If your pain is aggravated by specific motions or activities
Physiotherapists specialize in treating mechanical conditions. A mechanical problem is a disorder exacerbated by stress, such as knee pain aggravated by stair climbing or ankle pain aggravated by running. You might make a backache worse by picking things up and bending over. The physiotherapist may be able to assist you if you have a mechanical problem that is causing your pain through strengthening exercises as well as teaching you different techniques.

If your pain is not improving or worsening
Many of us get aches and pains that go away within a few days, so it’s difficult to judge. Mechanical problems can manifest themselves as pain that is related to a sport or activity. Therefore, patients will wait for some time to see if the pain will resolve. If your pain does not improve or worsens without treatment, you may need to see a physiotherapist. You may need a thorough assessment to determine how long it will take for you to recover and what you can do to help.

Runners may experience Achilles tendon pain that resolves with rest but returns when they resume athletic activity. If strengthening and rehabilitation are keys to recovery, a physiotherapist can be of great assistance.

If your pain is debilitating and limiting motion
In cases of acute neck and back pain due to unwarranted tension, physiotherapy can be very effective. Physiotherapy may be beneficial if you suffer from severe neck pain or chronic back pain that makes it difficult for you to function, go to work, or sleep. Experienced physiotherapists are able to identify the source of your pain and recommend the best methods for reducing it and returning you to full function as quickly as possible. We will look for signs of pathology during the screening process and may refer you to a specialized medical practitioner if needed.

If your pain has been present for a long time and prevents you from being active
Some chronic pain conditions can be insidious, and we may gradually stop doing activities due to weakness, pain, or limitations in movement. Oftentimes, after returning to a sport after an injury, people think they are too weak or will re-injure themselves. You can get a physiotherapist to assess your muscle weakness to determine if it can be strengthened. Exercise tolerance, balance, coordination, and proprioception (body position) deficits can be addressed with physiotherapy. As a result, you can resume an active lifestyle and reduce the risk of future injuries.