Physiotherapy FAQ
If you have any queries or questions regarding our service or Physiotherapy you can conveniently send them to us via the facility below.
If you scroll further down the screen you will see that we have prepared the answers to some of the most common questions to which we have previously been asked.
If you would like to speak to one of our colleagues to ask your question, including physios, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please call Paul Gough Physio Rooms on Freephone 0800 043 8671.
- What should I wear?
Please dress appropriately bearing in mind the location of your injured body part. For example, a hamstring injury, perhaps wear shorts? Or a shoulder injury may we suggest a vest? This will help make your experience with us a more comfortable one. - Do I need to remove any clothing? No you do not.
We will always aim to remove as little clothing as possible and we will never ask that you remove an item of clothing that may completely expose a large area of your body. Instead, we may ask that you simply remove an arm from your to, for example, for us to view the shoulder region.
Occasionally patients will ask us if it would be easier or more convenient for us to administer treatment if an item be removed completely. You are free to make this decision. - Can I bring a family member or friend with me into the treatment room?
Of course, we would be delighted to be in the company of anyone whom you deem necessary to make your visit with us as comfortable as possible. You do not need to inform us of this decision in advance. Often if you are accompanied by a friend or family member then we will ask if you would like to accompany you during treatment. - What time should I arrive?
Approximately 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. - Are you BUPA registered?
Yes, following a GP referral you are able to use your BUPA health care plan to fund the cost of your treatment with us. Please see our health insurance section for further information. - Did you work for Darlington Football Club?
Yes, Paul Gough is commonly known as the Darlington Football Club Physio due to his time in charge of their physiotherapy department (2003-2007) - Are we members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health Professions
Council (HPC)?
Yes. We maintain subscriptions and membership to both of the formerly mentioned. - What is the difference between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor/osteopath?
Put simply, a physiotherapist looks at the bigger picture i.e. we look at your symptoms as well as the cause of your problem and use a number of techniques to firstly reduce your pain, but then actually get to the bottom of what caused it in the first place. We will aim to stop it from happening again.
Chiropractors and Osteopaths principally deal with the position of your bones and take the view that all of your injuries are caused by a misalignment of usually the spinal column. It is not uncommon for us all to work together i.e. the physio may work on the soft tissue problem, whilst the chiropractor re-aligns the spine. If you are currently under the care of a chiropractor or osteopath, ask if a visit to a physio as well as their treatment may help you. - Can I claim the cost of my treatment back if I have health insurance?
Yes you can. Nearly all health insurance companies are happy to fund the cost of your treatment provided that your physio provider is a member of the HPC and CSP, of which we are! - When do I need to pay?
This may vary. If you are a self pay patient, you can choose to pay at the end of each individual treatment session, or if a number of sessions are required, on account at the end of your total treatment with us. - Do I have to have a referral from my GP?
No you do not. We welcome GP referrals on your behalf, but ultimately you are free to call us and make an appointment as and when you deem necessary. - How often will I need to receive treatment?
That is wholly dependent upon the nature of your injury. Our aim is to return you to full fitness as quickly and as safely as possible. We will be in a better position to answer this following your initial assessment. An acute/early phase injury may require one or two visits in a short period of time. On the other hand, a more chronic injury such as an arthritic knee problem may require 2 or 3 visits in order to progress an exercise programme to help you self manage your injury. - Can I still receive treatment if I am pregnant?
Yes. We often treat ladies at various stages of their terms. It is helpful if you make your physio aware of this fact as certain treatments are discouraged during pregnancy
