Initial notes
Right knee pain after returning to running. Discomfort going downhill and squatting. The patient would like to gradually return to running.
Practical guide · Physiotherapy clinical reports
Physiotherapy clinical reports: structure, review and plan the next steps
Keep a clear record of the session, ready for review. Choose a template, refine the summary and prepare the information to keep in the patient record or share.
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Updated on 21 October 2026 · Written by the Manu team
An example of what to review
Fictional example: the document must reflect the information actually collected.
Structured summary
Reason for consultation: right knee pain after returning to running.
Impact: discomfort going downhill and squatting.
Patient's goal: a gradual, independent return to running.
What to check
Location, chronology and wording. Tests, hypotheses and instructions should only appear if the practitioner has actually selected them.
See the full example: Jean Dudemo's notes, the document and its review
Jean Dudemo is a fictional patient. This educational example illustrates how information is structured and reviewed. It contains no real patient data and is not a treatment protocol.
1. The notes available before drafting
“Jean Dudemo. Right knee pain following a return to running. Discomfort mainly when going downstairs and squatting. He would like to return to regular running. These notes do not specify the exact date of onset, running frequency or examination measurements.”
In Manu, this information is the starting point for the chosen document. Information missing from the notes must be checked with the patient or in the record, rather than assumed.
2. A structured draft clinical report
Fictional working document — to be completed and approved.
- Patient
- Jean Dudemo, a fictional identity used for this example.
- Reason for consultation
- Right knee pain reported after returning to running.
- Impact described by the patient
- Discomfort when going downstairs and squatting.
- Stated goal
- Return to regular running.
- Examination and measurements
- Not recorded in the notes for this example; complete only using information actually collected.
- Follow-up
- Goals, instructions and programme to be recorded after the examination and discussion with the patient.
3. What the practitioner checks before approving
- The right record and session: check the identity, date and selected document type.
- Reported facts: retain the right side and the activities concerned; clarify the chronology if it has been collected.
- Missing information: complete the tests and measurements from the examination, without adding findings or diagnoses absent from the record.
- Next steps agreed together: record the goals, instructions and points to review at the next appointment.
- The recipient: adapt the level of detail for the record, a message to the patient or a letter to the doctor.
The practitioner corrects the document in Manu and keeps the chosen version in the record. If they then request exercise suggestions from this clinical report, they select and personalise the programme before sharing it with the patient.
4. An outline to adapt to your sessions
- Patient, date and context: to be completed.
- Reason for consultation and changes since the last session: information reported by the patient.
- Examination and measurements: observations actually collected.
- Goals discussed: the patient's and practitioner's priorities.
- Agreed instructions and programme: information adapted to the situation.
- Next step: points to reassess and the planned appointment.
Prepare to gather information · Move from the clinical report to the programme
Save time on formatting
A consistent structure makes it easier to review and compare sessions.
Choose a starting point
Assessment, clinical report or summary: the template provides an initial structure.
Keep your precision
Adapt the terminology, level of detail and information relevant to the patient.
Track changes
Documents, history and progress assessments help you prepare the next appointment.
Useful information in the document
The outline stays relevant to the reason for consultation and your examination.
Reason for consultation and context
The patient's request, the history of the complaint and the activities affected.
Session information
Observations, measurements and facts actually collected, with their nuances.
Goals and next steps
Goals discussed, agreed instructions and points to revisit at the next appointment.
From the clinical report to follow-up
Writing is part of a wider workflow.
In the practice or by video
Collect information in the correct patient's record.
Template and review
Prepare the document, correct it and export the chosen version.
Recipient
Write a message to the patient or a letter to the doctor when useful.
Programme
Request exercise suggestions from the clinical report, then adapt the programme shared through Théra.
Documented time savings with AI writing assistants
A research finding to put the value of writing support in context.
16 fewer minutes of documentation per 8 hours of consultations
An observational study of 8,581 medical professionals in the United States associates adoption of an AI writing assistant with this reduction. It did not study Manu.
≈ 6 hours a month is a projection: 16 minutes × 22 days = 5 hours 52 minutes. Your time savings will depend in particular on how you use the tool and the time spent reviewing.
Read the study · Rotenstein et al., JAMA, 2026 ↗Explore further
Choose the next useful step for your practice.
Try the document with a demonstration case
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Questions about practice and use
Practical answers to help you document care and prepare follow-up.
What should a physiotherapy clinical report contain?
Identify the patient, date and author. Distinguish the reason for consultation and reported information from examination findings, goals, actions taken and planned next steps. Keep information relevant to follow-up and the recipient, using precise terminology.
In Manu, the selected template organises this information; reviewing it lets you check that it accurately reflects the session. See Jean Dudemo's fictional notes and clinical report.
How do I prepare a progress assessment?
Start with the previous assessment and agreed goals. Compare the available observations and measurements, specifying their dates, then describe what has changed, what remains difficult and the agreed next steps. Distinguish the patient's experience from your observations.
Fictional wording example: “Since the last session, the patient reports less discomfort on the stairs. Comparative measurements still need to be completed. A return to running will be discussed again at the next review.”
What should change between a clinical note and a letter to the doctor?
The clinical note keeps the detail needed for follow-up. The letter sets out the reason for writing, relevant changes and the question or information to convey. Adapt the level of detail to the recipient, without turning missing information into a finding.
Is the clinical report fixed?
No. Choose a template, then correct and complete the document before using or exporting it.
Is it only for initial assessments?
No. You can prepare follow-up reports, progress assessments, summaries and documents tailored to the recipient.
Were the 16 minutes measured with Manu?
No. This figure comes from an observational study of AI writing assistants used in the United States. It does not predict how much time you personally will save with Manu.
Reference documents: ANAES / HAS — The patient record in physiotherapy (March 2000). Sources consulted on 21 October 2026. The writing examples provided here are fictional.