Best physiotherapy clinics in Edinburgh

Edinburgh physiotherapy clinics for sports injuries, persistent pain and rehabilitation

Physiotherapy can help people understand and manage problems affecting movement, strength, balance, mobility and physical function.

Patients commonly seek private physiotherapy for:

• Back and neck pain
• Sports injuries
• Tendon problems
• Joint pain
• Muscle strains
• Post-operative rehabilitation
• Persistent pain
• Running injuries
• Jaw pain
• Pelvic-health symptoms
• Reduced mobility
• Balance problems
• Return-to-sport planning

The quality of care depends on more than the number of treatment techniques listed on a clinic’s website.

A suitable physiotherapist should begin with an assessment, discuss the patient’s goals, identify factors contributing to the problem and explain a realistic treatment plan. Hands-on treatment may be helpful, but rehabilitation frequently also requires exercise, activity modification, education and gradual exposure to normal movement.

The right clinic depends on the condition.

An athlete recovering from anterior cruciate ligament surgery may benefit from objective strength testing and structured return-to-sport criteria. Someone with persistent jaw pain may need a physiotherapist with specific experience in temporomandibular disorders. Pelvic-health symptoms should be assessed by a practitioner with relevant postgraduate training, while a person with unexplained neurological symptoms may need medical investigation rather than routine musculoskeletal treatment.

Before booking, patients should establish:

• Whether the practitioner is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
• Whether the physiotherapist has relevant specialist experience
• Appointment length
• Initial and follow-up prices
• Likely treatment approach
• Whether exercises are included
• Whether specialist equipment carries an additional charge
• Cancellation terms
• Insurance arrangements
• Accessibility
• Referral pathways where symptoms require medical assessment

This guide compares four established Edinburgh physiotherapy providers with different strengths across sports rehabilitation, persistent pain, jaw treatment, movement analysis, shockwave therapy and pelvic health.

How the physiotherapy clinics were selected

The clinics were considered against factors relevant to private patients in Edinburgh:

• Professional registration: Physiotherapists should hold current HCPC registration. CSP membership and private-practice memberships are also considered where published.
• Assessment quality: Clinics should base treatment on an individual assessment rather than selling one technique as suitable for every condition.
• Clinical scope: The selection includes general musculoskeletal care and services for sports, post-operative, jaw, paediatric and pelvic-health rehabilitation.
• Specialist experience: Relevant postgraduate training, professional-sport experience and focused clinical interests are considered.
• Rehabilitation planning: Strong clinics provide exercise, education and progression rather than relying exclusively on passive treatment.
• Price transparency: Current appointment prices are included where published.
• Accessibility: Location, parking, public transport, opening times and mobility arrangements are considered.
• Treatment information: Clinics should explain the purpose and limitations of specialist services such as shockwave therapy or needling.
• Continuity: Patients should understand who will treat them and whether follow-up appointments can remain with the same practitioner.
• Medical escalation: A physiotherapist should recognise symptoms requiring GP, dental, orthopaedic or emergency assessment.

Inclusion is editorial and does not establish that physiotherapy is suitable for a particular symptom or guarantee a specific outcome.

How much does physiotherapy cost in Edinburgh?

Current published prices among the selected clinics range from approximately £60 to £100 for standard or specialist initial appointments.

Prices can change, and the appointment length is important.

A £60 appointment lasting 30 minutes is not directly equivalent to an £80 appointment lasting 45 minutes. Equally, a longer appointment is not necessarily better unless the additional time is clinically useful.

Patients should confirm whether the fee includes:

• Assessment
• Treatment
• Exercise prescription
• Digital exercise programme
• Treatment letter
• Insurance paperwork
• Specialist testing
• Shockwave therapy
• Needling
• Taping
• Equipment hire
• Follow-up communication

Reports, insurance forms and detailed professional correspondence may carry separate administrative charges.

HCPC registration and CSP membership

The titles physiotherapist and physical therapist are protected in the UK.

A person using those titles must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Patients can search the HCPC register using the practitioner’s surname or registration number.

