10 Questions to ask when when looking for a clinician to help you with your pain

Are they qualified?

1. Check they are registered with the Health Professions Council.
2. Do they hold a specialist postgraduate diploma or masters?
3. Are they involved in research and lecturing? They will be if they are considered clinical experts.

Our Physiotherapists are all registered with the Health Professions Council, meaning we meet national standards for training, professional skills and behaviour. Every year we exceed these minimum standards with our post graduate training and research experience. We have worked on research projects with Kings College London, Loughborough University and the University of Gloucestershire. By keeping up to date we can provide you with the highest quality Physiotherapy care.

Do their services meet your needs?

4. Are you looking for an expert clinician for a thorough assessment?
5. Would you like your pain explained and learn how to resolve it?
6. If you have a sports injury, do they have access to a gym?

Our Physiotherapists take great pride in being expert assessors and problem solvers. We think of ourselves as being like detectives, with an excellent assessment a good diagnosis can be made which in turn provides the foundations for treatment. Throughout the treatment process it is essential you understand what is happening; we will take time to explain what your symptoms mean and how we are going to work with you to resolve them. If you are not making the expected recovery or Physiotherapy is not appropriate for you we can quickly organise further investigations and onward referral to one of our network of excellent consultants.

Are there other benefits?

7. Are they able to refer you for further investigations if required?
8. Do they offer video analysis to aid assessment?
9. Do they work with personal trainers to deliver advanced rehabilitation?

With access to a fully equipped gym, sports hall and personal trainers we are able to take your rehab to the end stages, this means when you get back in to action you can have full confidence that you have already tried and tested your readiness. To assist with rehabilitation we increasingly use video analysis to assess your movement pattern. This can help aid your understanding and give us valuable information on where your weaknesses remain.

What is their average number of sessions?

10. What is their average number of sessions? Whilst everybody is individual and their problem unique, by helping you understand the nature of your pain and how to manage it, the number of treatment sessions can be greatly reduced. Sometimes 1 session can be enough.

REMEMBER - You do not need to be dependent on a clinician.