Date: September 16, 2026
Author: Danielle Sinclair, Physiotherapist
Whether you’re a regular athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply trying to stay active, injuries can be frustrating. Sometimes an injury is obvious, like a sprained ankle or pulled muscle, while other times pain gradually develops and starts interfering with exercise.
So, when should you see a physiotherapist?
You don’t always have to wait for an injury to become serious
One of the most common reasons people delay seeing a physiotherapist is the hope the pain will simply go away. While some minor aches and pains do settle with time, continuing to exercise through an injury can sometimes make symptoms worse or cause you to compensate with other parts of your body.
Seeing a physiotherapist early can help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms and provide you with a plan to manage them.
Common sports and exercise injuries
Physiotherapy can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, from acute injuries to problems that develop gradually with training or overuse. This may include:
Ligament sprains and joint injuries
Muscle strains
Tendinopathies and tendon injuries
Overuse and repetitive strain injuries
Running and training related injuries
Knee conditions, such as patellofemoral pain
Ankle, foot, and lower limb injuries
Back and neck pain
Rotator cuff and other shoulder related injuries
Rehabilitation following injury or time away from exercise
Gradual return to sport, training and exercise
You don't necessarily need to know exactly what you’ve injured before making an appointment. A physiotherapist can assess your symptoms, movement and strength to help determine what may be contributing to your pain.
What does physiotherapy involve?
Your treatment will depend on your injury, your goals, and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include hands-on therapy, exercises to improve strength and mobility, advice around modifying your activity, and a gradual return to sport/exercise program.
The aim isn’t just to get you out of pain. It’s to help you build back up to returning to what you enjoy.
You don’t have to be an elite athlete
Physiotherapy isn’t just for professional or competitive athletes. If an injury is stopping you from going to the gym, running, walking, skating, playing social sport or just exercising comfortably, physiotherapy may be able to help.
