Set out below is a list of frequently asked questions. If you find you require further advice, call us on 01509 215614.
We always try to offer an appointment on the same day or within 24 hours.
No, this is not necessary. Very often patients come straight to a physiotherapist for help and advice with aches, pains and injuries. If we feel you need to see your G.P or any other specialist we will recommend this at your first consultation.
No, not usually. If you are using private medical insurance, they may require a G.P. letter before they authorise treatment.
Sessions last between 30-40 minutes. The number of treatments will depend on the individual. Occasionally, patients only need a ‘one-off’ consultation for advice and guidance with a problem. More commonly a course of treatment is required. Your physiotherapist will discuss this and your progress at each session. Normally most injuries will see improvement within 6 visits.
All our Physiotherapists are Chartered and registered with the Health Professions Council. A Chartered Physiotherapist is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP) which is the professional regulatory body of the profession. This means that the physiotherapist has undergone an approved course of training, (usually a 3-4 year degree course), and is governed by a professional code of practice. The physiotherapist is also insured to provide treatment services. In addition, all our physiotherapists have undergone post graduate training to specialise in their particular field.
The receptionist will ask you to complete a registration form.
When you arrive for your first appointment, your physiotherapist will take a detailed case history asking about how the problem started, your symptoms and any relevant past medical history. They will then carry out a physical examination to discover the origin and extent of your current problem.
Your physiotherapist will give a full explanation of your problem, together with an outline of the appropriate treatment, rehabilitation and if possible an estimate of the number of treatments you may require.
Treatment will begin at your first visit. Following the first assessment/treatment session, your physiotherapist will often give you a regime of rehabilitation exercises to continue at home.
You do not need to make any special preparations for your first visit, other than wear clothing that you feel comfortable in, and which can allow easy exposure of the area to be examined and treated.
Please wear suitable clothing dependent on which part of the body requires treatment. Ladies are advised to bring a vest top and shorts, if appropriate to the area being treated. In some cases you may be asked to bring training shoes. If you have a back problem you may be asked to undress to your underwear.
There is no pre-determined number of treatments for a specific condition. However, following assessment your physiotherapist will discuss and agree a treatment plan with you.
A few of the many conditions that can be treated successfully by physiotherapy are:
Chartered physiotherapists specialise in the treatment of all spinal problems. In fact a large percentage of their workload is made up of neck and back problems. Manipulation is one of a number of physiotherapy treatment options for managing spinal problems.
Treatment will normally produce some immediate pain relief and improved mobility. If exercise is appropriate you will be advised of the correct exercises required to ensure a permanent solution to the injury/conditions. The clinic specialises in the treatment of imbalances that can cause continuing back, neck and shoulder pain.
Yes and any other relevant medical information you may have.
The methods used by alternative therapies differ widely, but most of the theories and principles which govern them are included as standard practice in Chartered Physiotherapy.
There is some similarity between a manipulative physiotherapist and an Osteopath. Physiotherapists may focus more on a broad approach to the resolution of problems that includes a substantial proportion of therapeutic muscle work in combination with different forms of manipulation. Osteopaths may focus on joint based therapy and passive muscle techniques, but there is overlap in the techniques used by both professional groups. Physiotherapists tend to treat a wider range of musculo-skeletal problems. Physiotherapists seek problem solutions with a short course of treatment and educate patients emphasising the importance of self-help and self-management principles.
Chiropractors tend to use more aggressive manipulative approaches and may focus on the possibility of spinal contributions to both local spinal and more remote problems. They often utilise methods that require regular appointments at intervals of a few weeks, which they feel, reinforces the benefit of treatment.
Yes all Chartered physiotherapists with the appropriate post-graduate training can manipulate. Manipulation has been found to be very helpful in some very painful spinal conditions and many patients find it very beneficial for the early relief of symptoms. Physiotherapists who are trained in manipulative therapy often perform spinal manipulation as part of a course of treatment if indicated.
Payment will be requested following each treatment session.We accept all major credit cards, switch and cash.Payment is also accepted via private medical insurance.
Yes, if the physiotherapist is Chartered and a member of the Health Professions Council.. It is advisable to check with your insurance company before starting treatment, as they may need to pre-authorise it.
Please also be aware of any policy excess which may be due. Do call us…we will be able to help.
Your road to recovery starts now.
