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A physiotherapist assesses movement, physical function and musculoskeletal or rehabilitation concerns and may provide individualized treatment such as therapeutic exercise, strengthening, mobility work, education, functional rehabilitation and other appropriate physiotherapy techniques. The exact approach depends on the assessment and the person's goals.

Whether a referral is required depends on the circumstances, the service, the payer or insurer, and applicable rules. Patients can contact the clinic to ask about the requirements for their situation. A referral may also be requested when another healthcare professional's assessment or information is clinically relevant.

Many patients may contact a private physiotherapy clinic directly, but booking and access requirements can vary. The clinic can explain whether an assessment is appropriate and whether any referral, insurer or third-party documentation is required.

Physiotherapy may be appropriate for many movement and musculoskeletal concerns, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle and foot problems, sports injuries, muscle and tendon injuries, some nerve-related symptoms, arthritis-related functional limitations, post-surgical rehabilitation, balance problems and mobility difficulties. An assessment is needed to determine whether physiotherapy is suitable for a particular condition.

Physiotherapy may be appropriate for many types of musculoskeletal back pain, including mechanical back pain, muscle strain, muscle spasm and some disc-related presentations. Treatment depends on the assessment. Back pain accompanied by serious or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms may require urgent medical assessment.

Physiotherapy may form part of care for some presentations of sciatica or lumbar nerve-related symptoms. The physiotherapist may assess movement, strength and neurological signs and may recommend medical assessment when appropriate. Severe or rapidly worsening weakness, new bladder or bowel problems, or saddle-area numbness require urgent medical attention.

Physiotherapy may be appropriate for selected neck pain and whiplash-associated presentations. Assessment may consider movement, strength, function and neurological symptoms. Treatment should be individualized, and significant trauma or concerning neurological symptoms may require medical assessment.

Physiotherapy may be part of management for frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis. The treatment plan may focus on movement, strength and functional use of the arm, depending on the stage and clinical findings. Recovery varies, and a particular outcome or timeline should not be guaranteed.