Do I have to see my GP before making an appointment?
It is not necessary to see your GP before having physiotherapy treatment as
the Physiotherapist will be able to decide if treatment or referral
is necessary. We do however encourage communication between
your GP and the Clinic so that information about you is available
to all medical staff who care for you. Should you prefer to
keep details concerning your condition, private then we are
bound by the rules of confidentiality and will tell no one your
details.
Some insurance companies require you to obtain a GP's letter
of referral before commencing physiotherapy treatment and in this case you
must see your GP before attending the Clinic.
Do you treat everybody who wants to undergo treatment?
When anyone first attends the clinic, we make an 'assessment'.
This means that you are asked about the history of your injury
and any other medical background that might be important. The
injured part is examined and you might be asked to move it in
a number of different ways. When the examination is completed
you will normally be told what your injury is and how it might
affect you. Sometimes it may be necessary to obtain an X-ray
or MRI Scan to confirm or clarify something which is not clear
during the examination. We have arrangements with private hospitals
to obtain these very quickly or you can obtain them through
your own GP if you prefer. When all the facts have been gathered
together you will be given a number of treatment options. Some
of these will involve physiotherapy treatment but some may involve
treatment from your own GP or a hospital consultant. There will
be no pressure on you to have a particular treatment but you
will be given an objective view on your best option.
What do I wear when I have an assessment?
You can wear anything which you find comfortable and which allows
the damaged part to be examined easily. If your neck or shoulder
is to be examined for instance you might want to wear a strapless
top or a dress with very thin straps over the shoulder. If your
back is to be examined a loose top and loose shorts may be appropriate
or a loose skirt and underwear. Generally loose clothing which
can be moved to allow the part to be examined whilst maintaining
your dignity will be suitable. Do not wear 'all in one' underclothes
if your back is to be examined.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me?
We are more than happy for you to bring somebody to accompany
you at the clinic. They may come with you and wait in the reception
area or come into the room during your assessment and treatment.
We do not allow children to accompany you during treatment or
assessment because treatment rooms are potentially dangerous
for uncontrolled children, they prevent you concentrating on
the questions you are answering and prove a distraction to everyone.