Question 1

What Is An Advanced  Physiotherapy Practitioner?

Accepted Answer

An advanced physiotherapy practitioner (APP) is a highly specialised physiotherapist who works beyond the traditional scope of physiotherapy practice. APPs have advanced training, experience, and qualifications, allowing them to perform tasks typically outside a standard physiotherapist's role. They often work in clinical settings where they can take on responsibilities usually reserved for medical doctors, such as:

Assessing and Diagnosing - APPs can independently assess, diagnose, and manage more complex conditions, particularly in fields like musculoskeletal, orthopaedics, rheumatology & neurology.
Ordering Diagnostics - after a thorough assessment APPs have the clinical knowledge to know when to refer for scans and what scans are required. They can also help you to make an informed decision about your care based on the results.
Advanced Clinical Skills - They may perform specialised procedures, like injections, joint aspirations, or ordering advanced imaging (e.g., MRI, ultrasound), which are not commonly performed by regular physiotherapists.
Referral Authority - APPs can often refer patients directly to consultants, surgeons, or other specialists, facilitating faster access to specialised care. In some settings they work alongside surgeons and list patients for surgery.
Leadership and Teaching - APPs often play a role in training junior physiotherapists, conducting research, and implementing clinical guidelines or new practices within their field.

Advanced Physios are usually found in specialised healthcare settings, such as orthopaedic departments, pain clinics, and emergency departments. Their role is essential in healthcare systems, especially in settings with long wait times to see specialists, as they help reduce pressure on physicians and streamline patient care. You have now have access to one outside of a public healthcare environment 🙂.

Question 2

Are You Insured As A Physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a registered physiotherapist I am a member of The Chartered Society Of Physiotherapy (CSP). The CSP is the professional, educational, and trade union body for physiotherapists in the UK. It represents physiotherapists, promoting high standards of practice, education, and professional development.

The CSP provides guidance, resources, and support to ensure that physiotherapists deliver safe and effective care to patients. Members of the CSP are committed to ethical practice and continuing professional development, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment based on current evidence and research.

Being a CSP member demonstrates a physiotherapist's professional credibility and adherence to nationally recognised standards in the field.

I am also a member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP). The MACP  is a membership organisation of physiotherapists who have reached a recognised standard of excellence in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

This knowledge and practical skill ensures that all MACP Physiotherapists provides an excellent standard of care in examination, treatment and management for people with musculoskeletal problems.

The MACP has over 1200 full members who have passed a stringent examination process.

Question 3

What Qualifications Do You Have?

Accepted Answer

I graduated from The University Of Winchester in 2011 with a Sports Science (BSc). I then spent some time working as a physiotherapy assistant and went on to graduate from St George's University of London in 2014 with a Physiotherapy (MSc).

Since then I have undertaking numerous courses and CPD days. In the last few years I have completed the Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (DipMSKMed), through the Faculty of Sport & Exercise Medicine UK, The Lumbar Spine & Lower Limb MSc Module and The Cervical Spine & Upper Limb MSc Modules at The University of Brighton. I have also completed The Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapy MSc Module at The University of Essex which has allowed me to use injection therapy as part of a holistic treatment approach.

Question 4

Do I Need A Referral To Have Physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

No, you typically do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist. You can book an appointment directly without needing to visit your GP first.

Physiotherapists are primary healthcare professionals, which means you can consult them directly for issues like pain, injury, or mobility problems. They are also musculoskeletal specialists which means if you have a muscle, bone, joint, tendon or nerve issues they are best placed to physically assess you.

Question 5

Do I Need A Scan Prior To Physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, you do not need a scan (such as an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound) before starting physiotherapy. Physiotherapists are trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal issues through a detailed physical examination and patient history.

Scans are usually only necessary if your physiotherapist suspects a more serious condition, such as a fracture, severe joint damage, or a neurological issue that requires further investigation. If they believe a scan is needed to confirm the diagnosis or guide treatment, they will be able to recommend what type of scan it is you need and how quickly you need it (routine or urgent).

For most common issues like back pain, joint stiffness, or muscle strains, your physiotherapist can create a treatment plan without needing a scan.

