Health Grove Clinic
Physio & Osteo in White Waltham
Below are answers to general questions about the treatment process. For information about specific conditions treated visit the physiotherapy and osteopathy pages. For practical information about your visit to the clinic visit the clinic page. Detailed information about clinicians is found on their pages in the practitioners section, and information about fees, insurance and payment on the fees and insurance page.
If you can’t find the answer to your question, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
No. You can book directly with us – no GP referral is needed to see a physiotherapist or osteopath. If you’re claiming through private health insurance, your insurer may ask for a GP or consultant referral first, so it’s worth checking your policy before you book.
You can book online or call the clinic — whichever is easier for you. If you’re not sure which service or practitioner is right for you, just get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Bring any relevant information that helps us build the full picture: details of previous treatment, a list of any medication you take, and any scan or X-ray reports you already have. If your problem relates to a specific activity or sport, it can help to bring the relevant footwear or equipment too. If you wear glasses for reading, bring those so you can complete any forms easily.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. To assess and treat properly, we often need to see and move the affected area, so it helps to wear something we can work around — for example, shorts for a knee or hip problem, or a vest top for a shoulder or neck issue. You’re welcome to bring a change of clothes, and a gown is always available if you’d prefer.
We may send you a short medical questionnaire to complete before your visit. Filling this in ahead of time means we can spend more of your appointment on assessment and treatment rather than paperwork. If you’d rather complete it at the clinic, that’s absolutely fine – just arrive a few minutes early.
Yes, of course. You’re welcome to bring a partner, friend or family member to your appointment, and you can ask for someone to be present during your examination and treatment at any time.
Your first visit is mostly about understanding your problem properly. We’ll ask detailed questions about your symptoms, your general health and how the issue is affecting your daily life. We’ll then carry out a hands-on physical assessment – looking at how you move, your posture, strength and the affected area – to reach a clear diagnosis. We’ll explain what we’ve found in plain language, talk through your options, and usually begin treatment in the same session.
Initial assessments are longer than follow-up appointments because there’s a lot of ground to cover. Follow-up sessions are typically shorter and focus on hands-on treatment and progressing your rehabilitation. Initial appointments are typically 60 minutes long and follow-up appointments 30 minutes.
In most cases, yes. Once we’ve assessed you and agreed a plan together, we’ll usually start treatment straight away. Occasionally, if we need more information — for example, further investigations or the results of a scan — we may focus the first session on assessment and advice, and begin hands-on treatment once we have the full picture.
Always. We believe you should understand your own body and your condition, so we’ll explain what we’ve found, what’s likely causing your symptoms and what the plan is – all in language that actually makes sense. Understanding your problem is one of the most powerful parts of getting better, and you’re encouraged to ask as many questions as you like.
Almost certainly. Hands-on treatment in the clinic is only part of the picture – what you do between appointments often matters just as much. We’ll give you a tailored set of exercises or advice designed to speed up your recovery and help keep the problem from returning. We’ll make sure they’re realistic and fit around your life.
Most treatment is comfortable, and a lot of it is actually quite relaxing. Some hands-on techniques and certain exercises can cause mild, temporary discomfort – particularly when an area is already sensitive or inflamed – but we always work within your limits and at a level you’re happy with. Treatment should never be something to dread, so please tell us at any point if anything feels too much; we’ll adjust what we’re doing.
Most treatment is comfortable, and a lot of it is actually quite relaxing. Some hands-on techniques and certain exercises can cause mild, temporary discomfort – particularly when an area is already sensitive or inflamed – but we always work within your limits and at a level you’re happy with. Treatment should never be something to dread, so please tell us at any point if anything feels too much; we’ll adjust what we’re doing.
Yes. Our physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and our osteopaths with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), and we work to strict professional and clinical standards. A key part of your first assessment is screening for anything that might make a particular treatment unsuitable, and we’ll only ever use techniques that are appropriate and safe for you. Serious adverse effects are very rare.
