frequently asked questions - heads up!
How are heads up! physiotherapists different from a normal physiotherapist?
All our physiotherapists practice at a clinical specialist level in neurological rehabilitation.
We only treat people with neurological disorders. We do not treat musculoskeletal or sports injuries.
The main differences people report, having seen other physiotherapists and then coming to heads up! are that we are a "hands on" practice and that we listen to their concerns and understand them.
At heads up! we see people who have difficulty moving as smoothly and effortlessly as they would like and we help them by manually re-aligning and activating their muscles.
The core of our work is giving people more choices in their movement repertoire and more confidence in moving around.
How does stroke rehabilitation work?
We have created an information guide on stroke rehabilitation, this tells you everything you need to know about the process of rehabilitation and how it works. To read more please view the information guide website.
It is not possible to be exact about how many sessions will be needed, because everybody is different. The minimum number of sessions is usually 3 as it takes this long to give appropriate advice, devise an individual programme of exercises and make sure that you are carrying out the exercises correctly.
If a programme of exercises to do at home is appropriate and can be carried out regularly and diligently then this may be sufficient in some cases to keep optimal movement. We understand the importance of having a balance in life and not focusing exclusively on physiotherapy.
We will always fit around each person's requirements and ability and availability for appointments. It is clear that more progress may be made with an intensive burst of treatment and together we discuss and devise a treatment plan and we will make our recommendations.
This is completely individual. We have some people who come for 3 or 4 sessions and then we may talk to them on the phone to see how they are doing. Others come for an intensive block of treatment, perhaps two or three times a week for six to twelve weeks. It takes around twelve weeks for muscles to get stronger and a higher intensity of therapeutic activity, whether in the clinic or at home, will get better results. Some people come for a block of six sessions, possibly following diagnosis, and then come annually for a review and to update individual exercises.
You should allow 1 hour for your session with the physiotherapist.
We recommend that you wear loose clothing, which, if possible should include a vest top.
We will also advise you before coming along to your first appointment on what you should bring and clothing to wear.
Can I bring a friend, relative or career to the appointment?
Yes. We welcome patients to bring someone along for support and there is plenty of spacein the treatment room.
We ask everyone to give the maximum amount of notice possible if you are unable to attend an appointment. If you fail to attend or cancel on the day of your appointment you may incur a cancellation charge equal to the full treatment fee.
Is there parking at your clinics?
There is free and accessible parking at all our clinics.
Are your clinics wheelchair accessible?
All the clinics are fully accessible for wheelchair users and have disabled facilities.
What if I live outside the London, Surrey, Kent area?
This is not a problem. Over the years we have had patients travel a 220 mile round trip, to receive our specialist tailored treatment. Please just let us know when you make the appointment so we can accommodate your travel time.
No, if you are self-funding. However, those patients covered by private medical insurance (PMI) providers should check whether they require a referral from your consultant or doctor and also whether they will cover the cost of your treatment.
What about private medical insurance (PMI)?
Those patients covered by PMI may be able to claim their fees, or a proportion of them back depending on what their policy covers. Patients are advised to contact their health insurance company to ensure that they will be covered for their treatment in advance of the first session.
Patients will be expected to pay heads up! for their treatment on the day and they will be issued with a receipt which they can send to the insurance company for reimbursement.
However, if you are covered by BUPA please inform the Practice Manager before your first appointment.
The practice welcomes patients' comments and will act on constructive criticism where possible and appropriate.
Written complaints will have a written response from the Practice Principal or Practice Manager within 20 working days giving an explanation of the situation and any proposed action.
All correspondence and documentation relating to the complaint is stored on file and held by the Practice Manager.