What is Physiotherapy ?

 
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Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on helping people recover from injury, manage pain, and improve their movement and physical function. At Physio50, we provide expert musculoskeletal physiotherapy to help you get back to doing what you love.

How Physiotherapy Works

Physiotherapy uses a combination of hands-on treatment, exercise therapy, and patient education to address the root cause of your problem—not just the symptoms. Unlike simply masking pain with medication, physiotherapy helps your body heal properly and prevents problems from returning.

Our Approach at Physio50

We believe in evidence-based physiotherapy that delivers real results. Every treatment plan is:

Personalized to You We don't use one-size-fits-all approaches. Your assessment, treatment, and exercises are tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle.

Evidence-Based All our techniques are grounded in current research and proven clinical practice. We use methods that have been scientifically shown to work.

Goal-Oriented Whether you want to return to sport, reduce chronic pain, or simply move more comfortably in daily life, we focus on what matters to you.

Educational We help you understand what's wrong, why it happened, and how to prevent it in the future. Knowledge is power when it comes to your health.

What Does a Physiotherapist Do?

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system—your muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons.

Assessment & Diagnosis

Your first appointment includes a thorough assessment where we:

  • Listen to your story and understand your symptoms

  • Conduct physical tests to identify the problem

  • Explain your diagnosis in clear, understandable terms

  • Discuss your treatment options and expected recovery timeline

Exercise Therapy

Exercise is medicine. We create personalized programmes to:

Restore Strength Rebuilding muscle strength that may have weakened due to injury or disuse. Stronger muscles support and protect your joints.

Improve Flexibility Stretching and mobility exercises to restore range of motion in stiff joints and tight muscles.

Enhance Stability Balance and control exercises that improve how your body moves and reduce injury risk.

Build Endurance Cardiovascular and muscular endurance to help you get back to your activities without fatigue or flare-ups.

Hands-On Treatment

Manual therapy techniques we can use include:

Joint Mobilization Gentle movements to restore normal joint motion and reduce stiffness. Particularly effective for conditions like frozen shoulder, neck stiffness, or back pain.

Massage Targeted massage to release tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. Different from general massage—we focus specifically on problem areas.

Education & Self-Management

We teach you:

  • How to manage symptoms at home

  • Strategies to prevent recurrence

  • Ergonomic adjustments for work and daily activities

  • When to rest and when to push yourself

  • Red flags that need medical attention

What Can Physiotherapy Treat?

Physiotherapy is effective for a wide range of conditions affecting people of all ages:

Sports Injuries

  • Sprains and strains

  • Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, ankle sprains)

  • Tendon problems (Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow)

  • Muscle tears

  • Overuse injuries

  • Post-surgical rehabilitation

Back & Neck Pain

  • Lower back pain and sciatica

  • Neck pain and stiffness

  • Disc problems

  • Postural pain

  • Whiplash

  • Chronic pain

Joint Problems

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Shoulder pain (frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries)

  • Hip pain

  • Knee pain (runner's knee, meniscus tears)

  • Ankle problems

Work-Related Issues

  • Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Desk-related neck and back pain

  • Poor posture problems

Age-Related Conditions

  • Balance problems and fall prevention

  • Arthritis management

  • Maintaining mobility and independence

  • Post-surgical recovery

Who Can Benefit from Physiotherapy?

Athletes & Active Individuals

Return to sport safely after injury, improve performance, and prevent future problems.

Office Workers

Address desk-related pain, improve posture, and create sustainable work habits.

Over 50s

Maintain mobility, manage arthritis, stay active, and prevent falls.

Post-Surgical Patients

Optimize recovery after operations like joint replacements, ligament repairs, or spinal surgery.

People with Chronic Pain

Learn to manage long-term conditions and improve quality of life even when complete "cure" isn't possible.

Anyone Wanting to Move Better

You don't need to be in pain or recovering from injury to benefit. Physiotherapy can help optimize your movement and prevent problems before they start.

The Science Behind Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession backed by extensive scientific research. Physiotherapists complete rigorous university education and must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice in the UK.

Evidence-Based Practice

Modern physiotherapy is built on:

  • Clinical research studies

  • Biomechanical science

  • Pain science and neuroscience

  • Exercise physiology

  • Anatomy and pathology

We continuously update our knowledge as new research emerges to ensure you receive the most effective treatment available.

Regulation & Professional Standards

All physiotherapists in the UK must:

  • Complete an approved degree programme

  • Register with the HCPC

  • Maintain professional insurance

  • Engage in continuing professional development

  • Follow strict codes of conduct and ethics

What to Expect from Physiotherapy at Physio50

Your First Appointment (60 minutes)

Discussion (15-20 minutes) We'll talk about your symptoms, medical history, daily activities, and goals. This helps us understand the full picture.

Physical Assessment (15-20 minutes) We'll examine the affected area, test your movement, strength, and identify the source of your problem.

Diagnosis & Treatment Plan (10 minutes) You'll receive a clear explanation of what's wrong and our recommended treatment approach, including expected recovery timeline.

Initial Treatment (15-20 minutes) We begin hands-on treatment in your first session—no need to wait for a second appointment.

Exercise Programme You'll leave with personalized exercises to start immediately, complete with written instructions.