Completely normal, and you’re not alone. Plenty of people feel anxious before a first appointment, especially if they’re in pain or unsure what to expect. We’ll take the time to put you at ease, explain everything as we go, and never do anything without talking it through with you first. You’re always in control of your appointment.
Usually not. For most musculoskeletal problems, we can reach an accurate diagnosis from a thorough clinical assessment alone. Scans aren’t always helpful – they often show changes that are perfectly normal for your age and unrelated to your symptoms, which can be misleading. Where imaging genuinely would change your diagnosis or treatment, we’ll discuss it with you and arrange the right referral.
Yes. If we feel you’d benefit from imaging, a consultant opinion or another type of care, we can guide you to the right next step and refer you on where appropriate. Being based at Berkshire Grove Hospital means we have excellent links to wider specialist services when they’re needed.
Part of every assessment is making sure your symptoms are suitable for the treatment we offer. If we ever find something that needs investigation or care beyond our scope, we’ll tell you honestly and make sure you’re directed to the right person – whether that’s your GP, a consultant or another service. Your safety always comes first.
If we don’t think we’re the right people to help you, we’ll say so – and we’ll do our best to point you towards someone who is. We’d always rather give you honest advice than carry on with treatment that isn’t working for you.
This varies a lot from person to person and depends on the problem, how long you’ve had it and your general health. Many people notice a meaningful change within the first few sessions, while longer-standing or more complex issues take more time. At your first appointment we’ll give you a realistic idea of your likely timeline, and we’ll review your progress regularly so you always know where you stand.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and we’ll never book you in for more sessions than you actually need. Many straightforward problems improve within a handful of appointments; more persistent or complex conditions may need a longer programme. After your first assessment we’ll talk you through an honest, individual plan – and our aim is always to get you better and independent, not to keep you coming back indefinitely.
In the early stages, appointments are often a little closer together to settle your symptoms and get your recovery moving. As you improve, we typically space them out, giving your body time to respond and your home exercises time to work. We’ll agree the right spacing with you and adjust it as you progress.
If you’re not responding the way we’d expect, we won’t simply keep doing the same thing. We’ll reassess, rethink the diagnosis if necessary, and consider whether further investigation or a referral is the right move. Honest, regular review is built into how we work.
Our goal is lasting results, not quick fixes. A big part of your treatment is understanding why the problem happened in the first place and what you can do to prevent it returning – through exercises, activity advice and small changes that fit your life. While we can’t promise a problem will never recur, giving you the tools to manage and prevent it is central to everything we do.
The single most effective thing is to do your prescribed exercises and follow the advice we give you between appointments. Staying as active as your symptoms allow, sleeping well and being patient with the process all make a real difference. We’ll always explain the “why” behind our advice so it’s easy to stick to.
In most cases, yes – we’ll usually encourage you to keep moving and stay active within sensible limits. Occasionally, after certain treatments, we may suggest taking it a little easier for a day or so. If there’s anything you should avoid, we’ll tell you clearly before you leave.
Please continue any medication as prescribed unless your GP or our clinician advises otherwise. It’s always helpful to let us know what you’re taking, as it forms part of the full picture of your health and care.
We treat people across a wide range of ages and stages of life, and we tailor our approach to each individual. If you have a specific concern about whether treatment is suitable for you or a family member, please get in touch before booking and we’ll be glad to advise.
Many treatments can be adapted to be safe and comfortable during pregnancy. Do let us know if you are, or might be, pregnant when you book, so we can make sure your care is tailored appropriately.
The easiest way to think about it is by where your problem is. Minal Desai, our specialist physiotherapist, looks after everything to do with the shoulder, elbow and arm. Rebecca Parish, our osteopath, looks after everything else – including the neck, back, hips, knees and other muscle and joint problems. If you’re unsure, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise on the right practitioner for you.
