Back and neck pain
Pain, stiffness or restricted movement affecting sitting, standing, lifting, sleep or daily activities.
Helping you move more comfortably, regain confidence and return to the activities that matter.
We provide individualised musculoskeletal physiotherapy for people experiencing pain, stiffness, reduced movement or difficulty with everyday activities. We assess problems affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, ligaments and related movement. Your physiotherapist will take time to understand your symptoms, how they affect your life and what you would like to achieve.
Conditions we can help you manage
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy can support people with symptoms that start suddenly, develop gradually or return after a previous episode. Depending on your assessment, we may help with:
Shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand problems
Pain or difficulty with reaching, lifting, gripping, dressing, work tasks or hobbies.
Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems
Joint or soft-tissue symptoms affecting walking, stairs, standing, balance, exercise or other activities.
Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
Strains, sprains, tendon-related pain and other soft-tissue problems following sport, activity or everyday movement.
Sports and activity-related injuries
Support to rebuild strength and physical capacity and return progressively to your chosen activities.
Post-injury and postoperative rehabilitation
Support following an injury, fracture or operation, taking account of relevant medical and surgical advice and precautions.
If your main concern is a sports-related injury, you can also visit our Sports Injury Physiotherapy page.
Your first physiotherapy assessment
Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, general health, previous treatment and the activities you would like to return to. You will have time to explain what is important to you and ask questions.
The physical assessment will be guided by your presentation and may include:
Movement and function
How you move and which activities are difficult or limited.
Strength and control
Relevant muscle strength, endurance, coordination and control.
Joint and soft tissue
Appropriate assessment of joint movement and surrounding tissues.
Goals and priorities
The activities you want to improve and what matters most to you.
Your assessment is adapted to your needs. Not every test or technique is suitable for every person, and your consent will be sought before examination or treatment.
Your treatment and rehabilitation plan
There is no single treatment programme that is right for everyone. Your physiotherapist will explain the options and agree a plan that reflects your assessment findings, goals, preferences and circumstances. Depending on your needs, your plan may include:
1. Education and advice
Understand your condition, likely contributing factors and practical ways to manage symptoms. Advice may include pacing, activity modification, work or daily-living adjustments and strategies for flare-ups.
2. Therapeutic exercise
A tailored programme may include mobility, strengthening, stretching, balance, coordination, endurance or functional exercises. It is progressed according to your response and goals.
3. Manual therapy, where appropriate
Hands-on techniques may be considered as part of a wider rehabilitation plan when clinically appropriate. They are not suitable or necessary for every condition.
4. Functional rehabilitation
Practise and build capacity for tasks that matter to you, such as walking, stairs, lifting, reaching, work activities, sport or hobbies.
5. Return to sport and activity
A progressive approach can help rebuild strength, control, confidence and tolerance for the physical demands of your chosen activity.
6. Self-management and prevention
Learn how to continue your exercises, recognise changes in symptoms and manage your activity beyond your appointments.
Your role in recovery
Your active participation is an important part of physiotherapy. We will help you understand your programme and agree realistic activities to work on between appointments. Tell your physiotherapist if an exercise causes unexpected symptoms or if your condition changes.
A plan based on your needs
Your physiotherapist will discuss the findings and explain the recommended next steps. Goals may be short-term, such as improving a particular movement, and longer-term, such as returning to work, sport or independent daily activities. Your programme may change as you improve, if your symptoms change or if further assessment or medical advice is needed. We do not assume everyone needs the same exercises or the same number of appointments.
Where can you receive physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy appointments are available at our clinics in Leeds, Batley and Wakefield, subject to appointment availability. Where appropriate, home and community visits may also be available depending on your needs and location.
- Leeds: Second Floor, Seven Eastgate, Leeds, LS2 7LY
- Batley: 157 Upper Commercial Street, Batley, WF17 5DH
- Wakefield: 29 Brook Street, Wakefield, WF1 1QW
Before your appointment: Bring details of relevant scans, reports, medication or previous treatment if available. Wear comfortable clothing that allows the area being assessed to be examined and moved, where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP or consultant referral?
You can contact us directly to discuss a private physiotherapy appointment. A GP or consultant referral is not generally needed. If your symptoms or medical history indicate that medical assessment is needed first, we will explain this and advise you on the appropriate next step.
Will physiotherapy be painful?
Some movement or treatment may temporarily reproduce familiar symptoms, but treatment should be appropriate to your condition and tolerance. Tell your physiotherapist if you are uncomfortable or concerned.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the condition, its duration, your goals and how you respond. Your physiotherapist will review progress with you and discuss whether further appointments are appropriate.
Can physiotherapy help long-standing pain?
Physiotherapy may help you understand and manage persistent symptoms, improve movement and function, and develop strategies for activity. Outcomes differ between individuals.
Can I continue working or exercising?
Often the aim is to help you remain as active as appropriate. Your physiotherapist can discuss how to adapt activities and build them up safely for your situation.
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, rapidly worsening or significant weakness, or severe symptoms following major trauma. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 999. For other new, severe or concerning symptoms, contact NHS 111 or your GP as appropriate.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy – Patient Information
Read, save or print our four-page patient information leaflet.
Our aim is to help you understand your condition, improve movement and function, regain confidence and return to the activities that are important to you.
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