This series of questioning is very important as it enables the
Physiotherapist to exclude certain conditions and pinpoint the
nature of your problem.
The Physiotherapist will also need to take details of your medical
history including any major illnesses or operations you have had
in the past and details of medication you may be taking. These
details are important as some Physiotherapy treatments are contraindicated
in certain medical conditions or when the patient is taking certain
medications.
Once this part of the assessment is complete the Physiotherapist
should already have an idea of what the problem is. Next you will
undergo a physical assessment involving specific movements, measurements
and specialised tests, which will enable diagnosis.
During the physical assessment you may need to undress to enable
the Physiotherapist to assess accurately the structure at fault,
the Physiotherapist will ensure that dignity is maintained at all
times for example if you are attending with a knee problem it would
be beneficial if you could bring a pair of shorts with you.
Some of the tests during the physical assessment may be painful
but this is necessary to find a positive production of your symptoms
to enable accurate identification of your problem.
The initial consultation will last approximately 30- 40 minutes,
after the physical examination your Physiotherapist will discuss
with your condition and symptoms with you and explain the findings
of their assessment. They will go on to explain the appropriate
treatment needed and the estimated course of recovery with, if
possible estimated time to return to sport/work.
During this session there is normally time to commence some form
of treatment, this is normally in the form of advice, education
of what you should and should not be doing so as not to interfere
with and slow down the recovery process and a home exercise plan
for you to begin with.
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Ongoing Treatments
Ongoing treatment sessions last approximately 30 minutes. During
the follow up session the Physiotherapist will ask how your symptoms
are and how they are progressing and they will compare this to
the clinical findings of the physical assessment.
The treatment that you receive will depend on the type of problem
you have and any medical conditions you have which may be a contraindication
for certain types of treatment. Some of the treatments offered
include massage, mobilisation techniques, manipulation, electrotherapy
(ultrasound) and acupuncture.
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Will Physiotherapy be appropriate to help my problem?
Physiotherapy can be of benefit in numerous problems, however
to determine whether Physiotherapy is the appropriate course of
treatment for your problem you will need to undergo the initial
assessment. From this the Physiotherapist will be able to identify
the cause of your symptoms and discuss an appropriate course of
action.
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What should I wear?
It is important to wear comfortable clothing for the assessment
to allow you to move freely to perform the movements the Physiotherapist
will need to observe and analyse.
You may need to undress for parts of the assessment to enable the
Physiotherapist to see the area affected. For example if you are
coming with an ankle or a knee problem it would be helpful if you
could wear shorts, if it is a shoulder problem then ladies may
feel more comfortable wearing a vest top. We will ensure that dignity
is maintained at all times during the assessment and all ongoing
treatment. If you would prefer to be treated by a Physiotherapist
of the same sex then this can bee arranged. If you have any further
questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us, and
speak to a member of our staff on 01270 619430 or email us at therapies@ctcphysio.co.uk
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What if I need to see a specialist?
Your Physiotherapist will discuss with you if they feel it is
appropriate for you to see a specialist, they will talk to you
and discuss the reasons for and benefits of a specialist opinion.
You may be referred to a specialist for further investigation (MRI
scan/ x-ray) or the specialist may think that you are an appropriate
candidate for surgery. We work closely alongside many orthopaedic
specialists who your Physiotherapist will recommend and can put
you in contact with. We can also provide you with detailed reports
for you to take with you when you see a specialist informing them
of our findings and our intervention, if you have any further questions
regarding this please contact us and speak to a member of our staff
on 01270 619430 or email us at therapies@ctcphysio.co.uk
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What if I need an X-ray or a scan?
Your Physiotherapist will discuss with you whether this type of
investigation is required. You can either get these done on the
NHS or privately; we can give you details of where to go and prices
for these types of investigations privately if it is appropriate.
Your Physiotherapist can also write a cover letter to send to your
doctor detailing their findings before you undertake any investigations.
For any further questions regarding this issue please contact us
on 01270 619430 and speak to a member of our staff or email us
at therapies@ctcphysio.co.uk
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What if I need orthotics (corrective insoles)?
We have lots of different insoles on sale in our clinics. Your
Physiotherapists will advise you about these things if they feel
they are needed after you have undertaken you assessment. Prices
vary depending on the type of insole needed. If we do not have
the appropriate insole in stock then a member of staff will order
it for you, orders usually take 48 hours to arrive at the clinic.
If you require a specialist assessment for orthotics then we will
be able to refer you to see someone either privately or on the
NHS. We work closely with a number of specialists in this area
who you Physiotherapist will be able to recommend to you, a cover
letter detailing our findings can also be provided. If you require
further details regarding the orthotics we stock and prices do
not hesitate to contact us on 0121 619430 and speak to a member
of our staff or email us at therapies@ctcphysio.co.uk
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What do I do if I can’t attend for my appointment?
If you cannot attend for your appointment then you need to contact
the clinic as soon as you can. A charge will be made if you do
not give 24 hours notice for your cancellation. If you are phoning
over the weekend to cancel an appointment for the following week
then you may leave a message for our staff which will be picked
up on the Monday.
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How do I make payment?
Payments are required after every treatment; we accept payments
by cash, cheque, credit or debit card. If you are covered by an
insurance company for treatment then you need to bring along the
details when you attend for your initial appointment i.e. claim
number, policy number, any referral letter or documentation and
the name and address of the company. When we receive these details
we can invoice the insurance company directly for the cost of treatment.
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Will I be able to return to sport?
All our Physiotherapists have experience in sports related injury.
When you attend for your initial assessment your Physiotherapist
will be able to give you an indication of the nature and severity
of your injury and from this formulate a plan and timescale for
your return to sporting activity.
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Will you be able to supply me with a sick note for work?
Physiotherapists are not legally allowed to provide you with an
absence note for your employer, this needs to be done by your G.P.
which sometimes comes with a small charge. Your Physiotherapist
may offer you advice regarding whether you are fit to be at work
depending on the nature of your condition but it is the decision
of your G.P to supply you with a sick note.
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Will it hurt?
During the initial assessment it may be appropriate for the physiotherapist
to perform certain tests that will produce or provoke you pain,
this is necessary to gain a differential diagnosis and therefore
commence the appropriate treatment.
Certain treatment techniques can be painful but your Physiotherapist
will make you aware of this before treatment commences and explain
to you the advantages of and the reasons for that type of treatment.
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Are your Physiotherapists registered with my insurance company?
Our Physiotherapists are registered with most major insurance
companies. Common insurance companies we deal with are:
