FAQs

You can see a list of our frequently asked questions below.

General

What does a physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapy focuses on assessing, identifying and treating a wide range of movement and musculoskeletal problems to reduce pain, restore function and improve performance. Using a range of techniques, hands-on skills and tailored exercise prescription, physiotherapists support recovery from injury, manage long-term conditions and prevent future injuries.

Are physiotherapists doctors?

No, physiotherapists are not doctors. Physiotherapists are highly trained, registered and recognised individuals who play a vital role in rehabilitation, injury prevention and pain management.

Should I see a private physiotherapist?

Private physiotherapy can offer you faster access to care and rehabilitation. Providing flexible appointment times and tailored treatment plans specific to your needs to aid your recovery in a quicker timeframe than mainstream healthcare.

Do I need to bring anything

Just yourself! However, if you have had any tests or investigations related to your problem (like a scan or X Ray), it can be helpful to bring these along. If you are being assessed for an injury which uses some equipment, it may be useful to bring this along e.g. running footwear).

How do I make an appointment

Booking is really simple. You can call us on 01489331129 and speak to someone who will guide you through your options and get you booked in. Alternatively, book online 24/7 at your own convenience.

I’m not sure what to book – how do I decide?

If you are unsure of what treatment to book, give the clinic a call on 01489331129 and we can provide you with the advice and guidance on what would be the best treatment course.

How do I pay for treatment?

We will ask for payment at the end of your appointment. We accept all major credit and debit cards, cash, cheques and can send an invoice for BACS treatment (because sometimes we may forget our wallet!)

I’ve got Private Healthcare; can I use this at Peak Remedial?

Yes. We are affiliated with all major health insurers. All we ask is you check your policy for referral and coverage prior to booking. If booking over the phone, we will ask for membership details including authorisation codes to confirm the booking.

Can I change my appointment?

We understand life happens and sometimes you need to change or reschedule your appointment. All you need to do is give us a call on 01489331129 and we will help you.

You can also us our contact us form if that’s easier and we will confirm changes as soon as possible.

Please note we require a minimum 24-hour’s notice for all appointment changes and rescheduling as per our Cancellation and Did Not Arrive Policy.

Physiotherapy

Do I need to see my GP before I book a physio appointment?

No, physiotherapists are first contact practitioners, so you can make an appointment or enquiry without needing a GP referral to get an appointment.

We do not have a set number of treatments for any condition – every patient is an individual. However, following your first appointment the Physiotherapist will discuss the anticipated number of treatments. You will be reassessed on each visit and if progress plateaus out or if no improvement seems apparent then your treatment will be altered accordingly or you will be referred on to a specialist

What happens at my first appointment?

Your initial appointment is focused on understanding your condition and help you start to feel better straight away.

Beginning with a detailed conversation to understand symptoms, lifestyle and goals, this information will guide our physical assessment to identify the cause of pain or injury. Most patients will receive hands-on treatment in the very first session to aid pain relief.

What do I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

We suggest wearing loose clothing, as your therapist will want to assess your movement as part of their examination. Ideally, we need to see the area we are treating, so if it is knee related, shorts would be preferred.

Will I receive exercises to do at home?

Yes. Home exercises are an important part of recovery and help maintain progress between appointments. Your therapist will explain and guide you on your exercises in your session and will send an email of prescribed exercises so you don’t forget them.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions vary depending on the condition and how long symptoms have been present. Everyone is different, and we take pride in providing the best service to get you back to your best as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Can Physiotherapy help Sports Injuries

Yes. Physiotherapy is commonly used to treat sports injuries including (but not limited to) muscle strains, ligament and tendon problems, and restrictive movement related to sport or exercise.

Sports Massage

What is a sports massage

Sports Massage is a form of soft tissue mobilisation and manipulation, which uses a variety of techniques to target the deeper layers of muscle and fascia within the body. It’s a more intense, hands-on treatment delivered with firm pressure, compression and slow forceful strokes.

enefits of massage

The benefits of Massage include reducing pain, increasing flexibility and range of motion, improving healing, relaxing muscles, reducing muscular tension and stiffness, reducing stress and anxiety, improving circulation, and improving quality of sleep.

Can massage help with injury or pain?

Yes. Massage can be used to treat injuries, prevent injuries, prepare for physical activity, enhance performance, and promote faster recovery following physical activity.

Is massage safe?

Yes. Massage is a very safe treatment, however, there are some instances where certain conditions within your past medical history would prevent you from having one. We will ask you through some medial history to ensure sports massage is a safe treatment for you.

Can I exercise after massage?

Yes, you can exercise after a massage, but it’s best to listen to your body and start with gentle movements. We will always advise you to allow at least 24-36 hours post treatment to allow the effects of the massage to be most effective before returning to normal exercise levels.

What will I need to wear?

We suggest wearing loose clothing, that you are comfortable in. We will ask you to remove required clothing to be able to treat the area of concern. We will always keep you covered with a towel so you can be sure your modesty is maintained in all treatments.

How often should I get a massage?

The ideal frequency for getting a massage depends on your individual needs and lifestyle. For general relaxation and maintenance, once every 4-6 weeks is recommended, while athletes or those with specific issues may benefit from more frequent sessions. Your therapist can help create a personalised plan to suit your goals and recovery needs.

I’m not a sports person; can I have a sports massage?

Yes. Sports massage is a suitable treatment for all individuals wanting a firmer, more directed massage than the holistic approach.

Shockwave Therapy

Is Shockwave Therapy safe?

Yes, Shockwave Therapy is a clinically proven, safe, and non-invasive treatment option for many musculoskeletal conditions. It has NICE guidance for many conditions and is used within the NHS.