HCPC registration indicates that the practitioner:

• Holds an approved qualification or equivalent
• Meets professional standards
• Is subject to fitness-to-practise procedures
• Must maintain appropriate professional conduct
• Must work within their competence

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the professional body for physiotherapists.

CSP membership is separate from HCPC registration. Many private physiotherapists belong to both, but HCPC registration is the essential statutory check for someone practising under the protected title.

A clinic may also employ:

• Sports therapists
• Massage therapists
• Osteopaths
• Strength-and-conditioning coaches
• Pilates instructors

These practitioners operate under different regulatory or professional arrangements. Patients should confirm the profession of the individual providing the appointment rather than assuming everyone working in a physiotherapy clinic is an HCPC-registered physiotherapist.

Do patients need a GP referral?

Private patients can generally contact a physiotherapy clinic directly.

A GP referral may still be required where:

• An insurer requires it
• The symptoms need medical investigation
• Prescription medication is being considered
• Imaging may be necessary
• The physiotherapist identifies a significant medical concern
• The patient needs referral to a consultant
• The condition falls outside the practitioner’s scope

A clinic advertising that no GP referral is needed does not mean every symptom should be treated without medical assessment.

What should happen during the first appointment?

A first appointment commonly includes:

History

The physiotherapist may ask about:

• Current symptoms
• How the problem started
• Changes over time
• Previous injuries
• Operations
• Medication
• Medical conditions
• Work
• Sport
• Sleep
• Daily activities
• Previous treatment
• Patient goals

Physical assessment

This may include:

• Movement
• Strength
• Joint range
• Balance
• Walking
• Functional tasks
• Neurological screening
• Palpation
• Sport-specific tests
• Repeated movement
• Load tolerance

Not every patient needs every test.

Explanation

The practitioner should explain:

• Likely diagnosis or working hypothesis
• Important contributing factors
• Whether further investigation may be needed
• Treatment options
• Expected recovery
• Relevant uncertainty
• Activities that can continue
• Activities that may need temporary modification

Initial treatment

Treatment may include:

• Advice
• Exercise
• Manual therapy
• Movement practice
• Taping
• Needling
• Education
• Activity planning

The treatment should follow the assessment rather than being selected before the practitioner has understood the condition.

Stuart Mailer Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine

Clinic phone: 0131 563 9449

Additional contact: 07488 881344

24-hour automated reception: 0131 381 5228

Opening hours:

• Monday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
• Tuesday: 9 AM to 8 PM
• Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
• Thursday: 9 AM to 8 PM
• Friday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Website

Stuart Mailer Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine is a West End clinic focused on sports, orthopaedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

The practice is led by consultant physiotherapist Stuart Mailer, who publishes more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, sports medicine and professional sport.

His background includes work connected with organisations and sporting environments such as:

• Chelsea Football Club
• Great Britain athletics
• Professional tennis
• Motor racing
• Orthopaedic rehabilitation
• Paediatric sports care

The clinic treats both everyday musculoskeletal problems and higher-demand sports cases.

Its services include:

• Physiotherapy
• Sports physiotherapy
• Post-operative rehabilitation
• Knee rehabilitation
• Paediatric physiotherapy for children aged eight and over
• Running assessment
• Foot and ankle care
• Orthotic services
• Sports massage
• Deep-tissue massage
• Osteopathy
• Sports therapy
• Strength and conditioning
• Pilates
• Personal training

The team includes physiotherapists, an osteopath, sports therapists and strength-and-conditioning practitioners.

Patients should check the professional role of the practitioner selected during online booking, particularly where they specifically want an HCPC-registered physiotherapist.

Appointment prices

Current standard physiotherapy prices include:

Consultant physiotherapy with Stuart Mailer or Lianne Brunton currently includes:

The clinic’s pages contain minor price inconsistencies between different sections. Patients should rely on the amount shown in the booking system or confirmed by reception at the time of booking.

