In short
Tele physiotherapy — online or video physiotherapy — is physiotherapy delivered over a secure video call. Your physiotherapist takes your history, watches you move, explains the likely diagnosis and guides you through exercises in real time. It works well for most muscle and joint problems where exercise is the main treatment, and in the UK it commonly costs £40–£60 a session. FlexAura's online consultation is £45 for 30 minutes.
How does tele physiotherapy actually work?
A video session follows the same clinical process as an in-person one: history, assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan and exercise prescription. The largest part of physiotherapy is not hands-on treatment — it is accurate assessment and a well-designed exercise programme, and both translate well to video.
During the call your physiotherapist talks you through guided movement tests, asks you to press on specific areas yourself, and watches functional tasks such as standing up from a chair or walking across the room. Clinicians often say most of a musculoskeletal diagnosis comes from the history alone, which is why online physiotherapy works better than many people expect.
Which conditions suit tele physiotherapy?
| Suitability | Examples | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Well suited to video | Back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, postural problems | Physiotherapy at home |
| Needs a hands-on visit first | Suspected fracture, significant balance problems, complex post-operative care | Home visit physiotherapy |
| Best as a blend of both | Post-surgical progression, long-term pain management | Private physiotherapy |
Tele physiotherapy vs home visit vs clinic
| Format | Typical UK cost | Hands-on treatment | FlexAura price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online video | About £40–£60 | No | £45 (30 min) |
| Home visit | About £90–£130 | Yes | £110 first visit, £99 follow-up |
| Clinic | About £50–£95 | Yes | — |
How to prepare for an online session
- Test your camera and connection the day before so you don't lose session time to troubleshooting.
- Position the device at hip height, two to three metres back, so your whole body is visible when standing.
- Wear fitted clothing rather than baggy layers so your physiotherapist can see how your joints move.
- Clear a 2 m × 2 m space with light coming from in front of you, and have a sturdy chair and a towel nearby.
- Providers who offer both online and in-person visits usually let you switch between them from session to session, which keeps a programme flexible around work, family and how you feel that week.
Frequently asked questions
- Does tele physiotherapy really work?
- Yes, for most muscle and joint problems. A video session allows full history-taking, guided movement assessment and a tailored exercise plan.
- How long does a session last?
- FlexAura's online consultation is 30 minutes. Elsewhere, initial assessments can run up to 45 minutes.
- Is online physiotherapy cheaper than a home visit?
- Yes — roughly half the price. FlexAura's online consultation is £45 against £110 for a first home visit. See prices.
- Can I claim it on insurance?
- Many UK health insurers now cover video physiotherapy. Check with your insurer before booking; your invoice will show the physiotherapist's HCPC number.
Conclusion
Tele physiotherapy is not a replacement for hands-on care, but it is a fast, affordable complement to it — especially for exercise progression and follow-up reviews. Combining video sessions with occasional in-person visits gives most people the best balance of cost and quality.
FlexAura offers 30-minute online consultations for £45 with HCPC-registered physiotherapists, alongside home visits from £110. The physio calls you at the booked time; no address is needed. Book online.
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