Physiotherapy Services

CORE Physio provides personalised physiotherapy services for people experiencing pain, injury, reduced movement or difficulty returning to their usual activities. Our physiotherapists assess how your symptoms affect you before developing a treatment and rehabilitation plan around your individual needs.

You may be recovering from a recent injury, managing a problem that has gradually developed or preparing to return to work, exercise or sport. Whatever your starting point, the aim is to help you understand the problem, improve movement and build confidence in using your body again.

Physiotherapy is available through our London Bridge physiotherapy service and our East Dulwich physiotherapy service.

What Is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare service focused on movement, physical function, pain and rehabilitation. It considers not only the area where you feel symptoms but also the factors that may be contributing to the problem.

These can include strength, flexibility, joint movement, workload, training habits, previous injuries, general health and the demands of your work or daily routine.

Your physiotherapist will listen to what you have been experiencing, assess the relevant areas and explain the findings in clear language. Treatment may then combine advice, exercise, hands-on techniques and a progressive rehabilitation programme.

The approach is individual rather than based solely on a diagnosis. Two people with similar symptoms may require different treatment plans because their lifestyles, physical demands and recovery goals are different.

When Should I See a Physiotherapist?

You can arrange a physiotherapy assessment when pain, stiffness, weakness or reduced movement begins to interfere with everyday activities, work, exercise or sport.

Physiotherapy may be appropriate for:

• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder, elbow and wrist problems
• Hip, knee, ankle and foot pain
• Muscle, tendon and joint injuries
• Sports and exercise-related injuries
• Recurring pain or stiffness
• Reduced strength or mobility
• Rehabilitation following surgery
• Returning to exercise after an injury
• Problems caused or aggravated by work and repeated activity

You do not need to wait until pain becomes severe. An earlier assessment can help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and what steps you can take to manage them.

What Happens During a Physiotherapy Assessment?

Your first appointment begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, general health and what you would like to achieve.

Your physiotherapist may ask:

• When and how the problem started
• Where you feel pain or discomfort
• Which movements and activities affect your symptoms
• Whether the symptoms change throughout the day
• How the problem affects work, sleep, exercise or daily life
• Whether you have experienced similar problems before
• What medication, treatment or investigations you have already had

A physical assessment may then look at movement, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and how you perform tasks connected to your symptoms.

You may be asked to complete movements such as bending, reaching, walking, squatting or raising an arm. The exact assessment will depend on the area being examined and the activities you need to return to.

Your physiotherapist will explain what they have found and discuss the recommended next steps with you. You will have an opportunity to ask questions before treatment begins.

Your Physiotherapy Treatment Plan

Your treatment plan will be based on the assessment rather than following a fixed programme. It may change over time as your symptoms, movement and abilities improve.

Physiotherapy treatment can include:

• Advice about managing pain and remaining appropriately active
• Exercises to improve movement, strength and control
• Progressive rehabilitation for work, exercise or sport
• Hands-on treatment where appropriate
• Movement and activity modifications
• Education about the problem and factors that may affect recovery
• Guidance for gradually returning to normal activities

Your physiotherapist will explain why each part of the plan has been recommended. The aim is to give you a clear understanding of what you can do between appointments rather than making your recovery dependent entirely on treatment sessions.

Exercise and Rehabilitation

Exercise is often an important part of physiotherapy because it allows your rehabilitation to continue outside the clinic.

Your programme may begin with simple movements to improve comfort and confidence before progressing towards strength, balance, control or activity-specific exercises.

The exercises should be relevant to what you need to achieve. For one person, that may mean walking comfortably or managing a working day. For another, it could involve returning to running, gym training or competitive sport.

Your programme can be reviewed and progressed as your abilities improve. This helps ensure that the level of challenge remains suitable rather than being either too easy or unnecessarily demanding.

Hands-On Physiotherapy Treatment

Where appropriate, your physiotherapist may use hands-on techniques alongside exercise, advice and rehabilitation.

These can include techniques directed at muscles, joints and other soft tissues. Treatment will be explained beforehand and adapted according to your symptoms and comfort.

Hands-on treatment is not automatically required for every condition. Your physiotherapist will recommend it when they believe it can contribute to your wider treatment plan rather than using it as a standard routine.

Physiotherapy for Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck symptoms can develop suddenly or build gradually over time. They may be associated with an injury, repeated activity, changes in workload or a combination of several factors.

A physiotherapy assessment can examine your movement, strength, daily routine and the activities that influence your symptoms. Treatment may then include advice, mobility work, progressive exercise and strategies for returning to normal activity.

The plan should reflect your individual presentation. Persistent pain does not always mean that you should avoid movement completely, but the type and amount of activity may need to be adjusted while you recover.

Learn more about Physiotherapy for Back Pain and Physiotherapy for Neck Pain.

Physiotherapy for Shoulder and Knee Pain

Shoulder and knee problems can affect everyday movements as well as work, exercise and sport.

