At Physical Therapy in Brazil: Ask About Movements and Sessions
Learn useful phrases for a fisioterapia session, including how to ask for a demonstration, describe a movement, and clarify the schedule.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Fisioterapia means physical therapy, and sessão is a session. State your name and appointment time when you arrive. If you are unsure where to wait, ask at the reception rather than assuming the practitioner is ready.
Check in and confirm the session
A frequência can mean how often sessions are scheduled. Ask the clinic to confirm the appointment plan and any changes; the provider sets the schedule for your care.
Tenho uma sessão de fisioterapia às dez, no nome de…
I have a physical therapy session at ten under the name…
Onde devo esperar?
Where should I wait?
Ask for a movement to be explained again
Movimento is movement, and exercício is exercise. If you did not understand the demonstration, ask the physiotherapist to show it again or explain one step at a time. You can also say that you did not understand a direction.
Use devagar for ‘slowly’ and mais uma vez for ‘one more time.’ These phrases help you communicate without pretending you understood an instruction.
Você pode demonstrar esse movimento mais uma vez?
Could you demonstrate that movement one more time?
Não entendi a última instrução. Pode explicar de outro jeito?
I didn’t understand the last instruction. Could you explain it another way?
Describe what you feel and clarify the schedule
If a movement causes discomfort, tell the professional what you feel and where. Minha perna está desconfortável is a general description; name the area if you can. Follow the professional’s guidance about what to do next.
Before leaving, confirm the next session, date, and time. If you need to change an appointment, contact the clinic and ask what options are available.
Sinto desconforto neste movimento.
I feel discomfort during this movement.
Qual é a data da próxima sessão?
What is the date of the next session?
Put it into practice
Use these phrases to ask for clarification and communicate what you notice. A physiotherapist is the right person to explain exercises and care decisions.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I feel discomfort during this movement”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.