physiotherapy frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your appointment
Welcome! Starting physiotherapy often comes with plenty of questions — why should I see a physiotherapist, how much does treatment cost, what happens if I miss an appointment, or simply what should I wear when I arrive. It’s completely normal to want clarity before you begin.
This page is here to make things easy. We’ve gathered the answers to the questions we’re asked most often and organised them into simple drop‑down sections, so you can quickly find exactly what you need and feel confident about getting started with Straight Back Physio.
You’ll find our clinic opposite the free car park at 90 Horsefair Street, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, GL53 8JR — right in the heart of the community.
When you arrive, simply head down the side of the building to reach our entrance and reception. It’s easy to spot, and we’ll be ready to welcome you in.
We offer appointments from 8am to 7:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays, giving you plenty of flexibility to find a time that works around your day.
And if you’re nearby, we can often accommodate drop‑ins — just pop in, say hello, and we’ll do our best to help.
- If needed there is On Street parking on Horsefair Street.
There is FREE Parking in the car park directly opposite us on Horsefair Street but there is No Onsite parking.
Physiotherapy supports people of all ages and activity levels, helping with a wide range of conditions affecting the bones, joints and soft tissues — from back, neck and shoulder pain to everyday aches, strains and sports injuries. It’s a practical, hands‑on way to reduce pain, restore movement and build strength.
Most importantly, physiotherapy helps you stay active and confident while reducing the risk of future injuries.
Initial Consultation
Your first appointment lasts 45 minutes, giving us plenty of time to understand exactly what’s going on. We’ll take a thorough history, assess your movement, and identify the root of your problem. You won’t just talk about your symptoms — we’ll begin hands‑on treatment straight away to kick‑start your recovery from day one.
Follow‑Up Treatment Sessions
Standard follow‑up sessions are 30 minutes, focused on progressing your treatment, building strength, and keeping you moving forward. We’ll discuss the best plan for you after your initial consultation so your rehab feels clear, structured and achievable.
We offer flexible self‑pay and insurance appointments, with the option to save through our treatment packs — buy 5 sessions and your 6th is completely FREE. It’s a simple way to stay consistent with your rehab while keeping costs down.
Want to explore all our prices and payment options? You can find everything you need via the link below.
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily.
If we’re assessing your lower back, hip, knee, ankle or foot, bringing a pair of shorts is really helpful.
For neck, upper back, shoulder or elbow issues, a t-shirt or loose‑fitting top makes it easier for us to see how you’re moving and treat the area effectively.
We can't give you a fixed number as everyone needs a different course of treatment depending on their conditions/ injury/ rehabilitation requirements but it is likely that you will need at least 4 treatment sessions.
Treatment is agreed upon with patients on a continual review at each session.
- Joint mobilisation or manipulation — improving movement and reducing pain
- Shockwave therapy — stimulating healing in stubborn or long‑term injuries
- Medical acupuncture / dry needling — easing muscle tension and promoting recovery
- Soft‑tissue massage — reducing tightness and improving circulation
- Exercise therapy — targeted movements to rebuild strength and mobility
- Stretching and strengthening — restoring flexibility and supporting long‑term resilience
Our physiotherapists use a wide range of evidence‑based techniques to treat injuries and help you move and feel better. The exact approach depends on the nature and severity of your condition, but your treatment may include:
Each session is tailored to your needs, ensuring you get the right combination of treatments to support your recovery.
Yes — you’re welcome to rearrange your appointment by getting in touch with us by phone or email.
All we ask is that you give us at least 24 hours’ notice, so we can offer the slot to someone else who may need it.
We require a minimum of 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or change your appointment. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice may occur a charge.
We’re registered with most major health insurance companies, making it easy for you to access treatment through your provider.
If you’re unsure whether your insurer is included, just give us a call — we’ll happily check everything for you.
If we think imaging is relevant, we can directly refer you for a private scan or X-Ray. You don't need a GP to authorise this for you.
Yes — we work closely with local surgeons and sports medicine consultants, so if you ever need a specialist opinion to support your treatment plan, we can guide you to the right expert.
Our links with these clinicians mean you get fast, reliable advice when you need it most.