Sports and knee rehabilitation

The clinic has a particular focus on:

• Acute knee injuries
• ACL rehabilitation
• Post-operative knee recovery
• Return to running
• Return to sport
• Strength restoration
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Shoulder problems
• Youth athletic rehabilitation

Assessment and rehabilitation may use:

• ForceDecks
• Peak-force testing
• Video movement analysis
• Compex neuromuscular electrical stimulation
• Exercise testing
• Sport-specific loading

Objective testing can help quantify differences between limbs and monitor progress.

Testing should still be interpreted alongside:

• Symptoms
• Confidence
• Movement quality
• Sport demands
• Medical restrictions
• Healing times
• Patient goals

A single strength score does not determine whether someone is ready to return to competitive sport.

Compex rental

The clinic rents Compex SP 4.0 units for selected rehabilitation programmes.

Published prices currently include:

• One week: £35
• Two weeks: £60
• Three weeks: £80
• Four weeks: £100

The equipment should be used according to the clinician’s instructions and rental agreement.

Booking and cancellation

Patients can book:

• Online
• Through clinic reception
• By telephone
• Through the 24-hour automated reception line

The clinic’s terms state that cancellation or rescheduling within 24 hours can result in the full appointment fee becoming payable.

Patients using medical insurance remain responsible for fees not paid by the insurer and should obtain any required authorisation before treatment.

Best suited to

Sports injuries, knee rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, paediatric sports physiotherapy and patients who value measurable testing alongside exercise-based rehabilitation.

Pros

• Consultant-led sports and orthopaedic clinic
• More than 25 years of lead-practitioner experience published
• Professional-sport background
• Strong knee and post-operative focus
• Paediatric sports rehabilitation
• Force and movement testing
• Compex rehabilitation and rental
• Long weekday opening hours
• Saturday appointments
• Several booking channels
• Central West End location
• Wider team covering osteopathy, massage and strength training

Customer reviews

Thorough assessment for persistent knee pain

_“We were referred to Stuart Mailer Physiotherapy after my 14-year-old daughter had been struggling with persistent knee pain for months. Despite several sessions with a previous physio, there was little progress.

From our very first appointment with Stuart, the difference was clear. He took the time to speak directly with my daughter, listened carefully to when the pain was at its worst, and carried out a series of thorough assessments to pinpoint the issue. The level of attention and professionalism was a noticeable step up from what we’d experienced before.”_

• Glyn Bullen, Google review

Clear explanations and an experienced approach

“As a consequence of a very active life, I’ve had many needs for physiotherapy, and I can say without doubt that Stuart is the best I’ve worked with. He has a great manner, always happy to give you the details of what a particular treatment will achieve, and how.”

• Stephen Learney, Google review

The Physiotherapy Place

Portobello address: 117 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 1AR

Phone: 0131 669 3369

Opening hours:

• Monday: 8 AM to 4 PM
• Tuesday: 8 AM to 4 PM
• Wednesday: 8 AM to 8 PM
• Thursday: 8 AM to 8 PM
• Friday: 8 AM to 3 PM
• Saturday: 9:30 AM to 2 PM

Website

The Physiotherapy Place operates clinics in Portobello and Musselburgh.

Its treatment approach combines assessment, hands-on physiotherapy and individual exercise programmes for muscle, joint, nerve and persistent-pain problems.

The clinic currently treats:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Sports injuries
• Running injuries
• Tendon problems
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Chronic pain
• Muscle tightness
• Rehabilitation after injury
• Mobility problems

Its team states that its physiotherapists are registered with the HCPC and CSP. The business is also a member of Physio First.

Current prices

Physiotherapy currently costs:

• First appointment: £85
• Follow-up appointment: £69

Massage therapy currently costs:

• 30 minutes: £50
• 45 minutes: £60
• 60 minutes: £70

The clinic accepts major private insurers and states that it can direct-bill insurers where the patient’s policy and authorisation permit this.

A free 15-minute telephone discussion is available for people uncertain whether physiotherapy is appropriate.

Gunn intramuscular stimulation

The Physiotherapy Place has a particular focus on Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation.

Gunn IMS is a form of dry needling developed for persistent pain associated with muscle shortening and nerve-related sensitivity.

