How to Describe Your Pain to a Physio, and What to Ask

The short answer: Tell your physio where it hurts, what it feels like, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what it stops you doing. Mention warning signs such as fever, weight loss, bladder or bowel changes or numbness first. Bring your medicines and a short list of questions. Use the printable list below.

• A provider will usually ask where it hurts, what it feels like, when it began, whether it spreads, whether you have numbness, tingling or weakness, and what makes it better or worse [1].
• Cleveland Clinic suggests describing location, intensity, quality, timing, triggers and relief, and the impact on daily life, and keeping a pain journal before your appointment [2].
• A 1 to 10 rating can help, but Cleveland Clinic notes there is no reliable measuring stick for pain, so add what you can and cannot do [2].
• APTA advises listing symptoms, how long you have had each, what makes them worse or better, your medicines, and recent stress, injuries or work factors [3].
• Tell your provider about warning signs: weight loss, fever, urinary or bowel changes, loss of balance, or a history of cancer [1].
• Questions to ask include "What is my main problem?" and "What do I need to do?" [6].

The same few things, in plain words. You do not need medical vocabulary. For back pain, MedlinePlus lists the history a provider may ask about [1]:

• where the pain is, and whether it is on one side or both
• what it feels like, such as dull, sharp, throbbing or burning
• whether this is your first episode, when it began, and whether it started suddenly
• whether you had an injury or accident, and what you were doing just before it started
• how past episodes compare, and how long each usually lasts
• whether the pain spreads to your hip, thigh, leg or feet
• whether you have numbness, tingling or weakness
• what makes it worse or better
• other symptoms that could signal something more serious: weight loss, fever, changes in urination or bowel habits, loss of balance, or a history of cancer

Cleveland Clinic frames it in a similar way: location, intensity, quality, timing, triggers and relief, and impact on daily life such as mood, walking, sleep and enjoying activities [2].

Use the six prompts below. They combine the Cleveland Clinic and MedlinePlus lists [1][2]. The sample phrases are our suggestions, not a validated tool.

Two more tips from the sources:

• Start with what bothers you most. APTA suggests writing down each symptom and how long you have had it, beginning with the one that bothers you most [3].
• Keep a short pain journal before the appointment to record how pain limits your life [2].

If your pain is mostly numbness, tingling or leg pain, say so clearly and say how far it travels. For example, our post on sciatica vs piriformis syndrome shows why the pattern matters.

Use it, but do not rely on it alone. Doctors may ask you to rate pain from 1 to 10, yet Cleveland Clinic says there is no reliable measuring stick for pain, and scales and imaging such as MRI or CT may not show the full picture [2]. A number means different things to different people. A better pair is a number plus a function, such as "a 5 out of 10, which means I can sit for 15 minutes". That also lets you both see progress. For more on movement limits, see our glossary entry on range of motion.

Warning signs. Say them before anything else, even if they seem unrelated to your pain. MedlinePlus lists weight loss, fever, changes in urination or bowel habits, loss of balance, and a history of cancer as symptoms that could signal a more serious cause [1]. Mayo Clinic adds pain after trauma, constant or intense pain especially at night, pain spreading below the knee, and weakness, numbness or tingling in the legs [7]. The box below has the full list. Our post on when lower back pain is serious explains what each can mean.

Bring the basics. APTA and MedlinePlus agree on these [3][4]:

• A list of questions. Write down what you want to cover [3][4].
• A medicine list. All prescription and over-the-counter medicines from the past month, including vitamins and supplements [3]. MedlinePlus adds allergies and herbs [4]. Cleveland Clinic suggests showing how you actually take each drug [2].
• Past records. Lab, imaging or other provider reports, a list of your other providers, and treatments you have tried and why you stopped them [2][3].
• Possible contributors. Recent stress, injuries, accidents, your home or work setting, and relevant family medical conditions [3].
• A companion. A trusted family member or friend can help you recall details and take notes [3][4].
• Clothing. APTA suggests asking when you book, and avoiding clothes that do not stretch, as you may do activities in the first session [3].
• Notes. Take notes during the visit, and ask questions until you understand [4].

You can also tell the physio about the physical goals that matter to you, such as lifting your child or running. That is our suggestion, not from the sources.

