At The Ridgeway Hospital we have a growing team of experienced chartered physiotherapists who can treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries. Understanding that everyone is different, even if you have the same condition, our therapists will take time to understand your needs and tailor a treatment plan to optimise your recovery.
Open from 8am until late Monday to Friday, the department is housed in a purpose built unit that is home to a fully equipped gymnasium, along with a hydro pool and several therapy rooms. We aim to see all patients within 48 hours of your first contact with us.
At The Ridgeway Hospital we offer the following treatments and services:
Bracing
You may benefit from bracing if you have been suffering with painful joints, stability issues or have ongoing pain. Braces can also help with rehabilitation and returning to sport.
Chronic pain management
If you have had persistent or long standing pain that has failed to respond to previous treatments, then it would be helpful to consult a physiotherapist. This type of physiotherapy has been shown to assist patients with coping strategies that can help to manage pain and improve quality of life.
Gait analysis
This is the assessment of the lower limb biomechanics, e.g. how you stand, walk or run, to help identify problems in your legs, hips or even your back. It can help prevent painful conditions developing or recurring.
Hand therapy
Hand therapy provides assessment and holistic rehabilitation for patients with a hand or upper limb injury or condition. The treatment is tailored to your needs and focuses on helping you get back to the day to day activities that you enjoy.
Hydrotherapy
Also known as aquatic therapy, hydrotherapy is physiotherapy performed in a warm water pool. The effects of the water and warm temperature can help to reduce pain and provide support to aid your rehabilitation.
Isokinetic testing
This a strength test for the muscles around the knee. It’s used to compare the strength of the affected knee against the unaffected leg.
Osteopathy
A way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person’s muscles and joints.
Pelvic health rehabilitation
Pelvic health physiotherapists are specially trained to assess and treat a range of conditions that can cause pelvic problems, such as incontinence of the bladder or bowel, or pelvic pain.
Physiotherapy for sports injuries
The diagnosis and treatment of muscle, joint and nerve problems caused by practicing a sport or exercising, including muscle imbalances, joint pain and post-fracture rehabilitation. The aim is to get you back to sport as soon as possible.
Respiratory physiotherapy
This relates to the assessment and treatment of people with disorders of the respiratory system. Physiotherapy is focused on maximising physical function and helping you manage symptoms.
Rehabilitation services
Rehabilitation aims to improve function after surgery or injuries including fractures, accidents, chronic spinal conditions, strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cranial surgery and cardiac surgery.
Shockwave therapy
Also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), shockwave therapy is used to treat chronic tendon problems, shoulder pain, painful heel, tennis elbow or pain in the Achilles tendon.
Vestibular rehabilitation
The treatment consists of exercises designed to retrain the balance system and to re-programme your brain to tune out the dizzy sensations. The goal is to gradually reduce the severity of your symptoms, by becoming desensitised.
Our purpose-built gym gives our physiotherapy team (and you) access to:
- Watt Bike
- Free weights
- Stepper
- Cross trainer
- Rowing machine
- Leg press
- Leg curl
- Treadmill
- Wall bars
- Parallel Bars
- Hydrotherapy pool
- Weight training machines - Lat mach and Reha Ercolina
Below are some the key questions that may help you in preparing for a visit.
Can I talk to my physiotherapist before attending an appointment?
Yes, we are more than happy to discuss your physiotherapy or health requirements before booking an appointment. Please contact us on 01793 814848 and request to speak with a Physiotherapist. You can also email us your concerns or queries on [email protected] and a physiotherapist will respond.
What should I expect on my first visit?
You will have a full assessment where you will discuss your current conditions, symptoms and any other medical problems that you currently have or have had in the past as these may be relevant. This will be followed by an examination with your physiotherapist looking at how you move and what causes and helps your condition. You will always be informed and your consent asked throughout the assessment and ongoing treatments. Your physiotherapist will discuss their findings with you, make a diagnosis and together come up with a treatment plan that is individual to you and your needs. They may also start treatment in your first session. You will also be given a home exercise programme to complete. Please ask questions at any time.
What treatment can I expect?
This will depend on your diagnosis, your treatment goals and your individual circumstances. Our physiotherapists are trained in a range of skills and techniques to enable them to help you optimise your treatment and rehabilitation.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies individually and will depend on your diagnosis, aims and goals. We are always happy to offer one-off advice sessions.
What should I wear?
The physiotherapist will need to see the area that is causing your symptoms. Your normal day clothes should be fine, although if part of your treatment or rehabilitation involves exercising, you may be more comfortable in sports or loose clothing. You will be asked to undress as appropriate to the assessment required. Your dignity will be respected at all times. Please tell your practitioner if you are uncomfortable at any time.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Not usually. However, if you have relevant x-rays, reports or scan results, they may be useful in assessing your condition.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
If you were fit enough to drive to your appointment, you should be at least as fit to drive home.
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
No, you can refer yourself as physiotherapists are primary practitioners. However, if you are going to be claiming your treatment through an insurance company, most insurance companies require that you are referred by a GP or specialist. Please check your policy or ask your insurance company directly. We will need your Insurance Policy Number and Authorisation / Claim Number. A discharge letter will normally be sent to the person who referred you and also your GP.
Is there parking available?
Yes, we have free parking on site. However we recommend allowing additional time for parking during peak hours.
Can I use my health insurance?
Yes, we are recognised by most health insurers including: BUPA, AXA PPP, AVIVA, WPA, CIGNA, Vitality, IPRS, HCML, CS Healthcare.
Each policy is specific to you and there are variations between insurance companies. Most insurance companies require you have seen your GP or a consultant, then phone them to get a claim number. We will need your membership number and claim number on your first visit to us to process payment, otherwise payment for the treatment will be required. Some insurance companies require you pay then get an invoice from us to claim the fee back.
Please check your policy with your provider before you see us so there is no confusion. If you want to use your insurance policy for the other services other than physiotherapy please check with your insurance provider to see if this is included in your policy. This does not affect your ability to use it for physiotherapy treatment. Any queries please ask and we will try to answer them for you. Please note that insurers do not fund any consumables.
Can I self pay?
Yes, you can pay per session for physiotherapy at any Circle Health Group location. We also offer self-pay packages for treatments including hip and knee replacement surgery which include postoperative physiotherapy to get you back on your feet.
How do I pay?
Payments may be made by credit or debit card. We also have a staged payment option. Payment is usually made after each treatment session.
When you choose to go private at The Ridgeway Hospital, you'll benefit from:
- Fast access to expert treatment
- A growing team of chartered physiotherapists with expertise across multiple disciplines including hydrotherapy
- One-on-one sessions in a purpose-built environment
- Access to the latest equipment
- Ample parking onsite
If you are interested in starting physiotherapy with us, give us a call today and one of our friendly advisors will help you find an appointment at a time that suits you.
