Physiotherapy FAQs to Help Your Treatment Journey 

Response Physio | 22.09.21

Physiotherapy FAQs
to Help Your Treatment Journey 

In this blog, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about physiotherapy & sports therapy, so you’re well prepared before your appointment. Common questions answered include the cost of physiotherapy, whether to go private or NHS, what to expect in your session, how many sessions are typically needed and the types of treatments involved.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to book an appointment? 

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral for us to treat you. Just give us a call or if you are a self-paying you can book an appointment online with a clinician and clinic of your choice.

If you have insurance, you may have to contact your provider and ask for a referral or they may provide you with an authorisation code which you will need on booking an appointment.

If you are in doubt or have any questions feel free to give us a call for advice on 0330 024 1377

How much does physiotherapy cost? 

This is an extremely common question people ask and the answer is “it depends”.

It is extremely difficult to give an accurate answer on the cost of physiotherapy as our prices vary depending on location, duration, treatment, consultation type, and whether you are a private, insurance or NHS patient.   

For example, dependent on your insurance policy you may or may not have to pay an excess fee for physiotherapy sessions.

Some of our locations such as Nottingham have NHS contracts this means you can get referred for free physiotherapy by your GP however this may take longer subject to waiting times.  

For private physiotherapy, our costs start at:

  • Face to face physiotherapy (60 minutes) £75
  • Face to face physiotherapy (30 minutes) start from £45*
  • Virtual physiotherapy (60 mins) £70 Virtual Physiotherapy (30 mins) £40
  • Sports massage (60 mins) £60
  • Sports massage (30 mins) £35

These prices varying depending on clinic location. This being said, most of the time physiotherapy costs less than you think.  

One way to drive physiotherapy costs down is to get an expert opinion early on, allowing for an accurate diagnosis with an appropriate management strategy and realistic timeframes for your condition to quickly resolve your problems. 

What should I expect on my first visit? 

Your first appointment will be an initial assessment where the physiotherapist will start by gaining a detailed history of your current condition by having a chat with you and asking a few questions.

Following this, the physiotherapist may have a few ideas of what might be going on which they will put to the test by completing certain physical tests. This may include palpation, ligamentous and joint integrity testing, strength assessments, range of motion, neurological testing and so on. These tests are designed to help the physiotherapist diagnose your current condition and determine the best management strategy for your specific problems.

What are the different types of treatment involved in physiotherapy?

At Response, we specialise in musculoskeletal therapy, which is the treatment of injuries and conditions that affect muscles, joints, and soft tissues. After your initial assessment, your therapist will clinically reason the most appropriate treatment you will require with the aim of improving pain, function, and help achieve patient goals.

This may include or be a combination of the following:

  • Strengthening exercises
  • Education on your injury and how to self-manage it
  • Stretches
  • Acupuncture or dry needling
  • Electrical modalities (shockwave, ultrasound, electrical neuromuscular stimulation, TENS)
  • Cupping
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Manual therapy (joint mobilisations, muscle energy techniques)
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Corrective exercises
  • Injury prevention

Physiotherapy sessions vary from shorter sessions (30 minutes) or longer sessions (60 minutes) however these will be dependent on the patient’s needs.

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need? 

It’s extremely difficult to answer this question before your first initial assessment is complete, as the answer will depend on your diagnosis, medical history, and several other factors.

After your initial assessment, your therapist will have a better idea of how many sessions you will need and will work with you to set realistic expectations for your recovery. Those with less severe injuries may only require the initial session and treatment that will give them the tools to self-manage their condition. For more serious injuries, such as ACL reconstructions, you may need several months of therapy.

If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of our customer support team. They will be happy to help.

 

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