What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a science based health care profession in which principles from biological, physical and behavioural sciences are integrated and applied.  It involves the identification and maximisation of the individual patients functional ability and potential, prevention of disease or injury, treatment and rehabilitation.  It is particularly concerned with enabling patients to restore and maintain maximal movement and functional ability throughout their life span.  This is especially important when movement and function are compromised by injury, pain, disease, environmental factors or the ageing process.

What does a physiotherapy treatment involve at The Therapy Room?

There are many hands on therapies but physiotherapy is unique in its approach.  Through training and continuous professional development, physiotherapists gain an in depth knowledge of the normal and pathological human body functions.   During your first visit to The Therapy Room you will be assessed on your particular movement or functional limitations.  Firstly you will have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms and will be asked questions regarding any previous health issues. Your movement and function will then be fully assessed.  The physiotherapist aims to look at the quality and range of movement and will be able to judge whether any dysfunctions in the joints, ligaments, muscles, fascia, biomechanics or neural structures are impinging on your maximal functional potential.  Towards the end of your first visit the assessment findings will be discussed fully with you so you have a clear idea of what is going on.  The physio will then discuss the options available to you so that you can make an informed choice about your treatment.  The physio will work with you to achieve realistic goals that are relevant to your individual lifestyle.  If more sessions are required these can be booked at your convenience.

At The Therapy Room, the physiotherapist works as part of a larger multi disciplinary team, to ensure that you are receiving the best possible care.  It is sometimes necessary therefore to refer clients on to other specialists, e.g. orthopaedic consultants, or for further investigations e.g. X Rays or MRI scans.

Do you need a doctor’s referral to receive physiotherapy treatment at The Therapy Room?

To receive physiotherapy in the NHS you will need either a referral from your GP or hospital consultant.  To attend private physiotherapy you are able to make an appointment without referral. However, if you have private health care insurance, they often state that you need a GP referral to verify your treatment.

How do I find a qualified physiotherapist?

The letters MCSP (after a name will indicate that one is a member of the chartered society of physiotherapy, and this shows that the physiotherapist is responsible for maintaining a high professional standard of evidence based care.  The letters BSc Hons is an indication of attaining a degree in physiotherapy. 

What can a physiotherapist treat at The Therapy Room?

Physiotherapists specialise in alleviating pain, restoring and increasing the range of motion in joints, improving muscle power and coordination, increasing the rate and healing of soft tissue, bone and neural structures, rehabilitation, biomechanics and postural re-education, ergonomics and prevention of injury. Physiotherapists have extensively studied pathologies pertaining to movement dysfunctions in all areas of the body.

At The Therapy Room you can receive physiotherapy treatment for: soft tissue injuries such as muscular, ligamental and fascial problems; joint problems such as cartilage tears, hypermobility, subluxation, dislocation and arthritis; biomechanical and postural problems; orthopaedic problems, following a fracture or operation, and much more.

What treatments does a physiotherapist use at The Therapy Room?

Physiotherapists use clinical reasoning based on scientific evidence when deciding on your individual treatment programme.  They use a combination of techniques including joint mobilisations and manipulations, massage and soft tissue techniques, neural tissue techniques, taping, personal exercise programmes, muscle strengthening and core stability work, stretching, biomechanical an injury prevention, postural and ergonomic advice, electrotherapy and much more. 

How long does a physiotherapy treatment last at The Therapy Room?

Your first session will last for about 1 hour and will involve a full assessment, first treatment, explanation of assessment findings and explanation of treatment plan.

Follow up treatments last between 30 and 40 minutes.

How much does a physiotherapy treatment cost at The Therapy Room?

An initial consultancy costs £30, with follow up 30 minute sessions at £20.

What do I need to bring to a physiotherapy session?

The physiotherapist will need to see the affected joint and the surrounding joints clearly.  It is a good idea to wear shorts if you have a lower limb problem, to wear a vest top if you have a neck or shoulder problem, and to wear suitable underwear if you have a spinal problem.  Your privacy and dignity will be maintained at all times. It is also helpful to bring a list of your present medications and the names of any other medical personnel you are currently receiving treatment from.