The Physiotherapy Centre at The Alexandra Hospital in Manchester

Physiotherapy can help with a wide range of problems, including:

• Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems – Issues with your bones, joints and muscles
• Rehabilitation after surgery or illness
• Pain management
• Respiratory or pulmonary conditions
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Pelvic floor problems
• Pregnancy-related issues

You'll find more details below about how physiotherapy can help you with each of these concerns.

Our highly skilled multidisciplinary team offers a comprehensive range of specialist services, including:

• Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy
• Spinal assessments
• Orthopaedic rehabilitation
• Hand therapy and splinting
• Paediatric MSK care
• Pelvic health physiotherapy
• Pregnancy support
• Respiratory physiotherapy
• Cardiac rehabilitation

We also offer advanced treatments with specially trained physiotherapists, including:

• Acupuncture
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
• Corticosteroid joint injections
• Clinical Pilates
• Hydrotherapy
• Gait analysis (with custom insoles available)
• Oncology prehabilitation

By bringing all of these services together under one roof, we ensure a seamless and convenient experience for every patient.

The cost of your physiotherapy treatment will depend on various factors, including what type of physiotherapy you are having and how many sessions you need. 

At The Alexandra Hospital, accessing private healthcare is easy, whether you choose to pay directly or use private medical insurance.

If you are paying for yourself, we can usually offer an upfront cost which you can then choose to pay in full, or use one of our easy payment options to spread the cost.

If you have insurance, we can arrange direct settlement with your insurance provider, although you should check in advance to see if your treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.

Our specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists provide expert care for a wide range of problems relating to your bones, joints and muscles. This includes:   

Physiotherapy for upper and lower limb conditions

Whether you’re experiencing pain in your shoulder, knee, hip, or elbow, our physiotherapists have the clinical expertise to assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues.

Spinal assessment and rehabilitation

Our team is skilled in assessing and treating spinal conditions, including back and neck pain, sciatica, and other spinal disorders. We provide targeted treatment and rehabilitation programs to help relieve pain and improve mobility.

Hand therapy

Our physiotherapists and occupational therapists are trained in specialised hand therapy to help you recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions affecting the hands and wrists.

Elite sports physiotherapy

Some of our physiotherapists work independently for elite sport and rehabilitation.

Temporomandibular joint (TMD) treatment

Your physiotherapist will use specialised exercises in combination with manual therapy to stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles, helping to relive pain and restore function.

Same-day MSK Appointments

We understand the importance of quick access to physiotherapy care. That’s why we offer same-day musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy appointments, allowing you to start your recovery without delay. Our skilled physiotherapists will assess your condition and develop an individualised treatment plan to get you back to your best as soon as possible.

For same day appointments please call 0161 495 6813. Please note same day appointments cannot be booked online.

If you're living with chronic or persistent pain, pain management physiotherapy aims to give you ways to live better with your pain, as well as hopefully reducing it. We'll look at different ways to increase your activity levels, while ensuring you are getting enough rest, and we'll help you understand your pain and teach you self-management techniques. This is a tailored approach based on evidence, and our physiotherapists work closely with pain management specialists. 

Respiratory physiotherapy relates to the assessment and treatment of people with disorders of the respiratory system. This includes conditions affecting the lungs such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. It can be used at all stages of disease, from early diagnosis through to chronic illness. Physiotherapy is focused on maximising physical function and helping you manage symptoms.

At The Alexandra Hospital, our Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapists provide expert assessment, advice and treatment for a wide range of pelvic health conditions affecting both women and men. We understand that pelvic health concerns can have a significant impact on quality of life, confidence, work and leisure activities, and we are committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs.

Women's Health

• Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain
• Postnatal rehabilitation
• Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
• Urinary incontinence (stress, urge and mixed)
• Overactive bladder symptoms
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Lower bowel dysfunction
• Pelvic pain
• Pre and post gynaecological surgery rehabilitation 
• Menopause-related pelvic health symptoms (MOT)
  
  

Men's Health

• Urinary incontinence
• Overactive bladder symptoms
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pre and post-prostate surgery rehabilitation
• Lower bowel dysfunction

Comprehensive Assessment

Your initial appointment will involve a detailed assessment, including:

• Discussion of your symptoms, medical history and goals
• Assessment of posture, movement and function
• Evaluation of breathing patterns and core muscle control
• Assessment of pelvic floor muscle function where clinically appropriate and with your consent
• Identification of factors contributing to your symptoms
  
  

Following assessment, your physiotherapist will explain their findings and develop a personalised treatment plan designed around your individual needs.
Personalised Treatment Plans

Treatment may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle training
• Bladder and bowel management advice
• Exercise programmes tailored to your condition
• Core strengthening and rehabilitation
• Manual therapy techniques
• Pain management strategies
• Lifestyle and behavioural advice
• Prehabilitation and post-surgical rehabilitation
• Education and self-management support

Neurological rehabilitation helps people manage the effects of a neurological condition, such as a stroke or Parkinson's disease. In some cases, rehabilitation can help people fully recover from their condition. In other cases, rehabilitation helps people regain life skills, increase their strength and mobility, and adopt methods and techniques to manage their condition and live happily and independently.

