Frequently Asked

Physiotherapy helps restore movement, manage pain, and improve physical function using evidence-based techniques such as manual therapy, exercise, education, and lifestyle advice. Our physiotherapists assess and treat a wide range of conditions without medication or surgery.

Yes. Physiotherapy is grounded in scientific evidence and proven treatment methods. We only use techniques that are shown to be more effective than a placebo and regularly update our methods based on the latest research.

Absolutely. Physiotherapists help prevent injuries, improve posture, enhance sports performance, and manage early signs of dysfunction—even if you’re not currently in pain.

Yes. It’s a fulfilling healthcare profession where you directly help patients recover, gain independence, and improve their lives.

No. Physiotherapists are primary care providers—you can book directly. However, some private health insurers or third-party schemes may require a GP referral.

Private insurance: Most insurers cover physiotherapy. We provide invoices for your claim.

Call us on 07723 488 590 or contact us. We offer extended hours to suit your schedule.

No. We work by appointment only to provide dedicated one-on-one care. Please book in advance.

Yes, there is parking available directly outside the clinic.

Yes. All physiotherapists at Caregateclinics are fully registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and are members of the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy).

We begin with a detailed consultation, during which we review your health history, lifestyle, and goals. This is followed by a physical assessment that may include:

• Range of motion
• Muscle strength
• Joint and nerve function
• Balance and flexibility
• Pain and movement patterns

We then explain your condition, provide a clear diagnosis, and begin treatment if appropriate.

Please bring:

• Any medical reports, scans (X-rays, MRI), or letters
• A list of current medications
• Comfortable clothing or sportswear

Wear clothing that allows access to the affected area. For example, shorts for lower limb injuries and a vest top for shoulder/neck issues.

Yes. We prioritise continuity of care, so you’ll work with the same physiotherapist throughout your recovery unless otherwise requested.

Every treatment plan at Care Gate Clinics is based on your personal goals, symptoms, and the findings of our thorough assessment. We combine:

• Manual therapy
• Targeted exercise programs
• Education and self-management tools
• Pain relief techniques and prevention strategies
• Electrotherapy/shockwave therapy as needed
• Kinesio taping

This depends on your condition and goals. Acute issues may resolve in 2–3 sessions, while chronic conditions or post-surgical rehab can take 6–12 sessions over several weeks. Your physiotherapist will explain your treatment plan and timeline.

Most patients notice improvement within a few sessions. However, deeper healing and long-term improvements may take several weeks. We regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

We track your recovery using:

• Pain scales
• Range of motion and strength tests
• Functional movement assessments
• Regular re-evaluation and feedback

Yes, though we recommend completing the planned sessions to avoid setbacks. If you’re not seeing results, speak with your physiotherapist—we can revise your approach or refer you for further investigation.

Some discomfort is normal during treatment, especially when targeting painful areas. It should never be excessively painful. Always let your physio know if you’re uncomfortable—we’ll adjust to keep you safe and at ease.

Yes. Your home exercise plan is delivered through a secure, app-based system, accessible from your phone or laptop. You can track progress, view demonstration videos, or print out your plan.

Prefer one-on-one Face to Face consultation for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment but happy to offer for follow-ups to assess your condition, guide exercises and advise.

Yes. We specialise in treating sports-related injuries such as:

• Sprains and strains
• Tendon injuries
• ACL and ligament tears
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Overuse injuries and runner’s knee

Yes. We offer sports-specific rehab and performance optimisation programs designed for amateur and elite athletes. We also help with injury prevention and return-to-sport plans.

Yes. Our team has training in specialised areas including:

• Cervicogenic headaches
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation

Yes, we provide home visits for patients who cannot attend the clinic due to mobility or health concerns. Extra charges may apply—please contact us for more details.

Yes. If your condition needs further investigation, we can refer you to GPs, orthopaedic surgeons, pain management teams, or imaging services (e.g. X-rays, MRI).

Yes. Our multilingual team ensures clear communication and culturally sensitive care for patients from diverse backgrounds.

Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid a cancellation fee. You can reschedule via the link in your email or call us directly. Late cancellations may incur a 50% charge or 100% for non-attendance.

In the first 48–72 hours after an injury (such as a sprain or strain), ice is generally recommended to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours.

Heat is more helpful for stiffness, chronic muscle tightness, or ongoing pain—especially after the initial swelling has gone down. Avoid using heat immediately after an acute injury, as it may worsen inflammation.

