MIDLAND PHYSIOTHERAPY

FAQs

Have questions about our services, treatments, or what to expect during your journey with us? You’re in the right place. Our FAQs are designed to provide clear, helpful answers to guide you with confidence and peace of mind as you take the next step toward better movement and wellbeing.


General


  • Who should I contact about administrative queries?

    For all enquiries, including appointments, invoices, receipts, reports, documentation, insurance queries or general administration, please contact our Medical Secretary, Natasha, who will be happy to assist you by emailing natasha@midlandphysio.co.uk or call 0121 517 1595.


    For questions relating specifically to your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment or clinical care, these are best discussed directly with your physiotherapist.

  • What are your business hours?

    Monday to Friday: 06:00-20:00

    Saturday: 07:00-14:00

  • What types of clinician might I see?

    Depending on the service you book and your individual needs, you may be seen by the Consultant Physiotherapist, a Sports Therapist or Sports Massage Therapist.


    Each clinician works within their own professional scope of practice, with appointments matched to the most appropriate clinician for the assessment, treatment or service you require.


    If you're unsure which clinician or appointment type is right for you, please contact our Medical Secretary via natasha@midlandphysio.co.uk or 0121 517 1595, who will be happy to advise and direct you to the most appropriate service.

  • Do you have parking?

    We have 6 private parking spaces available for patients on a first-come, first-served basis.


    There is also 2 hour on-street parking on Portland Street, approximately a 1-2 minute walk from the clinic.

  • Do you offer evening and weekend appointments?

    Yes, we offer evening and weekend appointments to make it easier to fit your treatment around a busy schedule. 


    Availability may vary, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred time.

  • How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

    Typically, we're able to offer our patients an appointment within 12-48hrs, however, same day appointments are available subject to capacity.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept cash or card payments.

  • What should I wear?

    As with any medical examination, it can involve hands-on treatments, as well as advice, exercise and rehabilitation, it is advised to attend with loose fitting clothing to allow unrestricted movement. 


    Depending on your injury or condition you may consider shorts and appropriate underwear which may help if we’re assessing certain joints requiring the removal of outer clothing. If you do feel you wouldn’t like to remove any outer clothing please do talk to the physiotherapist. This is absolutely fine, as we can usually work around clothing to ensure you feel comfortable and we are still able to be clinically effective in our assessments and treatments. You should never feel uncomfortable during your appointments and please do continue to communicate with the physiotherapist if you feel any degree of worry or discomfort in terms of clothing.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice.


    A cancellation fee equivelent to the full session fee is payable for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.


    For more information, please refer to our policies and terms & conditions published under the 'Information' section on our website.


Physiotherapy


  • Do I need a referral from my GP?

    You do not need a referral from your GP or other health professional to attend Midland Physiotherapy. 


    Physiotherapists are medical professionals, and are able to independently assess, treat, and diagnose injuries and conditions. The title of physiotherapist is protected by law and anyone calling themselves physiotherapist must have gone through an accredited degree programme. As a result, we are able to see patients who can ring or contact the clinic directly and correspond appropriately with other health professionals if needed with the consent of the patient.

  • What should I expect at my first appointment?

    During your initial assessment your physiotherapist will typically ask a range of questions which in turn may lead to further questions in a process called clinical reasoning. This clinical reasoning process is designed to allow us to identify the most likely cause of your problem. Without asking these clinical questions we will be unable to confidently diagnose the root problem. 


    Following this, we will typically move onto physical assessment to confirm or test the clinical diagnosis which has been considered. This may involve the removal of some outer garments and the movement of different body parts to assess how joints, muscles, tendons and nerves are moving in relation to each other. The whole assessment process typically takes around 30-45 minutes although in complex cases this can be slightly longer. 


    Following this, a working diagnosis is determined and enables appropriate treatment, advice, education and rehabilitation to commence. We would stress that the assessment and further treatments are a two-way process between the physiotherapist and the patient. Please do feel fully empowered to describe any sensations of pain or otherwise and keep talking to the physiotherapist during your assessment and treatment process. The more information we can receive on how things are feeling and how things have changed, the more we are able to help develop a treatment plan which is optimised for you.

  • How long are treatment sessions?

