Pain and Rehabilitation
What to Expect During a Physiotherapy Assessment for Back Pain
A walk through the first appointment, the kind of exercises usually involved, and how progress is normally reviewed.
Published 2026-01-08 · Updated 2026-01-20 · 7 min read
Written by [THERAPIST NAME] — author credentials are published once verified by the clinic.
Back pain is among the most common reasons people book physiotherapy. Knowing roughly what the appointment involves tends to make the first visit less daunting.
The first appointment
Expect a conversation before any hands-on work. Your physiotherapist will ask when symptoms started, what eases or worsens them, how they affect sleep and work, and whether you have had episodes before.
What the physical assessment usually covers
- How your spine and hips move in different directions
- Which positions provoke or relieve symptoms
- Strength and endurance in supporting muscles
- Screening questions to rule out problems needing medical review
Treatment is usually active
Most back pain plans centre on graded movement and strengthening, supported by advice on posture variation and pacing. Manual therapy may be used where it helps, generally as an addition rather than the whole plan.
Between appointments
- A short home exercise routine you can actually maintain
- Guidance on staying active rather than resting completely
- A plan for gradually returning to work and normal activity
Seek urgent medical care if you develop numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, or progressive leg weakness.