The clinic states that owner and physiotherapist Niall McGregor trained in the technique in Canada and is the only practitioner in Scotland currently providing Gunn IMS.

This is a business claim rather than a statutory designation or independently maintained national register. Patients interested in the service should assess:

• The practitioner’s training
• Whether the symptoms fit the proposed treatment model
• Potential benefits
• Possible discomfort
• Contraindications
• Alternatives
• How needling integrates with rehabilitation

Needling should not be presented as a guaranteed cure for chronic pain.

The clinic explains that patients may experience a deep ache or twitch response and some soreness for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.

Other treatments

The practice also provides:

• Manual therapy
• Manipulation
• Dry needling
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Exercise rehabilitation
• Footscan assessment
• Orthotic recommendations
• TMJ and jaw treatment
• Injury education

The clinic states that manual therapy and needling techniques are normally incorporated within physiotherapy care where indicated rather than automatically charged as separate add-ons.

Portobello facilities

The Portobello practice provides:

• Private treatment rooms
• Rehabilitation space
• Exercise equipment
• Online booking
• Telephone reception
• Direct insurance billing
• High Street location
• Evening appointments on Wednesday and Thursday
• Saturday appointments

The clinic’s Friday closing time is earlier than at several other providers, although two evening openings and Saturday hours provide alternatives.

Best suited to

Patients in east Edinburgh seeking hands-on musculoskeletal physiotherapy, chronic-pain assessment, jaw treatment or specialist Gunn IMS needling.

Pros

• Portobello and Musselburgh locations
• HCPC- and CSP-registered physiotherapy team stated
• Physio First membership
• Published prices
• Free preliminary telephone call
• Gunn IMS specialism
• TMJ and jaw services
• Hands-on and exercise-based care
• Private treatment rooms
• Rehabilitation area
• Insurance billing
• Evening and Saturday appointments

Customer reviews

I felt in very good and safe hands

“When I went in I had a really sore leg and it caused a lot of concern as to what might be causing it. My mind was soon put at ease and by the end of the session my leg was feeling so much better and I was a lot happier. I felt in very good and safe hands and would not hesitate to recommend The Physiotherapy Place, super service.”

• Robert Reid, Google review

A thorough examination

“Great service again from The Physiotherapy Place, I would highly recommend them. I have a problem with my right calf and knee. Ross carried out a thorough examination and used needles which has helped ease the pain and swelling.”

• Isabella McNamara, Google review

Edinburgh Sports + Spinal Physiotherapy

Comely Bank clinic: 52 Learmonth Grove, Edinburgh, EH4 1BN

Earl Grey Street clinic: Unit 4, New Uberior House, 3 Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9BN

Phone: 0131 235 2354

Website

Edinburgh Sports + Spinal Physiotherapy provides general musculoskeletal care alongside several focused rehabilitation services.

Its current clinical scope includes:

• Physiotherapy
• Sports physiotherapy
• Running injuries
• ACL and complex knee rehabilitation
• Paediatric athletic physiotherapy
• TMD and jaw physiotherapy
• Running biomechanics
• Sports massage
• Movement assessment
• Exercise rehabilitation

The practice operates from Comely Bank and Earl Grey Street, giving patients a choice between north-west and central locations.

Current standard prices

Discounted blocks of six are available:

• Six 30-minute appointments: £324
• Six 45-minute appointments: £432

Block bookings are already discounted and cannot be combined with other offers.

Patients should avoid purchasing a block before understanding the diagnosis, expected progression and refund terms.

Complex knee and paediatric sports care

Specialist physiotherapy with Peter Dery includes:

• Sports physiotherapy
• ACL rehabilitation
• Complex knee rehabilitation
• Paediatric athletic physiotherapy

A specialist assessment costs £85.

Follow-ups cost:

• 30 minutes: £60
• 45 minutes: £80

This service may suit patients recovering from knee surgery or younger athletes needing rehabilitation planned around growth, school and sport.

Jaw and TMD physiotherapy

Director Richard Worrall provides specialist physiotherapy for temporomandibular disorders.

