Registered with the health professions council

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on a questions to view the answer.

Appointments

You will be given a computer-generated programme of exercises specifically designed for your condition. This will be continually reassessed as you improve.

Expand Q: How do I make an appointment to see you?

A. The easiest way is to contact me by telephone. If I am in clinic you can leave your name and contact number and I will get back to you.  However you can also contact me by e-mail or via a web form on the contact page.

Expand Q: Are you registered with health insurance companies?

A. I am registered with most leading medical companies. If you are wanting to use your private health insurance, first check with your insurance company that you are covered and what procedure you need to follow.

Expand Q: What are your opening times?

A. Monday-Friday from 8.00am – 6.00pm. I also work some evenings and weekends.

Expand Q: I have difficulty coping with steps; can I easily get into the clinic?

A.If you are unable to cope with the five steps to the clinic entrance there is a level path round the side of the building

Expand Q: Is there a waiting area?

A. Yes, there is a comfortable waiting room for you to wait in if you arrive early. If you have someone with you they can sit there and read while you have your physiotherapy treatment.

Expand Q: Do you take credit cards?

A. I am afraid I am unable to take credit or debit cards and can only accept cash and cheques supported by a bank card.

Expand Q: What happens if I cancel an appointment?

A. If you give me more than 24 hours notice there will be no charge. If, however, you give less than 24 hours notice the full charge may be made.

Expand Q: What happens if I fail to turn up for an appointment?

A. If you do not attend for an appointment I will, unfortunately, have to invoice you for the full amount.

Treatments

Expand Q: What to expect when you first visit the clinic

  • When we meet you will be asked for your full medical history.
  • I will undertake a thorough assessment of each problem. This will involve a comprehensive examination, together with an understanding of your work, rest and recreational activities.
  • This full assessment may identify a problem that is situated some distance from where the pain is felt. It also ensures that the diagnosis and treatment will relate to you and your whole lifestyle.
  •  What you hope to gain from treatment will also be discussed, so that we both have a clear understanding of your condition and agree with the proposed treatment plan.
  • This clinical diagnosis may include an analysis of the way relevant parts of the body move in relation to each other. How the body moves cannot be shown with scans or X-rays but it is a vital element in deciding on the cause of problems and appropriate treatment.
  • I often use the help of a skeleton, photographs and pictures to help you visualise the problem.
  • After consultation we will decide on the best form of treatment, which may include manual therapy (manipulation, mobilisation and massage) exercises and electrical treatment such as ultrasound. However probably the most important aim is to help you understand your problem and what you can do to help improve your condition.
  • Treatment will be directed at your current problem and the equally important aspect of correcting any postural misalignment or muscle imbalance.
  • The treatment plan is tailor-made for you, and will give you the tools to keep your body working in the way it was designed.
  • You are welcome to be accompanied by a friend or family member during treatment

Expand Q: What conditions do you treat?

A. I treat a variety of conditions. These include:

  • SPORTS INJURIES to muscles, ligament, cartilage and tendon.
  • POST ACCIDENT REHABILITATION: e.g. whiplash injuries
  • Work related conditions: such as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
  • SOFT TISSUE INJURIES / PROBLEMS: hamstring & calf strains; sprained ankle
  • Overuse injuries:  Achilles strains, Rotator cuff injuries, tennis and golfer’s elbow, shin splints, whiplash.
  • SPINAL PROBLEMS: neck & back pain, sciatica, lumbago, stiff / painful neck and referred arm and leg pains.
  • JOINT PROBLEMS: arthritic conditions, injury, pain / swelling / stiffness in joints such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles.
  • AFTER SURGERY: rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery, e.g. hip and knee replacements
  • FRACTURES: treatment to increase the healing rate and to gain full function once the bones have healed.
More information is available on the physiotherapy & treatments page.

Expand Q: Should I stop taking medication before having physiotherapy?

A. Try not to alter any medication immediately prior to your visit.

Expand Q: How long will the treatment sessions last?

A. The initial assessment and first treatment will usually last an hour. Subsequent treatments usually last between half an hour to 45 minutes although this may vary depending on your condition.

Expand Q: How many treatments will I need?

A. This will depend on the findings at assessment. You may only need one session with some advice on how to make the best recovery. Some problems can be treated in 1 or 2 visits, while others, such as a severe back injury or a long-standing shoulder problem, can require a few sessions. At your initial appointment I will hopefully be able to give you an estimate of how many sessions you may need.

Expand Q: What should I wear?

A. You will need to wear appropriate and comfortable clothing. I will need to look at the area concerned and this may mean that you have to remove some clothing. It is therefore easier if you wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be taken off easily. If you are attending for your back, shoulder or legs, you may wish to bring a strappy / sleeveless top or a pair of shorts as appropriate.

Expand Q: What treatments do you offer? more information...

A. The treatment may include hands-on therapies such as mobilisations, manipulation ultrasound and therapeutic exercise. [read more information about the treatments offered]

Expand Q: How will I remember my exercise programme?

A. I use a computerised programme of exercises. You will be given a printed programme of exercises specifically designed for your condition. This will be continually reassessed and revised as you improve.

General Physiotherapy

Expand Q: What is a Chartered Physiotherapist?

A. After doctors and nurses chartered physiotherapists are the third largest of the medical professions. Chartered Physiotherapy is the only recognised qualification for training in the UK and carries an honours B.Sc. degree.

Expand Q: What training do Chartered Physiotherapists have?

A. Following the University course, all newly qualified practitioners then continue to gain experience within the NHS as junior members of staff on a similar basis to junior doctors. Subsequent years in hospitals offer the necessary experience and post-graduate courses required to develop particular skills and knowledge.

Expand Q: How do I know if a physiotherapist is fully trained and has a qualification recognised by the state?

A. All members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists - known as Chartered Physiotherapists – have the designatory letters "MCSP" after their name. They have undergone the required training and passed the necessary state recognised examinations to enable them to practice both within the National Health Service and in Private Practice. Physiotherapists are also required to be registered with the regulatory body – the Health Professions Council.

Expand Q: What does a Chartered Physiotherapist do?

A. A Chartered Physiotherapist is trained to treat the whole body by correcting and improving the body's own natural healing mechanisms without the use of drugs or medication unless prescribed by your doctor.

Expand Q: Can I refer myself or do I need to see a doctor first?

A: You do not need a doctor’s referral and can contact me directly.  However both GP's and consultants also refer their patients to me for physiotherapy and they may either contact me with a referral or ask you to make direct contact. In personal injury cases your insurance company may also make arrangements to refer you to physiotherapists registered with them.