Not sure whether to book physiotherapy or wait it out?

Use this quick tool. Choose where it hurts, tell us how long it’s been there, and answer a few simple questions. You’ll get clear guidance, a safe self‑care plan, and advice on when to seek urgent medical help.

What this pain checker does

This tool helps you decide what to do next.

• Whether you can start with self‑care
• Whether physio is likely to help soon
• Whether you should speak to a doctor urgently

It’s designed for common pain problems, such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, ankle pain, and foot pain.

How to know if you need physiotherapy

You may benefit from physiotherapy if pain:

• lasts longer than about 7–10 days
• keeps coming back
• limits daily life — work, sleep, walking, sport
• follows an injury
• feels like nerve symptoms — tingling, burning, pins and needles

Some people improve with simple self‑care. Others need a structured plan.

The tool helps you work that out.

When to start with self‑care

Many flare‑ups settle with the basics.

Try a short period of calm movement, pacing, and avoiding the main triggers.

A good sign is this: you can do a little more every few days — without a big pain spike.

If you are not clearly improving within a week, it’s sensible to book an assessment.

When to see a physio sooner

Consider booking physiotherapy sooner if:

• pain is high (for example 8/10 or more)
• the area feels unstable or weak
• you can’t use the limb normally
• your daily function is badly affected
• symptoms have lasted more than 2–4 weeks

You don’t have to wait until it becomes chronic. Early guidance can help recovery feel more predictable.

Do I need a physio or a doctor?

Sometimes, it is safer to get medical advice first.

Seek urgent help if you have:

• new bladder or bowel control changes
• numbness around the groin or saddle area
• major swelling, deformity, or you suspect a fracture/dislocation
• fever with severe pain or you feel very unwell
• new, obvious weakness (for example foot drop or dropping objects)
• rapidly worsening symptoms

If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to get checked.

Common questions

How long should pain last before physio?

If pain is not clearly improving after 7–10 days, or it keeps returning, a physiotherapy assessment is a good idea.

Can physio help nerve pain?

Yes. Symptoms such as tingling, burning, or pins and needles — especially from the neck or back — often respond well to targeted advice and graded movement.

Can I improve without physio?

Often yes, for mild flare‑ups. But if you’re stuck, worried, or not progressing, a structured plan can make things simpler.

What you’ll get after the tool

You’ll see:

• a clear result — self‑care, book physio, or seek medical advice
• a simple ‘Do’ and ‘Avoid’ list
• top movements to try — low‑load, easy, and paced
• a short plan for the next 48 hours and the next week

No jargon. No pressure. Just practical guidance.

Book help with CureOnCall

If the tool suggests that physio is likely to help, you can contact CureOnCall.

• Use the contact page
• Or message us on WhatsApp

You’ll get clear next steps and a plan that fits your situation.

Important note

This pain checker provides general educational guidance. It does not diagnose conditions and is not a substitute for medical advice.

If symptoms are severe, you feel unsafe, or you have any red‑flag symptoms, seek urgent medical care.