28. June 2022

physiotherapy treatment and mobility assessment

Introduction: Understanding Mobility Assessment and Physiotherapy for the Aged

Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, offering a proactive and effective treatment to ease pain, improve movement, and enhance the quality of life for older adults across the UK.¹ Far from being a purely reactive measure for injury, geriatric physiotherapy is a specialised field dedicated to enabling older people to maintain and maximise their physical capabilities. It plays a key role in helping individuals use their body's systems fully to enhance mobility and independence, ensuring they can remain comfortable and pain-free even when significant functional improvement is not the primary goal.² This specialism is crucial because older adults often present with complex health profiles, including multiple co-existing conditions (multimorbidity) that span musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems, requiring a holistic and highly skilled approach to care.²

Demystifying the Mobility Assessment: Your First Step to Better Movement

The journey towards improved movement often begins with a mobility assessment. This is a professional evaluation conducted by a physiotherapist to determine an individual's capacity for independent movement and to identify what extra support may be needed to carry out daily tasks safely and confidently.⁴ It is a comprehensive review that covers the full spectrum of movement, from fundamental actions like turning over in bed to more complex activities such as walking outdoors.⁴

A thorough assessment is built upon five core elements that together provide a complete picture of an individual's physical function ⁴:

Balance: The ability to maintain a stable and controlled posture while sitting, standing still, or moving.
Gait: The specific pattern and style of walking, which a physiotherapist analyses by observing factors like speed, stride length, stability, and symmetry.
Transfer Skills: The ability to transition between different positions, such as moving from a seated position to standing, or from lying down in bed to sitting up.
Range of Motion: The full extent of movement possible in the limbs and joints, which serves as a key indicator of joint health and flexibility.
Functional Ability: The overall capacity to perform essential activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. This is the ultimate test of mobility, bringing together all other components.

During the assessment, a physiotherapist will observe these tasks, analyse movement patterns, and identify any underlying weaknesses or impairments.⁵ The outcome is not a simple score but a set of personalised recommendations. These may include a tailored physiotherapy treatment plan, a specific home exercise programme, or guidance on the appropriate use of mobility aids like walking sticks or frames.⁴ This process is not merely a reactive measure taken after a fall or injury; its true value lies in its predictive power. By identifying risk factors for future falls and mobility decline, the assessment allows for proactive intervention before a crisis occurs, reframing it as a vital tool for the preservation of long-term independence.

Common Mobility Assessment Tests Used in the UK

To make the assessment process more tangible, it is helpful to understand some of the simple, equipment-free tests that a physiotherapist might use in a clinic or during a home visit. These tests are designed to be straightforward and provide clear, objective information about strength and balance, helping to alleviate any anxiety about being "tested".⁶ The assessment is fundamentally a diagnostic process that forms the foundation of a collaborative relationship, where the patient's personal goals are aligned with the physiotherapist's clinical expertise to create a successful rehabilitation plan.

Test Name	How It's Performed	What It Measures	Source
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test	The patient is timed standing up from a standard chair, walking 3 metres, turning around, returning to the chair, and sitting down again.	Functional mobility, balance, and fall risk. A longer time to complete the test indicates worsening mobility.	⁴
Chair Stand Test	The patient is asked to stand up from a knee-height chair. The physiotherapist observes whether they need to use their arms for support.	Lower limb strength. Requiring arm support suggests muscle impairment, which is strongly correlated with poor balance and an increased risk of falls.	⁶
180-Degree Turn Test	The patient stands and is asked to turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction. The physiotherapist counts the number of steps taken.	Dynamic balance. Needing to hold onto a surface for support or taking an excessive number of steps indicates a potential balance deficit.	⁶

Do I Need Physiotherapy? Recognising the Signs and Understanding the Benefits

Deciding when to seek professional help is a critical step in managing health and maintaining independence in later life. Certain physical changes and challenges serve as clear indicators that a consultation with a physiotherapist would be beneficial.

