Do you need a referral for physiotherapy?

A physiotherapist can assess pain, stiffness, weakness, balance and movement, then create a plan such as exercises, hands-on techniques or activity advice. Direct access can be useful when the problem is straightforward. A referral may add medical history, clarify a diagnosis or coordinate care when symptoms are complex.

Ask the clinic whether it accepts self-referrals and whether a doctor’s note is needed for your appointment or payment arrangement. Explain the affected body area, when symptoms began, any injury, and what makes them better or worse. Bring scan reports and a medicine list if relevant. The physiotherapist may recommend medical review when the findings fall outside physiotherapy care.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, a serious injury, an obviously deformed limb, or severe pain with fever. These signs should not be managed by booking routine physiotherapy alone.

Ask whether physiotherapy is appropriate for the suspected problem, whether examination or imaging is needed first, what information should accompany a referral, and which changes should prompt an earlier review.