KINETIC PHYSIOTHERAPY

Helping clients to regain their optimal health, fitness & function.

Contact Details

Private Health Insurers

FAQ

Q: What happens at the first physiotherapy appointment?

A: We will ask you lots of questions first, and then after the interview we will carry out a thorough physical examination. After the examination we will explain our provisional diagnosis and prognosis, and then in collaboration with you we will develop a treatment plan that fits with your lifestyle and personal goals.

You may be given a general health questionnaire to fill out before the appointment begins. If you have forgotten your glasses or are unable to read the form don't worry as we can ask these questions during the appointment instead.

Follow the link to the 'Chartered Society of Physiotherapy' or the 'Physio First' private practice website ( links ) to read more about what to expect when you see a physiotherapist for the first time.

Q: Do I need to bring anything with me?

A: In order for us to assess the majority of problems, we will often need you to undress down to your underwear. If this will make you uncomfortable, you might like to bring along a singlet (vest) top and a pair of shorts to change into. Even if you have a foot problem, we might need to assess if the hips or lumbar spine are involved.

Please bring along any letters from your doctor or consultant, your medication list, and any investigations you have at home and / or the reports (such as X-Ray's or MRI).

If you are a runner and get foot, knee or hip pain with running, please bring in your training shoes so we can check the wear pattern on the soles of the shoes (this forms part of the biomechanical assessment). If you have a new pair of shoes, bring old trainers with you as well.

Q: When should I seek treatment?

A: The natural healing time for an acute (first time) injury is between 2-8 weeks. This can vary depending on whether it is a muscle, bone, tendon, cartilage, disc or nerves that have been injured. Generally if you feel you are not improving after 2 to 4 weeks, you should seek treatment. Also, some injuries leave you vulnerable for recurrences if you do not rehabilitate the muscles and tendons in that area (e.g. low back pain, Achilles tendon injuries, and ankle sprains).

Note: If you have had an accident or trauma and are unable to move the injured area, unable to weight bear, or if there is severe pain and swelling you should seek immediate assessment (from your GP or an A&E department).

Note: If you have back pain combined with bilateral leg pain, pins & needles or numbness around the genital area, and have not passed urine for more than 24 hours you should attend A&E urgently for assessment. This is a very rare complication of low back pain called cauda equina. If your sensation is normal and you can pass urine you do NOT need to attend A&E. This is a very different to the common problem of a 'weak pelvic floor' where small amounts of urine leak with coughing, laughing or urgency. If you suffer from a weak pelvic floor you can ask your GP for a referral onto a pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation specialist (a 'Women's Health Physiotherapist' - despite the title they do also treat male incontinence).

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: This varies greatly depending on the condition and how long you've had it.

We generally see people anywhere between as little as 2 sessions or up to 8 - 10 sessions over a 12 - 16 week period. This time reflects how long it takes for muscles to strengthen or lengthen, and to identify and stop any perpetuating habits or behaviours. Many conditions require you to do prescribed corrective exercises at home and to follow advice regarding activity modification.

A major exception is complex orthopaedic problems such as major traumas (eg, multiple pelvic fractures) or major orthopaedic surgery (eg, Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction, joint replacements, etc). These conditions often require protracted treatment and rehabilitation (up to 20 sessions over a 6-9 month period).

Our aim is to discharge clients when optimal function has been restored.

For long-term (chronic) conditions discharge is appropriate when day to day function has improved and when confidence in self-management has been achieved.

We do not believe in 'top up treatments' or 'maintenance treatments' every 3 - 6 months. Our aim is to address the perpetuating factors, rehabilitate the body, and encourage self-management to preventing recurrences rather than fostering an over-reliance on seeing health practitioners.

Q: What happens if I don't get better?

A: Conservative management is an important first step for many conditions, but we are also able to quickly identify conditions that need a consultant review. We are well connected with some of the top specialists in London and can recommend the most appropriate professional for your condition.

If a problem is very chronic, the best course of management might be referral to a 'Pain Clinic'. Refer to the links page for more information on NHS & private chronic pain management centres in London.

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