Question 6

Do You Offer Both Face To Face & Online Consultations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I offer both face-to-face and online physiotherapy consultations.

Face-to-Face Appointments: These are held in my clinic (at home) and allow for hands-on assessment, manual therapy, and personalised exercise guidance. It's ideal for those who prefer in-person interaction or require physical treatments.
Online Consultations: Virtual appointments are available for those who prefer the convenience of being at home or would like to work with me but are not close enough to do so in person. During online sessions, I provide expert advice and education, guided exercises, and tailored rehabilitation programs. These are great for ongoing care, follow-ups, or if traveling to the clinic is not feasible.

Both options are designed to offer flexible, high-quality care, depending on your needs and preferences.

Question 7

What Makes You Different To Other Clinics?

Accepted Answer

What sets my physiotherapy practice apart is my commitment to delivering personalised, high-quality care that is tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Here’s how I stand out:
Individualised Approach: Every patient receives a bespoke treatment plan based on a thorough assessment. I take the time to understand your condition, goals, and lifestyle to ensure your therapy is both effective and achievable.
Focused Time and Attention: Unlike many clinics where appointments are rushed, I dedicate enough time to fully assess and treat your condition in each session, ensuring you get the best possible care without feeling hurried.
Comprehensive, Holistic Care: To me you are not a neck, a back or a knee, you are a person with pain and this brings complexity. I not only address your physical symptoms but also consider psychosocial factors like nutrition, sleep, stress, mood, thoughts, feelings and emotions. Pain is an emotive experience so ignoring these important factors often leads to a poorer outcome.
Continuous Professional Development: I stay up to date with the latest physiotherapy techniques, research, and best practices to offer the most effective, evidence-based treatments.
Patient Education and Empowerment: I prioritise educating my patients about their conditions and providing them with the tools and knowledge to manage their health effectively, fostering independence and long-term success. 
Flexible Treatment Options: Whether you prefer face-to-face appointments or online consultations, I offer flexible options to suit your needs, ensuring you receive care that fits your lifestyle.
Collaborative Relationship: I believe in building a collaborative partnership with my patients, where we work together towards your health goals. This approach ensures that your input and preferences are valued, making the treatment process more engaging and effective, rather than an authoritative "do this" mentality.
Extended Scope Experience: As an Advanced Physiotherapist I complete second opinion work, complex case work, referrals for scans, injection therapy and work alongside surgeons regularly. I am also expected to complete assessments for Rheumatological, Neurological conditions and more sinister pathology. For you this means important symptoms won't be missed and we will escalate your care appropriately and in an evidence based way when needed. This is a level of expertise you will rarely find at other clinics. 
Multi- Disciplinary Team: I don't have all of the answers, all of the time and have no issues admitting this. I believe this is a sign of a good clinician. I have a brilliant network of experienced colleagues including: Women's Health Physiotherapist, Nutritionist, Podiatrist and a number of well respected Surgeon's who I work closely with and will be happy to involve in your care when appropriate.

Ultimately, I’m committed to delivering the highest level of care, tailored to your specific needs, and focused on achieving sustainable, long-lasting results.

Question 8

How Do You Determine the Best Treatment Plan for Me?

Accepted Answer

Determining the best treatment plan for you involves a personalised and thorough process:
Initial Assessment: I gather detailed information about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle to understand your condition fully.
Physical Examination: A hands-on assessment evaluates your movement, strength, flexibility, and areas of pain to identify underlying issues.
Goal Setting: We discuss your specific treatment goals, whether it's pain relief, improved mobility, or returning to a specific activity.
Evidence-Based Approach: I use the latest evidence-based practices to inform your treatment plan, ensuring effective methods are employed.
Personalised Plan: Based on our findings, I develop a tailored treatment plan that may include manual therapy, exercises, and self-management strategies.
Regular Review: I continuously monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed to optimise results.
Patient Involvement: Open communication is encouraged, and your feedback helps ensure the plan aligns with your goals and preferences.

This collaborative and adaptive approach aims to achieve the best possible outcomes for your health and recovery.

Question 9

Where Is The Clinic Located?

