We would like to take this
opportunity to welcome you to our clinic. Whether you have been
recommended to us by your G.P., Specialist, by friends, family or
you are simply carrying out your own research and looking for a
physiotherapist, we look forward to helping you. We have a team
of 7 experienced Physiotherapists and a visiting Podiatrist.
We aim to offer you an
appointment to see a physiotherapist within 24 hours
When you call for an
appointment, all questions will be answered clearly and
precisely by our reception staff. If our receptionists are
unable to advise you, a physiotherapist will contact you as soon
as possible to discuss any queries.
Frequently
asked questions
Set out below is a list of
frequently asked questions. Click on each question to find the
relevant information.
We always try to offer an
appointment on the same day or within 24 hours <<back
Do I need to see a Dr/GP before I come to the
clinic?
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.<<back
Will I need a Doctors letter of referral?
No, not usually. If you are
using private medical insurance, they may require a G.P. letter before they authorise treatment. <<back
How long is each session?
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.<<back
Is my Physiotherapist fully qualified?
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.<<back
What can I expect at my first visit?
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.<<back
What should I wear?
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. <<back
What should I bring with me on my initial
appointment?
A referral letter from your
GP if applicable
Full insurance details and
a completed form if applicable
Suitable clothing: - some
people like to bring their own shorts and or vest tops <<back
How many treatments will I need?
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.
<<back
What conditions are suitable for treatment by
physiotherapy?
A few of the many
conditions that can be treated successfully by physiotherapy
are:
Back and neck pain and
stiffness
Tension headaches
Whiplash injuries usually
caused by road traffic accidents
Work related disorders e.g.
repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Mobilisation and
manipulation of the joints, muscles and ligaments.
Exercise therapy to
mobilise and strengthen weakened or inactive muscles.
Deep trigger point massage
and acupuncture for pain conditions
Electrical treatments
(electrotherapy) including ultrasound, interferential therapy
and electromagnetic field therapy.
Advice on return to
exercise and resumption of sporting activities
Advice on pacing activities
and ergonomic strategies for upper limb disorders<<back
Is
physiotherapy treatment appropriate for back and neck problems
or is it only for muscle injuries?
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. <<back
How
do I know the treatment will help me?
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. <<back
Should I bring my x-rays with me?
Yes and any other relevant
medical information you may have. <<back
How does Chartered Physiotherapy differ from the
‘alternative’ forms of healing?
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<<back
What is the difference between Physiotherapy,
Osteopathy and Chiropractic treatment?
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. <<back
Can a Physiotherapist manipulate?
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.
<<back
Payment
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<<back
Is the cost of physiotherapy covered by 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.<<back
Please
also be aware of any policy excess which may be due.
