What is physiotherapy?
Your physiotherapist helps through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. It suits patients of all ages and helps people manage pain and prevent disease.
Your sessions
Depending on your condition, your physiotherapist may use:
- Stretching and strengthening
- Joint mobilisation
- Core stability exercises
- Acupuncture and dry needling
- Biomechanical analysis
- Soft tissue massage
- Exercise therapy
Follow-up sessions are about 25–30 minutes. First appointments and re-examinations take a little longer, about 40–45 minutes, so there's time for a detailed history and examination. We always aim to treat you in that first session.
How many sessions?
Your physiotherapist will give you an idea of how many sessions you may need. Every case is different: some people need only one or two, while longer-standing conditions may need ongoing maintenance treatment, which we review with you regularly.
After treatment
Some people feel stiff or sore for a few hours to a couple of days afterwards. This is normal, and your physiotherapist will tell you how to keep it to a minimum. If you're worried, contact your practitioner and we'll help promptly.
Chaperones
You're welcome to bring a friend or relative into your treatment. If you'd like the clinic to provide a chaperone, please say when you book so a convenient appointment can be arranged. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
Who you'll see
Camilla Harraway
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, HCPC, CSP, AACPCamilla graduated from Cardiff University in 2008 and has worked extensively in the NHS and private sector, specialising in musculoskeletal conditions for over a decade. Her interests include managing chronic conditions such as rheumatology, and she is a qualified acupuncturist registered with the AACP.
More about Camilla
Jessica Harrison
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, HCPC, CSP, Mummy MOT practitionerJessica qualified as a midwife in 2007 and worked in the NHS and private sector before retraining as a physiotherapist at the University of the West of England, driven by her passion for fitness, women's health and wellbeing.
More about JessicaFor pelvic health and the Mummy MOT, see pelvic health with Rachel Cox.