# What should a physiotherapy assessment include?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-should-a-physiotherapy-assessment-include
For: Clinicians | Physiotherapy practice | Last updated 19 October 2026

**Answer:** A physiotherapy assessment should cover the person's history, goals, symptoms and medical risks, followed by a relevant physical examination, clinical reasoning and an agreed plan. History includes onset, symptom behaviour, medical history, medication, previous care, red flags, work, daily activities and priorities. Examination may include range of motion, strength, sensation, balance, gait, breathing, endurance and functional tasks. Depth should match the condition, setting and risk, and complex assessments may run over several visits.

### Key components for clinicians

- Cardiorespiratory screen: chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, fainting, medication and relevant observations such as pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation, to decide whether exercise is appropriate
- Neurological screen: strength, sensation, reflexes, coordination, balance, gait and, when relevant, bladder, bowel or saddle sensory change
- Range of motion: same position, landmarks, device and instructions at repeat tests; record joint, side, method, pain and end-feel
- Strength: manual testing, functional tasks such as sit-to-stand and, where available, handheld dynamometry, interpreted alongside function and fatigue
- Goals and plan: documented goals, explanation, precautions and review schedule

A normal screen reduces uncertainty but does not rule out disease. Stop and escalate when findings suggest an emergency, serious pathology or care outside your scope.

## Related questions

- [How is balance assessed in physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-is-balance-assessed-in-physiotherapy)
- [How is functional mobility assessed?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-is-functional-mobility-assessed)
- [How is pain assessed in physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-is-pain-assessed-in-physiotherapy)

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