What are the benefits of physiotherapy?
If your back hurts often, you have a long-term condition, or you’ve recently pulled a muscle, you might be wondering if physiotherapy could help. From easing everyday aches, to recovering from surgery, there are lots of ways physiotherapy can help you feel better. Here I’ll explore what exactly physiotherapy is, who can benefit, and how to get started.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy (physical therapy) is a treatment that helps you move more easily and with less pain. It’s carried out by a healthcare professional called a physiotherapist – but you might sometimes hear them referred to as physios or physical therapists.
Physiotherapy can help you to recover from an injury and prevent you from getting hurt again. It can also get you moving after surgery, help you manage a painful health condition like arthritis or live well with a physical disability.
A physiotherapist will look at your body as a whole and devise a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Below are some techniques they’ll use.
- Educational advice on things like correct posture and manual handling techniques.
- A tailored exercise programme that includes stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Hands-on manual therapy, such as massage, to relieve tension and stiffness.
- Exercise in water, known as hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy.
- Acupuncture, where fine needles are inserted into points on your body to relieve pain.
- Hot and cold therapy to ease painful muscles and joints.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), where small electrical currents block pain signals to your brain.
Why would I see a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapy can help treat a wide range of problems, including the following.
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. These are problems affecting the way your muscles, bones and joints work. For example, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, or sports injuries.
- Neurological conditions. These are issues that affect your brain and nervous system, like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease.
- Cardiovascular conditions. These include problems with your heart and circulatory system, for example if you’re recovering after a heart attack.
- Respiratory conditions. These are conditions that impact your lungs and breathing, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis.
- Women’s health conditions. For example, urinary incontinence or prolapse.
Six benefits of physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help you move more easily, build strength and reduce pain. Here are some of the key benefits.
Relieve pain
Whether you have a sports injury, pain in your back, are recovering from surgery or living with a health condition, physiotherapy can help to ease aches and pains. Your physiotherapist will use a combination of techniques like massage, targeted exercises, and acupuncture and tailor your treatment to you.
Improve movement and flexibility
If you have stiff joints and tight muscles, you might find carrying out daily activities challenging. Visiting a physiotherapist can help restore your mobility, making movement easier and more comfortable.
Support rehabilitation and recovery
If you’re healing from surgery or a serious injury, physiotherapy can help you rebuild your strength and function and recover well.
Help limit future injuries
Your physiotherapist will work with you to identify weaknesses in the way you move. They’ll teach you exercises and techniques that will improve your movement patterns and reduce your chance of injuring yourself again.
Manage long-term health conditions
If you have a health condition like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, asthma or COPD, physiotherapy can help to ease your symptoms, improve your mobility and enhance your overall wellbeing.
Improve balance and reduce risk of falls
Physiotherapy can help to improve your coordination and stability. This can reduce the risk of falls and increase confidence in older adults as well as support you if you have a neurological condition.
Do I need to be referred to a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists often work in GP surgeries, hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, occupational health or sports clubs.
In the UK, many NHS GP practices now allow you to book an appointment with a physiotherapist directly. But sometimes, you’ll need to be referred by a doctor first. The reception staff at your local GP surgery can let you know what’s available in your area.
If you prefer, you can book a private appointment with a physiotherapist and pay for this yourself. You can find a list of reputable physiotherapists in your area on The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists website. Some workplace health schemes also offer physiotherapy as a benefit.
If you have a muscle, bone or joint problem, our direct access service aims to provide you with the advice, support and treatment you need as quickly as possible. If you’re covered by your health insurance, you’ll be able to get advice from a physiotherapist usually without the need for a GP referral. Learn more today.
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Sources Sources
- What is physiotherapy? World Physiotherapy. world.physio, accessed March 2025
- What is physiotherapy? Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. csp.org.uk, last reviewed March 2023
- Physiotherapists. Patient. patient.info, last updated August 2024
- Treatment of pain and inflammation. MSD Manuals. msdmanuals.com, modified September 2024
- Rehabilitation. Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. csp.org.uk, last reviewed May 2017
- Physical therapy (PT). MSD Manuals. msdmanuals.com, modified September 2024
- Physiotherapy. Versus Arthritis. versusarthritis.org, accessed March 2025
- In brief: Physical therapy. National Library of Medicine. ncbi.nlm.gov/books, last updated March 2024
- Personal communication, Glenn Etherington, Senior MSK Physiotherapist at Bupa, April 2024
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