Shoulder symptoms may make reaching, lifting, dressing or sleeping uncomfortable. Knee problems can interfere with walking, stairs, squatting, running or changing direction.

Your physiotherapist will consider the movements that matter to you before assessing areas such as joint movement, muscular strength and control. Rehabilitation can then progress towards the activities you want or need to perform.

You can also read more about Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain and Physiotherapy for Knee Pain.

Sports Physiotherapy and Injury Rehabilitation

Sports physiotherapy can help people at every level of activity, from those beginning a new exercise programme to experienced recreational and competitive athletes.

Your assessment will consider the nature of your injury alongside the demands of your sport or training. Rehabilitation can then be structured around the movement, strength and physical capacity required for a safe and confident return.

For more information about sports injuries, performance demands and returning to activity, visit our Sports Physiotherapy service.

Post-Operative Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can support recovery following many orthopaedic operations. The timing and content of rehabilitation will depend on the procedure, your surgeon’s guidance and your individual progress.

Post-operative rehabilitation may initially focus on movement, swelling management and everyday function. It can then progress towards strength, balance and more demanding activities as your recovery allows.

Your physiotherapist will take account of any surgical precautions and the rehabilitation guidance provided by your consultant or hospital team.

Physiotherapy for Work and Everyday Activities

You do not need to have a sports injury to benefit from physiotherapy. Pain and stiffness can affect people whose work involves prolonged sitting, standing, lifting, travelling or repeated movements.

Your physiotherapist can discuss which parts of your routine influence the problem and suggest practical ways to manage your workload while remaining appropriately active.

Treatment may focus on improving movement and strength while helping you build tolerance for the tasks that matter in your daily life.

Physiotherapy or Massage?

Physiotherapy and massage can complement one another, but they serve different purposes.

Physiotherapy includes a clinical assessment of pain, injury, movement, strength and function. It is generally the more appropriate starting point when you have an injury, unexplained symptoms, recurring pain or difficulty performing particular movements.

Massage primarily focuses on muscular tension, comfort and recovery. It may be suitable when you feel generally tight or fatigued but do not require a wider injury assessment.

If massage appears more appropriate for your needs, you can read our Massage services guide. Our team can also help direct you towards the most suitable service when you are unsure which appointment to choose.

Choose Your Physiotherapy Clinic

CORE Physio provides private physiotherapy from two London clinic locations. Each location has its own physiotherapists, related services, clinic information and appointment availability.

Physiotherapy London Bridge

Our Physiotherapy London Bridge service provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for pain, injuries and movement problems from our central London clinic.

Visit the London Bridge service page for local physiotherapists, clinic details, opening information, related treatments and appointment availability.

Physiotherapy East Dulwich

Our Physiotherapy East Dulwich service provides personalised assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal pain, injuries and movement problems.

Visit the East Dulwich service page for local physiotherapists, clinic details, opening hours, related treatments and appointment availability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Physiotherapy

Do I need a GP referral for private physiotherapy?

You can normally arrange a private physiotherapy assessment directly without first obtaining a GP referral. However, some private health insurance policies may require a GP referral or authorisation before treatment begins.

What should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move. Your physiotherapist may need to examine the affected area, so clothing such as shorts or a vest can be helpful depending on your symptoms.

You will always be given privacy, and your comfort will be respected throughout the assessment.

How long will I need physiotherapy?

The number of appointments varies depending on the nature of the problem, how long you have experienced it and what you need to return to doing.

Your physiotherapist should explain the proposed plan following your assessment and review it as your recovery progresses.

Will I receive exercises?

Many physiotherapy plans include exercises to complete between appointments. These will be selected according to your current abilities and progressed as your movement, strength and confidence improve.

Does physiotherapy treatment hurt?

Some assessments and exercises may temporarily reproduce familiar symptoms, but treatment should remain appropriate and manageable. Tell your physiotherapist when something feels too uncomfortable so that it can be adjusted.

Can physiotherapy help an old injury?

Physiotherapy may still be helpful when an older injury continues to affect strength, movement or confidence. Your physiotherapist can assess your current abilities rather than focusing only on when the original injury occurred.

Can I have physiotherapy while waiting for a scan or specialist appointment?

This depends on your symptoms and the reason for the investigation. Bring any referral letters, reports or clinical guidance you have received so your physiotherapist can decide whether treatment is appropriate.

Where can I access CORE Physio services?

Physiotherapy is available through our London Bridge and East Dulwich services. Each location page provides information about the local physiotherapists, clinic details, opening information and appointment availability.

Book a Physiotherapy Assessment

Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing persistent pain or working towards a return to exercise, sport or normal daily activity, your physiotherapy plan will be tailored to your individual needs. Choose Physiotherapy London Bridge or Physiotherapy East Dulwich to view the local team, clinic information and appointment availability.