Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose to see a male or female practitioner ?
We have both male and female physiotherapists and masseurs that work at the Alexandra Physiotherapy Clinic, if you have a preference as to who you would like to see then please request this at time of booking.
What should I wear for my physiotherapy appointment?
At your first appointment, your physiotherapist will want to look at the immediate and associated areas of your body that are causing your problems. You will be requested to remove appropriate layers of clothing in order to examine these areas, but at all times you have the right to refuse to undress; however this may influence how effectively we can understand what is happening to your body and therefore and this may reduce the efficiency of your treatment. If there are any concerns you must voice these within the sessions and your physiotherapist will accommodate your request.
If you’re having problems that you think are caused by doing a certain movement or activity, your physiotherapist is likely to want to see you do this. It’s important to bear this in mind when you go to your appointment. For example, if you have pain when you run, take your trainers as your physiotherapist may wish to see you run.
Can I bring someone with me?
You are very welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment and they can sit in on the consultation and treatment with you if you wish, or alternatively they can wait in the reception area
Does physiotherapy hurt?
You may feel a bit sore for the first couple of days but this will usually settle. Your physiotherapist will discuss with you any pain you may have during or after your treatment session. Physiotherapy shouldn’t cause you any long-term pain, but you may feel a bit sore straight after your appointment and for the first couple of days.
This may be because :
- You’re using muscles that you haven’t used for a while
- Stiff joints have been mobilized
- Tissues have been stretched
Any pain should settle, but if it doesn’t get any better, talk to your physiotherapist about changing your treatment.
Do you have parking?
Free on-site parking is available directly in front of the clinic
What is the difference between physiotherapy and osteopathy?
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession and takes a ‘whole person’ approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patient’s general lifestyle. At the core is the patient’s involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment. We train for 3 years in all areas of medicine, such as surgical, medical and trauma; followed by years of post-graduate experience and learning in hospitals. It is only following this level of experience do we then specialise in our chosen field such as trauma and orthopaedics. It is the consolidation and use of this medical knowledge that is then applied to treat patients. Techniques such as exercise, manual therapy (for example, mobilisation, manipulation and massage) acupuncture and electrotherapy combined with this medical knowledge help to reduce pain and increase mobility. Physiotherapy is appropriate in most areas of medicine from an orthopaedic pain such as low back pain or headaches through to rehabilitation following a stroke.
Osteopathy is a system of health care that originally separated from traditional (allopathic) medical practice over a hundred years ago. Osteopaths believe in the healing power of the body and do their best to facilitate that strength. The primary area of learning is on the spine and skeletal system. Osteopathy today is a health care profession recognised by Government and the General Medical Council. It is a system of diagnosis and treatment focusing on the whole body, which works by restoring the body's structural and functional balance.
Whether you see a physiotherapist or an osteopath should be your decision. The aim of physiotherapy and osteopathy is the same, but the principles and theories behind the techniques are different so it will depend on what suits you best.
What is a Chartered Physiotherapist?
All of our physiotherapists at Alexandra Physiotherapy Clinic are Chartered and are also registered with the Health Professions Council (HCPC). A Chartered Physiotherapist is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) which is the professional organization of the profession. This means that the physiotherapist has undergone an approved course of training (usually a 3-4 year degree course), is governed by a professional code of practice and is also full insured to provide treatment services with their scope of practice.
What do treatments involve?
The aim of a physiotherapy treatment is to help overcome symptoms of the problem and to prevent recurrence. At the initial assessment a full history of the problem is taken along with other details such as previous medical history and injury, exercise regimes and work and hobby demands. A physical examination of the affected area and possible relates areas is then carried out. From this information a tailored programme is formulated including outcome goals for treatment and a possible time spans for recovery. The treatment programme is reviewed and updated at each appointment in order to accommodate individual responses.
How long do sessions last?
We recommend that the first appointment should be booked for 1 hour which will all your physiotherapist to carry out a full assessment and commence treatment. Following sessions will depend on what your treatment plan requires, however if you have any concerns about timings then you’re welcome to discuss this with your physiotherapist. Most follow up appointments are 30 minutes