When to Break Up With Your Physio

Have you ever left a session feeling more confused than cured? If you’re nodding in agreement, it might be time to re-evaluate whether your physio is actually helping or if they’re just taking you for a ride. Usually, that means giving you tools to get out of pain or achieve a big, hairy goal like hopping out of bed without feeling 100 years old.

A good physio will make you feel heard, understood, and (most importantly) on the path to recovery. A not-so-great one, well, let’s just say you might be better off swiping left. Below, we’ll cover the red flags to watch out for and when it’s time to make that dreaded but necessary breakup call.

This week, one of my patients shared that they had visited another therapist and (bluntly) were unimpressed. If you’ve ever walked out of an appointment feeling like you just listened to someone speak in code, it’s not a good sign. You shouldn’t need a medical degree to understand what’s going on with your body.

Most folks enter a physio clinic with three burning questions, yet they often walk out without solid answers:

What have I got?

You don’t need a deep dive into medical jargon or a full anatomy lesson. Instead, ask for a concise explanation! What’s going on, and is it serious? A quick, one-page summary is enough.

How long is my problem going to take?

You need to know if their injury is a quick fix or a long haul. You may have ignored the pain for six months, but you still want to know if you’ll be fine for the big race or wedding next week. Honesty here is key; ask for a real timeline, whether it’s days, weeks, or (gulp) months. Get a realistic plan for your life without any false hope.

What can you do to help me?

Let’s face it: you’re there for solutions. A good physio gives less guesswork and more definitive facts. You need to know what treatment looks like, how often you’ll need to come in, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

If you leave every appointment scratching your head, wondering what in the world just happened, it’s a major red flag.

A critical part of the healing journey is being on the same page. Communication isn’t just about rattling off facts; it’s about connecting the dots in a way that makes sense to you. A good physio checks in regularly: “Does this make sense?” “Do you feel comfortable with these exercises?” If you’re met with blank stares or condescending sighs whenever you ask for clarification, it’s probably time to pack your bags.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re confused. Your physio should be thrilled to explain further. If you sense any annoyance or reluctance on their part, that’s a neon sign telling you to look elsewhere.

Ultimately, if your physio can’t answer those three simple questions, What have I got? How long will it take to recover? What can you do to help me? Or if they’re consistently leaving you feeling more baffled than when you arrived, it might be time to call it quits. Yes, it can feel awkward ditching a therapist you’ve been seeing, but remember: this is about your health and your goals.

You deserve someone who respects your time and invests in your well-being. If you’re not seeing progress or can’t get straightforward answers, trust your gut. Life’s too short to waste on half-baked advice and revolving-door consultations.

There are plenty of physios out there, and when you find one who genuinely helps you, you’ll know. You’ll leave feeling confident, not clueless, and that’s worth holding out for. After all, your body deserves nothing less.