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Frequently Asked Questions

Question Answer Question	What is Physiotherapy? Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with helping to improve the quality of life of a person normally suffering physical problems which usually tend to be causing pain and dysfunction. A Chartered Physiotherapist will aim to promote healing through a number of modalities ranging mainly from manual therapy to electrotherapy, exercise or more recently through alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Physiotherapists generally aim to improve strength, range of movement, posture, walking patterns, normal movement, and soft tissue repair whilst also helping with pain control. What training do Chartered Physiotherapists have?
Answer	Aren't all physiotherapists trained, you might ask! Surprisingly, the answer is no. At present there are people able to call themselves physiotherapists even though they have received minimal or possibly no formal training. However, no one can use the title of Chartered Physiotherapist (MCSP or FCSP) unless they have undertaken a rigorous and comprehensive training. This will guarantee that The Health Professions Council (formerly known as 'State Registration Board') has validated the courses which produce these qualifications, thus providing confidence that patients will be treated by regular practitioners. These are the only qualifications accepted by the NHS. All PhysioFirst physiotherapists are both Chartered and members of The Health Professions Council and additionally work to guidelines and requirements set by the Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice (OCPPP), the officially recognised sub-group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy responsible for independent practitioners.

Question	How do I know if a physiotherapist is fully trained and has a qualification recognised by the state?
Answer	All members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (known as Chartered Physiotherapists, and having the designatory letters "MCSP" after their name), have undergone the required training and passed the necessary state recognised examinations to enable them to practice both within the National Health Service and in Private Practice.

Question	How does a Chartered Physiotherapist decide the best form of treatment?
Answer	Your Chartered Physiotherapist will examine and assess the nature, history and site of the problem and relate it to you as a whole person before making a diagnosis. After full consultation with you, and where appropriate with your doctor a treatment programme will be suggested. It has always been the policy of this clinic to ensure that all our patients are given full information about their diagnosis and proposed treatment.

Question	How does Chartered Physiotherapist differ from the "alternative" forms of healing?
Answer	The methods used by "alternative" therapies differ widely, but most of the theories and principals which govern them are included as standard practice in Chartered Physiotherapy, which is the "orthodox alternative".

Question	Do I have to be referred by a doctor?
Answer	No, not necessarily. You may consult a Chartered Physiotherapist without a doctor's referral, but contact will usually be maintained between your GP and Physiotherapist. Chartered Physiotherapists work in close co-operation with general practitioners in much the same way as consultants do, and this relationship is to the ultimate benefit of the patient. You may also be referred by your consultant or insurance company. If you are a member of a medical insurance company you should, if possible, contact them before starting treatment; if you wish to make a claim from them.

Question	Can I be treated by a Chartered Physiotherapist outside the National Health Service?
Answer	Yes. Anyone can receive private treatment from a Chartered Physiotherapist in Private Practice. Most private medical insurance schemes provide cover for physiotherapy only when it is given by a Chartered and/or Physiotherapist who is registered with The Health Professions Council.