NHS Physio Waiting Times Hampshire (2025): What to Do While You Wait

Waiting for a community physiotherapy appointment can be frustrating and worrying. A Freedom of Information response published in 2025 highlighted pressure on Hampshire services. This guide explains those historical figures and provides practical steps to support your mobility while you wait. Ask your NHS team for the current wait for your service and clinical need.

Historical figures from an FOI response dated 14 April 2025; the average waiting time covers 2024.

The Reality of NHS Waiting Times in 2025

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board’s FOI 50241 response, dated 14 April 2025, reported 22,863 patients waiting for community physiotherapy at the time of the response.

The response gave an average wait for a first assessment in 2024 of 8.42 weeks (approximately 59 days). This is a historical average, not a current individual waiting time. Waits vary by pathway, clinical priority and area. A gap before rehabilitation can be difficult for people recovering from a fall, surgery or illness, even while NHS teams work to support them.

The “Deconditioning” Risk: Why Speed Matters

During illness or recovery, prolonged inactivity can lead to “deconditioning” – loss of strength and everyday function. Older adults living with frailty can be particularly vulnerable, so it is worth asking the treating team what activity is appropriate while waiting for rehabilitation.

• Bed Rest and Frailty: NHS England has compared the effects of prolonged hospital bed rest with years of muscle ageing in those most at risk. This illustrates the importance of avoiding unnecessary bed rest; it is not a formula for how any person’s muscles age during ordinary low activity.
• The Confidence Drop: Often, the loss of confidence is more debilitating than the loss of strength. A fear of falling can lead to a “sedentary cycle” where a person stops moving to stay safe, ironically making them more prone to falls.

Your Options: NHS, Private, or Hybrid?

You do not have to choose strictly between one or the other. Many of our clients use private physiotherapy as a bridge.

The Hybrid Approach

You can remain on the NHS waiting list while accessing private care. An individually assessed home programme can offer:

• Rehabilitation support: Work towards rebuilding strength and confidence with exercises suited to your needs.
• Risk assessment: Identify home hazards and discuss practical ways to reduce risk.
• Continuity: With your permission, share your assessment and progress with the NHS team when your appointment is arranged.

This approach may help you maintain activity and work towards recovery while remaining on your NHS pathway.

3 Safe Exercises to Try at Home

If professional help isn’t an option right now, try to maintain a baseline of activity. Always stop if you feel pain or dizziness.

• Seated Marching: While sitting in a sturdy chair, march your legs up and down for 30 seconds to keep circulation flowing.
• Ankle Pumps: Pull your toes up towards your nose and point them away. Great for circulation while watching TV.
• Sit-to-Stand: Practice standing up from your chair without using your arms (if safe) to keep thigh muscles engaging.