    If you're a new patient or an existing patient with a new condition, your first appointment, known as an 'Initial Assessment' must be completed and does include treatment. Initial Assessments typically take approximately 45 minutes.


    Follow up physiotherapy treatment sessions are up to 30 minutes in length. This allows us to understand how pain and symptoms may have changed between sessions and then adapt your personalised treatment accordingly. 


    Occasionally sessions may be slightly shorter depending on your needs combined with nature of the treatment required. If you feel you would like longer sessions, you can simply book an extended session allowing 45 minutes worth of treatment and rehabilitation time as required.

  • What might my treatment session involve?

    Physiotherapy sessions can include a combination of treatments depending on your needs. These may involve:


    • Shockwave Therapy
    • Manual therapy (e.g., joint mobilisation, soft tissue techniques)
    • Joint manipulaton
    • Diagnostic imaging (e.g. ultrasound)
    • Exercise rehabilitation (targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility)
    • Postural and movement re-education
    • Electrotherapy (e.g., ultrasound or TENS)
    • Taping or bracing
    • Education and advice to help manage symptoms and prevent recurrence

    Your treatment plan is personalised to your condition, goals, and lifestyle.

  • How often should I attend physiotherapy sessions for optimal benefit?

    The frequency of your physiotherapy appointments will depend on several factors, including the type and severity of your injury or condition, how long you've had it, and how your body responds to treatment. 


    Some people may benefit from weekly sessions, especially in the early stages of recovery, while others might only need to come fortnightly or at longer intervals.


    For ongoing maintenance and to support long-term mobility and function, many patients benefit from seeing us on a monthly basis, even after their initial issue has improved.


    Your physiotherapist will assess your needs and create a tailored plan to ensure the best outcome for you.

  • Should I bring letters or scan reports with me?

    If you have correspondence from your GP, hospital consultant or recent scan reports, please feel free to bring them with you. Your physiotherapist may choose to assess you without being unduly influenced by other opinions in the first instance. This is not unusual as it gives a fresh pair of eyes on the current clinical perspective. However, we would encourage you to bring these documents with you if you do have them as it can enhance the assessment and ultimately lead to improved treatment and outcomes in some cases.

  • Do you provide sick notes for employers?

    We can provide reports and recommendations to employers and often get asked by employers and occupational health organisations to supply reports for this reason. We’re also able to liaise with your GP at your request and with your written consent.

  • Why have I been referred?

    We regularly get referrals from an extensive variety of sources including solicitors, private health insurance (e.g. Bupa, AXA) surgeons, sports teams, employers, occupational health schemes, and many others who all value the expertise we provide. 


    Typically, we receive referrals because a course of assessment and treatment has been recommended. We manage each and every referral with care, respect and dedication.

  • Should I be concerned about pain when doing my rehabilitation exercises?

    Exercises designed to improve function and rehabilitate injury or pain mat be somewhat uncomfortable. In order to improve damaged or weakened structures it is quite normal to stress the body’s soft tissues allowing and supporting change and improvement. This physical stressing process can cause discomfort, although the pain should not progress towards extreme levels. Your physiotherapist will advise on what is quite normal to expect post treatment and during exercise. If your pain levels are significantly beyond what is being advised it is sensible to stop or reduce the intensity and discuss this with your physiotherapist at your next appointment. If you have particular concerns, please contact the administration team who will liaise with your physiotherapist and we can come back to you as soon as possible. 


    Using a pain score range of 0-10 (0 = No pain / 10 = Worst pain), as a general rule of thumb, if the pain is between a 1-4 out of 10, this is normal and ok to continue. However, if the pain is progressively increasing beyond a 4 out of 10 and the physiotherapist has said that this is not typical it is sensible to either modifiy or stop the painful exercise.

  • I've been doing my exercises for over a week, why am I not better?

    Research studies have shown that in order to achieve long term tissue recovery, exercises typically take 6-8 weeks to make a significant difference. There are some instances where pain will feel better very rapidly, and tissues may improve within a matter of days or even hours. However, it is quite normal for exercise and rehabilitation programmes to take several weeks before the benefits are felt. 


    Your physiotherapist should be able to advise on rough timescales as to when you will feel the physical, performance and pain related benefits. It is very important to follow the exercise programme as closely as possible and work in partnership with your physiotherapist on any concerns or adaptations needed to the exercise and rehab programme as things progress.


