Physiotherapy Assessment Without a Doctor’s Prescription in Frankfurt

Do you have a musculoskeletal complaint and want it assessed by a physiotherapist without first obtaining a doctor’s prescription or referral? At our physiotherapy practice in Frankfurt city centre, you can arrange a physiotherapy assessment without a prior medical prescription.

The appointment is carried out by Franziska Kurzrock, Physiotherapist (Bachelor of Science), who holds a German Heilpraktiker permit restricted to the field of physiotherapy. This permit allows her to independently assess and, where clinically appropriate, treat conditions that fall within the professional scope of physiotherapy.

When is an assessment without a prescription appropriate?

This appointment is intended for patients with symptoms that may have a musculoskeletal or movement-related component. Examples include:

• back or neck complaints
• joint problems
• muscular complaints
• tendon or overuse-related symptoms
• restricted movement
• pain associated with movement or physical activity
• sports-related complaints
• recurring musculoskeletal symptoms
• patients wishing to begin physiotherapy on a self-pay basis

The appointment may also be suitable if you have not yet been able to obtain a medical appointment and would first like to establish whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your condition.

Please note: This service is available for general musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions. Due to the specialist expertise required, it is not available for pelvic floor or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complaints.

What happens during the appointment?

1. Medical history

We begin by discussing your current symptoms, how they started and how they have developed. Relevant medical conditions, previous injuries, operations and demands associated with your daily life, occupation or sport are also considered.

2. Physiotherapy examination

Depending on your symptoms, the examination may include an assessment of:

• mobility and joint function
• strength and muscular control
• stability and coordination
• pain during movement or physical loading
• functional movement patterns
• activity-specific or sport-specific demands

The examination is adapted to your individual presentation. Only tests relevant to the clinical assessment will be performed.

3. Clinical findings and recommendations

Following the examination, we discuss the findings with you and explain whether physiotherapy appears appropriate.
Depending on the results, the recommended next steps may include physiotherapy, specific exercises, temporary adjustments to physical activity or further assessment by a doctor or medical specialist.

Can treatment begin during the first appointment?

If the examination indicates that physiotherapy is appropriate and sufficient time remains, initial treatment may begin during the same appointment.
The extent of treatment depends on how much of the appointment is required for a careful and clinically responsible assessment. Establishing the findings therefore remains the priority of the initial consultation.

Treatment may include:

• information about your symptoms and relevant influencing factors
• advice on movement and physical activity
• active physiotherapy exercises
• measures to improve mobility and physical function
• manual techniques where appropriate

The main objectives are to improve function, movement quality and physical capacity. Passive techniques may be used as a complement to active treatment.

Assessment of sports-related complaints

For sports-related complaints, the assessment also considers your type of sport, training volume, current workload and individual sporting goals.
Franziska Kurzrock is a triathlete and marathon runner and has additional qualifications in sports physiotherapy, injury prevention and return-to-sport assessment. This allows running-related, endurance-related and sport-specific demands to be incorporated into the clinical examination.

Why can physiotherapy be provided without a prescription?

In Germany, independently assessing and treating a medical condition within physiotherapy without a prior doctor’s prescription requires an additional legal permit.
Franziska Kurzrock holds a Heilpraktiker permit restricted to the field of physiotherapy, issued by the Frankfurt Public Health Department.
In this context, the term “Heilpraktiker” describes the legal basis for direct access to physiotherapy. The appointment consists of physiotherapy assessment and treatment; it is not a general alternative medicine or naturopathic consultation.
The permit is specifically restricted to physiotherapy. The appointment therefore does not replace general medical or specialist diagnostic procedures.
If the findings suggest that your condition does not fall within the scope of physiotherapy, or that additional medical assessment is required, we will recommend that you consult an appropriate doctor or specialist. Acute medical emergencies are not suitable for a physiotherapy assessment appointment.

Fees and possible reimbursement

The 40-minute assessment costs €99 and is provided as a self-pay service, regardless of your insurance status.
Depending on your individual policy, partial or full reimbursement may be available through private health insurance or supplementary insurance that covers Heilpraktiker services. Please confirm the relevant conditions directly with your insurance provider before your appointment. We cannot guarantee reimbursement.
Patients covered by German statutory health insurance may also book the appointment but are responsible for paying the fee themselves.
If the assessment indicates that further physiotherapy is appropriate, follow-up appointments can be arranged on a self-pay basis. The recommended content and frequency will depend on the findings, your individual goals and your response to treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a doctor’s prescription?

No. A doctor’s prescription or referral is not required for this appointment.

Does the appointment replace a medical consultation?

The appointment provides an independent assessment within the professional scope of physiotherapy. It does not replace general medical or specialist diagnostic procedures. If medical assessment is required, we will advise you accordingly.

Will I receive treatment during the first appointment?

Initial treatment may be provided if it is clinically appropriate and sufficient time remains. The priority of the first appointment is a careful assessment of your symptoms.

What should I bring?

Please bring comfortable or sports-appropriate clothing and a towel. If available, relevant medical reports, imaging reports, surgical reports or information about previous treatment may also be helpful.

Can I continue physiotherapy without a prescription?

If physiotherapy is appropriate, follow-up appointments can be arranged as a self-pay service. Alternatively, further treatment may take place on the basis of a doctor’s prescription.

Request an appointment

Please use our contact form and enter “Assessment without a prescription” in the message field. Please also provide brief information about the affected area and your symptoms.
Alternatively, you can call us on +49 69 15343443. If we are unable to answer your call, please leave your telephone number on our answering machine.

VITALITY – Practice for Physiotherapy and Training
Schillerstraße 30–40, 60313 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. +49 69 15343443
Please leave your phone number if you can’t reach us.