Key Indicators: When to Seek a Physiotherapy Assessment

Recognising the early signs of declining mobility can lead to timely intervention and better long-term outcomes. An assessment should be considered if any of the following are experienced ⁷:

Persistent Pain: Chronic or recurring pain in muscles or joints, such as a persistent bad back or regular neck pain, that limits movement and affects daily life.⁷ A physiotherapist will aim to identify and treat the root cause of the pain, rather than just masking the symptoms.⁸
Balance Issues and Falls: An increase in the number of falls, experiencing near-misses, or a general feeling of being unsteady or dizzy while walking are critical warning signs.⁷ Physiotherapy is a core component of the falls prevention strategies recommended by multidisciplinary healthcare teams across the UK.⁷
Difficulty with Daily Activities: Struggling with tasks that were once manageable is a clear sign of declining strength and mobility. This includes difficulty getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, getting dressed, or reaching for items on a shelf.⁷
Noticeable Changes in Walking Pattern: If walking has become slower, involves more of a shuffle, or if there is an increasing need to hold onto furniture for support, it indicates that gait and balance have deteriorated.⁷
Recovery from Illness, Injury, or Surgery: Physiotherapy is essential for recovery after a hospital stay, a fall, or an operation such as a hip or knee replacement. It helps to restore movement and function and is crucial for preventing deconditioning—a significant loss of muscle strength that affects 30% of individuals over the age of 65 after a hospital stay.⁷
Reduced Confidence in Movement: Sometimes, the fear of falling or experiencing pain can lead to a person avoiding movement and activity, even if their physical limitations are not severe.⁷ This avoidance can initiate a downward spiral of inactivity, leading to further muscle weakness and an even greater risk of falling.¹⁰ Physiotherapy helps to break this cycle by rebuilding confidence through graded, safe, and supportive exercises.¹²

The Transformative Benefits of Geriatric Physiotherapy

physiotherapy treatment and mobility assessment The positive outcomes of engaging with geriatric physiotherapy extend far beyond simple pain relief, contributing to overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life. The primary benefits include:

Enhanced Balance and Fall Prevention: Falls represent one of the most significant health threats to older adults. Physiotherapy directly addresses this risk by using targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles in the legs and core, improve coordination, and retrain the body's awareness of its position in space (proprioception).¹³
Sustainable Pain Management without Medication: For chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis, physiotherapy offers a safe and effective alternative to long-term medication.¹³ Through manual therapy, massage, and tailored exercises, it addresses the underlying cause of pain, helping to reduce reliance on painkillers and their potential side effects, such as dizziness or digestive issues.¹³
Improved Strength, Posture, and Bone Health: As people age, bone density naturally decreases, increasing fracture risk. Physiotherapy incorporates safe strength training, often using resistance bands or light weights, to stimulate bone growth and strengthen the muscles that support the spine and joints. This leads to better posture, reduced strain, and greater resilience against injury.¹³
Maintained Independence and Quality of Life: The ultimate goal of physiotherapy is to restore and maintain a person's ability to live independently. By improving strength, balance, and confidence, it empowers older adults to continue performing daily tasks, engaging in hobbies, and participating fully and safely in community life.¹¹ Clinical research has demonstrated a direct and positive correlation between the frequency and duration of physiotherapy sessions and improvements in pain reduction, mobility, and functional independence.¹⁴

The interconnectedness of these issues often creates a self-perpetuating cycle: pain or a fear of falling leads to reduced activity, which causes muscle deconditioning and worsens mobility. This, in turn, increases the real risk of falling, which fuels more fear and a loss of confidence, leading to even greater inactivity and potential social isolation.⁷ The primary function of physiotherapy is to decisively break this cycle. By providing effective pain management, it removes the initial barrier to movement. By improving strength and balance, it reduces the physical risk of a fall. And by rebuilding confidence through graded successes, it tackles the psychological barrier. This intervention initiates a "virtuous cycle" where reduced pain and increased confidence lead to more activity, which further improves strength, wellbeing, and ultimately, independence.