Our cardiac rehabilitation program helps individuals recovering from heart surgery or other cardiac events to regain strength, fitness, and confidence.

At The Alexandra Hospital, our specialist paediatric physiotherapy team provides expert assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for children over the age of three with musculoskeletal (MSK), orthopaedic, and sports-related conditions.

We support young people recovering from sports injuries, joint and muscle pain, fractures, hypermobility, growth-related conditions, and post-operative orthopaedic procedures. Using a child-focused and family-centred approach, our physiotherapists create personalised rehabilitation programmes tailored to each child’s age, stage of development, activity level, and goals.

Treatment may include exercise rehabilitation, strength and stability training, movement retraining, sports rehabilitation, and return-to-play support, helping children recover confidently and safely return to school, sport, and everyday activities.

At The Alexandra Hospital, we offer specialised Hydrotherapy sessions held at nearby Total Fitness, designed to support the rehabilitation of patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. This physiotherapy-led service is available exclusively to individuals aged 18 and above.

Hydrotherapy is a highly effective treatment for those recovering from injury, surgery, or managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on the joints, while providing a supportive environment for exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. Under the guidance of our experienced physiotherapists, patients engage in tailored exercises aimed at promoting healing and improving functional movement.

Key Features:

Physiotherapy-led sessions: Our hydrotherapy sessions are supervised by qualified physiotherapists with expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation

Targeted MSK rehabilitation: The service is designed specifically for those with musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and injury rehabilitation

Over 18s only: The sessions are available exclusively to adults aged 18 and above

Location: The hydrotherapy sessions are conveniently held at nearby Total Fitness, offering a modern, well-equipped facility for your rehabilitation needs

Hydrotherapy provides an ideal environment for those looking to rehabilitate or manage musculoskeletal conditions in a safe, supportive setting. Please contact us for more information or to book a session.

If you're about to begin oncology treatment, the physical challenges of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery can be daunting. Prehabilitation, also known as ‘prehab’, is a tailored physiotherapy program designed to prepare your body for the physical demands of cancer treatment and improve your recovery process. Our expert physiotherapists work closely with you to build strength, enhance mobility, and improve your overall fitness before treatment begins.

What we offer in prehab for oncology:

• Strength and conditioning: We help you build the strength and stamina needed for upcoming treatments
• Breathing techniques: Specific exercises to improve lung capacity and reduce fatigue
• Mobility and flexibility training: Keeping your body limber and mobile is essential for maintaining independence during and after treatment
• Pain management: Techniques to help you manage any pain or discomfort you may experience during your cancer journey
• Personalised exercise plans: Safe, effective exercises that are adapted to your current fitness level and designed to prepare you for treatment

Our physiotherapists have years of experience working with oncology patients and are fully equipped to address the challenges specific to cancer treatment. We understand that no two patients are the same, and we create an individualised plan based on your needs, health status, and treatment plan.

Undergoing cancer treatment can be challenging, but with our team, you’ll receive not only expert care but also emotional and practical support.

At Circle Health Group, our Specialist Physiotherapists provide expert assessment, personalised treatment and rehabilitation for individuals undergoing treatment for breast cancer or recovering from breast surgery and after Breast Cancer treatments.
 
We recognise that Breast Cancer and its treatments can affect all aspects of a patient’s life, and our physiotherapists provide holistic, evidence-based treatment and care to support you throughout your recovery. Helping you regain confidence, function, mobility and quality of life, so you can live well, with and beyond cancer.
 
Working closely with our consultant breast surgeons, oncologists and multidisciplinary teams, we provide a comprehensive rehabilitation service tailored to your individual needs and stage of recovery.

