Frequently Asked Questions About Physiotherapy

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy states:

‘Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability’.

This is achieved by assessing someones injury, finding a diagnosis and implementing a treatment plan.

The treatment can consist of a range of techniques, including:

• Soft tissue therapy
• Deep tissue massage
• Joint mobilisation
• Joint manipulation
• Flexibility exercises
• Strength exercises
• Sports specific exercises
• Advice
• Acupuncture/dry needling
• Strapping or taping

Physiotherapists work in a range of specialities such as Respiratory, Neurology and Cardiology. 

Here at Physio Performance Belfast we specialise in musculoskeletal injuries and sports injuries. 

There is no straightforward answer to this question.

For the average injury the timeframe would be 4-6 weeks and there should be a gradual improvement each week.  

Recovery depends on many factors, such as:

Degree of injury – for example, a ligament injury is defined as mild, moderate or severe.  The recovery time can last from 2-12 weeks. 

Compliance – most people will be given advice and rehabilitation exercises to do between Physiotherapy sessions.  The more compliant someone is with their treatment plan, the sooner they recover.

Diagnosis – the key to effective recovery is the correct diagnosis.  the wrong diagnosis can result in the wrong treatment and a delay in recovery. 

Genetics – some people are quicker healers than others.  If two people have the same injury, they would likely recover at different rates.

It is important that people make progress with treatment but if after 2-3 weeks of therapy, and there is no improvement, further investigation of the problem may be required in the form of an x-ray or MRI scan.  

Attending a Physiotherapy appointment for the first time can be apprehensive.  

People wonder what they should wear.  

To carry out an assessment the Physiotherapist will ask to see the area that is giving you the problem.  

This will allow the Physiotherapist to look for bruising, swelling and any deformities.  

The treatment may also consist of hands on treatment which will require access to the problem area.  

However, if you are not comfortable with this, it may be possible to assess you through your clothes.  

The following should help you to decide what to wear to your appointment:

Upper body, neck or shoulder injuries – you will be asked to remove your top but for females a strapped top will work.  

Lower back – you will be asked to remove your top to assess and treat your spine but females can roll their top up and tuck it under the bra strap.  

Hip and groin injuries – shorts or leggings. 

Knee, ankle or foot injuries – shorts or leggings that can roll up past the knees. 

At no point will you ever be asked to remove your underwear. 

If you need to change out of work clothes and into shorts etc., the therapist will leave the room and give you time to get changed.  

The Newforge Clinic is based at the £12 million redeveloped Newforge Sports Complex. The physio site is located near the Malone Road, Lisburn Road and Stranmillis in South Belfast. There is a new state-of-art gym, grass and 3G pitches, sports hall and medical rooms.

Address

Newforge Sports Complex, 18B Newforge Ln, Belfast BT9 5NW

Getting Here

Free parking is available onsite. The clinic is served by the 8A and 8B buses, alighting at Balmoral Avenue or Mount Eden park.

Our physiotherapy fees range from £49-64. 

At your first session, we will discuss 3 treatment options that are best suited to overcome your injury.

You will choose which option you would like.  

Yes we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Mobile and Contactless payments.

Yes we see children every week with various joint and muscle symptoms, particularly those who are very active!