Frequently asked Questions

Do I have to be referred by a doctor?
How long is each session?
What will happen on my first visit?
How do I know if a physiotherapist is fully trained?
What do I need to do to book an appointment?
Do I need to bring anything with me?
How many treatments will I need?
What is your cancellation policy?

Do I have to be referred by a doctor?

No, you may consult a chartered physiotherapist without a doctor’s referral, but contact may be made with your GP following your initial assessment. Chartered Physiotherapists work in close co-operation with GPs and this relationship is for the ultimate benefit of the patient. If you specify that you do not wish your doctor to be contacted, we will of course comply with your wishes.

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How long is each session?

Treatment times are variable but the majority of treatments can be completed within our allocated 40 minute session.

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What will happen on my first visit?

We will undertake a full and detailed history of your problem. The physiotherapist will then examine the area and discuss the findings with you before starting treatment.

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How do I know if a physiotherapist is fully trained?

Only members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and those having the letters MCSP after their name, and those who are registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC), have undergone the required training and passed the necessary state recognised examinations to allow them to practice.

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What do I need to do to book an appointment?

If you wish to be seen privately all you need to do is contact us and one of our reception staff will be able to book you in at a time that is convenient to you.
If you are claiming from a health provider for your treatment you may need to have a referral from your doctor. Please check with your insurance company first.

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Do I need to bring anything with me?

If you hold medical insurance please bring the details of your policy to your first appointment.

We may need to ask you to partially undress to allow examination or treatment. You may feel more comfortable in loose fitting easily removed clothing and patients often bring shorts with them. We will use towels to keep you covered whenever practicable and our staff are trained to help maintain their patient's dignity at all times.

If you would like to bring a chaperone they would be welcome to sit in with you.

We can provide a chaperone (usually one of our office staff) should you require it. Please note this service must be pre-booked at the time of making an appointment.

If you have any test results or medical correspondence please bring this with you.

If the patent is under 16 they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

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How many treatments will I need?

Following your initial assessment the physiotherapist will be able to advise you as to how many sessions you require. Generally, the longer you have had your symptoms, the more treatment will be required. A general guide is an average of approximately 4-8 sessions, but every person is different and sometimes less or more treatment maybe necessary.

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What is your cancellation policy?

If you are unable to attend your appointment you must telephone the practice at least 4 hours prior to your appointment to advise that you cannot attend.

Patients who cancel appointments with less than 4 hours notice and patients who fail to attend appointments without any notice will be charged at the session rate.

Please note that some medical insurance companies and medico-legal intermediaries are not always obliged to accept these charges and patients may be liable for this charge.

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