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Frequently asked questions

General queries

Physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat a wide range of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions — covering nerves, muscles and joints anywhere in the body. If you have pain, stiffness or restricted movement in your neck, back, limbs or joints, physiotherapy is a good starting point. If your problem falls outside our scope, you'll be guided in the right direction or referred on for further investigation.

No referral is needed to book an appointment directly with us. However, some private medical insurers require a GP referral before they will authorise treatment, so it's worth checking your policy before your first session.

Initial assessments typically last 45 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 30 minutes, though this can vary depending on your treatment plan and needs.

This varies considerably depending on the nature and severity of your condition. After your initial assessment, John will give you a realistic picture of what to expect and discuss a treatment plan tailored to you.

 

It is the goal of the physiotherapist to help you become pain free and to improve your function to the very best it can possibly be. There are many different ways this can be done. There will be many things the physio can do to help and some things you may be required to work on yourself with guidance from the physiotherapist. So, your recovery is best viewed as a team effort and what you get out if it is related to the effort you, and the physio put in. If your symptoms are not resolving as expected, further investigation via other means may be required. This may include referral back to your GP with guidance on further action, or onward referral to a specialist Consultant. Further suggestions may include X-rays, Blood tests, MRI scans, nerve conduction studies etc. If this is required, then the Physiotherapist will write a letter for you to give to the relevant medical professional summarising your problems and referral need. This can be done via private referral (both self-paying and via private medical insurance) or via your GP.

Treatment process

We will start with a detailed discussion covering how long you've had the problem, what may have caused it, and your medical history, medication and lifestyle. This is followed by a thorough physical examination — observing your movement, testing joint function and assessing the muscles, ligaments and tendons involved. Where appropriate, hands-on treatment will begin in the first session.

The priority is always to avoid making symptoms worse while still carrying out a thorough assessment. You'll be asked to describe what you're feeling throughout, and all treatment is adjusted to your current pain levels. You are always in control — you can decline any movement or technique at any point, without question.

No. Every plan is personalised to your specific condition, goals and recovery needs. Treatment may combine hands-on techniques, tailored exercises and lifestyle advice, and will be reviewed and adjusted as you progress.

Your informed consent is required before any treatment takes place. Every technique will be explained in advance, and you are free to decline any part of the assessment or treatment at any stage, without judgement.

Some patients notice improvement after the first session, while others require several sessions before significant change occurs. Progress depends on the condition, its duration and your engagement with the home exercise programme. John will set realistic expectations at your initial assessment.

Insurance coverage

You will need to gain their authorisation prior to attending the clinic. They will issue an Authorisation Number/Code which you can give to the clinic alongside your membership number, full name, address and date of birth, so the clinic can claim the cost of your sessions directly from your insurer.
If you have an excess to pay, then you will be liable to pay this directly to the clinic. Your policy may also have a maximum spend allowance for physiotherapy and it is your responsibility to know this as this varies from case to case.
Any amount not covered by your insurer you will be liable for and can pay directly to the clinic.

If your policy includes an excess, you will be liable to pay this directly to the clinic. Your policy may also have a maximum spend limit for physiotherapy — it is your responsibility to be aware of this, as any shortfall will be payable directly.

Some insurers require a GP referral before authorising physiotherapy. Always check your policy requirements before booking your first appointment.

Session details

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. The physiotherapist will need to see the area being treated, so please ensure it can be accessed easily. Dignity is maintained at all times using towels where needed, and you will never be asked to remove underwear.

We require at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed appointments, will be charged at the full session rate.