Sports Massage


  • What are the benefits of regular sports massage?

    Regular sports massage can improve circulation, enhance recovery, reduce muscle soreness, prevent injury, support flexibility, and reduce physical and mental stress. Over time, it can contribute to improved performance and overall wellbeing.

  • How often should I get a sports massage for optimal benefit?

    The ideal frequency for sports massage depends on your activity level, training intensity, and individual goals. For those training regularly or managing ongoing muscle tension, a weekly or fortnightly session can help enhance performance, prevent injury, and aid recovery.


    If you're less active or using massage for general maintenance, monthly sessions may be sufficient. Your therapist can help tailor a plan that works best for your body and lifestyle.

  • Can I exercise after a sports massage?

    It’s generally best to avoid intense exercise for 24 hours after a sports massage. Light stretching or gentle activity is fine, but your body needs time to recover and respond to the treatment.

  • Can sports massage help with injury recovery?

    Yes, when used as part of a broader treatment plan. Sports massage can help reduce muscle tightness, improve tissue healing, and support mobility, especially in the later stages of recovery. Always consult your physiotherapist if you're recovering from an injury.

  • Does sports massage hurt?

    You may feel some discomfort during deeper techniques, especially in tight or sore areas, but it should never be unbearable. Your therapist will work with your comfort level and adjust pressure as needed.

  • Are there any side effects?

    You might experience mild soreness, redness, or fatigue after a session - this is normal and usually subsides within a day or two. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce any post-massage discomfort.

  • What should I do before and after my massage?

    Before your session, stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals. Afterward, drink water, avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day, and allow your body time to recover. Your therapist may also suggest stretches or exercises for ongoing benefit.


Shockwave Therapy


  • How quickly will I feel the benefit?

    Regular sports massage can improve circulation, enhance recovery, reduce muscle soreness, prevent injury, support flexibility, and reduce physical and mental stress. Over time, it can contribute to improved performance and overall wellbeing.

  • Does shockwave therapy hurt?

    The ideal frequency for sports massage depends on your activity level, training intensity, and individual goals. For those training regularly or managing ongoing muscle tension, a weekly or fortnightly session can help enhance performance, prevent injury, and aid recovery.


    If you're less active or using massage for general maintenance, monthly sessions may be sufficient. Your therapist can help tailor a plan that works best for your body and lifestyle.

  • Do I still need to do my exercises?

    Absolutely! We believe in taking action - not making excuses. Effectively loading the injured tissue is essential to achieving the best results with Shockwave Therapy. While Shockwave is a powerful tool, it complements physiotherapy, not replaces it. It is often used as a non-invasive alternative to steroid injections or surgery. For optimal recovery, we recommend avoiding high-impact exercise for 12-24 hours following each session.


    Some patients may experience mild discomfort or irritation in the treated area. If this occurs, please inform your therapist. Pain can be managed with paracetamol if needed, but we advise against using non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen), as they may interfere with the therapeutic effects of the treatment. We favour this approach because it's a safe, drug-free, and natural method of supporting the body’s healing process.

  • Is shockwave therapy covered by private health insurance?

    Some private health insurers may cover shockwave therapy depending on your policy. We recommend checking with your insurer before booking if you intend to claim.

  • Do I need a referral?

    No. You can self-refer for shockwave therapy. Before treatment begins, you'll undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.

  • Can everyone have shockwave therapy?

    No. Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone.


    It is generally not recommended if you:


    • Are pregnant
    • Have a bleeding disorder or are taking certain anticoagulant medications
    • Have a tumour or infection in the treatment area
    • Have an open wound over the treatment site
    • Have recently received a corticosteroid injection into the area (usually within the last 6 weeks)
    • Are still skeletally immature where growth plates are present

    Your physiotherapist will screen for any contraindications during your assessment.


Diagnostic Ultrasound


  • Is an ultrasound scan painful?

    No. Ultrasound scanning is painless and non-invasive. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin before a handheld probe is moved over the affected area.

  • How long does the appointment take?

    Most appointments take between 20 and 45 minutes depending on whether you're having a standalone scan or a physiotherapy consultation.

  • Will I receive the results immediately?

    Yes. Your findings will be explained during the appointment, along with what they mean and the recommended next steps.

