1. What is physiotherapy?
2. What do physiotherapists do?
3. I am not a sports person. How can physiotherapy help me?
4. Do I need to be referred to your clinic by my doctor?
5. I have never seen a physiotherapist before. What can I expect?
6. I am on a strict budget these days. How many sessions will I need?
7. Do you have waiting lists?
8. How long are the appointments?
9. I have aches and pains that come and go. Is it worth seeing a physiotherapist about these?
10. When is the best time to see a physiotherapist after an injury?
11. How do I know if I need a check up?
12. Will my pain get worse over time if left untreated?
13. Why is the area where the physiotherapist treats me sometimes different to where I feel my pain?
14. How does acupuncture work?
15. I need an question answered which isn't listed here please

What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy involves the assessment, treatment and prevention of injury and disease using a range of non-invasive and hands-on skills. The aim of physiotherapy is to help you alleviate and manage pain, restore your body's normal movement and function, and help you achieve optimal health to enjoy your chosen lifestyle. The more efficient your body, the higher your energy level and the better you will feel.

What do physiotherapists do?
Physiotherapists are trained medical professionals who specialise in physical function and movement. From our understanding of how the body moves and what keeps it from moving well, we are able to correct and improve physical problems using techniques such as acupuncture, movement, exercise and manual therapy. A physiotherapist can help you maximise your body's potential and get you back to your personal best. Our experience and expertise allow us to treat a multiple of conditions with confidence. Seeking the advice of a Chartered Physiotherapist will ensure an accurate clinical diagnosis, the delivery of effective treatment and sound advice on injury prevention and full rehabilitation. You will be, literally, in safe hands.

I am not a sports person. How can physiotherapy help me?
Your body has to be protected from poor posture and injury. Bad posture is typical of working at a desk, especially at a computer for long periods of time. A physiotherapy assessment will help to identify faulty movement patterns and postural stresses that occur in your daily life. If allowed to persist, these are the most common causes of background aches, pains and headaches that creep up on us as time goes by. Addressing these problems early on will help to reduce the risk of pain, muscle tension and joint stiffness. We can analyse the best method of supporting your body for its particular daily tasks.

Do I need to be referred to your clinic by my doctor?
No, you can self-refer to us. However, if you have a current healthcare cash plan and you choose to use it to fund your physiotherapy treatment, most companies ask that you see your doctor before coming to us. This is usually required if you want to claim your fees back through your insurance company. Please be advised that, with your permission, we may need to liase with your GP or consultant during the course of your physiotherapy treatment. This is necessary if you require further investigation, a medication review, or onward referral to another specialist(s).

I have never seen a physiotherapist before. What can I expect?
To make a diagnosis, we will discuss your full medical history and details of your current condition, then perform an examination. Depending on your problem and what your goals are, we will then draw up an appropriate individual treatment plan for you. We will also advise you on how to prevent further problems so that you can maintain and improve your health long after you leave our care.

I am on a strict budget these days. How many sessions will I need?
Each physiotherapy session is tailor made to suit you. Every individual is different and so your course of treatment will depend upon the extent of your injury, how long you have been having pain, your general health and outlook on life, your work demands, lifestyle and your body's response to treatment. We strive to maximise results in as short a time as possible to provide you with pain relief, improve your function and allow you to self-manage your symptoms. You have to be determined to get better and prepared to be actively involved in your own recovery. The best results will be achieved through your own dedication and our mutual concerted efforts. We will do our best to get you well. However, you must make the necessary effort for your progress to be attained and maintained. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Do you have waiting lists?
No. We are flexible and will be able to give you an appointment at a time and date best suited to you.

How long are the appointments?
The first session will take around an hour. Follow-up sessions are shorter at 45 minutes. We allow plenty of time to thoroughly assess and treat you so that your sessions are not rushed. Where clinically appropriate, extended individual appointments are available.

I have aches and pains that come and go. Is it worth seeing a physiotherapist about these?
Yes. Most of our clients come to see us because of occasional symptoms that have become worse over time. We all get mild background aches and usually put these down to being busy or just getting older. Because these aches disappear as quickly as they come, it is easy to accept them as part of life. Usually these problems require only minimal physiotherapy input and increased exercise to alleviate them. The key to nipping these pains in the bud is early physiotherapy intervention. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner we can start your treatment and sort the problem out. Do not wait until the pain affects your lifestyle before you seek our help.

When is the best time to see a physiotherapist after an injury?
Although a minor injury may appear to heal, symptoms may be experienced months later, for no apparent reason. Hence it is important to assess and treat acute injuries immediately to avoid problems later on. An early and accurate diagnosis is therefore of utmost importance for your peace of mind so that you are aware of the extent of your injury and how to get it better. The sooner you get the correct treatment, the quicker your recovery. Early intervention will lessen the possibility of long-term damage and complications. If you have any concerns about an injury, or there is little or no improvement, ring us to book an appointment.

How do I know if I need a check up?
We often take our health for granted. The sudden loss of it can catch us off guard. Get to know, and listen to your own body.

Is getting dressed and putting your shoes and socks on in the mornings becoming more difficult?
Is reversing the car straining your neck?
Are you spending more time sitting at a computer or driving?
Are you tired of living in discomfort and not sure what to do about it?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, if your everyday activities are becoming more difficult to carry out, or you start experiencing any niggling aches or pains, then come and see us. We can provide information to facilitate changes to your lifestyle pattern and prescribe exercises to maintain the improvement.

Will my pain get worse over time if left untreated?
Pain that goes away after a short time is easy to accept and to forget about. However, if persistent mild pain is not attended to, over time your body will adapt accordingly and put undue strain on different muscles and joints. This can cause increased muscle tension and joint stiffness eventually creating chronic symptoms. The more severe your symptoms become, the more time and effort will be required to relieve your pain and get you well again. Your rehabilitation will also involve breaking unhealthy postural and lifestyle habits and acquiring new and better ones. The sooner you address your body's needs, the sooner you will work your way back to your optimal state of health.

Why is the area where the physiotherapist treats me sometimes different to where I feel my pain?
Often people experience the sensation of referred pain. This occurs when you feel pain somewhere different to the actual site of your injury. Although addressing your primary pain is important, in order to effectively treat and alleviate all your symptoms, we also need to assess and treat their underlying cause. This involves looking beyond the painful area, and treating your body in its entirety. Being aware of the underlying cause of your symptoms, will give you greater control in reducing the risk of your pain coming back in the future. We will always explain the rationale behind all our treatments to you, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your condition.

How does acupuncture work?
Research evidence shows that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural pain relieving chemicals, endorphins. These assist the body to heal itself and offer pain relief. The traditional view is that Qi (energy) flows around the body in channels. If the Qi is flowing freely, the body is in a healthy state. If there is injury, disease or trauma, then energy is imbalanced. The stimulation of relevant acupuncture points is thought to free this stagnation, providing pain relief and promoting tissue healing.

If you have any other questions about physiotherapy or our clinic, please give us a ring on 07866 464 385. We will be happy to answer your queries.