Treatment may include:

• Jaw assessment
• Soft-tissue treatment
• Joint mobilisation
• Exercise
• Movement advice
• Behavioural or activity guidance
• Referral to a dental specialist where required

Current TMD prices are:

The practice has a relationship with Edinburgh Dental Specialists and can recommend onward dental assessment where the presentation appears to require it.

Jaw pain can relate to muscles, joints, dental problems, trauma, inflammatory conditions and other causes. Physiotherapy should not replace necessary dental or medical investigation.

Running biomechanics

Running-technique assessment with Jimmy Moran currently costs £100 for 60 minutes.

A course containing an assessment and five 60-minute follow-ups costs £415.

Running assessment should connect findings to the runner’s symptoms, training history, strength, load and goals rather than attempting to impose one universal running style.

Accessibility

The pricing page asks patients to notify the clinic in advance when they:

• Require disability access
• Use crutches
• Use a walking stick
• Use a wheelchair
• Need mobility-related support

Patients should confirm which location is most suitable before booking, as access arrangements can differ between premises.

Best suited to

Sports and running injuries, ACL rehabilitation, paediatric athletic care, TMJ problems and patients wanting a structured choice of standard and specialist appointments.

Pros

• Two Edinburgh locations
• Transparent 2026 prices
• Standard and specialist physiotherapy
• ACL and complex knee rehabilitation
• Paediatric athletic service
• Specialist TMD and jaw care
• Running-biomechanics assessment
• Sports massage
• Appointment blocks available
• Digital exercise support
• Dental referral relationship
• Central and Comely Bank access options

Customer reviews

Ready to return to sport with confidence

“I have been working with Peter over the past year on my ACL rehabilitation, and I could not have asked for better support. From the very beginning, he demonstrated patience, expertise, and genuine care. He consistently listened to my concerns, tailored exercises to suit my progress, and provided ongoing encouragement throughout the process. Thanks to his dedicated guidance, I have made significant improvements and am now ready to return to sport with confidence.”

• Shoug Khuraibit, Google review

Knowledgeable and makes you feel comfortable

“I have had a great experience at ESS physiotherapy so far. I am seeing Richard Worrall and he is an amazing practitioner; he’s knowledgeable, makes you feel comfortable during the appointment and really great at helping you navigate your symptoms. I am seeing him for TMJ physiotherapy and I would recommend it to anyone I know.”

• Mariam Aziz, Google review

The Physiotherapy Clinics - South Gyle

Phone: 0131 218 3000

Opening hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM to 3 PM

Website

The Physiotherapy Clinics is a multi-location provider with branches across Edinburgh and Peebles.

Its South Gyle clinic serves west Edinburgh and is convenient for patients travelling from areas such as:

• South Gyle
• Edinburgh Park
• Corstorphine
• Sighthill
• Wester Hailes
• Currie
• Broxburn
• West Lothian

The clinic advises that on-street parking is normally available nearby. Bus services 12, 16 and 22 stop close to the premises.

The company states that its physiotherapists are registered with the HCPC and CSP, hold current Disclosure Scotland certificates and are registered to work with UK insurers.

Current standard prices

The standard initial appointment includes assessment, treatment and advice.

Service range

The South Gyle clinic provides access to services including:

• Physiotherapy
• Sports-injury treatment
• Paediatric physiotherapy
• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Headache and migraine services
• Sports performance
• Dry needling
• Mobilisation and manipulation
• Occupational health
• Online appointments
• Women’s health
• Men’s health
• Clinical Pilates
• Shockwave therapy

Not every specialist service is necessarily available with every practitioner on every day. Patients should confirm the clinic, clinician and appointment type when booking.

Shockwave therapy

The Physiotherapy Clinics uses Storz Medical focused and radial shockwave systems.

Musculoskeletal shockwave may be considered for selected persistent tendon and soft-tissue problems, including:

• Plantar heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Calcific shoulder problems
• Selected hip pain
• Shin pain

Current published prices include:

• Single consultation and treatment: £85
• Three-session course: £255
• Shockwave addition to an ordinary physiotherapy appointment: £25

The clinic advises that several sessions may be required.

