Question 1

What is physiotherapy and what does it treat?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that helps people recover from injury, manage pain and improve movement. At The Physio Dorset we treat a wide range of conditions including sports injuries, back and neck pain, joint problems, post-surgical rehabilitation, tendon pain, and chronic pain conditions. Treatment combines hands-on therapy, exercise rehabilitation and objective assessment to get you back to what you love doing.

Question 2

What is the difference between a physiotherapist, osteopath and chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

All three treat musculoskeletal problems but with different approaches. Physiotherapists are HCPC registered healthcare professionals who combine hands-on treatment with active rehabilitation and exercise therapy. Osteopaths focus primarily on manual manipulation of joints and soft tissue. Chiropractors specialise in spinal manipulation. Physiotherapy places the greatest emphasis on long term function, strength and self-management.

Question 3

Do I need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

No — you can book directly without a GP referral. Physiotherapists are first contact practitioners, meaning you can come straight to us with any musculoskeletal problem. If you are claiming through private health insurance, some providers may require a GP referral so check your policy before booking.

Question 4

Is physiotherapy available on the NHS or do I have to pay?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy is available on the NHS but waiting times can be lengthy. The Physio Dorset is a private self-pay practice, meaning you can be seen quickly — often within days — without the need for a referral. Many patients choose private physiotherapy to get faster access to specialist treatment and more appointment time.

Question 5

Can physiotherapy help with chronic pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective approaches for managing chronic pain. Treatment focuses on understanding the factors contributing to your pain, improving movement and strength, and building your confidence to return to daily activities. A personalised rehabilitation programme can make a significant difference to quality of life for people living with long term pain.

Question 6

Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — physiotherapy is safe during pregnancy and can help with a range of pregnancy related conditions including pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain and postural changes. Please mention your pregnancy when booking so your treatment can be adapted appropriately.

Question 7

Can physiotherapy help with sciatica?

Accepted Answer

Yes — physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica. Treatment focuses on identifying the root cause of the nerve irritation, reducing pain, improving mobility and building the strength needed to prevent recurrence. Most people see significant improvement with a course of physiotherapy without the need for surgery or injections.

Question 8

Can physiotherapy help with back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a physiotherapist. Whether your pain is acute or has been present for months or years, a thorough assessment will identify the cause and guide the most effective treatment. Most back pain responds well to physiotherapy without the need for scans or medication.

Question 9

How long does a pulled muscle take to heal?

Accepted Answer

A mild muscle strain can heal within 2-4 weeks with the right management. More significant tears can take 6-12 weeks or longer depending on the severity and location. Physiotherapy significantly speeds up recovery by guiding appropriate loading and rehabilitation from the start, reducing the risk of re-injury.

Question 10

What is a rotator cuff injury and can physio help?

Accepted Answer

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. Injuries range from inflammation and tendinopathy to partial or full thickness tears, often caused by overuse, sport or a fall. Physiotherapy is highly effective for rotator cuff injuries, restoring strength, mobility and function — and can often avoid the need for surgery.

Question 11

Can physiotherapy help with knee pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physiotherapy can help with a wide range of knee conditions including ligament injuries, meniscus problems, patellofemoral pain, Osgood-Schlatter disease and arthritis. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving strength and stability, and returning you to sport or daily activities safely and confidently.

Question 12

What causes Achilles tendon pain and how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Achilles tendinopathy is typically caused by overload — doing too much too soon, a sudden increase in training volume, or inadequate recovery. It causes pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after exercise. Physiotherapy treatment focuses on progressive tendon loading, strength work and load management to restore full pain free function.

Question 13

Can physiotherapy help with plantar fasciitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel and sole of the foot and is one of the most common running related injuries. Physiotherapy identifies the contributing factors — including calf tightness, foot mechanics and training load — and uses targeted exercise, manual therapy and load management to resolve symptoms effectively.

Question 14

What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?

