Symptoms worth discussing
A stiff lower back, discomfort during a long workday or difficulty lifting may have different causes. Pain travelling into a leg, tingling or changing symptoms should be explained during your assessment. An online description cannot establish a diagnosis.
What your assessment may cover
Bring relevant reports and describe when symptoms began, what changes them, your work routine and any previous episodes. Your physiotherapist may assess comfortable movement, strength and everyday tasks, and discuss whether a medical review is needed before exercise.
Your rehabilitation approach
Find a manageable starting point
Agree on movements and activity levels you can tolerate rather than forcing a painful stretch.
Build movement confidence
Practise an individual mix of mobility and strengthening work, with guidance on sitting, lifting and returning to your routine.
Review real-life progress
Review goals such as sitting through a meeting or walking comfortably. Adjust your home programme as your ability changes.
A plan you can use between visits
Ask what to practise, how often to do it and which changes should prompt a review. Agree on goals that matter to you and tell the team when an exercise is difficult to follow. Session frequency, fees and recovery expectations should be discussed after assessment. No fixed recovery timeline or result is guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an MRI before physiotherapy?
Not everyone needs a scan. Explain your symptoms and bring any reports you already have; the clinician can discuss whether further medical investigation is appropriate.
Can I keep working with back pain?
That depends on your symptoms and job demands. Discuss pacing, movement breaks and temporary changes to tasks during your assessment.
Will treatment include exercises to do at home?
Where suitable, your plan can include a small set of exercises with clear guidance. Tell the team if an activity worsens symptoms so the plan can be reviewed.
General patient information reference: NHS patient guidance ↗. This guide does not replace an individual assessment.