Frequently Asked Questions
All you need to know about physiotherapy at The Cloisters
General
How soon after my injury should I see a Physiotherapist?
You do not need to have a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist at The Cloisters. However, if you plan to claim from medical health insurance, your insurers may insist that you see a Doctor first. Make sure you check the details of your scheme.
The physiotherapist will need to examine the area of the body that is troubling you and also areas that may be linked to your problem. If your back needs to be examined it is helpful if you undress to your underwear. If you are attending with a leg problem, it is useful to bring a pair of shorts, although we do have a range of shorts we can lend out. If you feel at all uncomfortable about undressing, please discuss it with your Physiotherapist.
Yes. All of our team are fully qualified Chartered Physiotherapists, and are registered with all the major Health Insurance Companies. Our Physiotherapists have varying areas of expertise so our Receptionist will ask the nature of your problem to book you with the most appropriate team member.
Your first consultation will probably last between 45 minutes and 1 hour. During this time the Physiotherapist will examine you fully and commence treatment.
Subsequent appointments last about 30 minutes.
This varies tremendously. Some conditions resolve very rapidly, others can take a lot longer. Your Physiotherapist will be able to give you an idea at the end of the first appointment. Occasionally, physiotherapy will not resolve the problem – we will then try to refer you to the most appropriate person for further investigation and/or treatment. Subsequent appointments last about 30 minutes.
Yes! To read more about receiving physio at home please click here.
Most acute injuries are best managed for the first 48-72 hours with rest, ice, compression and elevation – particularly if there is a lot of swelling.
However, there are treatments we offer that can help resolve the swelling more quickly and expedite the healing process.
As we will need to see the injured part fully and the area around the injury then a pair of shorts would be useful.
If the injury is more long standing then it is useful for the Physiotherapist to look at your sports shoes so bring them along to.
All treatment areas are completely private for you to change in. We do not have a shower but a cloakroom is available.
Our large Physiotherapy Gym is well equipped with a bike, treadmill, weights and a stepper. We also have stability balls, balance boards and much more.
We can supply theraband, strapping and walking aids if needed.
Some of the tests we carry out maybe uncomfortable but we will work within your pain limits. You will always be consulted before we carry out any treatment or prescribe any exercises.
Yes of course. Preferably an adult or someone you can be comfortable and relaxed with.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture needles are very fine and they are inserted quickly through the skin. You may feel a slight pin prick sensation. Once in place, there might be a mild ache, a warm or heavy sensation at or around the needle. This should not be unpleasant and should settle.
However, there are treatments we offer that can help resolve the swelling more quickly and expedite the healing process.
Commonly, between two and twelve.
Sometimes only one to two minutes, but usually between somewhere between ten and thirty minutes.
They may be inserted close to site of the pain, but may also be placed away from it. Hands and feet may be used.
No! Not if you don’t want to.
Pilates
Your Physiotherapist will advise you as to the best time to begin Pilates, but very often Pilates complements the treatment you are receiving.
However, there are treatments we offer that can help resolve the swelling more quickly and expedite the healing process.
Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the benefits of Pilates. Before starting the course you will be required to complete a medical and readiness to exercise questionnaire to ensure your comfort during the course and full details of this are available from Reception.
Age is not a barrier to enjoying the benefits of Pilates – individual progression is important. We have taught people of all ages including age 80 and above.
With your permission, your instructor will be notified of any specific conditions which might inhibit certain movements. The format of the class is designed around individual needs. Whilst governed by strong principles, the Pilates method is also flexible. No-one is expected to be able to do everything.
Your instructor will help and advise you with every movement. Once you start to feel the benefits of the exercise and understand the principles a little more, your mind and body will develop a very close connection and self-adjustment and improvement will seem easier. At no stage will you be left on your own.
The dress code is comfortable – loose trousers and T shirt are ideal with bare feet or socks.
No additional equipment is required.
Referrals
Following assessment and treatment by one of our physiotherapists, it may be decided that a detailed consultation with a consultant is required. The physios at The Cloisters are able to suggest an appropriate consultant and, in some cases, make the referral or advise your GP that one is needed.
Patients are often referred back to The Cloisters after further investigation and treatment by a consultant so that rehab can continue with no break in care.
The physios at The Cloisters generally signpost patients to one of the consultants listed below who can be seen via the NHS and/or privately.