Accepted Answer

I currently complete face to face appointments from home. The address is: 8 Lyonsdene, Lower Kingswood, Tadworth, KT20 6UB.

Question 10

How Do I Prepare For An Online Physiotherapy Session?

Accepted Answer

To make the most of your online physiotherapy session, follow these steps:

Check Your Tech: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Test the video call platform (Zoom, Skype, etc.) in advance to avoid technical issues.
Choose the Right Space: Find a quiet, well-lit space with enough room to move freely. Make sure you have space to perform exercises or demonstrate movements during the session. Try to avoid somewhere you may have unwanted distractions.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Dress in loose, comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily and provide access to the area that needs to be assessed (e.g., shorts for knee issues or a sleeveless top for shoulder problems).
Gather Any Equipment: If specific equipment (like resistance bands, pillows, or weights) has been recommended, have them ready. Also, have a chair or a mat nearby, as you might be asked to perform exercises or movements during the session.
Prepare Your Medical History: Be ready to discuss your medical history, current symptoms, any previous treatments, previous scans and investigation results, information from other teams you may be under, clinic letters and discharge summaries, and your goals for physiotherapy.
Have a Notepad: Keep a notepad handy to jot down key advice, exercises, or follow-up steps discussed during the session.

By preparing in advance, you'll ensure a smooth and productive online physiotherapy session tailored to your needs.

Question 11

Is There Parking At The Clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is parking available. Unfortunately, I don't have a very big drive but you will normally find parking on Lyonsdene or Smithy Lane.

Question 12

What Should I Expect From My Initial Consultation?

Accepted Answer

During your first physiotherapy appointment, you can expect the following:

Comprehensive Assessment: The session will start with a detailed discussion about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and any specific concerns or goals you may have. This helps me understand the root cause of your issue and what we will be working towards.
Physical Examination: I will assess your movement, strength, flexibility, posture and nerve function (if appropriate) and any areas of pain or discomfort. This may involve observing how you perform certain tasks or moving specific joints and muscles.
Diagnosis and Explanation: Based on the assessment, I will explain your condition, what might be causing your symptoms, and how physiotherapy can help. This will be in an easy to understand way, avoiding medical jargon (unless you want it). 
Personalised Treatment Plan: Together, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include manual therapy, exercises, posture correction, and pain management techniques.
First Treatment: If time allows, you’ll receive some form of treatment during the first session, whether it’s hands-on therapy, exercise guidance, or recommendations for lifestyle adjustments.
Advice and Home Program: I will provide advice on self-care, and often, a simple home exercise program to begin your rehabilitation. You will be sent this program online in electronic format with video, audio and written instructions of how to complete your exercises. I will also send you a 'Session Summary' of everything we have discussed and the goals we are working towards so we are both clear on the plan.

The goal of your first appointment is to thoroughly assess your condition, answer any questions, and begin a path toward recovery. The first consultation normally lasts around an hour. Please note the admin mentioned in '6.' often takes 10-15 minutes.

Question 13

Why Do You Charge the Prices You Do?

Accepted Answer

I set my prices to reflect the level of care, expertise, and time I provide during each physiotherapy session and between sessions. Here's why:
Personalised, Quality Care: Each session is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive a comprehensive, individualised treatment plan designed to achieve the best results, with no stone left unturned. 
Time and Attention: I dedicate ample time to each appointment, allowing for thorough assessments, treatment, and follow-up. This is essential for achieving effective, long-term results, without feeling rushed. Outside of the 'paid for' session you are also free to drop me an email or message with any questions or queries you might have.
Experience and Expertise: With years of experience and continuous professional development, I stay up to date with the latest techniques and evidence-based practices, which are reflected in the quality of care provided.
Extended Scope Experience: My role as an Advanced Physiotherapist completing second opinion work, complex cases, assessing patients daily for scans (x-rays, MRIs, USS), working alongside surgeons and regularly completing injection therapy. The role also involves completing assessments for Rheumatological, Neurological conditions and more sinister pathology which is a level of expertise you will rarely find at other clinics. 
No Shortcuts: Unlike some practices that may reduce appointment times or treatment quality due to insurance restrictions, I ensure that my services maintain high standards without compromise.