UK Case Study: A Holistic Approach to Recovery

The powerful, real-world impact of a holistic physiotherapy approach is demonstrated by the case of a 68-year-old woman in the UK who was referred for lower back and hip pain.¹⁶

The Challenge: She presented with a complex mix of issues: chronic pain, significantly reduced mobility requiring a walking stick, obesity, low mood, and a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Her primary personal goal was to be able to walk without her stick.
The Physiotherapy Intervention: The physiotherapist adopted a bio-psychosocial approach, looking beyond the purely physical symptoms. In addition to prescribing a progressive exercise programme, the therapist used motivational interviewing techniques to have broader conversations about what mattered to the patient. This helped to build a strong, positive rapport and uncovered underlying psychosocial factors contributing to her condition. By setting clear, collaborative goals, the physiotherapist empowered her to make significant lifestyle changes, including improving her diet and increasing her daily exercise.
The Positive Effect: The results were transformative. In less than one year, she not only met her initial goals but exceeded them. She lost over 10 stone, her HbA1c level (a marker for diabetes control) reduced significantly, and she was able to come off all her pain and diabetes medication. Most importantly to her, she was able to walk around without her walking stick for most of the time.

This case illustrates that an expert physiotherapy treatment can have a profound ripple effect on a person's entire health profile. It also highlights physiotherapy's role as a pillar of preventative medicine. By effectively managing pain and improving chronic conditions through non-pharmacological means, physiotherapy can directly reduce a patient's medication load, addressing the significant concern of polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications) in geriatric care.

How Physiotherapy Helps: Muscle Recovery, Joint Pain, and Advanced Treatments

A comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan is built on a foundation of evidence-based techniques, combining therapeutic exercise with hands-on manual therapy and, where appropriate, advanced technological modalities to accelerate healing and restore function.

A Foundation in Therapeutic Exercise for Muscle Recovery

The core of almost every rehabilitation programme is therapeutic exercise. The fundamental principle behind strengthening exercises is that they are designed to safely overload a muscle or group of muscles to the point of fatigue.¹⁷ This controlled stress stimulates the muscle fibres to adapt and grow, leading to an increase in strength, power, and endurance.

A physiotherapist will design a personalised programme that is carefully progressed over time. It may begin with simple exercises that involve moving against gravity, before advancing to the use of resistance bands, light weights, or using the person's own body weight for resistance.¹⁷ Examples of such exercises, commonly recommended by the NHS for older adults, include sit-to-stands, mini-squats, calf raises, and leg lifts, which can be performed at home with minimal equipment.¹⁸ The primary goals of these exercise programmes are to make muscles more efficient, which reduces the amount of energy required for everyday tasks; improve overall function and quality of movement; and reduce the risk of future injury.¹⁷

Targeting Joint Pain: A Focus on Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions affecting the older population in the UK, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.²² A significant body of research shows that physiotherapy is a highly effective, first-line management strategy that can significantly improve symptoms and function.²⁴

The physiotherapy approach to managing osteoarthritis is multi-faceted and aims to:

Reduce Pain and Stiffness: Therapists use manual therapy, which involves hands-on techniques to gently move and mobilise the affected joint to improve its range of movement.¹ This is often complemented by other pain-relief methods, such as the application of heat or cold packs and gentle stretching exercises.²²
Strengthen Supporting Muscles: A key component of treatment is strengthening the muscles that surround the affected joint. For example, building up the quadriceps muscles in the thigh provides better support for an arthritic knee, which can significantly reduce pain and improve its function by taking pressure off the joint surfaces.²²
Educate and Empower for Self-Management: A crucial role of the physiotherapist is to educate patients about their condition. This includes providing advice on self-management strategies, techniques for joint protection during daily activities, and lifestyle modifications. This empowers individuals to manage their condition independently and can help to delay or even avoid the need for more invasive treatments like surgery.²² Programmes such as the NHS-supported ESCAPE-pain programme are excellent examples of this integrated approach, combining education with a tailored exercise regimen.²⁴

Advanced Modalities for Targeted Relief

In addition to exercise and manual therapy, physiotherapists in the UK can utilise a range of advanced technologies to support the recovery process. These modalities are not standalone cures but are used strategically to create the optimal physiological conditions for healing, which in turn allows the fundamental work of rehabilitation to be more effective.

