FAQs

What is physiotherapy treatment and what does it provide?

Physiotherapy treatment is a physical modality offered to a patient by a qualified person or physiotherapist. This means a person who has undergone extensive training in order to offer the physical treatment. This may be for the relief of pain or disability or for advice on an issue relating to your body. The therapy may be a manual therapy like a manipulation of mobilization of a part of the body. This may require electro therapy ie. a machine or heat or light to alleviate some of the symptoms.

What is the definition of physiotherapy?

The treatment of disease injury or deformity by physical methods like massage, heat treatment and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery.

What is a typical assessment and treatment session of physiotherapy?

No two assessment or treatment of any patients are exactly the same. Each one is individual to the patient concerned. It depends on the signs and symptoms of the patient and the experiences of the physiotherapist as to what approach is taken. In essence the patient will be asked to undertake a series of tests in order to provide a suitable diagnosis of the problem or complaint. These tests form the initial assessment. After the diagnosis, sessions of treatment which are usually a physical adaptation of skills are applied to the patient. They are usually repetitive, but sometimes just once or for a number of weeks until the patient begins to understand and feel some relief of their symptoms or problem. These may be an application of physical pressure on certain part of the body or physical moving or rubbing manoeuvres always with the patients consent.

What a typical session might be like?

An example might be if a patient has an injured ankle or ankle pain through sport or from a fall or increasing age. The physiotherapist might ask them to take off shoes and socks so the ankle can be examined. Deformity, swelling and bruising might be noted. The physiotherapist might investigate the aspect of the ankle that is injured or damaged and diagnose what the injury might be exactly. Treatment would then begin to reduce the symptoms of the ankle, which will start the process of recovery and rehabilitation of the injured ankle.

How long does it last?

Initial assessment and treatment usually last about 45 minutes to an hour in order to fully understand the nature of the problem. Further follow up assessment and treatment sessions once the initial diagnosis has been made is usually, less between 30 to 45 minutes on average.

What might I need to bring along to the sessions?

Usually comfortable clothes that might be easy to remove in order to facilitate investigation of the problematic area. Any medical reports or documentation relating to your condition or problem. List of medications, knowledge of your past medical history, an interpreter.

Can i bring another person along?

You are encouraged to bring another person along if that makes you feel more confortable. Assessment and treatment based questions are usually addressed to the patient however. Usually adults are always expected to escort children under 16 unless other arrangements are made in advance.

How do I pay for the session?

This can be done by bankers cheque, cash or bank transfer, but not via Credit Card.

How do I make an appointment?

This can be done by accessing the website and booking an appointment online or by text or phone which may be easier if you have specific questions that need to be answered.

Expanding on my physio service

I have worked in junior, senior and management positions in the National Health Service as a physiotherapist. I have worked for professional soccer clubs, American football teams and at Surrey County Cricket Club for ten years. I have worked as a physiotherapist in the private sector in hospitals and clinics. I have run physiotherapy clinics in the corporate sector for Shell UK in occupational health medicine. I have worked in social services and in the community also.

I believe in patient centred treatments and have a holistic approach to my work with patients. I am trained in conventional physiotherapy treatments and I am qualified in "Traditional Chinese Medicine" also using auricular acupuncture for some conditions including addictions like smoking and drug use and acupuncture therapy or pain management and the treatment of systemic body disease processes.

All of my clinical experiences have provided me with tremendous opportunity and knowledge. This enables me to offer my patients a comprehensive physiotherapy service which I am delighted to be able to pass on. I have always put my patients first and believe that every patient is unique and that they deserve the service best that can be offered. I hope that I reflect this ethos I my approach to my work. If you like what I do tell others and if you don't like what I do then tell me and the treatment can be adjusted. You are never too old to learn! I have always believed that you are judged by your reputation. I don't advertise anymore I leave it to my reputation in the profession and amongst my peers.

Hydrotherapy treatment in the hydrotherapy pool

This is an excellent medium for some patients to undertake physiotherapy treatment programmes. The "Buoyancy" effect of the water makes it an ideal environment which to undertake exercise. Injured limbs, paralysed or weak limbs can be strengthened or stretched under the supervision of a qualified hydrotherapy trained physiotherapist. Patients who did not believe that they could exercise because of their condition can do exceptionally well in this area. This works particularly well for patient who have lost confidence because of their illness or disability or have fear of exercise and movement following illness or injury or surgery. Physiotherapists often work at the pace that their patients can manage so they can relearn old skills or learn new ways of moving and coordinating their body in the pool.

At "The London Horizons" we have a modified form of hydrotherapy facility available for our patients. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this modality of treatment further.

For more information on our services, and the conditions we treat, or to book an appointment please call
0795 638 5651 or email info@anthonyhegarty.co.uk