Follow-Up Sessions (45 minutes)

Subsequent appointments focus on:

  • Progressing your exercise programme

  • Monitoring your recovery

  • Adjusting treatment as needed

  • Addressing any concerns or setbacks

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

This varies depending on:

  • Type and severity of condition

  • How long you've had the problem

  • Your overall health and fitness

  • How well you comply with exercises

  • Your specific goals

Typical timelines:

  • Acute injuries: 3-6 sessions over 4-8 weeks

  • Chronic conditions: 6-12 sessions over 2-3 months

  • Post-surgical: 8-16 sessions over 3-6 months

We'll give you an honest estimate after your assessment and keep you updated as treatment progresses.

Physiotherapy vs Other Treatments

Physiotherapy vs Massage Therapy

Massage therapy: Focuses on relaxation and general muscle tension relief Physiotherapy: Diagnoses specific problems and uses targeted treatment to address the root cause

While massage can feel good, physiotherapy provides a comprehensive solution including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Physiotherapy vs Osteopathy

These professions have significant overlap. The main differences:

  • Osteopaths often focus more on whole-body approaches

  • Physiotherapists typically have more specialized training in exercise rehabilitation and sports injuries

  • Both are evidence-based and regulated professions

At Physio50, Andrew's NHS background means you receive treatment informed by the latest research and best practices.

Physiotherapy vs Pain Medication

Medication can help manage pain, but it doesn't address the underlying problem. Physiotherapy:

  • Treats the cause, not just symptoms

  • Has no side effects (when done properly)

  • Provides long-term solutions

  • Teaches you self-management strategies

Many patients reduce or eliminate pain medication once physiotherapy addresses the root issue.

Why Choose Physio50 for Your Physiotherapy?

NHS-Trained Expertise

Andrew Dumbleton brings years of experience as a senior MSK physiotherapist with Connect Health and Camden NHS Trust. He's treated thousands of patients with complex musculoskeletal conditions and served as a first contact practitioner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evidence-Based Treatment

We stay current with the latest research and use only proven, effective techniques. No gimmicks, no pseudoscience—just professional care that works.

Personalized, One-on-One Care

You'll see the same experienced physiotherapist at every appointment. We take time to understand your unique situation and create a treatment plan that fits your life.

Convenient Stoke Newington Location

Our clinic is easily accessible on Carysfort Road in Stoke Newington, serving patients from Hackney, Dalston, Islington, and throughout North London.

Home Visits Available

Can't make it to the clinic? We offer home visits for patients with mobility issues or those recovering from surgery.

Transparent Pricing

  • Initial consultation (60 min): £90

  • Follow-up treatment (45 min): £70

  • No hidden fees or surprise charges

Common Questions About Physiotherapy

Do I need a GP referral?

No, you can book directly with us without a referral. We're happy to communicate with your GP with your consent if needed.

Will physiotherapy hurt?

Some techniques may cause temporary discomfort, but treatment should never be unbearably painful. We work within your comfort level and always explain what to expect.

How soon will I feel better?

Many patients notice some improvement after 1-2 sessions, but complete recovery takes time. Acute injuries often improve within 4-8 weeks, while chronic conditions may take longer.

Can physiotherapy prevent surgery?

In many cases, yes. Research shows physiotherapy can be as effective as surgery for conditions like meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, and spinal stenosis—without the risks and recovery time of surgery.

What should I wear to appointments?

Comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated. For lower body issues, shorts are ideal. For upper body, a vest top or loose shirt works well.

Will my health insurance cover it?

Many private health insurance policies cover physiotherapy. Check with your provider about coverage and whether you need pre-authorization. We can provide receipts for claims.

The Benefits of Physiotherapy

Research consistently shows physiotherapy:

✅ Reduces pain effectively without medication ✅ Improves function and quality of life ✅ Prevents recurrence of injuries ✅ Speeds recovery from surgery or injury ✅ Enhances athletic performance ✅ Reduces need for surgery in many conditions ✅ Costs less than repeated GP visits or emergency care ✅ Improves mental health by reducing pain and increasing activity ✅ Prevents future injuries through education and strengthening ✅ Helps maintain independence as you age

Getting Started with Physiotherapy

Ready to start your recovery? Booking your first physiotherapy appointment at Physio50 is simple:

Book Your Initial Assessment

Contact us to schedule your 60-minute comprehensive assessment. We'll discuss your symptoms, conduct physical tests, explain your diagnosis, and begin treatment—all in your first visit.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable clothing

  • Any relevant medical reports or scan results (optional but helpful)

  • A list of current medications (if applicable)

  • Your questions and concerns

What Happens Next

After your assessment, we'll create a personalized treatment plan and provide exercises to start immediately. Most patients return weekly initially, then space appointments out as they improve.

Experience the Physio50 Difference

At Physio50, physiotherapy isn't just about treating symptoms—it's about understanding your body, addressing the root cause, and empowering you with the knowledge and tools to stay healthy long-term.

With NHS-trained expertise, evidence-based treatment, and a genuine commitment to your recovery, we're here to help you move better, feel better, and live better.

Ready to start your physiotherapy journey?

Book your appointment today:

  • Initial consultation (60 min): £90

  • Follow-up treatment (45 min): £70

  • Home visits available by arrangement

Location: 78 Carysfort Road, Stoke Newington, Hackney, London N16 9AP

Serving Stoke Newington, Hackney, Dalston, Islington, and throughout North London.