Electro Therapy

Electro therapy is an umbrella term for several treatments that use a controlled electrical current to achieve a therapeutic effect.²⁶ These treatments are often used to create a "window of opportunity" by reducing acute pain, thereby enabling a patient to engage more effectively in their active exercise programme. Common forms include:

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): This involves a small, portable device that passes a weak electrical current through sticky pads placed on the skin near the painful area. TENS is thought to provide temporary pain relief by encouraging the body to release its natural painkillers, called endorphins, and by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. It is commonly used for chronic pain conditions like arthritis.¹
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation): EMS uses electrical impulses to stimulate a direct muscle contraction. This can be particularly useful for strengthening very weak muscles, for example after a period of immobilisation or following surgery. It can also be used to help maintain muscle tone, reduce swelling, and treat specific conditions such as urinary incontinence by stimulating the pelvic floor muscles.²⁸ The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has also issued guidance supporting the use of electrical stimulation for improving muscle strength in patients with certain chronic conditions who are unable to participate in conventional exercise.²⁹

Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic (sound) waves to promote healing in damaged tissues, particularly in cases of chronic tendon problems where the natural healing process has stalled.³²

Mechanism and Application: The sound waves are delivered to the affected area via a handheld device, where they stimulate increased blood circulation and metabolism. This effectively "re-boots" the body's healing response, promoting cell regeneration and accelerating recovery.³³
Evidence and Recommendations: Shockwave therapy is recommended by NICE as an effective treatment for several chronic conditions, including Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis (heel pain), particularly when other conservative treatments have failed.³⁵ It is clinically proven and used by leading orthopaedic hospitals and professional sports bodies across the UK.³⁵ A growing body of evidence also supports its effectiveness in managing pain from osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.³⁸ It is important to note that this technology is best understood as a rehabilitation catalyst; sources consistently emphasise that it is most effective when performed alongside a comprehensive, exercise-based rehabilitation programme.³²

UK Case Study: The Critical Role of Post-Operative Physiotherapy

The importance of integrated physiotherapy services is vividly illustrated by the case of a gentleman in his late seventies who required hip surgery after a fall away from home.⁴²

The Positive Effect: Upon his discharge from a London hospital, the community therapy team responsible for his care back in Hertfordshire quickly identified that his home environment was unsafe due to damp and a lack of heating. A rapid intervention was needed to prevent a dangerous situation and a likely readmission to hospital. While arranging a temporary stay in a local care home, the team was able to use the NHS Shared Care Record to instantly access his medical information from both his GP and the London hospital. This allowed them to confirm his medical status and recent negative COVID test to the care home, facilitating a smooth and safe transfer. This case highlights how essential physiotherapy-led community teams are in ensuring safe hospital discharges—a critical and vulnerable phase of recovery for older adults—and in preventing the stress and cost of unnecessary hospital readmissions.⁴³

Where Can I Get Physiotherapy for the Aged in the UK?

Navigating the healthcare system to find the right support can be a daunting task. In the UK, there are two main pathways to access geriatric physiotherapy: through the National Health Service (NHS) and via the private sector. Understanding the process, benefits, and considerations of each can help individuals and their families make an informed decision.

Accessing Physiotherapy Through the NHS

Physiotherapy is available free of charge through the NHS, although it is important to be aware that waiting lists can be long in some areas.¹ There are several ways to access these services:

GP Referral: The traditional pathway involves making an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP), who will assess the situation and, if appropriate, make a referral to a local NHS physiotherapy service.¹
Self-Referral: In many parts of the UK, it is now possible for patients to refer themselves directly to an NHS physiotherapy service without needing to see a GP first. The process for this varies depending on the local health board; it may involve filling out an online form, making a phone call, or picking up a form from a GP practice. The reception staff at a local GP surgery can provide information on whether this option is available in the area.¹
First Contact Practitioners (FCPs): An increasingly common and effective model involves highly skilled physiotherapists working directly within GP practices as First Contact Practitioners. This allows patients with musculoskeletal problems, such as back, neck, or joint pain, to book an appointment directly with the FCP. This provides rapid access to an expert assessment, diagnosis, and advice on management, significantly speeding up the process and reducing the workload for GPs. This service is being rolled out across England with the aim that all adults will be able to access it by 2024.⁴⁶

For individuals who are housebound or for whom treatment in their own home is deemed more beneficial, the NHS provides community physiotherapy services. In these cases, a physiotherapist or therapy assistant will conduct visits in the person's own home, residential care home, or nursing home.¹

