Physiotherapy Home Visits: What to Expect

Home physiotherapy visits bring expert treatment directly to you. This comprehensive guide explains what happens during a home visit, how to prepare, and how to get the most from your treatment in the comfort of your own home.

What is home physiotherapy?

Definition

• Qualified physiotherapist visits your home
• Assessment and treatment in familiar environment
• Personalized rehabilitation programmes
• Ongoing support and monitoring
• Family involvement possible
• Convenient and effective

Who benefits?

• Difficulty traveling to clinic
• Post-surgery recovery
• After hospital discharge
• Chronic conditions
• Mobility problems
• Balance issues
• Prefer privacy of home
• Need environmental assessment
• Elderly or frail

Benefits of home visits

Convenience

• No travel required
• Saves time and energy
• No parking hassles
• Weather independent
• Flexible scheduling
• Accessible for all

Personalized care

• One-to-one attention
• Tailored to your needs
• Focused on your goals
• Adapted to your environment
• Progresses at your pace
• Undivided attention

Functional assessment

• See actual home environment
• Identify real-world challenges
• Practice in actual setting
• Address specific obstacles
• Practical solutions
• Relevant recommendations

Family involvement

• Family can observe
• Learn how to help
• Ask questions
• Understand treatment
• Support recovery
• Shared goals

First visit - what happens

Duration

• Usually 60-90 minutes
• Longer than follow-ups
• Comprehensive assessment
• Time for questions
• Treatment planning

Assessment

• Medical history review
• Current symptoms discussion
• Physical examination
• Functional testing
• Home environment review
• Goal setting
• Questions answered

Physical examination

• Movement assessment
• Strength testing
• Balance evaluation
• Posture analysis
• Pain assessment
• Functional ability
• Respectful and professional

Treatment planning

• Diagnosis explained
• Treatment options discussed
• Goals agreed
• Exercise programme started
• Advice provided
• Next steps planned

Follow-up visits

Duration

• Usually 45-60 minutes
• Focused treatment session
• Progress review
• Exercise progression

What happens

• Progress review
• Hands-on treatment
• Exercise progression
• Problem-solving
• Education and advice
• Home modifications discussed
• Next steps planned

Frequency

• Varies by condition and needs
• Initially: 1-2 times weekly
• Progressing: Weekly or fortnightly
• Maintenance: Monthly or as needed
• Flexible to your requirements

How to prepare

Before first visit

• List current medications
• Note questions and concerns
• Prepare medical history
• Clear space for exercises
• Have comfortable clothing ready
• Invite family if desired
• Gather relevant reports

Space requirements

• Clear area for movement
• Chair for exercises
• Good lighting
• Comfortable temperature
• Privacy if needed
• Minimal distractions

What to wear

• Comfortable, loose clothing
• Easy to move in
• Appropriate for examination
• Supportive footwear
• Layers if needed

Treatment techniques

Exercise therapy

• Strengthening exercises
• Balance training
• Flexibility work
• Functional exercises
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Personalized programme

Manual therapy

• Joint mobilization
• Soft tissue massage
• Stretching
• Pain relief techniques
• Professional and respectful

Gait re-education

• Walking practice
• Balance training
• Walking aid assessment
• Outdoor confidence building
• Stair practice

Education and advice

• Self-management strategies
• Pain management
• Activity modification
• Home safety
• Equipment recommendations
• Lifestyle advice

Between visits

Your responsibilities

• Do prescribed exercises
• Follow advice
• Track progress
• Note any problems
• Stay active
• Apply what you've learned
• Contact if concerns

Exercise compliance

• Crucial for success
• Set reminders
• Make it routine
• Track completion
• Ask if unsure
• Be honest about difficulties

What to expect from treatment

Realistic timelines

• Varies by condition
• Acute injuries: weeks to months
• Chronic conditions: months
• Post-surgery: 3-6 months typically
• Gradual improvement
• Patience required

Progress indicators

• Reduced pain
• Improved movement
• Increased strength
• Better balance
• Enhanced function
• Greater confidence
• Improved quality of life

Communication

Be honest

• About pain levels
• Exercise difficulties
• Concerns or fears
• What's working
• What's not working
• Your goals

Ask questions

• No question too small
• Clarify instructions
• Understand rationale
• Discuss concerns
• Ask about progress
• Request modifications

Cost and payment

Private physiotherapy

• Self-funded option
• Flexible scheduling
• Choice of therapist
• Immediate access
• Costs vary by provider
• Usually per session

Insurance coverage

• Check policy details
• Pre-authorization may be needed
• Number of sessions may be limited
• Receipts provided
• Claim forms completed

Professional standards

What to expect

• HCPC registered physiotherapist
• Professional indemnity insurance
• DBS checked
• Continued professional development
• Evidence-based practice
• Ethical conduct
• Confidentiality

Your rights

• Respectful treatment
• Clear explanations
• Informed consent
• Privacy and dignity
• Professional boundaries
• Right to refuse treatment
• Complaints procedure

Maximizing benefits

Be engaged

• Active participant
• Ask questions
• Provide feedback
• Set goals together
• Take ownership
• Stay motivated

Create good environment

• Minimize distractions
• Comfortable space
• Good lighting
• Appropriate temperature
• Privacy
• Supportive atmosphere

When to contact

Between appointments

• Significant pain increase
• New symptoms
• Unable to do exercises
• Questions about treatment
• Need to reschedule
• Concerns about progress

The role of physiotherapy

Community / Home-Based Physiotherapy provides:

• Comprehensive home assessments
• Personalized treatment programmes
• Hands-on therapy
• Exercise prescription
• Environmental modifications
• Equipment provision
• Family education
• Ongoing support
• Professional, caring service

The bottom line

Successful home physiotherapy requires:

• Preparation for visits
• Open communication
• Active participation
• Exercise compliance
• Patience with progress
• Family support
• Trust in process
• Commitment to recovery

Home physiotherapy brings expert care directly to you, making treatment convenient, personalized, and effective. With the right preparation, engagement, and commitment, you can achieve excellent outcomes in the comfort of your own home.

About the author

Lizzie Thornton is a specialist community physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience providing home-based physiotherapy. She is HCPC registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Lizzie provides home physiotherapy visits across Staffordshire Moorlands and Cheshire East.

View Lizzie's profile