Signs that an assessment may be useful
Physiotherapy may be appropriate when movement has become limited, pain repeatedly returns with activity, weakness affects daily tasks, walking or balance has changed, or recovery after injury, surgery or illness is not progressing as expected. Early assessment can clarify what movements are safe and whether the problem belongs within physiotherapy care.
Do I need to wait until pain is severe?
No. Pain intensity alone does not define the seriousness of a condition, and physiotherapy is not reserved for severe pain. A clinician considers how symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, whether strength or sensation changed and how function is affected. Mild but persistent problems can still deserve assessment.
When physiotherapy should not be the first step
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden facial droop or one-sided weakness, loss of consciousness, a suspected fracture, rapidly worsening neurological symptoms or new loss of bladder or bowel control. Fever with severe pain, unexplained major swelling or pain after significant trauma also needs prompt medical assessment.
What information should I share?
Tell the physiotherapist when symptoms began, any injury or surgery, medical diagnoses, medicines, scans, previous treatment and the activities you cannot currently perform. This helps the clinician decide whether physiotherapy is suitable and plan an assessment around your priorities.
