When to see a physio: Key signs you need treatment

If you’ve been putting up with pain, stiffness or limited movement, you’re not alone. But getting help early can make a big difference in feeling better, faster.

Physios are a go-to for all kinds of things, from stubborn aches and pains to recovery from injuries and management of long-term health issues.

But how do you know when you should one? Bupa physiotherapist Carly Stewart shares the key signs it might be time to seek support and what to expect when you do.

A physiotherapist¹, or physio, is a trained healthcare provider who specialises in movement and exercise to support the body and how it functions.

Depending on why you’re seeing a physio, they will assess and potentially diagnose the issue and work with you to make improvements. Physios use a mixture of treatment methods such as exercise, massage, taping and splinting and posture and technique correction.

Often your physio will give you exercises to do at home between sessions to support your recovery or help prevent any disability or disease.

Physios are experts in bodily movement and function, so anything that is stopping your body from moving or working in the right way might be something a physio can help with.

Musculoskeletal issues (that’s muscles, bones and joints) that a physio can treat include:²

• back pain
• knee pain
• sports injury recovery and prevention
• arthritis
• muscle aches and pains
• sprains and strains
• limb injuries.

Physios can also provide support with chronic conditions such as migraine and help to prevent chronic disease.

Hospitals and health clinics may offer physiotherapists who specialise in a specific area, such as stroke rehabilitation, pelvic floor or incontinence issues and complications caused by illness or health conditions such as cancer or multiple sclerosis.²

If you have an illness or have experienced a serious injury your healthcare team may recommend seeing a physiotherapist to support your recovery.

For more minor injuries such as a mild sprain, your GP might recommend seeing a physio to help prevent ongoing pain or related issues.

You can also choose to see a physio whenever you need to. If you’re experiencing any unexplained aches or pains in your body or want to improve your range of movement, balance or flexibility, a physio can help.

It’s important not to let pain or reduced movement go untreated for long periods, says Carly.

“If you have pain, stiffness, weakness, or a change in how you move that lasts more than a few days, it’s worth booking in sooner rather than later. Early assessment and treatment can often prevent minor issues from becoming more persistent or complex problems. It also means you can receive tailored advice on what you should or shouldn’t be doing, which can accelerate your recovery and reduce pain.”

It can be hard to know what kind of healthcare professional to see. Your GP is always a great place to start, but physios can offer more specialised help.

“GPs are brilliant at diagnosing and managing general medical health, but physios specialise in the musculoskeletal system,” says Carly. “We spend years training to assess movement and function in detail, so, if you’ve got a sprain, back pain, sports injury or stiff neck we’re well-equipped to pinpoint the cause and guide your recovery.”

You don’t need a referral from your GP or healthcare provider to make an appointment with a physiotherapist.

However, if you want to access Medicare-subsidised physiotherapy under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan you will need a GP referral. A CDM plan allows eligible patients with chronic conditions to receive Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health visits per calendar year, including physiotherapy.

You may also need a referral to see a physio if you want to claim on your private health insurance so check your cover and insurer’s rules beforehand.

Some workers’ compensation or motor vehicle insurance schemes may require a referral for funding or coverage.

While any treatment you receive from a physio will depend on your presenting problem, your first physio appointment will be a comprehensive assessment of your presenting issues and your general health.

“Your first session is all about [the physio] understanding you and your body, as well as potentially exploring the pain or injury in more detail,” says Carly.

“We’ll start by discussing your symptoms, general health, lifestyle and goals. Then we’ll conduct a physical assessment, which may involve checking your posture, observing your movement and testing your strength and flexibility.”

After your physio has conducted a thorough assessment, they can start to form a treatment approach and plan.

“We’ll discuss what we find and put together a plan that might include hands-on treatment, exercises and advice,” says Carly. “The priority is always working with you to get the best outcome.”

If you’re noticing pain, stiffness or changes in how you move, don’t wait it out. Checking in with a physio could be the first step to getting back to feeling your best.