When to call 999, go to A&E or call NHS 111
Physiotherapy helps with pain, stiffness and injuries that aren't dangerous. It doesn't replace emergency care, so please check this list before you book.
The NHS explains when to call 999 and when to use 111.
What does emergency physio actually mean?
People search for an emergency physio when they have a new or sudden problem and want help quickly. There isn't a separate emergency physiotherapy service in the way that there's an A&E. What most people need is an urgent appointment with a registered physiotherapist, and that's what we can help you find.
An urgent visit is a normal FlexAura home visit arranged at short notice. Your physio assesses you, checks for anything that needs a doctor, treats what's safe to treat and shows you what to do next.
In pain now? Book online and choose today's date, or call 07782 610 633.
Problems an urgent physio appointment can help with
These are common reasons people look for a physio at short notice.
Sudden back pain
A back that seizes up after lifting or bending can be frightening. The NHS says back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks, and advises you to stay active and avoid long periods in bed. A physio can assess you and show you how to move. See back pain physiotherapy at home.
A sciatica flare-up
Pain running from your back or buttock down your leg can make sitting in a car very hard. See sciatica physio at home.
A stiff or locked neck
Waking up unable to turn your head is a common reason to call. See neck pain physio at home.
Sprains, strains and sports injuries
A turned ankle, a pulled muscle or a twisted knee. If you can't put weight on it or think it may be broken, get it checked first. See sports injury physiotherapy.
Sudden shoulder or knee pain
See shoulder pain and knee pain.
Struggling after an operation
If you've come home and are finding it hard to move, a physio can help. Contact your surgical team or GP about wound problems, a fever or a hot, swollen calf. See post-surgery physiotherapy at home.
An older relative who has become unsteady
A sudden change should be checked by a GP or NHS 111 first. After that, a physio can work on balance, strength and confidence. See physio for older adults at home.
How quickly can a physio get to me?
It depends on your postcode, the time of day and which physios are free, so we won't promise a time we can't keep. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available, subject to availability, and visits take place seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays.
On the booking form you choose a date and a time of day. You can request today for these slots until the times shown, UK time:
- Morning (8am to 12pm): until 10:30am
- Afternoon (12pm to 5pm): until 3:30pm
- Evening (5pm to 8pm): until 6:30pm
- Anytime: the most flexible choice, until 6:30pm
After 6:30pm, the earliest date you can choose is the next day. A few things can help:
- Choose Anytime if you can. It gives us more physios to ask.
- Book early in the day. There's more time to find someone.
- Tell us what's happened. A short description helps us find the right physio.
- Call or message us. If you need an answer quickly, call 07782 610 633 or message us on WhatsApp.
If nobody can get to you in time, we'll give you a straight answer and you can choose another time. An online video consultation (£45) may also be an option, because your physio doesn't need to travel.
How an urgent home visit works
Book online or call
Choose a date, pick a time of day and tell us briefly what's wrong. You don't need a diagnosis or a GP referral, and you don't enter card details to book.
We confirm the time
We look for a physio who covers your area, and for same-day bookings we confirm the exact time shortly after you book, subject to availability. You get a confirmation by email and WhatsApp with your physio's name and profile.
Your physio visits
They bring the equipment. The first visit lasts around an hour: a conversation, an assessment, treatment where appropriate and a plan.
You get a written plan
You're left with a written exercise plan and practical advice on what to do next.
You pay afterwards
You pay after the visit, online by card or bank transfer, or in cash to your physio. Your invoice shows your physio's HCPC number.
What physio can and can't do for sudden pain
Your physio will start by asking what happened and checking for warning signs. If something needs a doctor, a scan or a hospital, they'll tell you.
Treatment might include hands-on techniques, gentle movements, and advice on positions and activity for the next few days.
One visit won't fix everything. Some problems settle quickly and others take longer, results vary from person to person, and no physio can promise how fast you'll recover. If you need stronger pain relief, speak to your GP or a pharmacist.
What to have ready
- comfortable clothes, and enough clear space to move
- a list of your medicines
- any recent letters or scan reports
- a note of when the problem started and what makes it better or worse
- someone with you, if that would help
What an urgent physio appointment costs
Urgent appointments cost the same as any other visit. There's no extra charge for short notice, evenings or weekends.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Online video consultation (30 minutes) | £45 |
| First home visit (60 minutes) | £110 |
| Follow-up home visit (60 minutes) | £99 |
| Five-visit package | £450 (£90 each) |
Travel and equipment are included, and each visit comes with a written exercise plan. There's no call-out charge and no cancellation fee. If you need to rearrange within 24 hours, message us on WhatsApp. You pay after the visit, by card, bank transfer or cash to your physio. Many private health insurance policies cover physiotherapy from HCPC-registered practitioners, so check yours and keep your invoice, which shows your physio's HCPC number.
Who will come to your home?
Every FlexAura physiotherapist is HCPC-registered, holds an enhanced DBS check and carries professional insurance. We verify these before anyone visits a patient, and you can search the HCPC register to confirm a name.
Where you can find an urgent physio near me
FlexAura has local pages for eight UK cities:
Living elsewhere? See all the areas we cover or ask us. Availability depends on the area and on which physios are on the platform, and we'll give you a straight answer.