When should I see a physiotherapist?

Many people wait until pain becomes severe before seeking help. The pattern is familiar: a niggle becomes a pain, the pain becomes a limitation, the limitation becomes an injury. Early intervention almost always means a faster, simpler recovery.

Pain lasting longer than two weeks. Recurring injuries. Reduced mobility or range of motion. Difficulty exercising. Pain affecting sleep. Balance problems. Recovery after surgery.

Any one of these is enough to justify a single assessment session — you do not need to be in severe pain to benefit.

A physiotherapy assessment typically includes a thorough medical history, movement assessment, strength testing, functional assessment and an individual treatment plan. You leave the session understanding what is going on, what to do about it and what to expect over the coming weeks.

Early intervention may reduce recovery time and prevent minor problems from becoming chronic. In South Africa, physiotherapists are first-contact practitioners — you do not need a doctor's referral.