Opting for Private Physiotherapy

Many people choose to pay for private physiotherapy treatment to bypass potential NHS waiting times and gain faster access to care.⁴⁸ This pathway offers several distinct advantages:

Speed and Convenience: Appointments are often available within a few days, and clinics typically offer more flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend slots.⁴⁸
Longer, In-Depth Sessions: Private appointments are generally longer than standard NHS slots, with initial assessments often lasting 45-60 minutes and follow-ups around 30-45 minutes. This allows for more one-to-one time with the therapist for thorough assessment and hands-on treatment.⁴⁹
Wider Access to Treatments: Private clinics may offer a broader range of therapies and have more immediate access to advanced technologies like shockwave therapy, acupuncture, or specialised manual techniques.⁴⁹

When choosing a private physiotherapist, it is crucial to verify their credentials. They must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the UK's regulatory body, and it is highly recommended to choose a therapist who is also a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), indicated by the letters MCSP after their name.¹

The cost of private physiotherapy varies depending on location, the therapist's experience, and the duration of the session.⁵⁰ Typical costs are:

Initial Assessment (45-60 mins): £72 to £95 outside of Greater London; £95 and upwards in Greater London.⁵²
Follow-up Session (30-45 mins): £55 to £72 outside of Greater London; £72 to £150 in Greater London.⁵⁰
Home Visits: These are more expensive to account for travel time, typically starting from £90 to £105 per session.⁵⁰

Many private health insurance policies, such as those from Bupa, Aviva, and AXA, provide cover for physiotherapy. It is always advisable to check the specific terms of a policy before beginning treatment.⁵¹

The emergence of NHS FCPs creates an opportunity for a strategic "hybrid" approach to care. An individual can use the FCP service for a rapid, expert assessment at no cost. Based on that professional advice, they can then make an informed choice: either wait for the full course of NHS treatment or use the FCP's diagnosis to engage a private physiotherapist for a short, intensive block of treatment to accelerate recovery, potentially transitioning back to NHS services for longer-term management. This reframes the choice from a simple "either/or" decision to a more nuanced, patient-led strategy that can leverage the strengths of both systems.

When considering the expense, it is valuable to weigh the upfront financial cost of private physiotherapy against the immense long-term costs—financial, emotional, and social—of inaction. The consequences of untreated mobility decline can include debilitating falls, a loss of independence requiring formal care packages, and stressful hospital admissions.⁷ From this perspective, investing in a course of physiotherapy can be seen as a high-return investment in preserving future health, safety, and quality of life.

Comparing NHS and Private Physiotherapy in the UK

Feature	NHS Physiotherapy	Private Physiotherapy	Sources
Cost	Free at the point of use.	Paid per session (£55 - £150+ depending on location and duration). May be covered by private health insurance.	¹
Access/Wait Times	Can involve long waiting lists depending on the area.	Typically very fast, with appointments often available within days.	¹
Referral Process	GP referral, self-referral (where available), or direct booking with a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) in a GP surgery.	Self-referral is standard; patients can book directly with a clinic. A GP referral may be required for insurance claims.	¹
Session Length	Often shorter, typically around 20-30 minutes for follow-up appointments.	Generally longer, from 30-45 minutes for follow-ups to 60 minutes for initial assessments.	⁴⁸
Range of Services	Provides core evidence-based treatments. Access to specialised equipment or hydrotherapy may require a separate referral.	Often provides a wider range of treatments, including advanced modalities like shockwave therapy, acupuncture, and extensive manual therapy.	⁴⁹
Location	Clinic-based, with home visits available for housebound patients. Group sessions are also common.	Clinic-based, with home visits available at a higher cost. Primarily one-to-one sessions.	¹

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Mobility and Wellbeing

This report has detailed the critical role of physiotherapy and mobility assessments in promoting healthy and active ageing. The evidence clearly shows that age-related physical decline, pain, and loss of confidence are not inevitable outcomes. A professional mobility assessment serves as a positive and proactive first step, providing a clear understanding of an individual's physical needs and forming the basis of a personalised plan. A wide range of effective physiotherapy treatment options—from foundational therapeutic exercise to advanced modalities like electro therapy and shockwave therapy—are available across the UK to help manage pain, improve strength, prevent falls, and restore independence.

