If you asked the average person what a physiotherapist does, you’d likely get answers like, “They help people with sports injuries,” or, “They do massages and hand out exercises.”

Whilst they are absolutely correct, these answers barely scratch the surface of what physiotherapy is all about.

In reality, physiotherapists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who help people of all ages manage pain, recover from injury, improve mobility, and even prevent future health issues.

At SP Physio, we know that many people think they understand what we do, until they step through our doors and realise there’s so much more to it. So, let’s clear up a few misconceptions and answer the question properly: What does a physiotherapist actually do?

More Than Just Sports Injuries

One of the biggest misconceptions is that physiotherapy is only for athletes or those recovering from major injuries.

This is absolutely a massive part of what we do, and we would be delighted to help you get back on track with your training if you are suffering with a recent injury.

• Chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain
• Post-surgical rehabilitation for joint replacements, fractures, and spinal surgery
• Neurological conditions such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis
• Respiratory issues including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
• Elderly rehabilitation to help improve balance, strength, and prevent falls

At SP Physio, we treat patients from all walks of life, whether they’re struggling with long-term pain, recovering from an operation, or just looking to move more freely.

Assessment: The First Step to Recovery

Before jumping into treatment, a physiotherapist’s first role is to assess your condition. This isn’t just about asking where it hurts, it’s about understanding your medical history, movement patterns, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

During your initial consultation, our physiotherapists will ask about your symptoms, pain levels, and how the issue affects your daily life. They will perform a physical assessment to check strength, flexibility, posture, and movement. Identifying the root cause of the problem is crucial, as it may not always be where the pain is. Once the assessment is complete, they will develop a tailored treatment plan designed to restore movement and reduce discomfort.

Hands-On Treatment & Therapy

Physiotherapy is often associated with exercises, but manual therapy plays a crucial role too. At SP Physio, we use a variety of hands-on techniques to improve mobility and relieve pain, including:

• Joint mobilisation & manipulation – to restore movement in stiff joints
• Soft tissue massage – to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation
• Acupuncture & dry needling – to relieve pain and muscle tightness
• Taping & strapping – to support injured muscles and joints during recovery

These treatments work alongside prescribed exercises to help you regain strength, flexibility, and overall function.

The Power of Movement: Exercise Therapy

A huge part of physiotherapy is movement-based treatment. You won’t just get a list of exercises and be sent on your way, our team at SP Physio will guide you through the correct techniques to make sure you get the best results.

• Strength training – to rebuild muscle and prevent further injury
• Stretching routines – to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness
• Postural correction – to help relieve tension and prevent strain on joints
• Balance & coordination exercises – especially important for elderly rehabilitation

We focus on exercises that you can continue at home, ensuring that your progress doesn’t stop when you leave the clinic.

Preventing Future Problems

Physiotherapy isn’t just about fixing current issues, it’s also about preventing future injuries and pain. Our physios provide expert advice on posture, workplace ergonomics, movement techniques, and lifestyle adjustments that help you stay healthy and active in the long run.

For example, if you spend long hours at a desk, we can recommend small adjustments to your chair height, desk setup, and posture to reduce strain on your neck and back. If you’re an athlete, we’ll help with injury prevention strategies tailored to your sport.

Physiotherapy for Everyone

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply looking to improve mobility, a physiotherapist can help. At SP Physio, we tailor our treatments to each individual, ensuring you get the best care possible.

If you’ve ever thought, “Physiotherapy isn’t for me,” it might be time to think again. Physiotherapists do far more than just treat sports injuries—we help people from all walks of life move better, feel better, and live pain-free.

So, the next time someone asks, “What does a physiotherapist do?” you’ll know the real answer!

If you think physiotherapy could help you, get in touch with SP Physio today to book an appointment. Your journey to better movement starts here!