Choosing a Physiotherapist for Knee and Back Pain in Pune

When you choose a physiotherapist for knee or back pain, check three things. Are they registered to practise in Maharashtra? Do they assess you properly before treating you? Do they teach you exercises to do at home? Under state law, only physiotherapists on the register of the Maharashtra State Council for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy may practise in Maharashtra.

Looking for a physiotherapist near you in Pune? This guide covers what to check, what happens at the first visit and when to see a doctor first.

What a physiotherapist does

Physiotherapy can ease pain and improve movement after an injury or illness, or when you live with a disability. People of any age can have it, including children and older people.

Physiotherapists help with bone, joint and muscle problems such as arthritis, back pain, neck pain and sports injuries. They mainly use exercise, hands-on treatment and advice on how to manage your symptoms.

Common causes of back and knee pain

Back pain is often caused by a pulled muscle. It can also come from a slipped disc, or from sciatica, which is a trapped nerve. Back pain usually gets better within a few weeks, but it can last longer or come back. Very rarely, it is a sign of a broken bone, an infection or another serious problem.

Knee pain after an injury may come from a sprain or strain, a torn ligament or a torn meniscus, which is cartilage inside the knee. Knee pain without an injury may be caused by osteoarthritis, which is more common in older people. Bursitis can make the knee warm and red, and the pain may be worse when you kneel or bend it.

You can read more about back pain in office workers and osteoarthritis of the knee.

When to see a doctor first

Some signs mean you should see a doctor before you start physiotherapy, or alongside it.

See a doctor if:

• back pain has not improved after a few weeks of home care
• knee pain has not improved within a few weeks
• the pain stops you doing your daily activities, or you are struggling to cope
• you have lost weight without trying, or you notice a lump, a swelling or a change in the shape of your back
• back pain does not ease with rest, or is worse at night
• back pain gets worse when you cough, sneeze or pass stools
• the pain is in your upper back, between the shoulder blades

Get medical help the same day if:

• your knee is very painful, or you cannot move it or put weight on it
• your knee is badly swollen, has changed shape, locks or gives way
• you have a high temperature or feel shivery, and the knee is red or hot
• you have back pain and feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell
• back pain is severe and started suddenly, or is getting worse quickly

Call 108 or 112 or go to the emergency department if you have back pain and:

• pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
• loss of feeling around your genitals or bottom
• trouble passing urine, or loss of control of your bladder or bowels
• chest pain
• the pain started after a serious accident, such as a road accident

Do not drive yourself. Ask someone to take you, or call an ambulance.

How to choose a physiotherapist in Pune

Use this checklist when you look for physiotherapy in Pune or PCMC.

• Registration: the Maharashtra State Council for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Act says only registered physiotherapists may practise in the state. Ask for their registration details.
• Qualification: look for a recognised degree in physiotherapy, such as a BPTh or BSc (PT).
• A full assessment first: they should ask about your pain, health and daily life, and examine you before treatment starts.
• A clear plan: they should explain your treatment options and how many sessions you may need.
• Exercises for home: expect to be given exercises to do between visits. Doing them regularly helps your recovery.
• Easy to reach: you may need several sessions, so a place near your home or work makes it easier to keep going.

Questions to ask at the first visit:

• What do you think is causing my pain?
• How many sessions might I need?
• Which exercises should I do at home, and how often?
• What should I do if the pain gets worse?
• When should I see a doctor instead?

What happens at the first physiotherapy visit

The first visit is mostly about finding out what is wrong. The physiotherapist will usually:

1. ask about your symptoms, your medical history and your lifestyle
2. look at and feel the painful area
3. check your strength and balance
4. talk you through your treatment options
5. tell you how many sessions you may need

You may also be given exercises to start at home.

Physiotherapy treatments for knee and back pain

• Exercise: movements to help your joints move better and to strengthen your muscles.
• Manual therapy: the physiotherapist uses their hands to massage and move the muscles and joints.
• Advice: guidance on how to manage your symptoms in daily life.
• Other methods: some physiotherapists also use ultrasound therapy, TENS (a small device that sends a weak electrical current to the nerves), exercise in warm water, or acupuncture.

If back pain has not improved after a few weeks, doctors may suggest group exercise classes, physiotherapy or manual therapy. They may also suggest a talking therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Physiotherapy is also used after surgery to rebuild movement and strength. Read more about physiotherapy after surgery and orthopaedic rehabilitation in PCMC.

What you can do at home

For back pain:

• Stay active and keep up your daily activities as much as you can.
• Try gentle back exercises and stretches. Stop and see a doctor if the pain gets worse.
• Walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may help.
• Use a heat pack or hot water bottle to ease stiffness or muscle spasms. An ice pack wrapped in a towel may ease pain and swelling.
• Do not stay in bed for long periods.

For knee pain:

• Put as little weight on the knee as you can, and avoid standing for long periods.
• Hold a wrapped ice pack on the knee for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
• Ask a pharmacist or doctor which pain relief medicine suits you.

If a physiotherapist gives you exercises, do them regularly. This is an important part of your recovery.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check that a physiotherapist is registered in Maharashtra?

Ask for their registration details with the Maharashtra State Council for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. The council keeps the register of physiotherapists for the state, and its contact details are on its website.

What happens at the first physiotherapy session?

The physiotherapist asks about your symptoms, health and lifestyle. They examine the painful area and check your strength and balance. Then they explain your treatment options and how many sessions you may need.

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition. Your physiotherapist should tell you at the first visit how many sessions you may need. Doing your home exercises regularly is an important part of recovery.

Should I rest in bed if my back hurts?

No. Staying in bed for long periods is not advised. Try to stay active, keep up your daily activities and do gentle exercises and stretches.

Can physiotherapy help after knee or back surgery?

Physiotherapy is often used after surgery to improve movement, strength and stamina. Ask your surgeon when it is right for you to start.

Sources

• NHS: Physiotherapy
• NHS: Back pain
• NHS: Knee pain
• NHS Wales: Back pain
• Maharashtra State Council for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy: About the council
• India Code: The Maharashtra State Council for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Act, 2002

How this article was prepared: Chetna Hospital’s content team wrote it with the help of AI writing tools and checked it against the sources listed. It is general health information, not personal medical advice.