How to find a physiotherapist (physical therapist) in the UK or US

A physiotherapist, called a physical therapist (PT) in the US, can assess your problem and give you an exercise plan that fits you. This guide explains how to get one in the UK or the US, whether you need a referral, and how to check they are qualified.

In the UK

On the NHS

NHS physiotherapy is free, but there may be a waiting list.² In England, most adults can refer themselves to a community musculoskeletal (MSK) service without seeing a GP first, if they are registered with a GP:¹

1. Go to the NHS page Get NHS help for back or joint problems.
2. Enter the name of your GP surgery and choose a local MSK service.
3. Fill in the service’s referral form. A clinician reviews it, then the service contacts you about next steps and waiting times.

In some parts of England you can’t refer yourself yet, so contact your GP surgery instead. If you aren’t registered with a GP, the NHS suggests searching for “community MSK service self referral” plus your town.¹ Some GP surgeries also have a first contact physiotherapist you can book directly.² In Scotland, NHS boards run their own self-referral, and NHS Borders, for example, says people aged 16 or over don’t need to see a GP first.³ In Wales and Northern Ireland, check your local health board or trust.

Self-referral services don’t offer urgent or emergency help.¹

Private physiotherapy

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s Physio2u directory and Physio First list physios who are members of those bodies.^5,6 Prices vary. Private sessions commonly cost roughly £50 to £80, with first assessments at the higher end and London prices often higher than elsewhere.⁷ If you have private medical insurance, check whether you need a GP referral or pre-authorisation and how many sessions your policy covers.

Before your appointment: mark where it hurts on our free body pain chart, or make a one-page pain visit summary to print or save. Nothing you enter is sent to us.

Search UK physios near you

Our free UK physio directory lists over 3,600 clinics across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sorted by distance only. Clinics can’t pay to rank higher.

In the US

Do you need a referral?

All 50 states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands allow some form of direct access, meaning you can see a PT without a physician’s referral, but the limits differ by state.⁸ Some states limit how long or how many visits before a physician must be involved.

Medicare patients can go directly to a physical therapist, but a physician or other qualified provider still has to certify the plan of care.⁹ Some insurance plans require a referral or prior authorization even where state law doesn’t, so call your insurer before you book and ask how many visits are covered.

Finding a PT

The American Physical Therapy Association’s Find a PT directory lets you search by location and condition. It lists APTA members.¹⁰ Your insurer’s in-network list, your doctor, or a local hospital’s outpatient rehab department are other places to start.

In the US? We cover 20 states and Washington, DC so far. Search our free directory of physical therapy clinics by ZIP code. It’s sorted by distance, and clinics don’t pay to be listed.

How to check a physio is qualified

UK: “physiotherapist” is a protected title. Search the HCPC register by surname or registration number. Physiotherapists’ numbers start with PH. “Registered” means there are no restrictions, cautions or conditions on their practice.⁴ A chartered physio, a CSP member, has MCSP after their name.²

US: PTs are licensed by each state. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy links to every state board’s licence lookup, and you can contact the board to ask about any disciplinary history.¹¹

Questions to ask before you book

• Are you HCPC-registered (UK) or licensed in this state (US)?
• Do you often treat my problem, or people recovering from my operation?
• How long is the first appointment, and what does it cost? Do you bill my insurer directly?
• Will I get a home exercise plan I can follow between visits?
• How will we know whether it is working, and roughly how many sessions should I expect?

Canada, Australia and Ireland

Our coverage guides explain who pays for physiotherapy in Canada and Australia, including provincial programmes, Medicare chronic disease plans and private extras cover. See also Is physiotherapy covered?

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral to see a physio in the UK?

Not always. In most of England you can refer yourself to an NHS MSK service if you’re registered with a GP, and Scottish health boards run self-referral too. Private physios usually don’t need a referral, but your insurer might.

Can I see a physical therapist without a referral in the US?

Every state allows some direct access, but many limit how long or how many visits before a physician must be involved, and some insurers still require a referral. Check your state’s rules and your insurance.

How do I check a physiotherapist is registered?

In the UK, search the HCPC register by surname or PH number. In the US, use your state board’s license lookup, linked from FSBPT’s website.

This page is general information about how to find and check a physiotherapist or physical therapist, based on the public sources listed above. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any provider. Rules and prices change, so check with the service, your insurer or the regulator. Protocol Archive is independent and is not affiliated with the NHS, the HCPC, the CSP, APTA or FSBPT.