Which specialist performs physiotherapy?

A physiotherapist examines strength, flexibility, balance, posture, walking, and the way an injury or condition affects daily tasks. Treatment may include guided exercises, hands-on techniques, movement education, and advice about gradually returning to activity. The plan is adjusted to your symptoms, examination findings, fitness, and goals. Physiotherapists may work alongside orthopaedic doctors, neurologists, rheumatologists, or family doctors when another medical assessment is needed.

Tell the physiotherapist when symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, and which activities you want to regain. Bring relevant reports and your current medicine list. Wear comfortable clothing that allows the affected area to be examined. Follow the home plan at the agreed level and report a clear increase in pain, swelling, dizziness, or new weakness so the programme can be reviewed.

Seek urgent medical care for a new loss of strength or sensation, severe pain after a significant injury, inability to put weight through a limb, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These symptoms may need medical assessment before exercises begin.

Ask what diagnosis the exercises address, how often sessions are needed, which movements to avoid initially, and how improvement will be checked. If you were referred, ask how physiotherapy fits with imaging, medication, injections, or surgery planning.