Outpatient Physiotherapy Service

We're a team of chartered physiotherapists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Our experienced therapists all have specialist skills in the assessment and treatment of injuries and conditions that affect muscles, joints and soft tissues.

We use physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, social and psychological well-being. We're committed to using scientific evidence to support our treatments. Treatment may involve manual therapy (hands on treatment such as mobilisation/manipulation), electrotherapy (such as ultrasound), therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation advice and education.

Accessing the service

You are able to refer yourself to outpatient physiotherapy in Dorset. Please read the self-referral information where you will also find a range of information and exercises to help you treat your condition.

Your doctor, consultant or healthcare professional can also refer to us. Once we have your referral we'll contact you as soon as possible to offer an appointment time that is convenient for you, and is based on the severity of your condition.

For queries about physiotherapy call 01202 843410

Dorset HealthCare does not run physiotherapy clinics in Dorchester, Weymouth, Borough of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch. For information regarding your referral or appointment please contact our partner organisations as below.

Weymouth, Charlton Down, South Walks House: Dorset County Hospital  01305 251150

Bournemouth/Christchurch: University Hospitals Dorset 0300 019 4740 

Borough of Poole: University Hospitals Dorset 0300 019 2121

What to expect at your appointment

Our team will contact you to arrange an assessment which can be face-to-face, telephone or secure video consultation. We will ask you some specific questions and ask you to perform some movements in order to diagnose your condition.

We will discuss your personal goals for rehabilitation and devise a treatment plan with you to help you achieve them effectively. This may involve attending one of our departments for further assessment and treatment – we will advise you of the measures we have put in place for your safety.

We will explain your condition and how we might work together to help it.

Your assessment may require 30-45 minutes. Follow-up appointments will be 20-30 minutes.

Try to wear appropriate clothing to allow the area of your body to be examined. You may be asked to undress to your underwear to carry out a more specific examination with your consent.

We will ask for your consent before any assessment or treatment.

Your GP will be able to view our records of our assessment and progress.

Although many physiotherapy departments still use curtained cubicles, when informed in advance, clinic rooms can be made available allowing for a reduction in noise levels and where lighting can be adjusted for those who struggle in normal circumstances or have special educational needs.

Phone and video consultations

The service is now using telephone and video consultations alongside face to face appointments when needed. Please watch the video below which has further information on the options available to you and how this new technology will work and enable us to help you.

If you have made a video appointment, and misplaced the letter which has the link, visit the physiotherapy Attend Anywhere at your planned appointment time.

Our Dorset also has information on virtual consultations which can be read on its website.