Report: Understanding Physiotherapy Services in Gateshead

Physiotherapy plays an important role in supporting people in Gateshead to manage pain, recover from injury or surgery, improve mobility and maintain independence. This is particularly important for people living with long-term health conditions, where physiotherapy can support rehabilitation and self-management.

Healthwatch Gateshead carried out this research to understand people’s expectations, understanding and experiences of physiotherapy services in Gateshead. The project explored whether patients understood what physiotherapy could provide, whether treatment matched their expectations, and how communication, referral pathways and self-management advice shaped their experience.

Overall, many people valued physiotherapy services in Gateshead and shared positive feedback about the support they received. It also highlighted the areas where patient experience could be improved such as providing clearer information before appointments and support to understand what physiotherapy services can provide.

Click the download button below to read the full report, including detailed findings, recommendations and response statements: