How to Find a Physiotherapist in the UK

In short: You can see an NHS physiotherapist for free, and in many areas you can refer yourself. To see one privately, use a finder such as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s, or search Therapist Circle. Physiotherapist is a protected title, so whoever you choose must be on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register, and you can check that in a minute.

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Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.

Your routes

  • NHS. The NHS says physiotherapy is free on the NHS, but there may be a long waiting list. In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS community physiotherapy for muscle and joint problems. Some GP surgeries have first contact physiotherapists. For neurological conditions it is usually arranged through your GP, hospital or a specialist team. See NHS: physiotherapy.
  • Private. Many physiotherapists work independently and you pay them directly. Some health insurance covers physiotherapy, so check your policy before you start.

Where to look for a private physiotherapist

  • The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has a find a physiotherapist search. The NHS suggests a private physiotherapist should be chartered (a CSP member, shown as MCSP) and registered with the HCPC.
  • Search Therapist Circle for physiotherapists. Therapist Circle is new and still growing, so there may be few or none listed near you yet, and we don’t recommend or rank anyone. If there are none, please use the CSP search above.

Check they are on the HCPC register

Physiotherapist (and physical therapist) is a title protected by law. Anyone using it must be on the HCPC register. Search by name or registration number. The entry shows whether the person is currently registered and any conditions on their practice. Check that the name, number and profession match. An HCPC physiotherapist number starts with PH.

See also our guide to checking a register and the UK regulators and registers table.

What to ask before you book

  • What is your HCPC registration number?
  • What experience do you have with my condition?
  • What does the first appointment involve, and how many sessions might I need?
  • Where do sessions happen: a clinic, at home or online?
  • What do you charge, and is anything extra, such as a report?

More in questions to ask a private occupational therapist, physiotherapist, dietitian or speech and language therapist.

Are you a physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists on the HCPC register can list their practice with us free, with no subscription or commission. See list your physiotherapy practice free.

Common Questions

Can I see a physiotherapist without a GP referral?

Privately, you can usually contact a physiotherapist yourself. On the NHS, in many areas you can refer yourself to community physiotherapy for muscle and joint problems, and some GP surgeries have first contact physiotherapists. Routes vary by area, so ask your GP practice.

How do I check a physiotherapist is registered?

Search the HCPC register by name or registration number. Physiotherapist is a protected title, so anyone using it must be on the register.

Does Therapist Circle list physiotherapists?

Physiotherapists on the HCPC register can join and be listed free. Therapist Circle is new, so there may be few or none near you yet. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy also has its own find a physiotherapist search.

How much does a private physiotherapist cost?

There is no set fee. It varies by practitioner, area and what is included, so ask before you book.

Last reviewed 28 October 2026. General information only, drawn from the NHS, HCPC and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy websites, read on 28 October 2026. We are independent: not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body. Not medical advice and not a crisis service.

Related: Physiotherapists: the full guide · Physiotherapy for pain and mental health · Do you need a referral?

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