Frequently Asked Questions
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a type of treatment that helps to reduce pain and improve the movement and function of your joints and muscles. Physiotherapy will act specifically on the pain or injury site but also looks at the effect the symptom is having on the way the rest of the body moves. It aims to give you both a short and long term solution for your symptoms, and the tools to understand and help you manage your condition independently.
What should I expect on my first visit?
During your first appointment I will discuss your symptoms with you in detail so I can understand how they are affecting you, and how they are impacting upon your usual activities and lifestyle. I will then examine you, to establish what is causing your symptoms, with the aim of achieving a diagnosis and individualised plan of management to resolve your problem. This may include specific exercises for you to do at home, advice and where appropriate 'hands-on' treatment. I will advise you regarding whether I think physiotherapy rehabilitation can help you, and if this is not appropriate what the best course of alternative management for your symptoms might be.
As part of the examination I will ask you to remove upper body clothing (excluding underwear) in order to look at your shoulder and the upper part of your body and see how you move, so wearing loose fitting clothing/clothing that is easily removed is often helpful.
How should I prepare for my initial consultation?
If you have seen anyone else for this problem, it is helpful if you can bring any paperwork associated with this, such as GP/consultant referral letters, or any additional information such as X-ray, scan or blood test results if you have had these. It is also helpful if you bring along with you a list of any medication that you are currently taking.
You are welcome to bring a chaperone should you wish to do so.
How do I pay for treatment?
I accept cash, cheques or card payments. Contactless payment is available. Payment is required at the end of each session.
Do I need a GP/consultant referral for Physiotherapy treatment?
No, there is no need to see your GP before you come, just give me a call/email. However, if insured I do recommend you contact your health insurance provider first, as they may require a medical referral to authorise reimbursement of any treatment.
Covid-19
All measures comply fully with Public Health England (PHE) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) guidance.
Measures:
• I ask that any person who has been exposed to Covid-19 via someone in their household or a close contact who has Covid-19 or symptoms takes a lateral flow test on the day of their appointment, before they come into the clinic, and the result must be negative.
• The number of people in the clinic at any one time will be controlled.
• All people attending the clinic will be required to sanitise their hands on arrival.
• Anyone attending the clinic will no longer be required to wear a mask, but these are available for use if needed.
• I am no longer required to wear a surgical mask, aprons and gloves, but it is available for use should this be necessary. If worn, all PPE will be changed between each patient.
• The treatment room bed and pillows are thoroughly wiped clean with disinfectant between each patient.
• All surfaces touched by the patient will be disinfected after the patient leaves and before the next patient enters the room.
• The room is managed for correct levels of ventilation.
• All people will be traceable as to when they were in the clinic and who else was in the clinic at that time through the use of contact details held on our booking system.