By charging fair prices, I can offer a level of care that prioritises your health and long-term recovery over quick fixes.

Question 14

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

Accepted Answer

There is a 48 hour non attendances and late cancellations policy. If you do not attend or cancel within 48 hours of your appointment time you will be fully charged.

Question 15

What Are Your Clinic Hours?

Accepted Answer

I am currently seeing private patients 12.00-19.00 Thursday, 09.00-17.00 Friday and 09.00-13.00 on Saturdays. I am hoping to expand these hours in time but please get in touch if you would like to book an appointment outside of these hours and I will do my best to accommodate.

Question 16

Can I Use My Private Health Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Some physiotherapy clinics to do see patients with private health insurance. At Genuine Physio, I do see a limited number of private medical insurance patients. Please check with your insurance provider that physiotherapy is covered as part of your policy. Different insurers offer different appointment lengths and also a varying number of sessions, please email me for more information.

Question 17

How Long Do Appointments Last?

Accepted Answer

'Initial Assessments' normally last around 60 minutes and 'Follow Up Appointments' last for around 45 minutes.

Question 18

Is There Wheelchair Access To The Clinic?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, with the clinic currently being at home the clinic is not suitable for wheel chair use. Would you consider an online appointment? Please have a look at the FAQ on 'How Does An Online Appointment Work?' for more information.

Question 19

Do You Offer Home Visits for Those Unable to Visit the Clinic?

Accepted Answer

I don't do many as the majority of the patients I see are happy to come to me. In the right circumstances I am happy to do a home visit for those unable to attend clinic, please drop me an email for more information about this.

Question 20

Can I Do My Exercises at Home, and How Often Should I Do Them?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can and should do your exercises at home as part of your physiotherapy treatment. Home exercises are a vital component of your rehabilitation process, as they help reinforce what we work on during our sessions.
Frequency of Exercises:
Initial Guidance: I will provide specific recommendations on how often you should perform your exercises based on your individual condition and goals. Generally, patients are advised to practice their exercises 2 to 5 times per week.
Duration and Intensity: Each session may last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the exercises prescribed and your current fitness level.
Importance of Consistency:
Building Strength and Flexibility: Regular practice enhances strength, flexibility, and overall function, which contributes significantly to your recovery.
Monitoring Progress: Consistent exercise helps track your progress, allowing me to adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

Remember to listen to your body; if something feels too painful or uncomfortable, let me know, and we can modify your exercises accordingly.

Question 21

Do You Offer Rehabilitation Programs For Injury Prevention?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I offer rehabilitation programs focused on injury prevention. These programs are designed to help you strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall physical function, reducing the risk of future injuries.
Key Components of the Rehabilitation Programs:
Assessment: I will conduct a thorough assessment to identify any areas of weakness, imbalance, or movement dysfunction that may increase your risk of injury.
Personalised Exercise Plans: Based on the assessment, I will create a tailored exercise program that focuses on strengthening key muscle groups, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall stability and coordination.
Education: I provide education on proper movement patterns, body mechanics, load management, exercise periodisation and ergonomics to help you avoid injuries during daily activities and sports.
Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-ups allow us to monitor your progress and adjust the program as needed, ensuring that you continue to build strength and resilience.
Return to Activity Guidance: If you’re returning to a sport or physical activity, I can provide specific training recommendations to help you safely transition back to your previous level of activity.

By focusing on injury prevention, my goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain an active lifestyle while minimising the risk of future injuries.

Question 22

Do You Have Any Free Resources I Can Check Out First?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a plethora of free help and information that you can access that I have put together for you. You may want to take a look at this first to build up some trust before booking an appointment.

On the website you will be able to find free e-books on various conditions, ranging from neck pain to knee pain and everything in between. On the website you will also be able to find a page on 'Useful Social Media Posts'. This page has some of my most popular and helpful posts over the years. In terms of social media, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook & Tik Tok where you will receive frequent free information on all things over 40s health. I have a YouTube Channel which I upload weekly videos on to for you to view at you leisure and also complete a fortnightly blog which you can find on the website, again covering all things, over 40s health.

FAQs

All of you queries and concerns answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner?