Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist?
No. You can book directly with me without a GP referral. This is known as
self-referral and is the normal route for private physiotherapy. If you have
private health insurance, check with your provider — some require a GP
referral for the cost to be covered, so it's worth confirming before your
appointment if you intend to claim.
How much does an appointment cost?
Initial assessment: £70 · Follow-up sessions: £50
How long does an appointment last?
Initial assessments are longer than follow-up sessions, as they involve a
full history and examination. As an independent practice, appointments are
never rushed — if your case needs more time, that time is given.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Loose, comfortable clothing that allows the area being assessed to move
freely. For lower body issues, shorts are helpful; for shoulder or neck
problems, a vest top or something similar makes assessment easier. You're
welcome to bring a change of clothes if needed.
What happens at my first appointment?
The first appointment includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms and
history, a physical assessment — including movement and biomechanical
screening where relevant — and a clear explanation of what's likely causing
your symptoms. In most cases, treatment begins in the same session, along
with a plan for what comes next.
Do you treat sports injuries as well as general aches and pains?
Yes. I treat the full range of musculoskeletal conditions, from acute sports
injuries to long-standing pain that's built up gradually. Whether you're an
athlete, a weekend runner, or dealing with pain from daily life, the
assessment approach is the same — understanding what's actually driving the
problem.
What treatment methods do you use?
Treatment is tailored to your specific condition and may include manual
therapy, medical acupuncture, exercise prescription, load modification, and
biomechanical correction. Rather than applying a single default approach to
every patient, the methods used are chosen based on what's clinically
appropriate for you.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies significantly depending on the condition, how long it's been
present, and how you respond to treatment. Some issues improve significantly
within two to three sessions; others, particularly long-standing problems,
take longer. You'll be given a realistic expectation after your first
assessment — not a fixed package sold in advance.
Do you offer acupuncture as a standalone treatment?
Acupuncture is offered as part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan
rather than as a standalone service. It's used where clinically appropriate,
particularly for persistent pain or muscle guarding, alongside other
techniques such as manual therapy and exercise.
Is physiotherapy covered by my health insurance?
Many private health insurers cover physiotherapy, though this varies by
provider and policy. Some require a GP referral for claims to be valid. It's
best to check directly with your insurer before your appointment. Receipts
and clinic letters can be provided on request for claims purposes.
Where is the clinic located, and is there parking?
The clinic is based in Shortlands, Bromley, a short walk from Shortlands
railway station. There is driveway parking, which patients are welcome to use.
Do you see patients from outside Shortlands?
Yes. While the clinic is based in Shortlands, patients regularly travel from
across the Bromley borough, including Beckenham, Hayes, West Wickham,
Sundridge Park, Penge, Orpington, and Crystal Palace.
What conditions do you commonly treat?
Common conditions include back pain, sciatica, neck pain, shoulder pain
(including rotator cuff and frozen shoulder), knee pain, hip pain, tennis
and golfer's elbow, and ankle and foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
A full breakdown of each condition is available on the individual condition
pages on this site.
Can I get a second opinion if I've already seen another physiotherapist?
Yes — this is a common and valid reason to book. If you've been treated
elsewhere without the progress you expected, or you're unsure about a
diagnosis you've been given, a fresh assessment can often identify something
that's been missed, particularly where a biomechanical cause hasn't yet been
considered.
