When to see a doctor
When to see a physiotherapist?
Back pain from sitting, rehabilitation after an injury, posture problems – when physiotherapy helps most.
In brief
See a physiotherapist with back or joint pain caused by overuse, after an injury or surgery (rehabilitation), with posture defects, and also preventively when you sit a lot or are returning to sport. You don't need a referral for a private visit.
When to come in
- neck and back pain from sitting at work
- rehabilitation after an injury, fracture or surgery
- knee or shoulder pain during sport
- tension headaches
- posture defects in children and adults
- returning to activity after pregnancy
Don't wait for a visit if…
- back pain with urinary or faecal incontinence
- sudden weakness in a leg or arm
- pain after an accident with a suspected fracture
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Tests the doctor may order
- Joint ultrasoundglossary
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)glossary
What to bring to your visit
- imaging reports
- doctor's recommendations after a procedure
- sportswear that doesn't restrict movement
Questions and answers
How many visits are needed?
It depends on the problem – usually 3 to 8 sessions. An important part of therapy is home exercises, which the physiotherapist selects individually.
The information is general and does not replace medical advice.
When to see a doctor
See also
When to see an internist?
When to see a cardiologist?
When to see a dermatologist?
When to take a child to a paediatrician?
When to see an ENT specialist?
When to see an orthopaedist?
When to see a psychologist?
When to see a urologist?
When to see an endocrinologist?
When to see a rheumatologist?
When to see a dietitian?
When to see a dentist?
