FAQs
- What is Physiotherapy?
- What is Osteopathy?
- What can Physio do?
- What can I expect when I receive treatment?
- How many treatments will I need?
- Is there a waiting list for treatment?
- Do I have to be referred by a doctor?
- What should I wear?
- Do you continuously develop your techniques?
- What are your payment options?
- If I have private medical insurance do I need to pay for treatment?
- I have Private Medical Insurance - am I covered with you?
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is care provided by chartered professionals with expertise in the assessment and treatment of conditions causing pain and disability. They can deal with problems arising from faulty postural habits, overuse injuries or sporting injuries.
After a detailed assessment, a Physiotherapist will provide a clear explanation of what is wrong, how the problem can be treated and how long it will take to improve.
Next, the patient and the Physiotherapist agree the aims of treatment and finally treatment begins. This typically includes a combination of ‘hands on’ treatment, in the form of manipulation and soft tissue techniques and ‘hands off’ treatment, consisting of advice on the underlying condition and controlled exercises that tackle specific postural problems, stiff joints and tight muscles. This combined approach helps deal with the causes of the underlying problem and prevents it from reoccurring.
What is Osteopathy?
Although best known for treating 'bad backs', osteopathy is in fact useful for treating a wide range of aches and pains in all parts of the body. Osteopaths use their hands to determine underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment. Techniques include massage, movement of joints and stretching, joints and soft tissue manipulation. A prime concern of your Osteopath is to correct problems in the musculo-skeletal system and above all to find a cause of these problems. By improving the way one part of the body works the function of the whole body may also be improved. Osteopaths treat each patient as a unique individual and the treatment is tailored to the individual needs.
What can Physio do?
Using a variety of techniques a Physiotherapist can help:
- Alleviate pain
- Restore and increase the range of motion in joints
- Prevent and treat sports injuries
- Increase co-ordination
- Educate patients in the use of walking sticks, crutches and wheelchairs
What can I expect when I receive treatment?
Via a thorough assessment, we aim to provide each patient with a diagnosis of their condition; an individual treatment plan with approximate duration; and likely prognosis. We discuss every stage with you. The treatments effects will be monitored and, if necessary adjusted, to ensure that agreed and realistic outcomes can be achieved.
How many treatments will I need?
We do not have a set number of treatments for any condition - every patient is an individual. However, following your first appointment the Physiotherapist will discuss the anticipated number of treatments. You will be reassessed on each visit and if progress plateaus out or if no improvement seems apparent then your treatment will be altered accordingly or you will be referred on to a specialist.
Is there a waiting list for treatment?
No. We can usually see you within 24 - 48 hours. Sometimes same-day appointments are available.
Do I have to be referred by a doctor?
No, anyone can refer themselves for treatment. However, if you wish to use your medical insurance to claim for treatment costs, some policies require your GP to authorise this.
What should I wear?
Quite simply, dress comfortably in loose fitting clothes. The therapist will need to see the affected body part, for the lower limbs bring shorts, for back problems the therapist may require you to remove your top.
Do you continuously develop your techniques?
We judge ourselves on high standards of clinical practice. Our Chartered Physiotherapists keep up to date with the latest techniques through attending postgraduate training courses. As Thornbury Osteopathy & Physiotherapy are dedicated to the highest standard of physiotherapy care, post-graduate education and evidence based practice, you can be sure that the treatment you receive will be of the highest quality.
What are your payment options?
Full Payment is required at the time of treatment. We are happy to accept payment by cash or cheque.
If I have private medical insurance do I need to pay for treatment?
Treatment is refundable by all major health insurance companies. Invoices for insurance companies are issued after each treatment.
We recommend that you contact your insurance company before starting treatment to enquire:
- Whether a medical referral is necessary
- Whether you are liable to pay an excess
- Whether there is any restriction on the number of treatments allowed
- Whether there is any limit on the amount that can be claimed
I have Private Medical Insurance - am I covered with you?
Thornbury Osteopathy & Physiotherapy are recognised by most of the major insurance companies, as we are all Chartered Physiotherapists, and Members of the Health Professionals Council. You will need to check with your insurance company prior to treatment, as some companies require a referral from a Doctor beforehand.
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