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PHYSIOTHERAPY FAQ
What is physiotherapy?
What types of problems can physiotherapy help?
What does the treatment involve?
Is physiotherapy appropriate for back or neck problems?
Can physiotherapists manipulate?
How well are you trained?
When I experience pain or injure myself, how long should I wait before seeking treatment?
Do I need to see a doctor to see a physiotherapist?
What can I expect on my first appointment?
How quickly will I be seen for my first appointment?
Should I bring my X-rays with me?
How many treatments will I need?
When should I use heat and when should I use ice on an injury?
What should I wear for the first appointment?
How much will it cost per session?
What is physiotherapy?
- The central aim of physiotherapy is to restore proper functioning to the body. In the case of permanent disease or injury, the aim is to reduce the impact of the dysfunction. Physiotherapy is an effective form of treatment for a wide range of conditions often involving the muscles, bones and joints.
What types of problems can physiotherapy help?
- Common conditions treated include back pain, neck pain, sprains, strains, arthritis, bursitis, tennis elbow, workplace and sports injuries, problems with posture, and reduced mobility.
Rehabilitation after surgery is also offered.
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What does the treatment involve?
- Physiotherapists use different treatment methods in order to deal with a wide range of injuries. Depending on the nature and severity of your injury, you may require:
- Manipulation or mobilization of joints
- Electrotherapy (Laser, Ultrasound, Interferential, Short Wave Diathermy)
- Acupuncture
- Exercise therapy
- Stretching and strengthening
- Core stability training
- Soft tissue massage
- Heat or cold therapy
- Patient education, home exercises
- Biomechanical analysis
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Is physiotherapy appropriate for back or neck problems?
- Yes. Back and neck problems are among the most common types of problems seen in our clinic and respond very well to Physiotherapy.
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Can physiotherapists manipulate?
- Yes. Physiotherapists can use a wide range of manipulations and mobilizations to treat your back, neck and all joints of the body.
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How well are you trained?
- I have a BSc(Hons) in Physiotherapy and am currently studying for an MSc in Sports Physiotherapy. I am state registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.
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Do I need to see a doctor to see a physiotherapist?
- No. As a private physiotherapist I work separately from the NHS and anybody can make an appointment by simply phoning the clinic.
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When I experience pain or injure myself, how long should I wait before seeking treatment?
- This depends on the severity of your injury. If you feel it is only a minor injury and you have minimal pain try following our advice on how to treat recent injuries. If after 48 hours it is still painful you should contact the clinic for an appointment. If the injury is more serious you should try to make an appointment as soon as possible.
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What can I expect on my first appointment?
- I usually begin the session by taking a history of your present condition to help determine the cause of your pain.
Next, I perform a comprehensive biomechanical examination that can include observing your posture, assessing your range of motion, flexibility, strength, core stability, neural mobility, joint stability, proprioception and functional status. I then palpate the injured area for swelling and abnormal tone or joint position. I may carry out specific manual techniques to determine which, if any, of your joints are stiff or loose.
Following this assessment, I make a diagnosis and treatment can begin immediately.
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How quickly will I be seen for my first appointment?
- We will always endeavor to offer you an appointment on the same day or at worst within 24 hours.
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Should I bring my X-rays with me?
- Yes and also bring any other relevant medical information you may have.
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When should I use heat and when should I use ice on an injury?
- Ice should be used in the first 48 - 72 hours after an injury to limit the inflammation and swelling. Heat can be used after this period to help promote healing. If in doubt about your particular injury contact a medical professional for further advice. See: Injury management: 1st 48 hours
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How many treatments will I need?
- There is no pre-determined number of treatments for a specific condition. However following your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss and agree a treatment plan with you. This may include advice regarding the approximate number of treatments you may require. Individual's response to treatment varies.
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What should I wear for the first appointment?
- Wear something comfortable.
Bring a pair of shorts if it is a lower back, hip, knee, ankle, or foot problem.
Bring a tank top if it is a neck, upper back, shoulder, elbow, or hand problem.
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How much will it cost per session?
- Our fee is £25 per treatment session. Treatment sessions vary in length up to one hour depending on the treatment required. For example, treatment of a recent muscle strain may require only 30 minutes whereas treatment of chronic back pain may require the full hour.
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