Accepted Answer

A sprain refers to an injury to a ligament — the tissue connecting bones — while a strain refers to an injury to a muscle or tendon. Both are common sports injuries that respond well to physiotherapy. A thorough assessment will determine the severity of the injury and guide the appropriate rehabilitation programme.

Question 15

Can physiotherapy help after a hip or knee replacement?

Accepted Answer

Yes — physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery after joint replacement surgery. Treatment focuses on reducing swelling, restoring mobility, rebuilding strength and helping you return to daily activities and exercise safely. Starting physiotherapy early after surgery leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.

Question 16

Should I use heat or ice on an injury?

Accepted Answer

For acute injuries in the first 48-72 hours, ice can help reduce swelling and pain — apply for 15-20 minutes at a time with a cloth between the ice and skin. Heat is better for chronic muscle tightness and stiffness, helping to relax the area and improve blood flow. If in doubt, speak to a physiotherapist before self-treating as the wrong approach can slow recovery.

Question 17

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This varies depending on your injury, how long you have had the problem and your goals. After your initial assessment Lewis will outline a recommended treatment plan so you know what to expect. Acute injuries may resolve in 4-6 sessions while more complex or long standing conditions may require a longer programme.

Question 18

How long does physiotherapy take to work?

Accepted Answer

Many patients notice improvement within the first 2-3 sessions. The overall length of treatment depends on the nature and severity of the condition, how long the problem has been present, and how consistently the rehabilitation programme is followed outside of sessions.

Question 19

What exercises help lower back pain?

Accepted Answer

The best exercises for lower back pain depend on the underlying cause — what works for one person may not work for another. Generally, gentle movement, walking and progressive strengthening of the core and glutes are beneficial. A physiotherapy assessment will identify the most appropriate exercises for your specific situation and make sure you are doing them correctly.

Question 20

How do I prevent sports injuries?

Accepted Answer

The most effective ways to prevent sports injuries are progressive training load management, adequate recovery, sport specific strength and conditioning, and addressing any movement deficiencies early. At The Physio Dorset we use objective strength testing with VALD technology to identify imbalances before they become injuries — ideal for athletes looking to stay at their best.

Question 21

How much does physiotherapy cost?

Accepted Answer

At The Physio Dorset our prices are: Initial Assessment and Treatment (60 minutes) £65, Follow Up Appointment (30 minutes) £45, Extended Follow Up (60 minutes) £70. We also offer a free 30-minute First Contact Consultation Call for anyone unsure whether physiotherapy is right for them — bookable directly online.

Question 22

Can I claim physiotherapy on health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many private health insurance policies cover physiotherapy. You will usually need to contact your insurer first to get authorisation before booking. Some providers require a GP referral so check your policy. We are happy to provide receipts and documentation to support any insurance claim.

Question 23

What should I wear to a physiotherapy appointment?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable clothing you can move in, such as gym or activewear. If we need to assess or treat a specific area such as your shoulder, knee or hip, it is helpful if that area can be easily accessed. You may be asked to remove a layer of clothing but this will always be explained beforehand and your comfort and privacy will be respected at all times.

Question 24

How do I know if my injury is serious enough to see a physio?

Accepted Answer

If pain, stiffness or reduced movement is affecting your daily life, work or sport, it is worth getting it assessed. You do not need to be seriously injured to benefit from physiotherapy — in fact the earlier you seek treatment the quicker your recovery tends to be. If you are unsure, book a free First Contact Consultation Call and Lewis will advise whether physiotherapy is the right next step.

Question 25

What is the difference between physiotherapy and sports massage?

Accepted Answer

Sports massage focuses on soft tissue work — releasing tight muscles, improving circulation and aiding recovery. Physiotherapy is a broader clinical service that includes diagnosis, rehabilitation and exercise prescription alongside hands-on treatment. At The Physio Dorset treatment is tailored to your specific needs and may include elements of both approaches within a session.

Frequently asked questions

About physiotherapy

Injuries & conditions

Treatment & recovery

Practical questions

Contact us before booking, or jump straight to the diary