For any older adult or their family members who recognise the signs discussed—be it persistent pain, a change in walking, or a growing fear of falling—seeking an assessment is not an admission of frailty. Rather, it is an empowering act of taking control of one's health and future. Proactive engagement with these services is the key to maintaining an active, independent, and fulfilling life for as long as possible. By working in partnership with a qualified professional, you can build a robust foundation of strength, balance, and confidence, ensuring that the lasting benefits of physiotherapy support your wellbeing for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Physiotherapy for Older Adults in the UK

How long does physiotherapy take to show results?

Results vary depending on the condition and individual circumstances, but many older adults notice improvements in pain and mobility within 4-6 weeks of re

gular physiotherapy sessions. Consistent participation in prescribed home exercises between appointments significantly accelerates progress and recovery.

Is physiotherapy painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful, though you may experience mild discomfort during certain exercises or manual therapy techniques as your body adapts. Your physiotherapist will work within your comfort level and adjust treatments accordingly to ensure safe, effective rehabilitation.

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies widely based on your condition, goals, and response to treatment, ranging from 4-6 sessions for minor issues to 12 or more for complex chronic conditions. Your physiotherapist will review your progress regularly and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Can I do physiotherapy exercises at home without supervision?

Once your physiotherapist has assessed you and provided a tailored home exercise programme with proper instruction, you can safely perform these exercises independently. However, it's important to have regular follow-up appointments to ensure correct technique and appropriate progression.

What should I wear to a physiotherapy appointment?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated, such as shorts for knee or hip problems, or a vest top for shoulder issues. Supportive footwear suitable for walking or exercise is also recommended for mobility assessments.

Can physiotherapy help with stroke recovery or Parkinson's disease?

Yes, neurological physiotherapy is highly effective for stroke rehabilitation and managing symptoms of Parkinson's disease, helping to improve balance, coordination, movement patterns, and overall functional independence. NHS community physiotherapy services often include specialist neurological physiotherapists.

What's the difference between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor or osteopath?

Physiotherapists focus on exercise-based rehabilitation and functional movement, while chiropractors primarily use spinal manipulation and osteopaths use manual techniques to treat the whole body. All three are regulated healthcare professionals in the UK, but physiotherapy typically offers the most comprehensive, evidence-based approach for elderly rehabilitation.

Can I bring a family member to my physiotherapy session?

Yes, family members or carers are usually welcome and often encouraged to attend, especially for elderly patients, as they can help support the treatment plan and assist with home exercises. Let the clinic know in advance if someone will be accompanying you.

Is there an age limit for receiving physiotherapy?

There is no upper age limit for physiotherapy – treatment can be beneficial for people in their 80s, 90s, and beyond. Geriatric physiotherapy is specifically designed to address the unique needs and health profiles of older adults at any age.

Can physiotherapy help me avoid surgery?

In many cases, yes – physiotherapy can successfully manage conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff problems, and spinal issues, potentially delaying or eliminating the need for surgical intervention. Even when surgery is necessary, pre-operative physiotherapy (prehabilitation) can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery.

What happens if I miss a private physiotherapy appointment?

Most private clinics require 24-48 hours' notice for cancellations; failure to provide adequate notice typically results in a cancellation fee, often the full session cost. NHS services may discharge you from their waiting list after multiple missed appointments without valid reason.

Can I switch to a different physiotherapist if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, you have the right to request a different physiotherapist within an NHS service or simply book with another private practitioner if you feel the therapeutic relationship isn't working. Good communication and rapport with your therapist are important for successful rehabilitation outcomes.

Do I need to stop my regular exercise or activities during physiotherapy?

Your physiotherapist will advise you on which activities to continue, modify, or temporarily avoid based on your specific condition. In most cases, staying active with appropriate modifications is encouraged, as complete rest can lead to deconditioning and slower recovery in older adults.

Will I receive a written report of my physiotherapy assessment?

Private physiotherapists typically provide detailed written reports, particularly if required for insurance purposes or onward referral. NHS physiotherapists document assessments in your medical records, and you can request a copy of your treatment notes through the practice or hospital's patient records department.