FAQ

How many appointments will I need?

It is hard to say before we see you. Your physiotherapist will assess you at your 1st appointment and discuss their findings and your treatment plan, so you know what to expect.

What do I need to bring?

If you have been referred by a GP or consultant, please bring your referral letter and/or imaging (MRI, X-ray etc.) with you.

Do I have to be referred by a doctor?

No, physiotherapists can assess and treat without referral by a doctor. However most health insurers require a doctors referral before they authorise cover of fees, some only require a phone call.

What should I wear to my appointment?

You should wear something comfortable. If you have a knee injury for example, wearing shorts or loose trousers is a good idea (you can change in the treatment room). If the issue is with your shoulder, the physiotherapist would need access to that area.

How do I make an appointment?

You can contact us by phone (020 7987 8899) or email (info@watersidephysio.co.uk). Alternatively, use the form on the contact page or the quick and easy online booking page.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

You will have a detailed assessment and the physiotherapist will discuss your treatment plan and then start your treatment.

What is a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan?

Sound waves with a frequency 4-18 MHz are used to form an image of the tissues in the same way as with foetal scans. Most tendons, muscles, nerves, ligaments, bones and joints are visible in clear detail.

Is parking available?

Yes, we offer free parking for our patients right outside the Practice. If you plan to drive, please let us know so that we can arrange access to the car park for you.

How long is an appointment?

Typically 30 minutes. Longer appointments (for 45 or 60 minutes) are available, but if you intend to reclaim the cost of treatment through your insurer, please check with them first.

Are all your physiotherapists HCPC registered?

Yes, all our physiotherapists are HCPC registered (state registered) and are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

What conditions do you treat?

Sports injuries, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, and back pain.

Is there step-free access?

Yes. Although there is one step from the car park to the Practice, we have a portable ramp to allow step-free access.

What is physiotherapy?

After a diagnostic assessment, the Physiotherapist treats most injuries and disorders, correcting and improving the body’s own natural healing mechanisms. This involves the use of a wide range of skills, including manipulation, mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, massage and exercises in conjunction with a combination of electrotherapy, ultrasound and acupuncture, if indicated. Preventative medicine and education form an important part of Physiotherapy.

Can I claim through private health insurance?

We are recognised by most major private health insurers and we are happy to invoice them direct for your treatment, once it has been pre-authorised by them. Please contact your insurer so that you are aware of the terms of your insurance. They may require you to be referred by a GP or Consultant and for your treatment be pre-authorised before you see us.

Do I need a referral letter?

If you want to claim the cost of physiotherapy treatment through private health insurance it is best to check with your insurer, as some companies do require you to be referred by a GP or Consultant. We, as physiotherapists, do not need a referral letter in order to assess and treat you, but any information you have (referral letter, X-ray, MRI etc.) is helpful as it all adds to the picture of your injury/condition.

Can you invoice my insurer direct for treatment?

Yes, we can typically invoice your insurer direct, once they have pre-authorised your treatment. We would need your insurance membership and pre-authorisation numbers to do this. Your insurer may require you to have been referred by a GP.

Which private health insurance is accepted?

We are recognised by all the major private health care insurers (including Cigna, WPA, Simply Health, AXA PPP, Aviva, Allianz & Healix). If your insurer is not listed, please contact us as we may still be able to arrange to invoice them direct for your treatment.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require at least 1 full working days’ notice if you are unable to attend (or wish to change) an appointment so that we can offer the time to someone else. Failure to adhere to the cancellation policy may result in a cancellation fee being charged.

How much does it cost?

Our standard fee for a 30-minute appointment with Robert Laus (Clinical Director) is £90. We are recognised providers to most major private health insurers and our fees vary depending on the specific arrangement with individual insurers.

How do I find you?

We are a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf Jubilee line tube station and South Quay DLR station. Free parking is available right outside the Practice. See Google maps

Do you open at weekends?

We are open from Monday to Friday, 07:30 to 17:00.