Doctor or physiotherapist first?

For back, neck, shoulder, knee and other muscle or joint pain, answer a few questions to see whether you should see a doctor first or can start with a physiotherapist. It takes about two minutes.

Based on the warning signs in our published screening protocol, written by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT.

Step 1 of 4 · Where is the problem?

Where is your pain or problem?

Your answers stay in your browser and are not sent to us. This check is a guide, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your symptoms, see a doctor.

Why this question matters

Most back, neck, shoulder and knee pain comes from muscles, joints and tendons, and is treated mainly with movement and exercise. For these problems, seeing a physiotherapist first can save time, travel and money on tests that may not be needed.

A small number of cases have a medical cause that needs a doctor: a fracture, an infection, pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, a problem with blood vessels, inflammatory arthritis, or rarely cancer. Each of these tends to come with warning signs. That is what this check asks about.

What happens if you start with Nuprana

Your physiotherapist goes through the same warning signs again in your first session, in more detail, along with movement tests. If anything needs a doctor, they stop, give you a written summary to take to your doctor, and you pay for that one session only. The rest of your package is refunded.

Read the full screening protocol

Frequently asked questions

Should I see a doctor or a physiotherapist first for back pain?
For most back pain without warning signs, starting with a physiotherapist is safe, and exercise-based treatment is usually where you end up anyway. See a doctor first if you have warning signs such as a recent fall or accident, fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, numbness around the groin, or new bladder or bowel problems.
Can a physiotherapist tell me if I need to see a doctor?
Yes. Physiotherapists are trained to recognise warning signs that point to a medical cause. At Nuprana, every first session starts with a structured safety screen, and if you need a doctor, we refer you and you pay for that one session only.
Is this check a diagnosis?
No. It is a guide to help you decide where to start, based on the same warning signs our physiotherapists check for. It cannot examine you. If you are worried about your symptoms, see a doctor whatever the result.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist in India?
You can book a Nuprana physiotherapist directly for non-emergency muscle and joint problems, without a referral. Our physiotherapists screen for warning signs and refer you to a doctor when needed.
Are my answers stored anywhere?
No. The check runs entirely in your browser. Your answers are not sent to us or saved.
Orthopaedic doctor or physiotherapist first? More free tools
Dr. Rajendra

Written by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT. Licensed to practice in the US (NY state) and UK (HCPC).
20 years of clinical experience. About Dr. Rajendra