Dr A Shehu 01926 356112 pa@regentmedical.co.uk
Dr A Thomas 01926 562472 warwick.patienceservices@nuffieldhealth.com
Mr A Amit 07597 664699 emma@centralenglandneurosurgery.com
Mr S Joshi 07860 805144 ashley@centralenglandneurosurgery.com
Mr Saxena 01926 562472 warwick.patientservices@nuffieldhealth.com
Professor M Shad 01926 562472 warwick.patientservices@nuffieldhealth.com
Mr M Cronin 07443 615311 bookings@michaelcronin.co.uk [hip]
Mr W Dandachli 01926 436464 rebecca.liggins@nuffieldhealth.com [hip]
Mr V Dhukaram 07956 259033 warwick.patientservices@nuffieldhealth.com [foot and ankle]
Mr S El-Kawy 07804 946613 warwickshiremedicalconsultants@gmail.com [foot, ankle and knee]
Mr M Faisal 07804 946613 warwickshiremedicalconsultants@gmail.com [hip]
Mr P Foguet 01926 562472 warwick.patientservices@nuffieldhealth.com [hip and knee]
Professor DR Griffin 01926 403529 emma@hiparthroscopyclinic.co.uk [hip]
Mr J Ramos 01926 562472 warwick.patientservices@nuffieldhealth.com [foot and ankle]
Mr A Shepherd 01926 562472 warwick.patientservices@nuffieldhealth.com [hip and knee]
Mr T Spalding 01926 772731 nicki@timspalding.com [knee]
Mr P Thompson 07776 290418 info@mrpeterthompson.co.uk [knee]
Mr J Waite 01926 842464 warwickkneesurgery@gmail.com [knee]
Mr A Abdelaal 01926 562472
Mr N Shergill 02476 612681 info@warwickshireclinics.co.uk
Mr R Sneath 02476 612681 info@warwickshireclinics.co.uk
Mr S Drew 01162 401712 sjhurley.drew@gmail.com [shoulder, elbow and hand]
Mr T Lawrence 01926 562472 warwick.patientservices@nuffieldhealth.com [shoulder and elbow]
Mr K Mangat 0121 7169035 info@upperlimbsurgeon.co.uk [shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist]
Mr C Modi 01926 562472 warwick.patientservices@nuffield.com [shoulder, elbow and hand]
Mr G Shyamalan 01926 562472 warwick.patientservices@nuffieldhealth.com [hand and wrist]
Mr R Sloan 01926 562472 warwick.patientservices@nuffieldhealth.com [shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist]
Mr R Stanislas 01926 865901 sonia.medsec@gmail.com [shoulder, hand and wrist]
Dr C Marguerie 01926 852368 carmelocallaghan@btinternet.com
[Rheumatology and osteoporosis]
Physio at Home
The initial assessment is marginally more expensive than a clinic assessment but follow up appointments are the same price. Feel free to discuss the price structure with reception staff who will be able to help you. A travel charge will be applied to addresses 5 miles or more from The Cloisters; the physio will discuss this with you on enquiry. Insurance claims need to be discussed with the Practice Manager.
Access to your home will be discussed before assessment. A specific time will be given to attend and key safe numbers (if appropriate) will only be available to the visiting therapist. Nursing and residential homes will be given appointment times and access will be granted in line with their security policies. Many clients choose to have a family member present on the first visit to enable access and sometimes to help with the information gathering. This is at your discretion.
We carry Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) cards with our registration details with us. You are free to check up online.
Initially we will gather information about your presenting condition to help us understand the nature of your current problems, what your normal mobility status is and what you want to realistically achieve from physiotherapy input.
As Chartered Physiotherapists we take a holistic (whole person) approach to health and wellbeing, which includes your general lifestyle. So we will ask you about other areas of health including nutrition, skin integrity, personal care and general home management. This will help us (client and Physio) to determine the best way to manage your problems and assist the planning of client centred goals (specific goals for you).
As is often the reason for assessment we will assess all aspects of your function, any specific tests for movement, strength and balance. A specific training programme will be agreed in line with your goals.
No. We will bring any equipment we need.
We just request that there is a space for assessment where you feel safe, comfortable and provides you with appropriate privacy and for you to be dressed appropriately. As with any physiotherapy assessment we need to be able to see and feel the area(s) of concern with your consent. As we have no access to a treatment couch in the home it may be appropriate to assess you from your chair/bed/on the floor as appropriate.
Follow up appointments will be organised as appropriate for you.
Tai Chi
Many people find Tai Chi helps improve their balance and mobility. You may find your legs feel stronger and you have more confidence in your walking.
As a weight-bearing activity, Tai Chi can help increase bone density and so prevent osteoporosis. Tai Chi is also relaxing and so can help reduce stress and improve sleep patterns.
Tai Chi has been shown to improve general wellbeing, energy levels and alertness.
The exercises are based on traditional Tai Chi forms but have been adapted to be easier to follow in a class and to be more accessible to everyone
Loose comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Trousers are better than skirts, but if you prefer to wear a skirt it is not a problem. You should wear flat shoes that will not fall off (i.e. not flip flops) or just do the exercises in bare feet – the floor is carpeted.
We allow up to 10 people in the group.
Yes, providing you have spoken to your doctor and there is no medical reason for you to avoid exercise; you should find the exercises relaxing and may help you to control your breathing better.
Yes, but you will need to speak to the instructor first so you understand how you can enjoy the class safely.