Ask what the problem is, what to do and why. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Ask Me 3 suggests three questions: What is my main problem? What do I need to do? Why is it important for me to do this? [6]. AHRQ's list includes: Why do I need this treatment? Are there any alternatives? What are the possible complications? [5]. APTA adds to ask for the clinic's financial policy, and about deductibles and copayments before treatment starts [3].

Our printable list below turns these into a checklist. Questions on timing, progress and when to call are our suggestions.

Printable question list

Print this page or copy the list below into your notes.

For your first visit

1. What is my main problem? [6]
2. What do I need to do, and how often? [6]
3. Why is it important for me to do this? [6]
4. Why do I need this treatment? Are there any alternatives? [5]
5. What are the possible complications or side effects? [5]
6. How long before I should notice a change?
7. What should I do if the pain gets worse?
8. What signs mean I should call you or get urgent care?
9. How will we know if I am improving?
10. How many visits might I need, and what will they cost? [3]

Before you go, tick off:

• My symptoms, with how long I have had each, the worst one first [3]
• What makes it better or worse [1][3]
• My medicines, vitamins and allergies [3][4]
• My past records and treatments tried [2][3]
• Warning signs I need to mention [1]
• A friend or family member to come, if I want one [3][4]

If you are unsure where to start, see our guide on physio, app or YouTube and our post on whether an AI physio app actually works. If you use Kai, Loosn's AI physio coach, its daily check-in on pain, sleep and energy can give you a record to show a clinician [8]. Kai does not replace a physio, and it cannot diagnose. See our conditions pages for symptom-specific information.

Mention these to a clinician first, ahead of any other question. This box lists symptoms that should be checked before you start any exercise program.

Emergency: call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the emergency department if [7]:

• back pain starts after trauma, such as a car crash, bad fall or sports injury
• you have new bladder or bowel control problems
• back pain comes with a fever
• you have numbness around your groin, genitals or inner thighs ("saddle numbness"), or rapidly worsening leg weakness

(Other common emergency numbers are 999 in the UK, 112 across the EU and 000 in Australia.)

Tell a provider right away (same day if possible):

• unexplained weight loss, loss of balance, or a history of cancer [1]
• changes in urination or bowel habits [1]

See a provider soon if [7]:

• pain has not improved after a week of home treatment
• pain is constant or intense, especially at night or when lying down
• pain spreads down one or both legs, especially below the knee
• you have weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
• you have swelling or a change in skin color on your back

Loosn is not a substitute for assessment when symptoms are severe, getting worse or unusual.

What should I tell a physio at my first appointment? 

Tell them where it hurts, what it feels like, when it started and what makes it better or worse, plus how it affects sleep, walking and daily life [1][2]. The APTA advises writing down each symptom, how long you've had it and any recent stress, injuries or work factors, and listing your medicines [3]. Mention warning signs first [1].

How do I describe pain if I can't find the words? 

Start with simple words. MedlinePlus lists dull, sharp, throbbing and burning as examples providers ask about [1]. Cleveland Clinic says describing pain doesn't come naturally to most people, but it helps tailor treatment, so also describe where, when, triggers and what it stops you doing [2]. Comparisons to everyday sensations are fine.

Should I rate my pain out of 10? 

You can, if asked, but treat it as one clue. Cleveland Clinic says doctors may ask you to rate pain from 1 to 10 but notes there is no reliable measuring stick for pain [2]. Pair the number with what you can and cannot do, such as how long you can walk or sit [2].

What questions should I ask a physical therapist? 

The IHI's Ask Me 3 suggests three: What is my main problem? What do I need to do? Why is it important for me to do this? [6] AHRQ adds: Why do I need this treatment? Are there any alternatives? What are the possible complications? [5] Also ask about cost and your insurance [3].

Should I bring someone or take notes? 

It can help. MedlinePlus advises making a list of questions, bringing a medicine list, taking notes, and asking a trusted friend or family member to come [4]. APTA also suggests a companion to help you recall details and take notes [3]. Ask questions until you understand.

Which symptoms should I mention first? 

Mention warning signs first: pain after an injury, fever, weight loss, changes in urination or bowel habits, loss of balance, numbness or weakness, or a history of cancer [1][7]. Mayo Clinic advises emergency care for back pain after trauma, with new bladder or bowel control problems, or with fever [7].

Use the Loosn app to track how your pain changes day to day, then bring that record and the question list above to your appointment. See how Loosn works and get the app.