Tip: If you’re unsure, book a quick consultation. Using the wrong treatment early on can delay recovery.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain, swelling, reduced movement, weakness, or instability, it’s wise to consult a physiotherapist. Don’t wait for things to “just get better” — early assessment leads to quicker recovery and prevents long-term issues.

Red flags like unexplained weight loss, severe swelling, sudden weakness, or inability to bear weight should be assessed immediately. Further detailed information can be found from below link.

Website link

Rest is crucial in the first 24–72 hours after an acute injury. However, complete rest for too long can delay healing. Gentle, pain-free movement should begin as soon as it’s safe to do so — ideally guided by a physiotherapist.

Guideline: Protect and rest early, then gradually load and mobilise under expert advice.

Swelling typically peaks within 1–3 days and begins to reduce after that. Minor injuries may settle in a week, but more severe ones (e.g. ligament damage) can remain swollen for weeks.

If swelling persists beyond 10–14 days or worsens, it may indicate underlying issues that need professional input.

Muscle strain: Pain during movement, muscle weakness, bruising, or cramping. Often due to overstretching or overuse.

Ligament sprain: Pain around a joint, swelling, instability, or a popping sensation. Common in ankles and knees.

A physiotherapist can assess and confirm the injury type and guide your recovery plan.

Some discomfort is normal during rehab, but pain should not increase during or after exercise. Sharp, worsening, or lingering pain is a sign to stop and reassess.

As a rule: If pain lasts more than 24 hours after exercise, you’ve likely overdone it.

Acute injuries happen suddenly (e.g. sprained ankle, torn muscle).

Chronic injuries develop over time from overuse or poor mechanics (e.g. tendonitis).

Each requires a different treatment strategy — early intervention can prevent acute injuries becoming chronic.

Recurrent injuries are often due to incomplete rehab, poor technique, or muscle imbalances.

A tailored physiotherapy program focuses on strength, flexibility, joint control, and biomechanics to minimise future risk.

Preventative care is just as important as treatment.

Follow the POLICE protocol:

Protect
OL Optimal Loading
Ice
Compression
Elevation

Avoid anti-inflammatories unless advised, as they may slow healing in the early phase. Seek physiotherapy input early for the best outcome.

Not always. Most soft tissue injuries can be accurately diagnosed through a physiotherapy assessment. Scans are reserved for suspected fractures, significant tears, or when symptoms don’t improve as expected.

We’ll advise if imaging is needed — and refer you directly if appropriate.

Not always. You may need to modify or scale back, but complete rest isn’t always necessary. We’ll help you stay as active as safely possible, using tailored rehab to maintain conditioning.

Yes — poorly healed injuries can lead to weakness, joint instability, and compensatory movement patterns. Regular physiotherapy check-ups and maintenance exercises help prevent recurrence.

These can be useful short-term for stability or pain relief. However, over-reliance can weaken supporting muscles. We’ll advise if bracing is right for you and when to phase it out.

We use structured return-to-activity protocols that assess strength, mobility, endurance, and confidence. You’ll progress through sport-specific or job-specific drills to minimise risk of reinjury.

Early physiotherapy helps:

• Speed up recovery
• Prevent chronic pain or dysfunction
• Reduce the need for medication or scans
• Get you back to normal life faster

The sooner we assess, the more we can help.

Delayed healing can be caused by:

• Inadequate rest or overload
• Poor circulation
• Underlying health issues
• Incomplete rehab
• Stress or poor sleep

We’ll help identify the barriers and adjust your plan for a better recovery.

Yes, we provide both prehabilitation (prehab) and post-operative rehabilitation to support your recovery at every stage. Prehab helps prepare your body for surgery by improving strength, mobility, and conditioning, often leading to better surgical outcomes and a faster recovery. After your operation, our post-op rehab focuses on restoring function, reducing pain and swelling, and safely guiding you back to daily activities, sport, or work. All care plans are tailored to your surgery type, goals, and individual needs.

We take your privacy and data protection very seriously. All personal and medical information is collected and stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR guidelines. We only collect what is necessary for your care and legal obligations. Your data is kept confidential and is not shared without your consent, unless required by law or essential to your treatment. You can request access to your records or ask for corrections at any time.

If you’re unsure, consult your physiotherapist for tailored advice.