Frequently Asked Questions

What is sports therapy?

Sports therapy focuses on assessing, treating and rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions affecting muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. Treatment may include hands-on techniques, soft tissue treatment, movement assessment, rehabilitation exercises and practical advice to help improve pain, movement and function.

Not at all! Despite the name, sports therapy is for everyone, not just athletes or people who play sports. You might be dealing with a long-standing injury, everyday aches and pains, stiffness or discomfort that’s making work and daily activities more difficult. My aim is to help you get back to what matters most to you, whatever that looks like.

Both sports therapists and physiotherapists can work with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Sports therapists focus on the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of these problems, including how movement, strength and function affect recovery. Physiotherapists may also work across other specialist areas, such as neurological and respiratory conditions. The most suitable practitioner depends on your individual needs.

I work with a range of musculoskeletal problems, including:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Sciatica and nerve-related symptoms
  • Shoulder, hip and knee pain
  • Ankle and foot pain, including plantar fasciitis
  • Muscle strains and tendon injuries
  • Sports and exercise-related injuries
  • Ongoing aches, stiffness and restricted movement
  • Rehabilitation following injury or surgery, where appropriate

If you’re unsure whether sports therapy is suitable for your problem, please get in touch and we can discuss it.

In many cases, yes. Treatment can sometimes help manage pain, stiffness and movement difficulties associated with long-term musculoskeletal conditions. I’ll take your medical history and individual needs into account before deciding on a suitable approach. If your symptoms need further assessment, I’ll advise you on the appropriate next step.

Yes, I offer assessment and treatment for children and young people under 18, where appropriate. A parent or responsible adult must be present throughout the
appointment. Treatment will always be adapted to the individual’s age, needs and circumstances.

I understand how frustrating it can be to have ongoing pain, especially when you’ve tried different approaches without getting the answers or improvement you hoped for. I’ll take the time to understand what you’ve experienced so far, reassess the problem and discuss what may be appropriate next. If I feel you need further medical investigation or support from another healthcare professional, I’ll explain this to you.

No, you can contact me directly to book an appointment without a GP referral. If you’ve already seen your GP or another healthcare professional, any relevant reports or information can be helpful to bring along

No, you can contact me directly to book an appointment without a GP referral. Your first appointment begins with a conversation about your symptoms, medical
history and how the problem is affecting your everyday life. I’ll then carry out a physical assessment, looking at relevant movements and areas to help understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.

I’ll explain my findings, discuss the options available and agree on an approach with you. Where appropriate, we’ll begin hands-on treatment during the appointment, alongside any advice or exercises that may help you move forward. If you’ve already seen your GP or another healthcare professional, any relevant reports or information can be helpful to bring along

Treatment is tailored to you and the problem you’re experiencing. Depending on your assessment and goals, this may involve hands-on treatment, soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation where appropriate, stretching, rehabilitation exercises and advice on managing your symptoms.

My approach is to look beyond where it hurts, understand how it’s affecting you and help you work towards meaningful improvements in everyday life.

Some techniques may cause temporary discomfort, particularly if an area is sensitive or has been painful for a while. However, treatment should always be adapted to your needs and tolerance. I’ll explain what I’m doing, check how you’re feeling and adjust the approach if needed. You can ask me to stop or change anything at any point.

This depends on several factors, including the type of problem, how long you’ve had it, your symptoms and your goals. Some issues may improve with a small number of sessions, while more persistent or complex conditions may need longer-term support.

I’ll discuss my recommendations with you and review your progress along the way. My aim is to make sure treatment is appropriate for you, rather than  suggesting more appointments than you need.

Everyone responds differently to treatment. Some people notice a change in their pain or movement quite quickly, while others need more time and a combination of treatment, rehabilitation and changes to their daily activities. I’ll help you understand what to expect based on your individual situation.

Recovery doesn’t always follow a straight line, and progress can vary from person to person. If you’re not improving as expected, I’ll review your symptoms and treatment approach to understand whether any changes are needed.

I’ll always be honest with you about your progress and discuss the next steps. If I feel you would benefit from further investigation or input from another healthcare
professional, I’ll explain this and guide you towards the appropriate support. My priority is to ensure your treatment remains suitable for you and that you’re  receiving the right care.

Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is ideal. Depending on the area being assessed or treated, shorts or a vest top may be helpful. You don’t need to buy anything special — just wear something you’re comfortable in.

There’s no need to prepare anything specific. If you have relevant scan results, medical letters or details of previous treatment, these can be useful. It’s also worth
thinking about when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and what you’d like to achieve from treatment.

I aim to offer appointments as soon as possible, subject to availability. Evening and Saturday appointments are also available. Please contact me directly to check current availability and find a time that works for you.

Evening and Saturday appointments are available, subject to availability. Please get in touch to discuss suitable appointment times.

Yes, I offer treatment packages for those who may benefit from ongoing appointments, as well as occasional special offers. Treatment recommendations will
always be based on your individual needs rather than encouraging unnecessary appointments. Please get in touch for more information about available packages and current offers.

If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, please contact me as soon as possible. I kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice so that the appointment can be offered to someone else. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a fee of 50% of the appointment cost.

Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at the clinic.

The treatment room is on the first floor and is accessed by stairs. Unfortunately, there isn’t a wheelchair lift, so the clinic may not be suitable for everyone with
mobility difficulties. If access is a concern, please contact me before booking so we can discuss your needs.

If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have before booking an appointment.

Call: 07879 732 415

Email: info.recoveryzone@icloud.com

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