• 22,863 people are currently on the NHS community physiotherapy waiting list across Hampshire & IoW.
• 8.42 weeks or 58.9 days – average wait for a first appointment (FOI dated 14 April 2025 – see below). This will vary between area’s within Hampshire.
• 14.2 weeks – England‑wide median wait for all referral‑to‑treatment pathways (February 2024 NHS England RTT statistics).

• • 10 days of low activity can age leg muscles by 10 years (NHS England). This shocking statistic refers to very low activity, such as being bedbound or hospitalised. 

  • 1 in 3 adults aged 65 + – and 1 in 2 aged 80 + – will fall at least once a year (Age UK).

  • Around 218,000 emergency admissions for falls among over‑65s in England every year (Age UK Later Life UK 2019).

  • Loss of strength and confidence can make everyday tasks—such as climbing stairs, shopping, and even getting up from a chair—far harder.

People need physiotherapy for different reasons.

How urgently you need to see a physio and whether you can afford to wait is a very individual decision.

If you stay active and mobile while you wait, that is good news; your risk of deconditioning will be less, and you have a good chance of staying mobile for longer.

For people needing physio because of some recent falls, but no injury, the following may be good general advice:

• Mini‑moves every hour – seated marching, heel‑raises, gentle stretches. If you can, get up and have a walk.
• Stay steady/Keep safe – remove loose rugs, tidy cables, keep walkways clear and keep walkways well‑lit. Use your mobility aid if you have one.
• Do some exercises – Stay Active at Home – Strength and balance exercises for older adults
•  Keep connected – move with a friend, carer or family member for safety and motivation.

“Very simple daily movements can keep you healthier, stronger and reduce your risk of falls” says Naomi Patrick, Lead Physiotherapist at Medella Home Physio & OT.

Click here to download the full FOI reply (PDF): FOI 50241 HIOW ICB – Physiotherapy Waiting List

Source: Freedom of Information response, Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB (Reference 50241, 14 April 2025).