How does it work

The shockwaves produced by the machine stimulate blood flow and cellular activity in the affected area, encouraging the body’s natural healing processes.

Is Shockwave Therapy painful?

Due to the nature of Shockwave Therapy, a low-level discomfort is required however we wouldn’t describe this as painful. Your practitioner will monitor your pain levels using a 0-10 scale and will never exceed 6 out of 10 on the pain scale.

Be assured, this discomfort is generally tolerable and brief, and the discomfort felt does not last any longer than the treatment application itself.

How long is each session?

Your Shockwave therapy session will last 30 minutes (45-minutes for 2 body sites). Whilst the application of shockwave therapy lasts no more than 10 minutes, the remaining time is used for some light hands-on treatment, reviewing your exercises and providing guidance on your treatment plan.

When will I start seeing results?

Many patients notice improvements after 1-2 sessions, but full benefits are typically seen after completing the recommended course of treatment. This is normally a minimum of 3, but it will really depend how long you have had your issue, how severe it is and if you are following other recommendations from your practitioner.

Can I rest after my treatment?

We advise you to continue with normal activities immediately, although you may experience slight soreness post treatment. Your therapist will explain and teach you suitable loading exercises to complete between appointments which will work the shockwave therapy to strengthen the body tissues and progress healing further.

Can it cause more damage or pain?

When performed correctly, Shockwave Therapy does not cause further damage. Some discomfort is normal as the therapy stimulates healing.

Why do I need to stop taking my anti-inflammatory medication?

Because shockwave therapy works through stimulating the bodies natural healing process by creating inflammation in the soft tissues, any anti-inflammatory medicines inhibit the effects of the treatment and prevents the bodies healing process to occur.

We ask patients to stop taking anti-inflammatories at least 3 days prior to your first treatment to ensure SWT can begin to work immediately and have the quickest response time possible.

Side effects to SWT / does it hurt

Common side effects include mild redness, swelling, or tenderness in the treated area, which usually subside within a few days.

How will I know if this is the best treatment?

Each case is unique, and your practitioner will assess whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate during your first appointment. Your practitioner will explain the protocol and steps needed if it is deemed to be the best course of treatment for you.

How many sessions will I need?

Research suggests 3-6 sessions are optimal when achieving a successful outcome i.e. a reduction in pain and an increase in function. By working on an accumulative effect, Shockwave therapy improvements are generally noticed within session 2 or 3.

More sessions are required for more chronic conditions. This will be discussed and advised with your practitioner at the start of your treatment course.

Why is it described as a course of treatment?

Due to shockwave therapy working on an accumulative process through stimulating the bodies natural healing process, the best results are seen when treatment is applied consistently and repetitively. We advise a course of 3 sessions minimum to ensure the following:

Cumulative Effect: Each session builds on the progress of the last, gradually improving blood flow, reducing pain, and encouraging tissue repair.
Optimal Healing Stimulation: The body needs time to respond to the therapy. Spacing the sessions evenly 7-10 days apart, allows your bodies healing process to continue working allowing the tissues to regenerate efficiently.

Clinical Evidence: Studies have shown that three or more sessions are often required to achieve noticeable, lasting improvements for most conditions.

We describe the treatment as a course as there is both a financial and calendar commitment requirement from patients to complete all sessions equally for the best treatment response.

What if I’ve already tried other treatments?

Shockwave Therapy is often effective for patients who have not responded to traditional forms of treatments, making it an excellent option for long standing or chronic conditions.

Will the condition return after treatment?

Shockwave Therapy often provides long-term relief. However, it is crucial to address underlying factors, such as posture or activity, to prevent recurrence – a key part to our practitioners underlying goals in treatment.

What if the treatment doesn’t work for me?

While Shockwave Therapy has a high success rate, not all patients respond. If it’s ineffective, other treatment options can be explored.

Musculoskeletal Acupuncture

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture is generally not painful; however some may experience a mild tingling or dull ache, which is typically brief and considered a sign that the treatment is working.

Is it safe?

Yes, acupuncture is very safe when performed by a properly trained and qualified practitioner. We use single-use, sterile needles, and our practitioners are trained to the highest standards with recognition by appropriate Governing bodies. The risk of adverse effects is minimal, especially compared to many medications or invasive procedures.

How long for acupuncture to take effect?

The effects of acupuncture can vary from person to person. Some people feel relief after just one session, especially for acute conditions, while others may need several treatments to experience noticeable improvement. Acupuncture is available within physiotherapy sessions and independently. This will be discussed with you by your practitioner if seen to be an appropriate course of treatment.

What is musculoskeletal acupuncture effective for?

Acupuncture is effective for treating a variety of musculoskeletal pain and related conditions by stimulating specific points to relieve pain, reduce tension, and improve circulation.

How big are the needles?

Acupuncture needles are very fine – much thinner than those used for injections. Different needle lengths are used for different areas of the body. Your practitioner will assess your condition and use the appropriate needle size for you to complete the treatment safely and effectively.

How many needles?

The number of needles used is dependent on your condition and muscle response. Decided by your practitioner and talked through with a clinical explanation of treatment plan, you can be sure to receive the number of needles suitable for you and your condition.

Are there any side effects?

Occasionally there can be a reaction and in the short term (hours, days) the symptoms may get worse as the treatment gradually rebalances the system. General changes in energy level, appetite, sleep, digestion and emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. Immediately after the first one or two treatments they may be a feeling of deep relaxation or mild disorientation. If experienced, this passes quickly, aided by a little rest.

Find the Right Treatment for You

Every injury is unique and your treatment should be too. We take the time to understand your needs to deliver the best possible results. Flexible appointments available now

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