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What can I expect on my first visit?
ON ARRIVAL, you will be met by Sheena or Caroline, our receptionists. You will be asked to fill in your details on our registration form, or to check that the details we hold for you from a previous visit are still accurate. You are welcome to read the paper or a magazine while in our waiting room until your appointment time, when a Physiotherapist will take you to one of our three treatment rooms.
ASSESSMENT At first we will ask lots of questions to find out all about your pain, how it began and how it behaves, as the history of the injury gives us clues as to what structure is causing the problem. There will then be a physical examination where we will look at the injured area, for instance your neck or knee. We will then look at how well you can move, how strong the surrounding muscles are, how flexible the surrounding tissues are and then palpate the joint, muscles, tendons or ligaments to locate the exact cause of the pain. At all times we will explain what we are doing and why. You will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss what you are feeling at all times.
HANDS ON Physiotherapy is a "hands on" profession and skill. We all have years of experience of how normal and of how injured tissues feel. This skill is as important to any assessment process as any scan or x-ray.
DISCUSSION We will explain what we have found on assessment and how we have reached our diagnosis. We will then discuss treatment options - the best way to fix your problem and to prevent it coming back. If we feel that further tests are needed or that Physiotherapy is not appropriate, we will tell you why and ask if we can refer you to your GP with our recommendations.
TREATMENT Physiotherapists have a range of treatments at their disposal including:-
Manual therapy - massage, joint mobilisation, joint manipulation, acupressure
Electrotherapy - ultrasound, interferential therapy, TENS and biofeedback
Exercise - stretches, strengthening work, motor control, balance re-education, posture correction.
Manual therapy - massage, joint mobilisation, joint manipulation, acupressure
Electrotherapy - ultrasound, interferential therapy, TENS and biofeedback
Exercise - stretches, strengthening work, motor control, balance re-education, posture correction.
How long are first visits?
First visits are 45 minutes to allow for full assessment and treatment
How long are subsequent treatment sessions?
Subsequent treatment sessions are usually 30 minutes, but may be longer depending on your problem. This will always be discussed with you.
How many visits will I need?
The number of treatment sessions necessary will depend on the injury. You may just need 1 or 2 before things settle or it may be longer. We will be able to indicate how many may be necessary at your first visit. Please note that on average we see patients 3.8 times.
What should I wear when I come for treatment?
You may feel more comfortable wearing shorts and a tee shirt if you are presenting with a lower leg or spinal problem.
Is a GP referral necessary?
A GP referral is not necessary unless it is a specific requirement of your health insurance policy. Our receptionists, Caroline and Sheena, can answer any questions you may have.
Will my GP be informed of my progress?
If you give your consent, on discharge from treatment, we will usually write to your GP detailing your progress.
Is the Clinic registered with insurance companies?
We are registered with the major insurance companies. We advise you to contact your insurance company
for authorisation and to discuss whether you have an excess amount on your policy. We require your membership number
and authorisation code if you would like us to send your invoice directly to your insurance company.
Is there parking at the Clinic?
There is metered parking available in nearby Gillsland Road or on Colinton Road.
Please contact us about parking in our driveway if you are less ambulant.
How much notice should I give you for cancellation?
We would appreciate at least 24 hours notice if an appointment has to be cancelled. Please note that short notice cancellations may incur a fee.
