Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy, often referred to as physio, uses physical methods, such as massage and manipulation, to promote healing and well-being. Physiotherapy treatments are often used to help restore a person’s range of movement after injury or illness.
Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who have trained specifically in physiotherapy. They work in a number of different places, including:

• hospitals
• GP surgeries
• private practices
• workplaces
• the community

When is physiotherapy used?

Physiotherapists frequently treat problems that affect:

• muscles
• joints
• heart, blood circulation and lungs

Physiotherapists also help people with mental health conditions, neurological conditions (those affecting the brain and nervous system) and chronic (long-term) health conditions.

Accessing physiotherapy services

Your GP, hospital or healthcare professional may refer you to a physiotherapist. They will discuss your symptoms with you and may decide that you would benefit from physiotherapy. Physiotherapy through the NHS is free of charge.

All physiotherapists who work in the NHS are chartered (qualified as a member of a professional body). Only practitioners who are registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) are allowed to use the title physiotherapist.

Information about local services available and physiotherapy in general can be found using the related information links.