Susannah uses a variety of examination and treatment techniques.  If you are in a lot of pain, she will keep examination to a minimum and be very gentle.  Her treatment will take into account how much pain you are in, and she will always explain what she is going to do and use the most comfortable techniques available.

You may have some mild treatment soreness.  Some people don’t experience any treatment soreness, and others may feel uncomfortable for 24-48 hours afterwards.  It’s very difficult to predict who will or won’t be sore.  If you do experience some treatment soreness, it usually feels different from the original pain and settles quickly.

The core difference between physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic treatment is informed by the history of our professions, and the approaches taken.  The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists started out life in late Victorian times as the Society of Masseurs.  After the Second World War the profession developed further with the need for rehabilitation of injured soldiers.  Physiotherapy has grown up alongside medicine as a “main stream” treatment approach, and gained professional autonomy in 1977.  Physiotherapists have a background in general medicine, which gives a wide breadth of knowledge.  During the last 20 years there’s been an enormous amount of research carried out, and this continues to increase. 

Osteopathy and chiropractic have a more “alternative” background to their professions, outside of mainstream medicine, but have nevertheless developed their research base hugely in the last 20 years too, and there are many techniques that we use in common.  Chiropractors and to a lesser extent, osteopaths, use different language to describe the same conditions as physiotherapists, and have traditionally used manipulation (a rapid thrust movement at end of range to impose movement on a joint) in their treatments, although many now incorporate a movement and exercise approach to their treatment too.

You will be asked to complete a form with your personal details and information about your past medical history.  Susannah will ask you to tell her about the problem, and may ask some additional questions so that she fully understands how it’s affecting you.

She will then ask you to undress the affected area (to underwear) so that she can examine it.  If you are more comfortable wearing shorts for a lower limb problem, please bring some with you to change into.  It may also be worth bringing in any shoes you normally wear or use for your sports.

Susannah will then talk through her findings with you and discuss treatment options.  Treatment usually begins right away, and you will be advised about how to manage your symptoms at home and in your sport.

Some patients have private health insurance which covers part or all of the cost of physiotherapy treatment.  Active Now Physiotherapy does not have a direct contract with any healthcare insurer.   You will need to pay the consultation fee at the end of each treatment session with us, and may be able to use the receipt to claim back your costs through your policy.  Please  check with your individual policy if this is the case.  It is your responsibility to pay for the treatment you receive directly with Active Now Physiotherapy, and make any potential claim directly with your insurer. 

Face to face 1 hour Initial Consultation: £75

Face to face or online 1 hour Follow-up consultation £75

Face to face or online 45 minutes Follow-up consultation: £60

Sometimes if you have complex symptoms or longstanding pain, an initial 90 minute appointment may be recommended.  The charge for this is £105.

As a chartered physiotherapist in private practice, Susannah can give you plenty of time for your appointment.  A follow up appointments at Active Now physiotherapy is usually 45 minutes, where 20 minutes is standard in the NHS.  By seeing Susannah, you are guaranteed that you will be seen by an experienced senior physiotherapist who uses “hands on” techniques combined with up to date clinical knowledge to help to relieve pain and restore your movement.

Depending on what the problem, is, most patients will be given exercises to help them “re-programme” their pattern of movements, maintain or increase movement or strengthen muscles that are weak.  Treatment is a partnership – and during the treatment session, Susannah will teach you exercises as needed and explain what they’re for.  These should help you improve faster and mean you need less treatment. 

Knowing that many people are very busy, she will select suitable exercises that you can do at home, are most effective and take the least amount of time.  They won’t usually involve any special equipment, but you may need a length of stretchy clini-band (which Active Now can supply).