Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring any relevant medical letters, scan results (if available) and a list of medications. Wear comfortable clothing that allows us to assess the area you’re coming in forâshorts or a vest top can be helpful depending on the body part.
Do I need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist?
Not at all. You can self-refer directly to us.
If you’re using private health insurance, you will need to have spoken to them, to get an authorisation code for treatment. Without this you will be charged our normal self-paying patient fees.
How long is the initial assessment and what can I expect?
Your first appointment will usually last up to 45 minutes, or 60 minutes if youâve opted for the longer appointment. Weâll take time to listen to your story, understand your symptoms, carry out a physical assessment, and start treatment if appropriate. Youâll leave with a clear plan and feel empowered with knowledge about your condition.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happensâwe get it. Just give us at least 24 hoursâ notice if you need to cancel or move your appointment. This allows us to offer the slot to someone else. Late cancellations or missed appointments will incur a charge.
Where can I park, and is the clinic accessible?
We have on-site parking available, and the clinic is fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges. If you need any additional support before your visit, just call our reception teamâtheyâll be happy to help.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes, of course. Youâre very welcome to bring a friend, partner, or family member if it helps you feel more comfortable. If you would prefer a chaperone provided by the clinic, just let us know when bookingâweâre happy to arrange that for you. Your comfort, dignity, and privacy are really important to us. You can ask for a chaperone at any stage of your treatment.
What if I donât feel comfortable undressing for the assessment?
Thatâs absolutely okay. Your comfort and boundaries will always be respected. While we sometimes ask patients to remove certain items of clothing to fully assess a joint or movement, weâll always explain why and check that youâre happy to do so. If youâd prefer not to undress, we can adapt the assessmentâyour physiotherapist will work with you to find the best approach without compromising your care.
What happens after my first appointment?
At the end of your initial session, your physiotherapist will explain your diagnosis (if clear), outline a personalised treatment plan, and discuss how many sessions may be needed. Youâll usually be given some exercises or advice to get started at home.
If we think further investigations or onward referral are needed, weâll guide you through your options. Weâre here to support you every step of the way.
Physiotherapy students
We often have work experience and physiotherapy students on placement with us. We feel itâs important to train our next generation of physiotherapists, to help us when we age!
They will always be fully supervised but if youâd prefer not to be seen by a student please let us know when you book your appointment. It wonât affect the treatment you receive.
Digital and AI clinical notes
We try and keep to the forefront of medical technology. We use the Jane app for documenting our clinical notes (as well as online booking, diary management and invoicing). We also use AI transcription software, Heidi to allow us to spend more time with the patient. You will be asked for your consent the first time we use this software.
Both these systems are fully GDPR compliant.