The essentials
- Portable plinth, if your patients need one. Many older patients are treated in a chair or bed instead.
- Resistance bands in a range of strengths.
- Light weights or ankle weights.
- A step for balance and strength work.
- Tape and dressings.
- Hand hygiene and cleaning supplies.
- A goniometer, tape measure and stopwatch for outcome measures. See measuring outcomes.
For older adults and falls work
- A gait belt.
- Simple balance aids.
- Printed home exercise sheets in large print.
Paperwork and tech
- A charged phone or tablet with your practice software, for notes, bookings and payments.
- A portable battery.
- A card reader for payment at the door.
- Consent forms and information sheets.
Keep it organised
Labelled tubs, one per category, packed the same way every day. Restock at the end of each week, and keep track of supplies like any clinic stock. See inventory.
Look after yourself
Lifting a plinth in and out of a car many times a day is a risk to your own back. Use a trolley, pack heavy items low, and leave the plinth in the car when the patient can be treated without it.
Safety items
A first aid kit, a torch and a phone with emergency contacts. See home visit safety.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment does a mobile physio need?
Bands, light weights, a step, tape, hygiene supplies, outcome measure tools and, if needed, a portable plinth.
Do mobile physios need a plinth?
Not always. Many home patients are treated in a chair or bed.
How do mobile physios take payment?
With a card reader or payment link on a phone at the end of the visit.