Physiotherapists

To find a good physiotherapist near you, search the relevant Yell.com directory to find a company or operative that offers the services you need locally.

A physiotherapist will work with you to help your mobility however most appropriate to you, your physical health, and your requirements. Each treatment plan is entirely bespoke so no two patients will have identical recommendations, but support to improve mobility may include exercises, the use of specialist equipment, the use of a mobility aid or complementary therapies.

Physiotherapists are ‘first contact practitioners’, so provided they’re fully qualified, can make diagnoses for physical health conditions in the same way a GP or other doctor can. However, their scope is not as broad as a doctor so you may find that they refer you to a GP or to a specialist dependent on the issue you present them with. Physiotherapists in the UK also can write prescriptions for some pharmaceuticals, although this list is limited so for anything unusual, you may still need to see your GP (who will usually issue the prescription based on the advice of your physiotherapist).

It may be appropriate to see a physiotherapist if you have low to medium level physical pain that you don’t believe is caused by another medical issue. Although physiotherapists are often thought of as only relevant for those with a pulled or strained muscle they can be helpful for people of all ages and abilities with pain in bones, joints or soft tissue, mobility issues, lungs or respiratory issues and those in rehabilitation from an illness or injury.

Anyone can self-refer to a private physiotherapist and pay for treatment, but dependent on where you live in the UK, you may also be able to self-refer for free NHS treatment. Contact your local GP surgery for advice on how to self-refer if you are able, or to book an appointment with them in order to receive an onward referral.

In the UK, physiotherapists have been able to write ‘fit notes’ for their patients to present to their employers since 2017. However, not all employers understand this or are willing to accept them and so if challenged, a GP can sign you off work and refer to a report or recommendation made by a physiotherapist (or other relevant healthcare professional).

Many, but not all, physiotherapists offer acupuncture; and physiotherapists are the largest healthcare industry practising acupuncture in the UK. Acupuncture can have tangible benefits for those suffering with musculoskeletal conditions, which physiotherapists treat a lot of. Many physiotherapists practising acupuncture are accredited by the AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists), who have had full medical training in the practice of acupuncture and who take part in regular CPD (Continuing Professional Development) learning to further and better their skills throughout their career.