Education
What is physiotherapy and how does it work? Your first session, step by step
Physiotherapy is a university-trained health profession that assesses and treats human movement. Learn what it is for, when to see a doctor first and what happens in your first 60-minute assessment at Esencial, El Poblado, Medellín.
What is physiotherapy and how does it work? Your first session, step by step
Short answer: physiotherapy is a university-trained health profession that studies and treats human movement. In Colombia it is defined by Law 528 of 1999: its goal is to maintain, optimize or restore movement, prevent movement disorders and rehabilitate people to improve their quality of life. It works in three steps: an assessment (understanding what is happening and why), a personalized plan (therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, education and, when needed, technology such as pressotherapy or photobiostimulation) and reassessment to adjust the plan based on how you respond.
What is physiotherapy, in plain words?
It is the area of health that deals with how you move: when something hurts, gets injured, has been operated on or simply doesn't work like it used to, a physiotherapist looks for the source and helps you regain function through an active plan.
- Who practices it: a physiotherapist with a university degree and a professional license registered in ReTHUS (Colombia's national registry of health professionals). In Colombia the license is managed by the Colombian College of Physiotherapists (COLFI).
- What it is not: it is not a relaxation massage or a spa treatment, and it does not replace a doctor when symptoms need medical evaluation.
What is physiotherapy for?
| Situation | Examples | What physiotherapy aims for |
|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal pain | back, neck, shoulder, knee, hip | understand the mechanical cause, ease pain and restore movement |
| Sports injuries | sprains, muscle tears, tendinopathies | return to activity progressively |
| After surgery | cruciate ligament, meniscus, rotator cuff, fractures | regain mobility, strength and function |
| Swelling / circulation | edema, swollen or heavy legs or arms | assess the cause; depending on the case, exercise, pressotherapy, lymphatic drainage and education. Lymphedema and lipedema require a medical diagnosis; the assessment determines whether physiotherapy can play a supporting role |
| Prevention | desk work, returning to exercise | correct habits and loads before an injury shows up |
How does it work? Your first session at Esencial, step by step
- Interview (your story). What is going on, since when, what makes it worse or better, your medical history, your work, your physical activity and your goals.
- Physical examination. We look at how you move: posture, range of motion, strength, specific tests for the area and, when useful, tools such as surface electromyography.
- A clear explanation. We tell you what we see, what we think is causing it and what your options are. If something needs medical evaluation, we tell you and point you in the right direction.
- Personalized plan. Goals by stage, what we will do in the clinic and what you will do at home (Esencial has an exercise portal for patients).
- Ongoing reassessment. The plan is adjusted according to your response; we don't work with fixed packages.
Practical details at Esencial (source: /en/faq, checked on Nov 4, 2026):
- The assessment lasts 60 minutes and care is one-on-one, with the same physiotherapist throughout.
- You don't need a doctor's referral; if you have one, bring it.
- Bring any related tests, imaging and medical reports, and wear comfortable clothes.
- Care is private pay: Esencial has no agreements with EPS, prepaid medicine plans or insurers.
- Location: Torre Médica El Tesoro 2, office 1650, El Poblado, Medellín.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your case, how long you've had the problem, your goals and how you respond. Be wary of anyone who promises an exact number without assessing you. After the assessment we give you a realistic roadmap and adjust it at every reassessment.
When should you see a doctor first? (red flags)
See a doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you have, for example: pain after a hard blow or fall with deformity or inability to bear weight; progressive loss of strength; numbness in the genital area or loss of bladder or bowel control; fever with back pain; unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer with new pain; sudden swelling of one leg that is red and warm; or chest pain or shortness of breath.
Physiotherapist, physiatrist, chiropractor and massage therapist: what's the difference?
| Professional | Training in Colombia | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | University degree + professional license (Law 528/1999) | Assesses and treats movement; active rehabilitation plan |
| Physiatrist | Medical doctor specialized in physical medicine and rehabilitation | Medical diagnosis, prescribes, orders tests |
| Chiropractor | Not a regulated degree in Colombia (El Tiempo) | Spinal manipulation |
| Massage therapist / spa | Non-university training | Wellness and relaxation, not rehabilitation |
Frequently asked questions
Does physiotherapy hurt? It shouldn't feel like punishment. Some techniques or exercises can cause mild, controlled discomfort, and everything is adapted to your tolerance. More in our article Does physiotherapy hurt? 7 myths. Do I need a doctor's order to see a physiotherapist? Not at Esencial for private care. If you are coming from surgery, bring your surgeon's instructions. How long is the first session? At Esencial, the assessment lasts 60 minutes. What should I bring? Tests, imaging, medical reports and comfortable clothes. Does Esencial accept EPS or prepaid medicine plans? No. Care is private pay. Do you see patients in English? Yes. We can see you in English, both for the assessment and for your sessions.
Book your assessment
If you are in pain, have an injury or are recovering from surgery, the first step is understanding what is going on. Book your 60-minute assessment on WhatsApp or at /en/book. Learn about the service: Integral physiotherapy in El Poblado.
This content is educational and does not replace a professional assessment.
Sources: Law 528 of 1999 (Colombian Senate, accessed Nov 4, 2026); COLFI, Regulations / Resolution 0325 of 2025; World Physiotherapy, Colombia profile (direct access); El Tiempo, "¿Es lo mismo quiropráctico y fisioterapeuta?"; Esencial FAQ (Nov 4, 2026).