How We Can Help

Breast surgery and cancer treatments can have multiple side effects including, loss of movement, strength, pain, lymphoedema, treatment induced menopause symptoms and consequently quality of life.  Our specialist physiotherapists are experienced in supporting patients before and after treatment, helping to reduce complications, improve recovery and optimise long-term outcomes.
We support patients following:

• Lumpectomy (wide local excision)
• Mastectomy
• Breast reconstruction surgery (Implant and Autologous Reconstruction including DIEP’S)
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Axillary lymph node clearance
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Endocrine therapy
• Lymphoedema
• Preventative breast surgery
• Revision and reconstructive procedures

Comprehensive Assessment

Your initial assessment will be tailored to your individual circumstances and may include:

• Review of your medical and surgical history
• Discussion of your symptoms, concerns and rehabilitation goals
• Assessment of shoulder, neck and upper back movement
• Evaluation of strength, flexibility and function
• Scar assessment and management
• Screening for signs of lymphoedema
• Postural assessment
• Functional assessment of daily activities, work and hobbies
• Fatigue and wellbeing evaluation
• Menopause Symptoms

Following your assessment, your physiotherapist will explain their findings and work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Treatment is designed around your specific needs, symptoms, stage of recovery, lifestyle and personal goals. So may include:
 

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

• Scar management techniques
• Myofascial release
• Exercises to restore shoulder and arm movement
• Education on lymphoedema risk reduction
• Supervised progressive strengthening programmes including core stability
• Postural correction and education
• Rehabilitation following breast reconstruction surgery
• Return-to-activity and lifestyle goals (For example, reaching up to the top shelf in the kitchen, lifting your child without pain, returning to sport and returning to work)

Lymphoedema Management

• Education on risk reduction
• Advice on exercise, skin care, weight management.
• Early identification of lymphoedema symptoms
• Lymph Volume Calculation
• Measuring for and ordering compression garments.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Teaching of Self Lymphatic Drainage
• Exercise and supervised progressive strength training
  
  

Oncology Rehabilitation

• Exercise programmes to improve strength and endurance
• Support to manage cancer-related fatigue
• Mobility and functional rehabilitation
• Treatments to help peripheral neuropathy and balance issues
• Treatments to address Radiotherapy fibrosis
• Guidance on returning to everyday activities
• Confidence-building through safe physical activity

Help and advice to manage treatment induced Menopause symptoms
 

Pain and Movement Management

• Treatment for shoulder stiffness and pain
• Management of chest wall tightness
• Soft tissue and manual therapy techniques where appropriate
• Advice to promote long-term health helping you regain control of your health and movement.

Working Alongside Your Consultant Team

Our Specialist Physiotherapists work closely with consultant breast surgeons, oncologists, breast care nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and seamless approach to your care. Through this collaborative approach, we can tailor rehabilitation to complement your medical treatment plan, supporting recovery at every stage of your journey.

Supporting You Through Recovery

Recovery after breast surgery and cancer treatment is about more than healing physically. It is about regaining confidence, independence and quality of life. Our specialist physiotherapy team is here to support you every step of the way, providing expert guidance, rehabilitation and ongoing encouragement throughout your recovery journey, to help you live well with and beyond cancer.

If you have a condition affecting your hand, wrist or forearm, a hand therapist will be able to assess you, reach a diagnosis and propose a course of treatment 

 

Conditions treated through hand therapy

Our team of Hand therapists assess and treat upper limb conditions that include:

• Arthritis
• Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Repetitive strain injury
• Trigger finger
• Traumatic injuries such as soft tissue injuries and fractures

The Hand therapists also assess and treat conditions post-surgery and can help with wound care, swelling, range of movement and strengthening.

The hand therapy team work closely with the hand surgeons at the Alexandra Hospital to plan and carry out the optimum care for patients following injury or surgery. 

If needed, the hand therapists can make referrals directly on to one of these highly specialised hand and wrist consultants for further investigations and care. 

Treatments included in hand therapy

Our therapists can provide:

• Individual exercise programmes
• Strengthening
• Muscle/joint manipulative techniques
• Custom-made bespoke splinting
• Electrotherapy
• Scar management
• Swelling management
• Advice on pain and advice on adapting activities of daily living

No need for a GP referral

Our physiotherapy service accepts new self-referrals, so you don’t need to see your GP or consultant, you can get in touch with us directly to book an appointment at a time that suits you.

Integrated private healthcare

On your first visit to our private physiotherapy department, one of our registered physiotherapists will assess your condition and develop a bespoke treatment package specifically for you. Our physiotherapists work closely as part of our integrated multi-disciplinary teams meaning that, if necessary, you can benefit from fast referrals and access to diagnostic technologies right away to aid treatment pathway decisions.

Easy referrals to imaging and specialist consultations

We recognise that some conditions may require further investigation. If indicated, we offer same-day referrals for imaging such as MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and X-rays, helping to expedite your diagnosis and treatment plan. Should you need further medical input, our team can also refer you for consultant consultations with specialists in various areas of medicine.

Comprehensive rehabilitation programs, tailored to you

Our physiotherapists work with you to create a personalised rehabilitation plan, addressing your individual goals and helping you recover to full function. From managing pain and improving mobility to rebuilding strength and stamina, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.