What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a medical profession concerned with the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal and movement systems in the body. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques, including ‘hands on’ treatment, electrotherapy, dry needling and exercise prescription.

The aim of physiotherapy is to provide a conservative approach to treating injury, reduce the need for surgical/pharmacological intervention and to help our patients achieve their goals; whether it is to return to work, get back on the sports field or to improve their quality of life.

For more on what Physiotherapy is, we have written a short blog here.

What conditions do you treat?

  • Lower back pain (including sciatica, herniated disc, slipped disc, spondylosis, osteoarthritis, trapped nerve, postural problems)
  • Neck pain (including whiplash, muscle tightness, trapped nerve, disc prolapse, osteoarthritis)
  • Sports Injuries (including muscle strains, muscle tears, runners knee, ITB syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, muscle contusions, ligament sprains, ACL/MCL, ankle sprain)
  • Knee pain (including patella pain, ligament injuries, cartilage injuries, meniscus injuries, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, hamstring strain, quadriceps strain, runners knee, osteoarthritis, knee replacement)
  • Foot and Ankle – including shin splints, ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, fractures, heel spur)
  • Tendinopathy/tendonitis
  • Elbow and Wrist/Hand pain (including tennis elbow and golfers elbow, wrist fracture, repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel, DeQuervains syndrome, scaphoid fracture)
  • Hip Pain (including osteoarthritis, hip impingement, Gilmore’s groin, groin strain, hip replacement)
  • Shoulder pain (including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tear, rotator cuff tendinopathy/tendonitis, shoulder surgeries and shoulder dislocation)
  • Headaches
  • Hypermobility
  • Elderly Care
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Chronic pain
  • Mens Health and Womens Health
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Neurological conditions
  • Paediatric conditions
  • Biomechanics and Posture

Do I need a doctors referral for physiotherapy?

If you are looking to use your medical insurance, then you need to check the requirements with them directly. Some insurances allow self referrals to physiotherapy, whereas others require a doctors referral.

If you are self paying, no referral is required.

You can book directly with us by clicking here.

What do I need to bring?

If you have been referred by your doctor, please bring the referral letter. If using insurance, please bring your insurance information including your membership number and authorisation code.

Please also bring any relevant reports if you have had an x-ray/MRI scan, or have a letter from a consultant.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable and loose clothing so that the injured area can be properly assessed. For lower limb problems, it is advised you bring shorts. For ladies, if you are being treated on the neck, shoulder or upper back, a vest top is suitable. If your session is in the gym (your physiotherapist will advise if it is), please bring gym appropriate attire.

How long will my appointment last?

You can expect your first appointment to last approximately 30-40 minutes, with follow up appointments usually 30 minutes. Specialist clinics such as Women’s health, may take up to an hour. Our team will inform you of the length of the session when making your appointment.

We will send you a registration form by email prior to your first appointment. Please aim to arrive in good time before your session.

How many visits will I need?

This will depend on a few factors, including your diagnosis, your goals and how long you have had the problem for. Your therapist will make it clear in your first appointment how many sessions they believe it will require.

What qualifications do you have?

All our physiotherapists are degree qualified and Chartered. It is a legal requirement for Physiotherapists to be registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy). You can check the registration of all physiotherapists at https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/

Our Sports Therapists are registered and governed by SST (The Society of Sports Therapists) or BASRAT (British Association of Sports Rehabilitators and Trainers).

If you need your therapists registration number for your insurance claim, please let us know and we will be happy to provide you with this.

Our personal trainers are all REPS Level 3 qualified and degree educated.

What can I expect from a Physiotherapy session?

We aim to provide you with an accurate diagnosis, an idea on the time it will take for you to get better and an idea of how many sessions it will take, all within your first appointment. Treatment will always begin in your first session.

Sessions will involve a thorough assessment, including questions, relating to your condition. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include ‘hands on’ treatment, electrotherapy (such as Shockwave therapy), dry needling and exercise prescription. We will always inform you of why we choose a certain treatment option and ask your consent before we begin.

 

What do I need to do after my physiotherapy treatment?

Your physiotherapist may prescribe exercises, which we recommend so you can maximize your recovery.

Following resolution of your problem, your physiotherapist may recommend continuing with certain exercise or lifestyle changes. This will be discussed at length within your session.

 

How is The Carter & George Practice different from other clinics?

The Carter & George Practice aims to provide elite medical treatment to the whole community. We do this by having the most modern equipment, by having an inter-disciplinary team working together and by ensuring all our staff are highly trained and frequently attending courses to further their professional knowledge and skills. We always combine the latest scientific evidence with vast experience to ensure our treatments are at the forefront of our profession.

We have three high street practices – in Hertford, Radlett and Hitchin.

What are your hours and how soon can I be seen for an appointment?

Monday to Thursday 8am-8pm
Friday 8am-4pm

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that sometimes things change at short notice. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do so as soon as possible. If you cancel or reschedule your appointment within 6 hours, there is a fee of 50% of the value of the appointment. If you do not attend an appointment without prior notice, the fee is charged at full appointment price.

How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment by calling our reception team on 01992 446725, or
Book Online

Alternatively, if you are unsure of what service you require, you can complete the enquiry form and we will get our physiotherapists to call you to discuss the best course of treatment for you.

Can I bring someone with me?

Of course, family members or close friends are more than welcome.

Can I claim the cost of my treatment on my private medical insurance?

Yes. We are registered with all major health providers. It is the responsibility of the patient to check with their insurance company prior to treatment, what is required in order to be reimbursed.