Q. Will the treatment be painful?
A. The more relaxed you are, the more effective the treatment will be, so where hands on approaches are required, the treatments used are gentle and rarely painful, although occasionally there may be some momentary discomfort.
Q. How long will it take for a successful outcome?
A. This depends on a number of factors, including the condition you present with, what approach is used and sometimes how long you have had it. With acute conditions (of less than 6 weeks duration) you will probably only need between 2 – 4 treatments. However, if the SIRPA approach is deemed appropriate, then on occasions a one off appointment is all that is required and recovery occurs as the patient follows the advice given with no further consultation being required. With more persistent conditions, the SIRPA approach is usually the most effective and quickest way to deal with the underlying cause which therefore results in a resolution of the symptoms
Q. Do you treat sports injuries?
A. Yes. Acute sports injuries respond excellently to the treatments used and then it is a matter of rehabilitation to return to the Sport. If necessary you may be referred on to a Specialist Sports Therapist once the pain has settled, if specific rehabilitation is needed.
Q. Are the treatments suitable for children under 16 years old?
A. Absolutely. All treatments used are very gentle and can be adapted if necessary to treat any age from a few weeks to 100! Where necessary, the SIRPA approach is also ideal for young children.
Q. I have a lot of other health problems, will you still be able to treat me?
A. Absolutely. There will always be a way to help you move forwards and it is very common for patients to present with many health problems. These are always taken into account and where possible will be addressed as well.
Q. Do you have disabled access?
A. The main entrance has 3 steps with a rail, although if we know before an appointment that flat access is required, this can be made available.
Q. What treatment would be best for me?
A. At your first appointment you will be assessed and then between us we will discuss the treatments available and which one would be most appropriate for you.
Q. My feet are really ticklish and I’m not sure if I could cope with the foot treatment you use for back pain.
A. Unlike Reflexology, the Adapted Reflextherapy in Spinal Pain does not involve massage of the feet. The treatment uses certain handholds only, usually on the inside of the feet, and so far no one has found this a problem even if they have said they are ticklish!
Q. Are there any after-effects from the hands on treatments?
A. The hands on treatments used work with your body, not against it, and encourage the body to respond and return it to it’s optimal state of health. For this to occur there may at times be an increase in the symptoms for a couple of days if the problem is chronic and long-standing, before settling down. If the condition is acutely painful then it is more likely that the pain will begin to settle very, if not immediately, then within the following 24 – 48 hours. More often than not there is a sense of relaxation and sometimes tiredness following the treatment and you are encouraged to “go with the flow” and rest if you are able to in order to allow healing to occur.
Q. Should I tell my Doctor that I am coming for treatment?
A. It is not necessary to tell your Doctor, although usually, with your permission, we will write to your Doctor when you complete the treatment to let them know what the problem was and what the outcome is.
Q. Do I have to take my clothes off for the treatment / What should I wear?
A. In order to be able to assess you properly at the first appointment, you might be requested to remove your outer clothes, depending on the problem. Otherwise as long as you wear loose, comfortable clothes it is not usually necessary to undress for future treatments.
Q. I have Private Medical Insurance (PMI), will my treatments with you be covered?
A. Every policy is different, so you will need to check that you have cover for Physiotherapy treatment. Most PMIs ask you to let them know before you attend and some require agreement from your Doctor first. Where possible we prefer payment on the day and then you will reclaim the fee from your insurer.
Q. Do you have any treatments which will help me to relax?
A. Yes. Both Reflexology and Neurostructural Integration Technique work really well to balance your body’s systems, not only allowing you to relax, but also improving your sense of wellbeing and your energy levels.