Physiotherapy FAQs
Do I need a Doctor's referral to get an appointment?
How do I make an appointment?
How long will my appointment be?
Do I need to bring anything with me?
How qualified is my physiotherapist?
How much is my appointment and how can I pay?
Do you accept payment via private medical insurance?
What will happen at my appointment?
Will I be expected to do anything following my appointment at Physiokinetic?
Do I need a Doctor’s referral to get an appointment?
No letter of referral is required unless specified by your private medical insurance company (if applicable). Self referral is permitted for private physiotherapy.
How do I make an appointment?
It is possible to book directly on the phone. Phone numbers are available via the ‘Contact Us’ link.
How long will my appointment be?
Initial appointments can last up to one hour. Unless specified, this appointment will include assessment and treatment. Follow up appointments are thirty minutes long.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
You will need to wear or bring suitable clothing to change into. If you have a knee problem, shorts or loose trousers would be appropriate as it is necessary to be able to see and feel the injured area. In the case of a shoulder, neck or back problem, it may be necessary to remove your shirt or wear a top that exposes the relevant area. If you are female, and for religious reasons are not able to be seen by a male physiotherapist, it is possible to see a female physiotherapist.
If you are paying via private medical insurance, you may need to bring your policy details and authorisation number.
How qualified is my physiotherapist?
All Physiokinetic physiotherapists have at least ten years experience in treating musculoskeletal problems. As part of maintaining their professional registration, they have to provide evidence of continuing professional development. Physiokinetic demands high clinical standards. All staff attend clinical courses or are involved in post-graduate study.
How much is my appointment and how can I pay?
If you pay on the day of treatment, an Initial Assessment costs £45 and a follow up treatment costs £35. We accept cash and cheque payment. Private Medical Insurance costs are slightly higher due to pre agreed rates and administration charges. A discount is available for University of Birmingham students. If you do not pay on the day, you are not entitled to a discount and therefore the rate will be £50 for the initial assessment and £40 for follow up’s.
Do you accept payment via private medical insurance?
Physiokinetic is covered by all major private medical insurance companies. It is worth noting that many policies require an annual excess to be paid which may mean that you have to finance part of the cost yourself. This can be checked by reviewing your policy or speaking directly to the company. Physiokinetic submits claims directly to your insurance company.
What will happen at my appointment?
Your initial appointment will firstly involve completing a personal details database. This will be followed by a discussion regarding your problem. Your physiotherapist will be asking specific questions aimed at identifying the nature of the problem. A physical examination will then occur of the relevant area. This may include getting you to move the injured region and your physiotherapist completing specific tests. It may be necessary to look at the areas above and below your injury in order to aid diagnosis. Once complete, your physiotherapist will explain the findings and their relevance to your problem. They will provide you with a diagnosis at this point if possible and an estimated timescale for recovery. You will also be able to ask any questions that you may have. Treatment will then commence, followed by provision of a home exercise plan, if appropriate.
At a follow up appointment, the initial physical examination tests may be reviewed before further treatment commences. The home exercise program may then be modified or progressed, as appropriate.
Will I be expected to do anything following my appointment at Physiokinetic?
It is quite common to be sent home with further work to do following your appointment in the form of exercises. This is to reinforce the benefits of the treatment you have received and to achieve further improvement.
