Background. The aim of the study was to assess palliative care patients’ expectations towards physiotherapist. Expectations refer to the information regarding etiology of the diseases, treatment, diagnostics and physiotherapy treatments as well as emotional support. Consideration was given to whether the patients’ expectations towards physiotherapist are the same before and after the treatment. A hypothesis has been suggested, according to which, patients have different expectations before and after surgeries.

Patients and methods. Studied group consisted of 22 patients, aged 30–80 years, in advanced stage of cancer disease from Hospicjum Stacjonarne Caritas Archidiecezji Warszawskiej. The assumptions were based on the holistic theory, which suggests that patients’ behaviors should be analyzed at many layers. Due to symptoms (weakness and fatigue), neurological disorders, movement disorders and lymphoedema, all the patients were recommended physiotherapy including healing massage, active exercises, passive exercises with load, assessed, passive exercises and stability exercises. The patients’ expectations were based on Questionnaire of Expectations Patient-Physiotherapist (QEPP).

Results. The results confirmed the hypothesis that patients’ expectations before and after the treatment differ. The etiology of the disease and further explanation concerning treatment, as well as, diagnostics and physiotherapy were of much interest among patients. Expectation for emotional support was low. Women have different expectations towards physiotherapist than men.

Conclusions. The presence of physical therapist with patient of palliative care have a positive effect on the patient’s increasing in him a sense of well–being. Men and women differ in expectations in relation to the physical therapist. It is relevant that physical therapist knows exactly the patients’ needs and adjusts to these requirements. This increases the comfort of patients lives.