Your first appointment lasts for either 45-minutes or 60-minutes to allow enough time to fully discuss and assess your problem. Please note: BUPA, AXA and AVIVA initial appointments are 45-minutes long. You will be asked a number of questions about your problem, how it is affecting you and what impact it is having on your life, along with what you would like to achieve. You will also be asked questions about your medical history and any medication you take.  Following this, your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough physical examination. They will then explain why you are experiencing your symptoms and discuss treatment options. Your physiotherapist will then start treatment to relive your symptoms. They will also provide advice on management strategies that you can be doing in between sessions to help improve things faster.

Please bring any x-ray / scan results, or any reports / consultant letters about your condition to the first appointment. Please also bring a list of your current medication.

To fully assess your condition, it may be necessary to remove some clothing. If you are attending for a lower back or leg issue, please have a pair of shorts or loose trousers that can be rolled up. If you are attending for an upper back / neck / arm issue you may be asked to remove your top. A strappy vest top can be useful to wear.

The number of sessions needed will vary depending on your condition. After you have been fully assessed in your first session, your physiotherapist will discuss a treatment plan.

If you are self-funding your treatment, then you do not need to see your GP. If you are claiming physiotherapy treatment through medical insurance, please check with your provider first as some companies require a GP referral.

Yes, Himanshu Sood offers appointments for anyone under the age of 18 years. Sarah Massey offers appointments for children aged between 10 and 18 years.

Please get in touch by phone or email as soon as possible if you know you are unable to attend your appointment. The clinic operates a strict cancellation policy of one working day's notice (24 hours) not including Saturdays and Sundays – if you need to cancel an appointment on a Monday please phone or email on the Friday before.  Missed appointments and cancellations with less than one working day's notice will be charged at a flat rate of £30.