Frequently Asked Questions

It is a science‑based therapy that focuses on your movements and activities, either to improve or to maintain them. The nature of treatment mainly involves hands‑on treatment, therapeutic exercises, and education. A qualified physiotherapist provides the diagnosis and treatment.

You can see NHS physiotherapists following a referral from a GP or a specialist, or you can make a self‑referral. You may also consult a private physiotherapist. N3 Physiotherapy is a private clinic run by experienced professionals. We don’t require any referrals – simply contact us or book an appointment directly.

No, you don’t need to be seen by a doctor, GP or any other health professional for a referral to our practice. You can make a self‑referral if you think you need a physiotherapist. At N3 Physiotherapy, you can book online or call us to book an appointment.

In N3’s experience, patients often ask: “Why is your diagnosis so different to that of my doctor or GP?” A GP makes an initial referral for further investigation, and the physiotherapist makes a full diagnosis. The GP plays their part by providing an appropriate referral. Physiotherapists also use differential diagnosis techniques, sometimes employing certain physiotherapy treatments or mechanical diagnosis. As a result, their diagnosis may differ.

Every day we see patients with knee arthritis, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, etc., many of which are caused by lower back pain. We also see carpal tunnel, capsulitis, bursitis, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow originating from the neck.

Physiotherapy often requires hands‑on treatment and may involve undressing a related area for assessment or treatment. At N3 Physiotherapy we keep you covered as much as possible and avoid unnecessary undressing. Some conditions require no clothing removal, or only minor undressing. We advise wearing clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated (e.g., avoid tight trousers for knee work).

If you request in advance, we can try to book you with a male or female physiotherapist based on preference and availability. You may also ask for a chaperone to be present during the session and have the right to decline treatment at any time.

Following assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss your treatment. During hands‑on procedures you may feel instant relief, but sometimes injuries or tender areas become more uncomfortable or painful during treatment or shortly after – this is completely normal. The discomfort may arise from stretching ligaments, tendons or muscles, or from realignments and relocations of joints or spine.

When you have pain from an injury or joint, muscle, ligament or nerve problems, you might need to be seen by a physiotherapist in their clinic. The physiotherapist will assess your condition, ask for details, test muscle strength and joint movements, and identify pain sources. They will then discuss symptoms, possible outcomes and management, which may consist of 1) hands‑on treatment, 2) therapeutic exercise, and 3) tailored advice. Some discomfort during manual treatment is expected and should subside within a few hours. Prescribed home or therapeutic exercises will be specific to your problem.

You may be receiving physiotherapy but still unsatisfied with progress. Ergonomics – the effect of your environment (desk, chair, mattress, sofa, car seat) – can be a hidden cause of pain. Small corrections to these can make a big difference. Unresolved aggravating factors can hinder treatment plans, and even the exercises you do might adversely affect outcomes.

Dizziness can disrupt everyday life. It may stem from inner‑ear problems (e.g., Ménière’s disease) rather than a migraine. Our physiotherapists can assess, treat and advise on vestibular issues, helping you feel better and live better.

Injections (often steroids) are used for MSK conditions in joints, tendons or ligaments. While they can provide pain‑free periods, repeated injections may fail due to an incorrect diagnosis, and carry side‑effects. Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis may benefit, but many unsuccessful cases are because the underlying issue was missed.

Our recommendation focuses on non‑invasive treatments – hot/cold packs, massage, or safe pain‑relief techniques – after a correct diagnosis.