Find answers to your questions

These are the answers to the questions we get asked most frequently. If you have a question and have not been able to find an answer please contact us.

Click on a question to view the answer.

Help with deciding whether physiotherapy is right for you

• What is physiotherapy?

  Physiotherapy is a variety of hands-on treatments and prescribed exercise to promote pain relief, healing and rehabilitation. It is effective for a range of muscle, joint and nerve conditions regardless of whether they have resulted from injury, illness or disability. 

   

• What types of problem can physiotherapy help?

  Physiotherapy can be used to help manage a wide variety of painful movement problems that affect any area of the human body. Most often these conditions relate to problems with bones, nerves, joints and soft tissues. If you have questions about your specific problem, please contact us.

   

• Do I need to see my doctor first?

  If you are self-referring and paying for your own treatment then you do not need to see your GP first, however some private medical insurers may require you to provide a GP's referral. Please check with your insurance company before attending your first session.

   

• Will I always see the same physiotherapist?

  We endeavour to ensure you always see the same therapist. However, to fit in with your diary or if a member of staff is absent, you may choose to see a different therapist so that you can continue with your treatment.

• Do you offer weekend/evening appointments?

  We do not currently offer weekend appointments but we do offer evening appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

   

• Can I bring a friend or family member with me?

  Yes, of course but children must be constantly supervised by an adult.

   

• Do you treat children?

  We are currently only able to treat patients over the age of 18.

   

• Do I need an assessment to access the pool?

  Yes, before you can take part in hydrotherapy, you will need to complete a health screen or be assessed by one of our physiotherapists. Please contact us for a chat. 

   

Your first appointment

• Does physiotherapy hurt?

  During assessment, your physiotherapist will want to find the cause of your pain, so this can sometimes be uncomfortable. At no stage should you feel a level of discomfort that you are unable to tolerate. Your physiotherapist will give you clear guidelines on what to expect during and after treatment and you will be encouraged to feedback your experience.

   

• What should I wear?

  Wear some comfortable clothing to your appointment such as a loose top, tracksuit or shorts and trainers. For hydrotherapy treatment, swimming shorts or a one-piece swimsuit are ideal.

   

• Will I need to get undressed during my physiotherapy appointment??

  Your physiotherapist will want to look at the area of your body that is causing you a problem. If you are having problems that you think are caused by doing a certain movement or activity, your physiotherapist is likely to want to see you do this. You will not be asked to remove more clothing than is necessary, but problems in your back and hip may require you to undress to your underwear.  

   

• What should I bring?

  For the initial assessment please bring or wear comfortable clothing, details of any investigations such as X-rays and a list of your medications.
  If you are coming for a class or treatment, if relevant, it is essential that you bring medications such as your GTN spray or asthma inhaler.
  When using the pool, please bring a towel and toiletries. Some people also like to bring a gown and pool shoes.

   

• Will you need to know what medication I am taking?

  Yes, when we meet you for the initial assessment we will ask you for a list of any medication you are taking.

   

• Can I eat/drink before coming for treatment?

  There is no reason not too and it is actively encouraged prior to acupuncture.

Facilities

• Is there a car park?

  Yes, we have free parking on site.

   

• Do you have a lift?

  Yes, we have a lift. We have full disabled access to both the hydrotherapy and physiotherapy areas of the building.

   

• Will I be able to get a drink?

  Yes, we have cold water dispensers.

   

Information for referrers

• I am a health professional; can I refer a patient to the service for physiotherapy or hydrotherapy?

  If you would like to refer a patient to physiotherapy, it is helpful if you can fill out the referral form, or enclose a letter. If you would like to refer a patient to hydrotherapy, you will need to fill in a referral form and a health screen form, which you will find on our page for health care professionals. Please complete the forms fully. 

   

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