What happens at a first physiotherapy appointment?

The first appointment is usually an assessment. The physiotherapist asks about your symptoms and history, looks at how the affected area moves, and explains what they think is going on. Most people then agree a plan, which often includes exercises to do between appointments. Wear clothing you can move in.

How many sessions will I need?

That depends on the problem and on you, and an honest physiotherapist will not promise a number at the start. They should be able to tell you after the first assessment roughly what to expect and what would make them reconsider the plan.

Are private physiotherapists regulated?

Yes. "Physiotherapist" is a title protected by law in the UK, and anyone using it must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You can check any physiotherapist's registration on the HCPC's public register. Many are also members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, shown as MCSP.

What can a physiotherapist help with?

Physiotherapists commonly see back and neck pain, sports and overuse injuries, joint and muscle problems, recovery after an operation, and long-term conditions affecting movement. If your symptoms are not something physiotherapy can address, they should say so and point you to the right clinician.

Specialty

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Popular services

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Initial Assessment

Comprehensive first appointment including history, examination and treatment plan

Follow-up Session

Continuation of treatment and progress review

Sports Massage

Deep tissue massage for injury prevention and recovery

Rehabilitation Session

Guided exercises and rehabilitation program

Video Consultation

Remote physiotherapy consultation via video call

79 physiotherapists on Quokka

Berkshire Physiotherapy

Dominic Vaughan PH94211

The Physio Therapy Centre

Berkshire Physiotherapy

Mon 5 Oct, 9:00am

Ms Hannah Munson

The Physio Therapy Centre

Mon 5 Oct, 10:00am

Seen sooner, without a referral

Quokka Health connects patients with private physiotherapists across the UK. Physiotherapists assess and treat problems with movement — muscles, joints, nerves and the way they work together — using hands-on treatment, exercise and advice. You can book privately without a GP referral, and see who is available before you commit.

Find a physiotherapist

physiotherapists listed

towns and cities

7 practices offering physiotherapists

The Physio Crew

The Physio Crew treats pain, sports injuries and neurological rehab needs in Weston-super-Mare, Bristol, Barnstaple and Clevedon.

4 locations

17 clinicians

The Bosworth Clinic

The Bosworth Clinic in Witney offers private healthcare appointments; specific treatment areas are not stated in the profile data.

1 location

15 clinicians

tops:health

tops:health provides physiotherapy for pain, sports injuries and pelvic health in Oxford and Bicester.

3 locations

15 clinicians

Flex Physio Practice

Flex Physio Practice provides physiotherapy, sports injury care, tendon clinic, massage and rehabilitation in Abingdon-on-Thames.

1 location

10 clinicians

Berkshire Physiotherapy

Berkshire Physiotherapy offers private physiotherapy care in Berkshire.

1 location

9 clinicians

Recoverie UK

Recoverie UK Limited offers physiotherapy, sports injury care, rehabilitation and massage in London.

2 locations

8 clinicians

The Physio Therapy Centre

The Physio Therapy Centre in Haywards Heath offers physiotherapy for MSK conditions, sports injuries, rehab, podiatry and massage.

1 location

5 clinicians

Physiotherapist by location

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Physiotherapist in Bristol Physiotherapist in Oxford

Other specialties

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General Practitioner Orthodontist Osteopath Chiropractor Podiatrist Dentist Dental Hygienist Dental Therapist Psychiatrist Psychologist Paediatrician Audiologist Massage Therapist Sports Therapist

Physiotherapist — your questions answered

No. Physiotherapy is a self-referral profession in the UK, so you can book a private appointment directly without seeing a GP first. If your physiotherapist thinks another clinician should be involved, they will tell you.