Outpatient Physiotherapy

 

Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability.

It takes a holistic approach that involves the patient directly in their own care.

How is my referral processed?

 

Your referral is reviewed and prioritised by a physiotherapy practitioner to determine the level of urgency of the condition.

The level of urgency will determine when the appointment is.

What conditions are treated in the Physiotherapy Department?

We can treat many conditions, some examples are pain associated with:

  • Arthritis.

  • Back and neck pain/conditions.

  • Chronic pain.

  • Headaches.

  • Post trauma/fracture.

  • Pre/post-operative orthopaedic patients.

  • Rheumatological conditions.

  • Soft tissue injuries.

  • Sports injuries.

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

  • Upper and lower limb problems.

  • Vestibular conditions.

  • Work related conditions.

  • Pelvic health (pregnancy related pain, bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction).

  • Phototherapy- UV light treatment for skin conditions such as eczema.

The team also provides physiotherapy in Fracture Clinic every weekday morning, for those patients who are referred from the Emergency Department or Fracture Clinic and require advice following an injury.

How do I book an appointment?

 

This will depend on whether your GP has referred you, or a hospital consultant.

If your GP has referred you; you may either be given an online login by your GP which will give you a choice of dates/ times you can choose from, or you may be sent a letter in the post.

If you are sent a letter it will either advise you when your appointment is, or it may ask you to call us and make an appointment.

If your consultant has referred you; you will mostly likely be sent a letter asking you to call us and arrange an appointment.

What are your opening times?

 

We operate a 6 day service with appointments available within the following times:

Monday          07:00 – 18.00

Tuesday          07:00 – 18:00

Wednesday     07:00 – 18:00

Thursday         07:00 – 18:00

Friday              07:00 – 17:00

Saturday         08:15 – 16:00

 

Where are clinics held?

 

Primarily most appointments are based at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

 

However we also provide physiotherapy at a number of GP practices in the surrounding area including:

  • The Border Practice, Aldershot

  • Forest Surgery, Bordon

  • Cranleigh Medical Practice, Cranleigh

  • The Mill Medical Practice, Godalming

  • Badgerswood Surgery, Headley

 

What will happen at the first appointment?

 

 

A member of the physiotherapy team will ask you questions about your pain and general health.

They will then most likely ask you to do movements and complete certain tests to try and ask questions about the condition.

This may take more than one session to complete.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

 

Whilst it is not imperative, it can be useful to bring a list of any medication you are taking and any other relevant hospital documentation relating to the condition.

If you have leg pain, it is also useful to bring shorts.

What do I need to wear?

 

It is a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing and you should be prepared to remove relevant items to allow the clinician to fully assess appropriate joints or structures.

If you have leg pain, it is useful to wear/ bring shorts and if you have upper body pain it is useful to wear a strappy or vest top.

Who will I be seen by?

 

 

All of our team are Chartered Physiotherapists (CSP) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Our team is comprised of junior, senior, team leaders, clinical specialists and extended scope practitioners (ESP’s) who specialise in specific areas of physiotherapy including pain, rheumatology, spinal, shoulders, knees, hands and the foot & ankle.

We may also have physiotherapy students on placements who will be supervised by a senior physiotherapist.

What does treatment involve?

 

Treatment will be on an individual basis and will depend on your symptoms.

 

It often comprises of exercises that will be suitable to help the pain, as guided by the latest research.

It can also sometimes incorporate other treatments such as manual therapy or acupuncture, if the physiotherapist deems it appropriate to your condition.

You are encouraged to discuss your treatment with the physiotherapist at the time.

How often will I need to have this treatment?

 

It will depend on your symptoms and your next appointment (should you need one) is always determined on the clinical need of the condition.

Sometimes treatment can be weekly but other times it can be much more infrequent, such as once a month.

Do you run any classes?

We provide a variety of classes aimed at continuing rehabilitation and providing education to patients.

The classes we run are:

  • Advanced Lower Limb Class

  • Antenatal and Postnatal Education Classes

  • Back Class

  • Early Lower Limb Class

  • OA Knee Group

  • Pelvic Floor Class

  • Pregnancy Back and Pelvic Pain Class

  • Return to Fitness Class

  • Shoulder Class

  • Total Knee Replacement Class

Within the department we also have close links to the community such as local leisure centres and Holy Cross Hospital for hydrotherapy.

We run exercise referral schemes for our patients that would benefit from continued supervised exercise.

 

What if I am unable to attend treatment?

 

Please let us know at least 24 hours before your appointment.

There are two options: you can either ring the physiotherapy reception where there is a call waiting system and answer phone facility, or you are welcome to e-mail us.

The physiotherapy phone number is: 01483 464 153

The physiotherapy e-mail address is: rsc-tr.physio-RSCH@nhs.net

 

 

How can I tell you what I think of the service?

 

We very much value feedback from all of our patients.

You may get a text requesting friends and family feedback

In the waiting area you will also find comments cards and a box, where you can tell us about your experience.

 

Where can I find more information?

 

You can find more information from the chartered society of physiotherapy. Click here to access the website

Click here to find for NHS advice on conditions.