Shockwave is not suitable for every patient. The clinic identifies contraindications including:

• Pregnancy or trying to conceive
• Treatment over open growth plates
• Metal pins or plates in the treatment area
• Malignant tumours
• Infection
• Anticoagulant medication

This list may not be exhaustive. The physiotherapist should complete an individual safety assessment.

The clinic’s website claims that more than 80% of patients report improvement after three or four treatments. This should not be interpreted as a guaranteed success rate for an individual condition.

Pelvic-health physiotherapy

The provider offers women’s- and men’s-health physiotherapy.

Current prices include:

Women’s-health physiotherapy may address concerns such as:

• Bladder leakage
• Prolapse symptoms
• Pregnancy-related pain
• Postnatal rehabilitation
• Pelvic-floor dysfunction
• Painful intercourse

Men’s-health physiotherapy may address:

• Pelvic pain
• Prostate-related rehabilitation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Peyronie’s disease
• Continence problems
• Pelvic-floor rehabilitation

Some pelvic-health assessments may involve discussion or examination of intimate areas.

The clinician should explain:

• Why an examination is being recommended
• What it involves
• Alternatives
• Consent
• Chaperone options
• The patient’s right to stop at any time

Clinical Pilates

Current Clinical Pilates prices include:

• One-to-one, 45 minutes: £65
• Seven-week group block: £98
• Drop-in class: £16

Classes are led by physiotherapists with Pilates training and focus on rehabilitation, posture, functional strength and injury prevention.

Best suited to

Patients in west Edinburgh seeking a multi-disciplinary clinic with standard physiotherapy, shockwave, paediatric care, Clinical Pilates and specialist pelvic-health options.

Pros

• South Gyle location
• Weekday evening opening
• Saturday appointments
• Nearby on-street parking
• Bus stop outside
• Multiple Edinburgh branches
• HCPC and CSP registration stated
• Standard appointments from £70
• Storz focused and radial shockwave
• Women’s- and men’s-health services
• Clinical Pilates
• Online consultations
• Paediatric and vestibular rehabilitation

Customer reviews

Able to walk normally and resume golfing

“My wife experienced terrible heel pain for 9 months which a podiatrist could not fix. She attended the physiotherapy clinic and under the care of Biju Choran and his shockwave therapy and exercise regime she is now able to walk normally and resume golfing. Huge thanks to Biju for his fantastic care and knowledge.”

• Jim Lewis, Google review

Correctly diagnosed and treated the issues

“After being troubled by persistent injuries for a number of years I had almost given up hope of recovery. Two previous physios failed to treat the underlying issues, but Anthony at The Physiotherapy Clinics was able to correctly diagnose and treat issues that I never thought would heal.”

• Dan, Google review

Which Edinburgh physiotherapy clinic may suit different patients?

The four providers have different strengths.

For sports and knee rehabilitation

Stuart Mailer Physiotherapy has the clearest focus on elite sport, knee rehabilitation, objective strength testing and return-to-performance planning.

Edinburgh Sports + Spinal also offers specialist ACL and complex-knee rehabilitation.

For persistent muscle and nerve-related pain

The Physiotherapy Place may suit patients specifically interested in Gunn IMS after an assessment establishes that needling may be appropriate.

Its Portobello and Musselburgh locations also provide general hands-on musculoskeletal care.

For jaw and TMD physiotherapy

Edinburgh Sports + Spinal publishes the most clearly defined specialist TMD pathway, led by Richard Worrall and supported by a dental-referral relationship.

The Physiotherapy Place also treats jaw pain and headaches.

For pelvic-health physiotherapy

The Physiotherapy Clinics provides the broadest published women’s- and men’s-health service range.

Patients should confirm which branch and practitioner provide the required appointment.

For shockwave therapy

The Physiotherapy Clinics publishes detailed information about Storz focused and radial shockwave systems, prices and treatment locations.

Shockwave should be used for an appropriate diagnosis rather than offered merely because pain has lasted several weeks.

