FAQ's | Dan Rix Physio, Physiotherapy & Recovery Experts

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a treatment used to alleviate pain, promote healing, and aid the rehabilitation of various health conditions, whether medical or surgical. It is a fantastic treatment option for a range of muscle, joint, and nerve-related conditions.

Our physiotherapists are skilled in triage, assessment and management of patients. We conduct in-depth assessments and prescribe treatments that are tailored to your specific needs. In addition to hands-on treatments, we will also recommend individual exercises and provide guidance on how to best manage your symptoms.

If required, your physiotherapist may recommend you see other health professionals to get the best possible treatment. This may include orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, podiatrists, nutritionists, psychologists, and more. We believe in taking a holistic approach to treating the whole body, and we will use our resources and connections to refer you to the right specialists swiftly to help you achieve your health goals.

When should I book an appointment to see a physio?

If you're experiencing any pain or discomfort, we recommend booking an appointment with one of our friendly physiotherapists as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can help manage your symptoms more effectively and prevent any further issues from developing.

Delaying treatment can have a negative impact on your body and may even delay the healing process. While some symptoms may improve on their own, it's important to remember that the body may not fully recover without proper treatment. Remember, even if your pain goes away, it's important to ensure your body has fully recovered to prevent any future problems.

‍If in doubt, you can speak with a member of our team who will be happy to provide advice based on your individual needs.

Who should see a physio?

We believe that everyone can benefit from seeing a physiotherapist. Just like we take our car to the garage to identify and fix any issues, or service them to keep them running smoothly, we visit the dentist to check our teeth for any problems and receive treatment or advice if necessary, but for some reason, we fail to do the same for our bodies! We offer the Body MOT service, where we evaluate your body to determine what is working well and what needs attention.

Our background is in elite sports, and we often work with clients who do not experience pain. However, if you're feeling any sort of discomfort, such as stiffness, aches, niggles, numbness, pins and needles, headaches, or anything else, and you're looking to lead a life with less pain while feeling fitter, stronger and healthier, we highly recommend getting in touch with one of our experienced physiotherapists.

To learn more about what we can do and why you should visit us, please read our blog.

The NHS is free, should I just go there instead to save money?

While it's true that the NHS provides an incredible service, it might not always offer the same level of quality and excellence as private physiotherapy. Unfortunately, getting referred for physio via the NHS can take a long time, and when you do get through, there might not be any hands-on treatment available. Plus, the frequency and length of sessions may not always be enough for a full recovery. But don't worry, investing in private physiotherapy can offer you many benefits and ensure that you get the treatment you deserve.

If you'd like to learn more about the difference between NHS and private physiotherapy, check out our blog.

What should I expect on my first visit?

Before you visit our clinic, we will have a chat over the phone to understand your needs and concerns. We will also send you all the information you need before your appointment so you can easily find our clinic.

When you arrive, you'll be warmly welcomed by our friendly staff. You'll be seen on time by one of our knowledgeable physiotherapists, who will take the time to listen to your story and understand your medical history. We encourage you to come prepared with all necessary medical history and think about all previous injuries as this can be vital in ensuring we don’t just treat your symptoms but also get to the root of the problem.

We will conduct a thorough physical examination and find out exactly how your body is functioning, including your mobility, strength, and posture. If we notice any issues, we'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that will help get you back on track. Find out more on MOT;s on our blog.
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After completing the examination, we will sit down with you and explain the problem in a way that is easy to understand. We will provide you with guidance and exercises to help you keep progressing until your next appointment. We want you to feel supported every step of the way!

Will I get treatment on my initial assessment?

During our first session together, our primary goal is to gain a thorough understanding of your condition and identify the steps needed to achieve your goals. Our consultations are scheduled for an hour, and we always strive to offer some form of treatment during the first session. However, the amount of hands-on treatment you receive will depend on the complexity of your symptoms, the extent of your pain, and the time required to conduct a complete assessment. If we are unable to provide hands-on treatment during the first session, we will at least provide you with exercises and guidance to manage your symptoms until your next appointment.

Can I just opt for a treatment session instead of having an initial assessment?

In short answer, yes, it is possible to go for treatment only but it is not recommended. When you come in for an initial assessment, we get a better understanding of your unique situation, and we can create a personalised treatment and exercise plan that addresses the root cause of your problem. This helps us ensure that we don't miss anything and can provide you with a more effective and long-lasting solution. While treatment-only can offer some relief in the short term, it's unlikely to fix the issue for good. So, we always recommend getting a thorough assessment to get to the bottom of things and give you the best possible care!

‍We have a case study/blog that explores this topic in more detail that you might find helpful. Give it a read and let us know what you think!

What does treatment involve?

The treatment we provide is highly personalised and tailored to meet your individual needs. We have a variety of tools in our toolbox and we will work with you to find the most suitable treatment techniques that align with your goals. This ranges from expert hands-on techniques, mobilisations and manipulation, acupuncture, dry needling, Clinical Pilates, custom insoles and more. Find out more within Our Services page.

What exercises will I be given?

Just like hands-on treatment, the exercises we prescribe for you are unique and are based on the results of your assessment. We make sure that the exercises we recommend are appropriate for your current level of fitness. Some exercises may provide relief and are relatively easy, while others may be challenging and uncomfortable. Our goal is to find the right balance, and a combination of both types of exercises is usually necessary. To help you keep track of your progress, we provide you with our "Physitrack" app. This app allows you to access your individual exercise videos, keep records of your reps, sets, and pain scores, and monitor your recovery. Find out more on Physiapp on Our Blog.

How long will treatment sessions be?

Treatment sessions can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes long. Your physiotherapist can advise which length is best based on your symptoms, but ultimately, the decision is yours.

Do you offer home visits?

Yes, home visits are available upon request. Our team will ensure that you receive the same level of care and attention from the comfort of your own home. Please contact us to arrange a convenient time for the visit.

Where are your clinics located?

We currently have clinics located in Middleton, Wigan, and Warrington. Find out more on our Locations page.

What should I wear to my appointment?

While it's a good idea to wear clothes that allow you to move freely, we want you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. If you want to wear shorts or looser clothing, you can change before your appointment. If you have any concerns about this, please speak to a member of our team and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

How many appointments will I need to get better?

This is a tricky one to answer. The truth is, everyone's healing process is unique and there are lots of factors at play. But don't fret, your physiotherapist will be able to give you a good idea of what to expect after a thorough assessment. We will strive to provide you with the best possible care and help you recover as quickly as possible.

Is DR Physiotherapy safe and registered?

All of our physiotherapists are highly skilled and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Find out more at hcpc-uk.org.

How and when do I pay?

We kindly ask that you make your payment in full or a deposit before your first session. For your peace of mind, we prefer to take card or BACS payments. However, if you would like to pay by cash, please let us know in advance so we can discuss it further. For more details about our pricing, please refer to our prices page.

Will my treatment hurt?

You may experience some level of discomfort during your treatment however, our physiotherapists will only work within the limits of what you can handle. We do not believe in the saying “no pain, no gain” because experiencing more pain certainly doesn’t equal more gain. As you progress through treatment and your tolerance to exercise increases, the sensitivity of your symptoms will start to lessen.

Why should I come to DR Physiotherapy as opposed to another clinic?

At DR Physiotherapy, we have a team of dedicated physiotherapists who undergo rigorous mentorship. This helps for us to stand out from other clinics. We have a senior physiotherapist who provides constant training and support to the whole team. We believe in the power of learning and always strive for excellence in everything we do. You can trust that you are in safe hands and we will do our best to help you achieve your goals. To learn more about some of our training support days, please read our blog.