Advice guide
Private Physiotherapy: How It Works
Private physiotherapy means booking directly with a physiotherapist outside the NHS, paid for yourself or through health insurance. You choose when to go, you do not need a GP referral if you are self-funding, and you usually see the same physiotherapist each time. At Bluebell, private appointments are with HCPC-registered physiotherapists at Blue Bell Hill, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm, with same-week appointments usually available. This is general information, not a diagnosis. An individual assessment is needed before deciding what suits you.
Getting the most from private sessions
Private appointments work best when you treat them as the start of your own plan rather than the whole treatment. Write down questions before you arrive, tell your physiotherapist honestly how the exercises are going and mention anything that has changed in your health. Between sessions, short and regular practice of your exercises usually matters more than the appointment itself. If something is not improving as expected, say so; the plan can be changed or another route suggested.
Paying yourself or using insurance
If you are self-funding, you simply book and pay for each appointment. If you have health insurance that covers physiotherapy, you usually contact the insurer first to open a claim. Bluebell works with Bupa, AXA, Vitality, WPA and Aviva. Each insurer has its own rules on referrals, excess and session limits, so check before your first appointment. For fees, please contact the clinic, as prices are not listed on this guide.
What a private session includes
The first appointment is an assessment and usually the start of treatment. Your physiotherapist listens to the history, examines the area, explains what they think is happening and agrees a plan with you. Follow-up sessions build on that plan.
- Time to talk through the problem and your goals
- A physical examination
- An explanation in plain language
- Treatment, which may include hands-on work and exercise
- A home exercise plan you understand
Treatments available privately at Bluebell
Alongside physiotherapy, the clinic offers sports massage, shockwave therapy, women's health physiotherapy, hydrotherapy in a warm pool, acupuncture and home visits for patients who find it hard to travel. Not every treatment suits every problem; your physiotherapist will suggest what fits after assessment.
Choosing a private physiotherapist
Check that any physiotherapist you see is registered with the HCPC, the UK regulator; the title physiotherapist is protected by law. Look for someone who explains things clearly, involves you in decisions and gives you a plan to follow at home. Our guide to choosing a physiotherapist has more on this.
Using private and NHS care together
You can have private physiotherapy while waiting for NHS care. Keep your NHS place unless you decide you no longer need it, and tell each clinician about the other so advice lines up. Our private vs NHS comparison looks at the differences in more detail.
When a doctor should come first
See a doctor before physiotherapy if pain follows a serious injury, comes with fever or feeling unwell, is severe and constant at night, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss. Seek urgent help for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the bottom or genitals, or new weakness in both legs.
Common questions
Do I need a referral for private physio?
No, if you are paying yourself. Some insurers require a GP referral before they authorise treatment.
How much does private physiotherapy cost?
Please contact the clinic on 01634 757123 for current fees. If you have insurance, your insurer can tell you what your policy covers.
Is private physio better than NHS physio?
Not by definition. Both use registered physiotherapists. The practical differences are speed of access, appointment choice and continuity.
Can I choose evening or Saturday appointments?
Yes. Appointments run Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.
Will I see the same physio each time?
Continuity is one of the usual features of private physio. Ask when booking if you would like to stay with the same physiotherapist.