For children and younger athletes

Stuart Mailer Physiotherapy and Edinburgh Sports + Spinal both publish paediatric sports services.

The Physiotherapy Clinics also offers physiotherapy for children across its branch network.

For Portobello and east Edinburgh

The Physiotherapy Place is the most convenient listed option.

For west Edinburgh and commuters

The Physiotherapy Clinics at South Gyle provides nearby parking, direct bus services and Saturday opening.

Physiotherapy for sports injuries

Sports physiotherapy may be appropriate for:

• Muscle strains
• Ligament injuries
• Tendon pain
• Joint sprains
• Running injuries
• Overuse symptoms
• Post-operative recovery
• Reduced performance
• Recurring injury
• Return-to-sport planning

A strong sports assessment should consider:

• Mechanism of injury
• Training load
• Competition schedule
• Previous injuries
• Strength
• Mobility
• Sport technique
• Sleep
• Recovery
• Equipment
• Playing surface
• Patient confidence

The objective is not only to reduce pain but to restore the capacity required by the sport.

A runner may need to tolerate repeated impact. A footballer needs acceleration, deceleration, cutting and contact. A climber may require finger, shoulder and trunk capacity. Rehabilitation should reflect those demands.

Post-operative physiotherapy

Post-operative rehabilitation should follow the surgeon’s procedure and restrictions.

Common examples include:

• ACL reconstruction
• Meniscus surgery
• Joint replacement
• Rotator-cuff repair
• Shoulder stabilisation
• Fracture fixation
• Tendon repair
• Spinal surgery
• Foot and ankle surgery

The physiotherapist may work on:

• Swelling
• Range of motion
• Walking
• Strength
• Balance
• Confidence
• Functional tasks
• Return to work
• Return to driving
• Return to sport

Progress should not be accelerated solely because the patient feels less pain.

Healing tissues can remain vulnerable after symptoms improve.

Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic energy applied through a handheld device.

It may be considered for selected persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions.

Evidence and recommendations differ according to:

• Diagnosis
• Body area
• Device
• Focused or radial treatment
• Energy
• Number of sessions
• Rehabilitation programme

Patients should ask:

• What is the diagnosis?
• Why is shockwave suitable?
• What evidence supports it for this condition?
• Which device is used?
• How many treatments are recommended?
• What does it cost?
• What exercise accompanies treatment?
• What are the contraindications?
• What happens if it does not help?

Shockwave should not replace an assessment or appropriate loading programme.

Dry needling, acupuncture and Gunn IMS

Needle-based treatments are not all identical.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may use needles at selected points for pain management or other therapeutic aims.

Dry needling

Dry needling commonly targets muscles or trigger-point areas.

Gunn IMS

Gunn IMS is a particular system associated with assessment and treatment of persistent pain involving nerve-related muscle shortening.

Possible effects can include:

• Temporary soreness
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Light-headedness
• Symptom flare
• Local discomfort

Rare but more serious complications can occur if needling is performed incorrectly or near vulnerable anatomy.

Patients should disclose:

• Anticoagulants
• Bleeding disorders
• Pregnancy
• Needle phobia
• Infection
• Immune compromise
• Previous fainting
• Relevant medical conditions

Needling is optional. Patients can decline it and discuss alternatives.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy may include:

• Joint mobilisation
• Soft-tissue techniques
• Massage
• Manipulation
• Assisted movement

It can help some patients with pain or short-term movement restriction.

It should generally form part of a wider plan rather than being the only treatment repeatedly provided without progression.

Patients should understand:

• The proposed purpose
• Expected effect
• Possible soreness
• Alternatives
• How it supports rehabilitation

A temporary change after manual treatment does not necessarily mean the underlying problem has been permanently corrected.

Exercise rehabilitation

Exercise may be prescribed to improve:

• Strength
• Mobility
• Balance
• Coordination
• Endurance
• Tendon capacity
• Confidence
• Sport performance
• Functional tolerance

A useful programme should be:

• Specific
• Understandable
• Realistic
• Progressive
• Appropriate to available equipment
• Reviewed over time

Patients should know:

• How often to exercise
• Number of repetitions
• Acceptable discomfort
• When to stop
• How to progress
• What improvement should look like

A long generic list of exercises is not necessarily better than a small number selected for a clear reason.

