Aside from her love of Game of Thrones, terrariums and soft cheese, Annabel is passionate about disability issues and advocacy.
Sometimes I just want to lie on the couch all day and watch Game of Thrones. I don’t want to stretch my hamstrings or gluteal muscles. But as someone who has Cerebral Palsy, ignoring an exercise regime isn’t going to improve back pain or muscle weakness.
If you have a disability, you’re more likely to need to see a range of specialists and allied health professionals. I’ve tried massage therapy, acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine to little avail, but hydrotherapy, exercise physiology and physiotherapy have offered the best results for me. However, seeking out the right physiotherapist or exercise physiologist isn’t an activity that immediately screams fun to most people. Stephen King once wrote about his experiences with physical therapy, or ‘PT’, as more akin to ‘pain and torture’!
Here are the top 5 things that are important to me when finding a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist...
Autonomy:
When it came to finding a good physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, a sense of empowerment and a focus on my own input had the most positive impact on me. I like to have an input on the right exercises I will do in order to strengthen my muscles. I have also found that understanding how an exercise will help improve my back pain or strengthen my core gives me more incentive to practice my exercises.
Sometimes when I am feeling _really _nerdy, I look up Wikipedia articles on muscles of the leg. Two hours and twenty new browser tabs later, I’ve ended up learning muscles I never even knew existed! It really helps give me context to the exercises I do.
Respect:
I’m not the only person with a disability who has felt as if they’ve been treated like a medical professional’s fascinating case to crack, like a character out of House MD. Nor do I enjoy being treated like a child, unable to voice an opinion regarding my own treatment options. No one likes to be patronised, especially if you’re already feeling frustrated about your disability and its symptoms. A good bedside manner is crucial in gaining my trust and confidence.
Routine:
Seeing someone on a regular basis, whether it’s every few days, fortnight, or month has helped encourage me to continue with my exercises at home, and also track my progress. Many providers such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists offer home visits, which can make it easier for people, like myself, to get face-to-face contact and support. Some weekly group sessions that I’ve found suitable for my level of mobility include group exercise physiology sessions and aqua aerobics.
Creativity:
The best providers I’ve worked with really understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for individual patients. For years, health care providers I’d been seeing were recommending a certain back exercise that works well on most people with lower back pain. However, doing the exercise was exacerbating my own back pain because of my weak abdominal core muscles. By understanding individual issues, using creative, tailored approaches to work around a patient’s limitations, the best providers have able to help me strengthen my weak muscles, without increasing the associated pain.
Passion:
When a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist is passionate about their work and genuinely enjoys making a difference in people’s lives, it really shows. This plays an important role in ensuring you have a positive and productive experience with a provider. Having someone who can motivate you is crucial. You can bounce off the enthusiasm they have in assisting you to reach your goals, be it increased mobility, fitness, or flexibility.
Clickability editorial update, September 2026
How do you choose a physiotherapist who is right for you?
A good appointment should leave you clearer about what you are working towards. Before booking, write down something you want to make easier: getting out of a chair, moving around home or keeping up an activity you enjoy. Ask how the physiotherapist would assess that goal and how you would know whether the approach is helping.
Check the practitioner’s registration and any conditions through Ahpra’s public register information. Then ask about experience with your support needs, appointment accessibility, home visits and the full cost of sessions. Registration is a useful check; the conversation tells you more about fit.
How participants can make physiotherapy goals their own
Bring one activity you want to make easier and describe what happens now. For example, explain where a transfer becomes difficult rather than accepting a goal of “better mobility” that means little in your day. Ask the physiotherapist to explain the options, the effort involved and how you will review progress together.
Agree on a way to report discomfort or an exercise that does not fit your routine. You can ask for written instructions, a demonstration or more time to respond. Before committing to a series of sessions, check whether the therapist listens to this feedback and adjusts the plan with you.
Make the first appointment a two-way conversation
Bring your questions, any relevant reports and a support person if you want one. Ask what an exercise is meant to do, what you should expect to feel and what to do if it makes symptoms worse. You do not have to quietly push through an approach that is not working for you. Agree on how to give feedback and when to review the plan.
Ask the person what they want you to help explain. You might keep notes, describe a practical barrier at home or organise transport. Give them the first opportunity to answer questions and check before sharing information they would prefer to keep private.
If exercises involve your help, ask for a demonstration and say what you can realistically manage. A plan that depends on daily assistance needs to fit both the person’s wishes and the support actually available.
Questions readers ask
Does a good physiotherapist have to specialise in my exact diagnosis?
Ask how their experience and skills match your needs. A useful conversation includes what they can help with, where they may need advice and when a referral might be appropriate.
Does this article recommend a particular treatment?
No. The author describes what worked for her. Your clinician should discuss an approach suited to your own circumstances.