What does physiotherapy treat?

A physiotherapist assesses how pain, joint movement, muscle strength, balance, coordination, and everyday habits affect function. Care may help after an injury, operation, period of inactivity, or flare of a long-term condition. Examples include joint and tendon problems, sports injuries, walking difficulty, reduced balance, and recovery of movement after a fracture.

Physiotherapy can also support people with inflammatory conditions such as Psoriatic Arthritis and Reactive Arthritis by preserving movement, building strength, and adapting activity during symptom changes. Knee problems such as Patellar Dislocation, Patellar Tendinitis, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Osteochondritis Dissecans, and PCL Injury may also require a tailored rehabilitation plan. The exact exercises depend on the diagnosis, examination findings, and current ability.

Your sessions may include education, joint or soft-tissue techniques, mobility exercises, strengthening, balance work, and practice of useful tasks. Home exercises are often part of the plan; regular, manageable practice helps the therapist judge how your body responds. Wear clothing that allows the area to move and describe which activities matter most, such as stairs, lifting, walking, or returning to sport.

Arrange an assessment when pain, stiffness, weakness, or balance problems persist or interfere with work and daily activities. Seek prompt care for a new major injury, a visibly deformed joint, sudden loss of strength or sensation, a hot swollen joint with fever, or inability to bear weight. Physiotherapy is part of care and should not delay review of these warning signs.

What is limiting my movement? Which exercises are safe now? How should I change activity during a flare, and what signs mean I need reassessment?