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Frequently Asked Questions
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising potential. Physiotherapists work in a wide variety of health settings. Physiotherapy is far more than treating sports injuries although that is perhaps the most common perception.
Physiotherapists complete a degree course in Physiotherapy and must be registered with the Health Professions Council to be able to practice. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the professional and educational body for physiotherapists.
You should ensure that your independent physiotherapist is registered with the Health Professions Council and has relevant experience working with children.
Can my child receive physiotherapy from your practice even though they have an NHS physiotherapist or occupational therapist?
You are entitled to receive physiotherapy and occupational therapy on the NHS and receive additional therapy from an independent physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
With your consent, we aim to work closely with all professionals involved in your child's care. This ensures that your child benefits from the provision of both NHS and independent services.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can refer your child yourself. Children can be referred to us by a GP, consultant or other health professional.
What do you treat?
If you are unsure if we can help your child, look at a list of some of the areas we specialise in or contact us to find out if we can help.
Your child may not have a diagnosis, especially if they are under five. If you feel your baby or child is developing at a different pace to other children or they are struggling to master certain skills we can offer a developmental screening assessment.
Will therapy cure my child?
Often for children with developmental or neurological problems, there is no 'magic' cure. Therapy aims to help your child reach their maximum potential through the development of their physical skills and competence.
There are many different ways in which therapy can help your child depending upon their particular difficulties. Therapy could help your child to develop the skills and behaviours need to 'fit in' and be included at school and at home. Therapy could help your child to self-regulate their behaviour. Therapy could increase your child's self confidence and self-esteem so that they enjoy life more and are prepared to try new activities.
As parents, therapy can provide you with strategies to support your child and to understand your child's behaviour.
What is the first step?
Contact us so that we can discuss your concerns and let you know if we can help.
We are more than happy to talk things through on the phone and if we don't think we are the best people to help your child we will point you in the right direction to find help.
We always offer an hour initial consultation appointment to discuss your child's problems, without your child being present, before commencing with any assessment or therapy.
I thought occupational therapists used sensory integration therapy
Sensory integration is an approach used by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. There is not a separate professional discipline in sensory integration. Parents should beware of people who call themselves 'sensory integration therapists' if they are not a member of one of the professions listed above.
Advanced training is required for a professional to be qualified to evaluate and treat sensory processing disorders. Ensure the therapist you choose has completed recognised post-graduate training in sensory integration theory and intervention. In the UK and Ireland recognised courses are provided by Sensory Integration Network UK and Ireland with accreditation at Masters Level by Cardiff University (previously provided by Liverpool University). As a minimum requirement therapists should have attended and completed Module 1: Sensory Integration Theory and Intervention, and have clinical experience under the supervision of an experienced mentor.
Any reputable therapist will be comfortable to be questioned about their level of qualifications and clinical experience. They should be able to provide evidence of their qualifications. Look here to see our qualifications and experience.
These are just a few of the most frequently-asked questions, please contact us if you have any further questions.
