess a movement problem and plan treatment or rehabilitation. Before booking, check that the service deals with your particular concern and ask what the first appointment includes.
When to get urgent medical help
Follow the NHS emergency guidance: call 999 or go to A&E if back pain is accompanied by:
- Chest pain, or pain that began after a serious accident.
- Pain, tingling, numbness or weakness affecting both legs.
- Lost feeling around the genitals or anus, or changes in genital sensation, erections or orgasm.
- Bladder or bowel changes, such as difficulty urinating or loss of control.
Do not drive yourself.
The same NHS page explains when back pain needs an urgent GP appointment or help from 111. A future physiotherapy booking should not delay urgent assessment.
Getting ready for your first visit
You could make a short note of when the problem started, which activities are difficult and what you would like to get back to doing. Include relevant treatment you have already tried and any questions you want to ask.
Check what clothing to wear or bring. Ask whether the assessment may involve uncovering the affected area, and raise any preferences about privacy, a chaperone or communication support beforehand. The clinician should explain the proposed assessment and seek your consent. You can ask questions before agreeing to an examination.
Assessment and a plan
The physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms and relevant health history. Assessment may involve checking movement, strength or balance and examining the affected area. What is appropriate depends on the problem being assessed.
Ask the clinician to explain their findings and the next steps in plain language. You should leave knowing what is proposed and how to ask for help if you have concerns about the plan.
Treatment may include advice, exercises and, where appropriate, hands-on techniques. You may be given activities to practise between visits. Ask for clear instructions, how much to do and what symptoms should prompt you to contact the service.
NHS access and private appointments
In many areas, NHS community musculoskeletal services accept self-referrals for back or joint problems. Local eligibility and referral arrangements differ. Check your local service or ask your GP surgery about access.
Some GP surgeries have a first contact physiotherapist. Where this service is available, reception can arrange an assessment without a GP referral. This may lead to advice or a referral for further care. Ask what the next step will be.
For a private appointment, ask about the first-session fee, follow-up charges, appointment length and cancellation terms. Discuss any proposed course before paying for multiple sessions. If using insurance, check its requirements with the insurer and clinic.
Check the person providing care
Physiotherapist is a protected title in the UK. Use the HCPC registration-check guidance to look up the person by profession and surname or registration number. Check the matching person's current status and any conditions on their entry.
A clinic name or membership logo alone is not an individual registration check.
Questions to take with you
- What are we aiming to improve, and how will we review progress?
- What should I do between appointments?
- What should make me contact you sooner or seek medical advice?
- When will we decide whether another appointment is useful?
- What are the expected charges if further visits are proposed?
Read next
Sources
This content is informational, not medical advice. Always check with a qualified clinician before changing routines that affect your health. Some links may become affiliate links in future.
Frequently asked questions
Can I refer myself on the NHS?
Will I be given exercises?
How many sessions will I need?
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