Frequently Asked Questions

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Can physiotherapy fix me in one session?

Sometimes—but it's uncommon.

If you've recently experienced a minor muscle strain or simple injury, one or two sessions may be enough. However, many people come to us after weeks or months of pain, by which time the body has often adapted with reduced strength, altered movement patterns and stiffness.

Your first appointment focuses on understanding the cause of your symptoms, beginning treatment and creating a personalised rehabilitation plan. Whilst many clients notice improvement after their first session, lasting recovery usually requires a number of appointments to restore strength, movement and confidence.

 

Is it normal to feel sore afterwards?

Yes. It's completely normal to feel a little sore for 24–48 hours after physiotherapy, particularly if we've treated stiff joints, worked on tight muscles or introduced new exercises.

This soreness is usually mild and should settle quickly. Gentle movement, staying hydrated and following your physiotherapist's advice will often help.

If you experience severe pain or have any concerns after your appointment, please contact us so we can advise you.

 

How often should I have physiotherapy?

This depends on your condition, your goals and how your body responds to treatment.

Many clients are seen weekly or fortnightly during the early stages of rehabilitation. As you improve, appointments are usually spaced further apart while you continue progressing independently.

Your physiotherapist will recommend a treatment plan that's appropriate for you and review it regularly throughout your recovery.

 

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You don't need a GP referral to see one of our physiotherapists.

You can book directly with us at any time. If you're using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a referral before authorising treatment, so it's always worth checking your policy first.

 

Should I keep exercising?

In most cases, yes.

Rest isn't always the answer. Whilst some activities may need to be modified, keeping your body moving is often an important part of recovery.

Your physiotherapist will explain which activities are safe to continue, which should be temporarily reduced and which exercises will help speed up your recovery.

 

When will I notice improvement?

Many clients notice some improvement after their first appointment, particularly if pain is the main issue.

However, long-term recovery takes time. Healing, rebuilding strength and restoring normal movement happen gradually over several weeks.

Your physiotherapist will explain what to expect based on your specific condition and provide realistic timescales for your recovery.

 

Can physiotherapy prevent injuries?

Absolutely.

Physiotherapy isn't just about treating pain—it's also about identifying weaknesses, movement patterns and lifestyle factors that may increase your risk of injury.

By improving strength, mobility, balance and movement quality, physiotherapy can help reduce the likelihood of future injuries and keep you active for longer.

 

Is physiotherapy worth it?

For many people, yes.

Physiotherapy aims to address the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than simply masking the pain. By improving movement, strength and function, it can help you return to work, sport and everyday activities while reducing the risk of recurring problems.

Investing in your recovery now can often prevent longer-term pain, repeated injuries and more invasive treatments later.

 

I don't play sport—can physiotherapy still help me?

Absolutely.

Despite the name "sports physiotherapy", we treat people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you're struggling with back pain from sitting at a desk, shoulder pain from gardening, arthritis, post-operative rehabilitation or simply want to move more comfortably, physiotherapy can help.

Our treatment is always tailored to your lifestyle and personal goals.

 

What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows us to assess the affected area.

For example:

• Shorts are ideal for hip, knee or ankle problems.

• A vest top is helpful for shoulder or neck assessments.

• Sportswear or loose-fitting clothing is generally best.

If needed, we'll provide a gown or towel to ensure you're comfortable during your assessment.

 

Do you offer hands-on treatment?

Yes, where clinically appropriate.

Your treatment may include hands-on therapy such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, sports massage, acupuncture or taping alongside a personalised exercise programme.

We believe the best results come from combining hands-on treatment with progressive rehabilitation to achieve lasting improvements.