When physiotherapy may not be the first step

Some symptoms need medical or emergency assessment.

Seek urgent help for symptoms such as:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness around the saddle or genital area
• Sudden severe weakness
• Suspected fracture
• Significant trauma
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Stroke symptoms
• Severe unremitting pain with systemic illness
• Fever with a hot swollen joint
• New unexplained neurological symptoms
• Sudden severe headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Signs of serious infection

Other concerns requiring prompt clinical assessment can include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Night pain unrelated to movement
• History of cancer
• Progressive weakness
• Persistent swelling
• Calf pain and swelling
• Symptoms after surgery
• Unexplained falls
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain

A physiotherapist should refer onward where the presentation falls outside routine care.

Insurance-funded physiotherapy

Private medical insurers may require:

• Membership number
• Claim number
• Authorisation code
• GP referral
• Defined number of sessions
• Approved practitioner
• Specific clinic
• Excess payment

Patients should ask:

• Is the practitioner recognised by my insurer?
• Does the clinic bill the insurer directly?
• Am I responsible for shortfalls?
• Is there an excess?
• Does cancellation count as a session?
• Do I need authorisation for more appointments?
• Are specialist treatments covered?

The patient remains responsible for understanding the policy.

Cancellation terms

Private clinics commonly charge for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice.

Before booking, check:

• Notice period
• Full or partial cancellation fee
• Illness exceptions
• Online cancellation process
• Insurance treatment
• Late arrival
• Rescheduling
• Block-booking refunds

Stuart Mailer Physiotherapy states that cancellations or changes within 24 hours can be charged at the full appointment rate.

Other clinics should provide their own current terms during booking.

Questions to ask before booking

1. Is the practitioner HCPC registered?
2. Does the practitioner treat this condition regularly?
3. How long is the initial appointment?
4. What does it cost?
5. What is included?
6. Will treatment begin during the first appointment?
7. Will I receive exercises?
8. How many sessions might be reasonable?
9. What would indicate that I need medical investigation?
10. Does specialist equipment cost extra?
11. Is needling optional?
12. Can you bill my insurer?
13. Is the clinic accessible?
14. Is parking available?
15. What is the cancellation policy?
16. Can I remain with the same physiotherapist?
17. Are reports charged separately?
18. What should I wear?
19. Should I bring scan reports or operation notes?
20. How will progress be measured?

A responsible practitioner should be comfortable explaining uncertainty and alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Final checklist before attending

Before the first appointment:

• Confirm the practitioner’s name.
• Check HCPC registration.
• Verify the clinic address.
• Check parking or public transport.
• Confirm the appointment length.
• Confirm the price.
• Review cancellation terms.
• Obtain insurance authorisation.
• Bring relevant medical information.
• Bring scan or operation reports where useful.
• List current medication.
• Wear practical clothing.
• Explain important medical conditions.
• State the main functional goal.
• Ask what symptoms would require medical referral.
• Request a clear treatment plan.
• Understand the home exercises.
• Confirm when progress will be reviewed.
• Do not feel obliged to accept needling or another optional treatment.
• Seek urgent medical help for red-flag symptoms.

Stuart Mailer Physiotherapy provides the strongest performance-led service for knee, sports and post-operative rehabilitation. The Physiotherapy Place offers general musculoskeletal care with a distinctive Gunn IMS and persistent-pain focus. Edinburgh Sports + Spinal provides clearly structured specialist services for jaw pain, running and complex knee rehabilitation, while The Physiotherapy Clinics at South Gyle offers the broadest multi-service range, including shockwave, paediatrics, Clinical Pilates and pelvic-health physiotherapy.

The best clinic is the one with a suitably registered practitioner whose experience matches the condition and whose plan helps the patient regain meaningful movement and function - not simply the provider offering the longest list of treatment machines.

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