Frequently Asked Questions

No. We operate as a direct-access service, so you can book without seeing your GP first. If you are using private health insurance, your insurer may require pre-authorisation before your appointment, so check your policy and get any required claim number before booking.

Yes. As HCPC-registered physiotherapists we are qualified to assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions independently. If you have a complex medical history, let us know when you book so we can factor this into your assessment.

Your initial consultation lasts 45 minutes. It starts with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, history, lifestyle and goals, followed by a thorough physical assessment. You will leave with a clear explanation of what is going on, hands-on treatment in the same session, and a home exercise programme.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated. Shorts for lower limb problems, a vest or loose t-shirt for shoulder or upper back issues, comfortable trousers or leggings for lower back problems. If you are unsure, just ask when you book.

The more detail the better. Useful things to mention: where the pain is, when it started and how, what makes it better or worse, any previous treatment, and how it affects your daily life. Your physiotherapist will guide you with specific questions, so do not worry if you cannot answer everything upfront.

Look for HCPC registration, which is the legal requirement to practise in the UK, and CSP membership as an indicator of professional standards. Beyond that, look for relevant experience, clear communication and an approach that focuses on finding the cause rather than managing symptoms. All our physiotherapists meet these criteria.

Many patients notice improvement after their first or second session. For straightforward acute injuries, 4 to 6 sessions is often sufficient. Chronic or complex conditions may take longer. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic timeline at your initial assessment.

This depends on your condition and stage of recovery. Weekly sessions are common in the early stages, spacing out to fortnightly or monthly as you progress. Your physiotherapist will recommend the right frequency for you.

Some muscle soreness for 24 to 48 hours after treatment is normal, particularly when new exercises or hands-on techniques have been introduced. Most patients also feel looser or have reduced pain immediately after. If significant pain does not settle within 48 hours, contact us and we will advise you.

Signs of progress include reduced pain, improved range of movement, greater strength or function, and being able to do things you could not before. Progress is not always linear. Your physiotherapist will reassess regularly and adjust the plan if needed.

When you have reached your treatment goals, such as returning to full activity or having the tools to self-manage well. Your physiotherapist will discuss discharge with you and make sure you have a clear plan to maintain your progress. We do not keep patients attending appointments unnecessarily.

Pain often reduces before the underlying cause has been fully addressed, so stopping early is one of the most common reasons problems come back. If you are considering stopping before your physiotherapist recommends, discuss it with them first.

Consistency with your home exercise programme is the single biggest factor. Adequate sleep, good nutrition and staying active within your limits all help too. If exercises feel too difficult or are causing more pain, let your physiotherapist know so the programme can be adjusted.

Massage focuses on soft tissue and is primarily aimed at relaxation and short-term relief. It does not include clinical assessment or address the underlying causes of dysfunction. Physiotherapy involves comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and a range of evidence-based treatments, with the goal of resolving the root cause of your problem.

Yes. Physiotherapy has a strong evidence base for back pain at all stages, acute and chronic. Our approach involves identifying the specific cause rather than applying generic treatment, which produces far better results. Most back pain, even severe back pain, responds well to physiotherapy.

At Urmston Physio Clinic we specialise in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, covering: back and neck pain, shoulder and upper limb conditions, hip, knee, ankle and foot problems, sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, sciatica and nerve pain, headaches, arthritis, and movement and performance assessment.

Yes. Chronic pain often involves a combination of physical, lifestyle and sometimes psychological factors. Our approach involves a thorough assessment to identify all contributing factors, followed by a structured treatment plan that addresses both the physical drivers and the broader picture.

Yes. Exercise therapy and manual physiotherapy are among the most evidence-based treatments for osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy cannot reverse joint changes, but it can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility and strengthen the muscles around the joint. Many people with arthritis avoid or delay surgery with appropriate physiotherapy.

Many headaches, particularly tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches originating from the neck, respond well to physiotherapy. These types of headache often come from stiffness or dysfunction in the cervical spine, and targeted manual therapy combined with specific exercises can produce lasting improvement.

Yes. Poor posture often contributes to neck pain, back pain, shoulder problems and headaches. Physiotherapy identifies the specific postural habits and muscle imbalances involved and addresses them through targeted exercise and practical movement changes. Postural correction is about changing how you move, not just sitting up straighter.

For many conditions, yes. Research shows physiotherapy can achieve equivalent or better outcomes than surgery for a number of common conditions, including meniscal tears, rotator cuff problems, lumbar disc herniation and knee osteoarthritis. We will give you an honest assessment of whether physiotherapy is likely to be sufficient for your situation.

Post-operative physiotherapy is essential for getting the best outcome from any procedure. Whether you have had a hip or knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, shoulder repair or spinal surgery, a structured rehabilitation programme is what turns a successful operation into a full functional recovery.

It varies significantly. A mild muscle strain may resolve in 2 to 4 weeks. Ligament injuries typically take 6 to 12 weeks. ACL reconstruction rehabilitation is usually 9 to 12 months. Starting appropriate treatment early and following a structured programme makes a significant difference to recovery time.

Yes. Whether you have been in a road traffic accident, a fall or a workplace incident, physiotherapy can help with the physical recovery. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries and fracture rehabilitation all respond well to physiotherapy. If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, please contact us to discuss your situation.

As soon as possible after injury or onset of pain. Early intervention is associated with faster recovery, lower risk of the problem becoming chronic, and lower overall treatment costs. If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your problem, call us and we will advise you honestly.

Our fees are: initial consultation (45 minutes) £60, follow-up appointments (30 minutes) £60. There are no hidden charges. For full details visit our Pricing page.

We are recognised providers for BUPA, AXA Health, Aviva and WPA. If your policy includes physiotherapy cover, your treatment may be fully or partially covered. Contact your insurer before booking to confirm coverage and obtain any required authorisation number.

For the great majority of people who commit to the process, yes. Consider the alternative: months or years of pain, reduced activity, time off work and the potential progression towards surgery, each of which carries far greater cost in money and quality of life. We will always be honest with you about what we think we can achieve.

Yes. Physiotherapy is safe and very effective for older adults. It is particularly valuable for maintaining mobility, managing arthritis, improving balance and supporting recovery after surgery. All treatment is adapted to your individual capacity and health status.

Yes. By identifying movement problems, muscle imbalances and biomechanical weaknesses before they lead to injury, physiotherapy can significantly reduce your risk. This is especially valuable for runners, cyclists and anyone who trains regularly.