# How are physiotherapy goals set?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-are-physiotherapy-goals-set
For: Patients | Physiotherapy care | Last updated 19 October 2026

**Answer:** Physiotherapy goals are set jointly by you and your physiotherapist. Good goals describe an activity that matters to you, such as walking to work, climbing stairs or caring for a child, record your starting point, define how progress will be measured and set a realistic review date. Many services use SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Goals are not fixed and should be adjusted when your recovery, needs or circumstances change.

### What a good goal looks like

Example of a SMART goal: within four weeks, walk 300 metres outdoors with a walking stick and no physical help, to reach the local shop. It is meaningful, measurable, linked to daily life and gives a clear point to review progress.

- Current ability and target ability
- How progress will be measured
- Expected timeframe and next review date
- Barriers that may affect progress

Symptom scores alone are rarely enough; functional and participation goals usually give better context. Targets should never pressure you into unsafe activity.

## Related questions

- [Can children have physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-children-receive-physiotherapy)
- [Can older adults benefit from physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-older-adults-benefit-from-physiotherapy)
- [Can physiotherapy be combined with medication or injections?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-physiotherapy-be-combined-with-medication-or-injections)

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**About Tymira Health:** Tymira Health is a healthcare technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It builds Tymira360, a practice management and EHR platform for mental health, physiotherapy and dental providers, clinics, hospitals, NGOs and insurers across Africa.

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