How soon can I get an appointment?
We aim to offer same-day appointments, and most patients are seen within 24 hours of getting in touch. We are open Monday to Friday 8am–7pm and Saturday 9am–1pm, with a convenient South Kensington location. Do not wait to get assessed — early treatment almost always leads to faster recovery. Book online now or call us on 020 7937 1628.
Do I need a doctor's referral for physiotherapy?
No referral needed — you can book directly online or by phone, today. Most patients contact us without seeing their GP first, and we can assess and treat you from your very first appointment. If your insurer requires a GP referral for reimbursement purposes, we can advise you on this when you book. Call us on 020 7937 1628 or book online now.
What happens at my first appointment?
Your initial appointment usually lasts 60 minutes and is divided into three parts. First, your physiotherapist will take a detailed history — asking about your symptoms, how they started, and how they affect your daily life. Second, they will carry out a physical assessment, examining your movements, posture, strength, and the affected area. Third, they will explain their findings in plain language, give you a diagnosis, and outline a recommended treatment plan. In most cases, treatment also begins in the first session. You will leave knowing exactly what is wrong and what the plan is to fix it.
Can I be treated at my first appointment?
Yes — in the majority of cases, treatment begins at your very first session. Your physiotherapist will assess you thoroughly and, where appropriate, use hands-on techniques, provide exercises, and give you advice to start you on the path to recovery right away. You will not be asked to come back just to hear a report.
Are your physiotherapists fully qualified and registered?
Yes — all our physiotherapists are Chartered Physiotherapists, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This is the statutory regulator for physiotherapy in the UK. Our team holds advanced expertise across musculoskeletal, sports, and post-surgical physiotherapy, with practitioners trained in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. You can meet the team on our Team page.
How experienced is the team?
West London Physiotherapy has been treating patients in South Kensington since 2007. Our team has extensive combined experience treating everything from acute sports injuries to complex post-surgical rehabilitation. We regularly work alongside leading London orthopaedic surgeons, sports physicians, and consultants — and many of our new patients come to us by recommendation from these specialists.
How many appointments will I need?
The number of sessions varies for each individual and condition. 30% of patients require only one session. 90% require fewer than 10. Simple back pain typically resolves after 2-3 sessions. Major knee surgery can require over 20 sessions.
Our clinic average is 4.5 sessions per new injury episode.
After your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will provide a recommended treatment plan.
How long is each session?
Your initial appointment is usually 60 minutes. This gives your physiotherapist time to take a thorough history, assess the problem, explain their findings clearly, and begin treatment — often within the same session. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 minutes, or 60 minutes if a more complex problem. You will never feel rushed, and your physiotherapist will always explain what they are doing and why.
How much does physiotherapy cost?
Please visit our Pricing page for current session fees. Initial assessments and follow-up sessions are priced separately. We are recognised by all major private health insurers, which may cover all or part of your treatment costs. If you have any questions about pricing or payment options, call us on 020 7937 1628.
Can you invoice my insurance company directly?
Yes — we invoice AXA, Bupa, and WPA directly, so you do not need to pay upfront for these insurers. For all other major insurers, you pay on the day and we provide a full itemised receipt for you to submit to your insurer for reimbursement — a process most patients find straightforward. Please bring your policy number and authorisation number (where required) to your first appointment. If you are unsure how to use your insurance, our team is happy to guide you.
What do I need to wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that gives your physiotherapist easy access to the area being treated. For example, if you have a knee or leg problem, shorts are ideal; for a shoulder or neck problem, a vest or loose t-shirt works well. Do not worry if you forget — we keep spare shorts and t-shirts at the clinic for patients to use.
Does physiotherapy hurt?
Physiotherapy should never be unnecessarily painful. Some techniques — such as deep tissue massage, joint mobilisation, or trigger point release — may cause brief, mild discomfort during treatment, and you may feel some muscle soreness afterwards, similar to post-exercise stiffness. This is normal and typically settles within 24–48 hours. Your physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance and explain what to expect before any hands-on treatment.
Can I choose my physiotherapist?
Yes, you can request to see a specific physiotherapist if you have a preference. We aim to accommodate all our patients’ needs and preferences. Visit our team page to learn more.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
We understand that plans sometimes change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance — this allows us to offer your slot to another patient who may be waiting. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a cancellation fee. To reschedule, call us on 020 7937 1628 or email info@westlondonphysio.co.uk.
What techniques do physiotherapists use?
Our physiotherapists use a wide range of clinically evidenced techniques, tailored to your specific condition and goals. These include manual therapy, joint mobilisation and manipulation, soft tissue massage, dry needling, shockwave therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and education on self-management. We do not apply a one-size-fits-all protocol — your physiotherapist will explain the reasoning behind every part of your treatment plan.
Who can benefit from physiotherapy?
Almost anyone experiencing pain, reduced movement, or a physical problem that is limiting their daily life can benefit from physiotherapy. This includes people with back or neck pain, sports injuries, post-surgical recovery needs, arthritis, tendon problems, headaches, and much more. We treat patients of all ages and activity levels — from teenagers and working professionals to retirees and elite athletes. If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is right for your problem, call us and we will advise you honestly.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a clinically proven approach to diagnosing and treating pain, injury, and physical conditions — helping you move better, recover faster, and get back to the life you want. At West London Physiotherapy, our Chartered Physiotherapists work with you to understand the root cause of your problem and build a personalised plan to resolve it. Whether you are dealing with back pain, a sports injury, post-surgical recovery, or a long-term condition, we are here to help. Book your initial assessment today.
Do you offer telehealth or virtual appointments?
Yes — we offer virtual physiotherapy consultations via video call for patients who are unable to attend in person, or who prefer the convenience of a remote session. Virtual appointments work well for assessment, exercise guidance, programme reviews, and advice-based consultations. For hands-on treatment techniques, an in-person visit will be necessary. To find out whether a virtual session is appropriate for your situation, call us on 020 7937 1628 or email us on info@westlondonphysio.co.uk
