Physiotherapy FAQ

We want to solve your problems, so we work to find the root cause of your symptoms rather than just treat the painful area. Right from the start, we’ll ask lots of questions. For example: How old/new is the problem? How and when did it first occur? How severe is it? How frequent? How long does the problem last for? We’ll also look at aggravating and easing factors, pain patterns and medications: all of these give us essential information, too.

We take our time providing in-depth analysis or your injury, dysfunction, faulty movement patterns or muscle imbalance issues. This is carried out in our fully equipped studio giving us the advantage of observing you from all planes of movement while you demonstrate your movement patterns. Once we have established the cause of the problem we will educate you and discuss the clinical findings. We will also discuss treatment options and time frames required for your return to peak performance.

Many physio clinics only provide 30-minute appointments. Here at Gosforth Physio and Wellness we find that a 40-minute appointment is much better for our patients. Those 40 minutes allow plenty of time for on-going assessment and a review of your progress, while still allowing plenty of time for us to give you proper ‘hands on’ treatment. The result? In many cases you will need fewer treatment sessions – and that will save you money.

We aim to provide a detailed assessment and diagnosis with treatment on the first appointment.

However, if a problem is highly complex, it might happen that the ‘treatment’ element will consist of education about the problem. Rest assured that this is a rare occurrence.

We often say that ‘We use our heads before we use our hands’ – and when you think about it, that makes perfect sense! Once we have established your diagnosis, we discuss all the treatment options with you.

Treatments including manual therapy (hands on), trigger point muscle release, myofascial release, acupuncture and dry needling may be used from the outset to help settle and improve your symptoms and manage many conditions. You will be taught specific strengthening, stretching and Pilates exercises to perform at home to enhance and speed up your recovery, allowing you to effectively self manage your problem.

An average of 3-6 treatments is usual for non complicated, acute problems.

Complicated or chronic conditions may need more treatments – and may sometimes need different input from other therapies. This will always be discussed with you at the beginning.

We aim to provide bespoke treatment solutions, so you can get back to enjoying your life after as few a number of treatments as possible.

Our physiotherapists will never over-treat. If there is no improvement at all in 5 sessions we will cease treating, re-assess and then arrange appropriate introductions to GPs or consultants for scans or other treatments.

If we feel that for any reason we’re unable to resolve your problems, we will arrange introductions to an appropriate medical practitioner.

We recommend suitable underwear or shorts and t-shirt / vest top in order for your physiotherapist to accurately assess and treat your problems.

If you are looking for more information check out our physiotherapy or sports injury pages, or feel free to contact us with any further questions.