We have listed an extensive range of frequently asked questions based on decades of practice. Please take a few minutes to read through the FAQ or feel free to contact us via email or phone.

Q1. I am not sure whether Physiotherapy can help my problem?

Not a problem. The best thing is to speak directly with our experts. Simply email us at info@thepainphysio.com or call us directly on 0203 598 5852 to arrange a complimentary call back from our specialist physiotherapist.

You can then discuss your specific case and whether it can be helped by us.

Q2. Do I need a referral from a GP or Consultant before seeing you ?

No. You can refer yourself directly for physiotherapy.
Simply call us on 0203 598 5852 or email us to arrange an appointment. However, if wishing to claim through your Private Medical Insurance be aware that some may require a GP or Consultant referral first.

We strongly recommend that you contact them directly to check their terms and conditions BEFORE making an appointment with us.

Q3. Can I claim through my private medical insurance ?

We accept and are registered with most UK based private medical insurers. With regret, we had to make the difficult decision to withdraw our services from BUPA UK and AXA PPP and their affiliates – so these are no longer accepted.

BUPA International, CIGNA, The Exeter and WPA are amongst those insurers that we still welcome. However, we strongly recommend that you always check directly with your medical insurer the extent of your physiotherapy cover BEFORE making an appointment. Please note that pre-appointment requirements can vary widely between insurance companies and type of policy cover. ‘The Pain Physio’ will accept no responsibility whatsoever for any returned/unpaid invoices. The liability for payment of declined invoices from an insurance company will ultimately lie with the patient.

Q4. What conditions do you treat ?

We are specialists in the treatment of conditions which result in complex spinal pain (such as Whiplash), neuropathic (nerve) pain such as Allodynia or CRPS, or Fibromyalgia and Myofascial pain. However, a wide variety of conditions generally causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement can be successfully treated. Please click on our ‘What we Treat’ page for a comprehensive list of the most common conditions treated.

Q5. Is there anything you do not treat?

‘The Pain Physio’ will NOT treat:

  • Children under the age of 16. Their bodies have different needs to that of adults. For these cases please seek advice from a qualified paediatric physiotherapist.
  • Conditions resulting from the brain and central nervous system (eg: strokes, MS, MND) For these cases please seek advice from a qualified neurological physiotherapist.
  • Conditions resulting from the respiratory system (eg: COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis). For these cases please seek advice from a qualified respiratory physiotherapist.

Q6. Who benefits from Physiotherapy?

People of all ages and abilities can benefit from Physiotherapy to relieve pain, restore movement and facilitate full recovery from injury, surgery or debilitating condition.

Q7. What should I bring to my initial consultation?

Please wear some comfortable clothing and be prepared to have to expose the problem area. If you have any clinic letters or scan results from seeing other specialists then please bring them along. They can provide valuable information when deciding about your diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you are claiming through your private medical insurance you will have to provide us with your insurers name, your membership number and your claim/authorisation number. We strongly recommend that you contact them directly to check the terms and conditions of your physiotherapy cover BEFORE making an appointment with us.

Q8. What can I expect from a consultation ?

We will take a comprehensive background history of your current complaint by asking you lots of questions. This will guide our thorough clinical assessment to help establish an accurate diagnosis and the root cause of your problem. We will discuss all the findings with you, advise you appropriately and discuss the most indicated treatment plan for your condition. We will always keep your treatment goals in mind and ensure they are met by closely monitoring the effects of treatment and adjust it as necessary.

Q9. How Many treatments will I need ?

There are no set number of treatments for any condition as everyone is different and with varying needs. However, after your initial assessment, during your first consult, an appropriate treatment plan will be discussed and agreed with you. You will also be advised on the anticipated number of treatments required to achieve your goals.

Q10. Will I only be given exercises?

No. There is good mounting scientific evidence proving that specific exercise is a key factor in speeding up recovery and preventing a recurrence. However, there are times when this is best complemented with the use of manual therapy or soft tissue techniques to treat specific complaints affecting muscles, joints, nerves or fascia to help restore their normal function.

We may even use special strapping, acupuncture or a TENS machine to calm your pain. A neuromuscular stimulator may also be used to stimulate and improve muscle function.

Q11. Can you manipulate joints like an osteopath or chiropractor?

Yes. Our training allows us to carry out joint manipulations. We always thoroughly assess your needs first and, if /when indicated for the treatment of your condition, we may utilise them as part of our Manual Therapy techniques.

We will take a comprehensive background history of your current complaint by asking you lots of questions. This will guide our thorough clinical assessment to help establish an accurate diagnosis and the root cause of your problem. We will discuss all the findings with you, advise you appropriately and discuss the most indicated treatment plan for your condition. We will always keep your treatment goals in mind and ensure they are met by closely monitoring the effects of treatment and adjust it as necessary.

Q12. Are you able to do home visits?

No. With regret we are no longer able to provide this service .

Q13. Can Physiotherapy treat back and neck problems ?

Absolutely yes. Physiotherapists are trained and experienced in the assessment and treatment of all spinal complaints. Here at ‘The Pain Physio’ we have a special interest in this and our physiotherapist has extended skills and knowledge in the treatment of these conditions.

Q14. Payment methods

All initial consultations will require a non-refundable full payment in advance. Follow up consultations will require payment in advance or on the day of your consultation. Block appointment bookings or non-standard extended appointments will require a non-refundable full payment in advance.  You will find all the payment details at the bottom of your invoice.

We accept the following modes of payment:

Direct Bank transfer (full payment details for this can be found at the bottom your invoices)
All major debit/credit cards
Cash: You may pay by cash at the end of each session

Cheques are no longer accepted

Q15. Cancellations

Sessions must be cancelled at least 48 hours in advance. Sessions cancelled within 48 hrs remain subject to full session cost.

Q16. How do I know if my physiotherapist is fully qualified?

Your physiotherapist should be
A member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)- this is a Governing Body that sets and regulates the high clinical standards of the profession.

Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council – This is another professional regulatory Body which ensures adherence to a strict Code of Practise & Ethics.

Maxine Rodriguez at ‘The Pain Physio’ is both CSP and HCPC registered.
You may check for yourself at www.csp.org.uk (CSP registration number No: 57115) and at www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/ (enter HCPC registration number PH 51573).

So be assured that you will be treated by a competent clinician.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is the professional, educational and trade union body for the UK’s 54,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.

Member of the Physiotherapy Pain Association

Member of Physio First, the Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice

Health and Care Professions Council Registered