  • Do I get a copy of the images after my ultrasound scan?

    No. Ultrasound scan images are not provided following the examination. 


    Your findings will be explained clearly during your appointment, and a written diagnostic ultrasound report can be provided to document the relevant findings and, where appropriate, shared with other healthcare professionals with your consent.

  • Will I receive a written report of my ultrasound scan?

    Yes. Your ultrasound findings will be explained to you during your appointment so you understand what has been identified and what it means for your care.


    A written diagnostic ultrasound report can also be provided, documenting the relevant findings from your scan. This can be useful for your own records or if you need to share the results with another healthcare professional.


    Where appropriate, we'll also discuss any recommended next steps, including treatment, rehabilitation, further imaging or onward referral.

  • Do I need a referral?

    No. You can self-refer for both a standalone diagnostic ultrasound scan and a physiotherapy assessment with diagnostic ultrasound.

  • Can you refer me for further investigations if needed?

    Yes. If your assessment indicates that additional investigations or referral to another healthcare professional would be beneficial, we'll discuss this with you and guide you through the most appropriate next steps.


Injection Therapy


  • Can I book an injection without having physiotherapy first?

    You do not necessarily need to have completed a course of physiotherapy before injection therapy can be considered. 


    However, you will require an appropriate clinical assessment before an injection can be provided.

  • Can I have an injection during my first appointment?

    Potentially, yes. If your assessment confirms that injection therapy is clinically appropriate, there are no relevant contraindications, and you have had the opportunity to make an informed decision about treatment, an injection may be provided as part of your care.


    In some circumstances, further investigation, imaging, medical information or another treatment approach may be recommended before proceeding.

  • Can an injection be added later during my treatment?

    Yes. Injection therapy can be considered at any point during your course of care. If pain is limiting your rehabilitation or your clinical presentation changes, we can reassess whether an injection may be appropriate.

  • Do injections cure the underlying problem?

    Not necessarily. An injection may help reduce symptoms, but it does not automatically address the underlying factors contributing to your condition.


    For this reason, injections are often combined with physiotherapy and progressive rehabilitation to help achieve a more meaningful and sustainable recovery.

  • Are injections painful?

    You may experience brief discomfort as the injection is administered. Some people also experience temporary soreness around the injection site afterwards.


    We'll explain what to expect and provide appropriate aftercare advice.

  • Are there risks?

    As with any medical procedure, injection therapy carries potential risks and side effects. These vary depending on the medication, injection site, your medical history and other individual factors.


    These will be discussed with you before treatment so that you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.

  • Can everyone have injection therapy?

    No. Certain medical conditions, medications, infections and other factors may make an injection inappropriate or mean additional precautions are required.


    Your medical history and current medication will therefore be reviewed as part of your assessment.

  • Will I still need physiotherapy afterwards?

    Most likely, yes. Reducing pain can provide an opportunity to restore movement, improve strength and progressively increase what you can do.


    Where appropriate, we'll provide a rehabilitation plan designed around your condition and goals rather than relying on the injection alone.

  • How long does an injection therapy appointment take?

    If you're a new patient, your initial consultation will usually take 45 minutes. 


    This allows sufficient time to discuss your symptoms and medical history, complete a thorough clinical assessment, determine whether injection therapy is appropriate, discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives, and provide treatment where clinically indicated.


    If you're an existing patient and injection therapy is being considered as part of your ongoing care, a follow-up appointment will usually take 20–30 minutes, depending on the area being treated and whether reassessment is required.


    We never rush the decision to inject. If further assessment, imaging or additional information is required before treatment can safely proceed, your injection may be arranged for a subsequent appointment.

  • What should I expect before my injection?

    We'll assess your condition and discuss your medical history, current medication and any factors that could affect your suitability for injection therapy.


    You'll have the opportunity to discuss the proposed treatment, including its potential benefits, risks, alternatives and what you can realistically expect afterwards.

Book Your Appointment.

Book online or contact us using the details below to schedule an appointment.

BOOK ONLINE

Call: 0121 517 1595

Email: info@midlandphysio.co.uk

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 6am-8pm

Saturday's: 7am-2pm

Need assistance? Our team is here to support you, whether you have questions or need help scheduling the ideal appointment.