Frequently Asked Questions

Please select a topic:

First things first
Will Physiotherapy help my problem?
The Initial Assessment
Ongoing Treatment
Will it hurt?
What should I wear?
What if I need to see a specialist?
What if I need an X-ray or a scan?
Can you supply orthotic corrective insoles?
What can I do if I can’t attend for my appointment?
How can I pay?
Are your Physiotherapists registered with my insurance company?
Will I be able to return to playing sport?

First things first

You do not need to be referred to Restore Physiotherapy for treatment by your doctor, you can just telephone us and usually you will be able to get an appointment the same day. Our ability to see you quickly for assessment and treatment means we can begin rehabilitation immediately and return you to fitness sooner.

You cannot receive treatment without firstly having an initial assessment as we will need to determine the nature and cause of the problem in order to offer the most appropriate treatment. This applies even if you have recently seen another therapist or doctor because we need to make our own assessments of your current condition. This ensures that nothing has been missed or changed since any previous treatment and gives us a clear starting point.

Will Physiotherapy help my problem?

Physiotherapy can be of benefit in numerous health problems, however to determine if it is the appropriate treatment for your problem you will need to undergo the initial assessment. From this we will be able to identify the cause of your symptoms and discuss an appropriate course of action. If we do not think Physiotherapy will help we will tell you and advise on what else might be more suitable for you.

The Initial Assessment

The initial assessment usually lasts approximately 30 minutes. On arrival at Restore Physiotherapy you will be asked to complete a registration and consent form. Following this you will be asked a series of questions relating to your condition or injury which are very important as it enables us to exclude certain conditions and to pinpoint the nature of the problem.

We will also need to take details of your medical history including any major illnesses or surgery you have received and any details of medication you may be taking. These details are important as some physiotherapy treatments are not advised in certain medical conditions or if you are taking certain medicines. You might wish to bring a list of your current medicines with you.

Once this part of the assessment is complete we should have a good idea of what the problem is. Next you will undergo a physical examination and assessment involving specific movements, measurements and specialised tests, which will help us reach diagnosis.

During the physical assessment you may need to undress to enable the Physiotherapist to accurately assess the structures at fault, but we will ensure that your dignity is maintained at all times. You are welcome to bring a chaperone if you wish.

Some of the tests during the physical assessment may be painful but they are necessary to find a positive reproduction of your symptoms to enable accurate identification of your problem.

At the end of the session we will discuss your condition and symptoms with you and explain the findings of the assessment. We will go on to explain the appropriate treatment needed and the estimated time of return to work or playing sport again.

During this first session there is normally a little time to start some form of treatment, normally in the form of advice and an exercise plan and what you should and should not be doing so as not to interfere with or slow down the recovery process.

Ongoing Treatment

The ongoing treatment sessions last approximately 30 minutes during which we will ask how your symptoms are, how they are progressing and compare this to the clinical findings of the physical assessment.

The treatment you receive will depend on the type of problem you have and any medical conditions you have. Some of the treatments Restore Physiotherapy offer include massage, mobilisation techniques, manipulation, ultrasound and acupuncture.

Will it hurt?

During the initial assessment you will be asked to perform certain tests that will produce or provoke your pain, this is necessary to establish a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment. Certain treatment techniques can be painful but we will make you aware of this before we commence and explain to you the advantages and the reasons for that type of treatment.

What should I wear?

It is important to wear comfortable clothing for the initial assessment to allow you to move freely to perform the movements we will need to observe and analyse. You may need to undress for parts of the assessment to enable us to see the problem area. If you are coming with an ankle or a knee problem it would be helpful if you could wear shorts or if it is a shoulder problem then ladies may feel more comfortable wearing a vest top. We will ensure that dignity is maintained at all times during the assessment and all ongoing treatment. If you would prefer to be treated by a Physiotherapist of the same sex then this can be arranged. If you have any concerns about this please do not hesitate to contact us prior to your visit.

What if I need to see a specialist?

We will discuss with you if we feel it is appropriate for you to see a specialist and will explain the reasons for and benefits of a specialist opinion. You may be referred to a specialist for further investigation (MRI scan or X-Ray) or for an opinion on whether you are an appropriate candidate for surgery. Your Physiotherapist can recommend a specialist and can put you in contact with them. We can also provide detailed reports for you to take with you when you see a specialist informing them of our findings and our intervention. If you have any further questions regarding this please contact us.

What if I need an X-ray or a scan?

Your Physiotherapist will discuss with you whether this type of investigation is required. You can either get these done on the NHS or privately and we can give you details of where to go and prices for these types of investigations privately if it is appropriate. We can also write to your doctor detailing our diagnosis before you undertake any investigations. For any further questions regarding this issue please contact us to discuss.

Can you supply orthotic corrective insoles?

We can advise if we feel insoles are needed after you have undertaken your initial assessment and can supply them. If we do not have the appropriate insole in stock then we will order it for you, usually taking 48 hours to arrive at the clinic.

Alternatively we can arrange a consultation with our on-site podiatrist for a specialist opinion.

What can I do if I can’t attend my appointment?

If you cannot attend your appointment then you need to contact us by telephone as soon as possible. Failure to notify us will mean that we will charge for a missed appointment or if you do not give 24 hours notice for your cancellation. You can telephone over the weekend to cancel an appointment for the following week by leaving a message which will be picked up on Monday morning.

How can I pay?

Payment is required after every treatment and currently we accept cash or cheque. If you have private health insurance then you will need to bring along the name and address of the company and your claim number. We can then invoice the insurance company directly for the cost of your treatment.

Are your Physiotherapists registered with my health insurance company?

Our Physiotherapists are registered with most major health insurance companies and we offer direct billing of insurance companies for your convenience.

Please contact us to find out whether we are registered, or if you contact your insurance company directly they will be able to tell you if we are registered with them.

Will I be able to return to playing sport?

All our Physiotherapists have experience in sports related injury. When you attend for your initial assessment we will be able to give you an indication of the nature and severity of your injury and from this develop a plan and timescale for your return to sporting activity.

We also employ a specialist sports rehabilitator who can advise on returning to sporting activities if needed.