Question 1

How do I book an appointment with you Helen?

Accepted Answer

The best way to contact me is by email or give me a call on 01380 900 715.

I aim to reply within 24 hours, but this might be delayed sometimes, as I still work within the NHS. Please make sure you give me a contact number so I can give you a call to discuss your therapy needs. After this, we can get you booked in!

Question 2

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payment is required after each session. I have a card machine on hand which accepts contactless as well as chip & pin.

Question 3

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

Accepted Answer

I understand there may be times where you have to cancel or move an appointment as we all lead busy lives.  Please try and give me as much notice as possible, so that this appointment can be offered to someone else. If you have to cancel, and it’s under 24 hours notice, I will ask you still pay 50% of the appointment fee.

However if you fail to turn up to your appointment, the full fee will be required.

Question 4

What should I wear to a physiotherapy appointment?

Accepted Answer

I always suggest you wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated. For instance, if you have a knee issue, wearing shorts or loose trousers would be suitable. There may be times when removal of some clothing is beneficial for some treatment areas - providing you feel comfortable to do so.

Question 5

Can I book an evening appointment Helen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. I offer Tuesdays and Thursdays evening appointments. The last clinic session being 6pm. Reach out to me to discuss further.

Question 6

Does physiotherapy treatment hurt?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy aims to alleviate pain, not cause it. While some therapeutic techniques may cause mild discomfort, I will communicate and adjust the treatment as necessary to ensure your comfort.

Question 7

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions required varies based on individual conditions and responses to treatment. I will discuss this with you during the assessment and will adjust the treatment plan as needed. There will be no pressure to block book sessions and one of my main goals for you is for you to feel happy managing your rehabilitation and condition longer term.

Question 8

Can I do physiotherapy exercises at home Helen?

Accepted Answer

Yes! , I will likely provide you with exercises to perform at home between sessions. These exercises are vital for progressing your recovery and improving your condition.

Question 9

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, a doctor's referral is not necessary, and you can directly book an appointment with me. I can contact your GP or Doctors Surgery I feel further investigations are needed: such as bloods or x-ray.

Question 10

Is physiotherapy covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately being self employed and still working for the NHS, it is not financially viable to offer cover for insurance schemes.

Question 11

What treatments do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I offer an array of evidenced-based treatment options, depending on the nature of the problem. Exercise therapy forms the basis of most of my practice, but I can compliment this will massage, acupuncture, manual therapy or ultrasound.

Question 12

Are you Insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes I am fully insured as I am a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and governed by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) which adds an extra layer of assurance. The CSP ensures that I adhere to high standards, best practices, and ethical guidelines within the profession. Simultaneously, the HCPC regulates healthcare professionals, including myself, to guarantee that I meet specific standards of competence and conduct.

Question 13

What can acupuncture be beneficial for?

Accepted Answer

In my practice I use a technique called dry-needling, or a more traditional form of acupuncture. These are the two main techniques used in physiotherapy. I have been qualified in acupuncture since 2009, and have found it really helpful for reducing pain and muscle tension.

The link below has been taken from National Institute of Clinical Excellence which highlights some of the benefits of acupuncture:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng193/chapter/Recommendations

Question 14

What about a home visit?

Accepted Answer

If you feel you would benefit from a home visit, please contact me and I can discuss available options with you. Some clients feel this can be helpful following recent surgery or if travelling and mobility is an issue.

Question 15

What is your privacy policy?

Accepted Answer

Privacy Policy

ABOUT US

Helen Shanklin Physiotherapy
Market Lavington Surgery
The High Street
Market Lavington
SN10 4AQ
07841513715

THE INFORMATION WE COLLECT:
 • Name, Address, date of birth
 • Phone numbers and Email addresses
 • GP surgery registered with
 • Occupation
 • Medical history 
 • Correspondence 
 • Technical Data (IP address, login data, browser type and version, time zone setting and location, browser plug-in types and versions, operating system and other technology on the devices you use to access this website)

HOW WE USE THAT INFORMATION
We use the information to contact you and provide you with the physiotherapy service we offer. This complies with our legal obligation.

HOW WE STORE YOUR DATA
We keep your data store electronically, under password protected, and facial recognition software. 
All medical records will be kept for the statutory period of time required.

By law, we have to keep basic information about our patients in order to maintain accurate physiotherapy records.

SHARING PERSONAL INFORMATION
We may have to share your personal information with other medical professions. We will also gain consent before doing so. 
We will share personal information with third parties when we are required by law, with a regulator, or at the request of you e,g. for family members, coaches.

YOUR RIGHTS
 • Access and have copies of your records.
 • Have inaccuracies deleted.
 • Have information about you deleted.
 • Restrict the processing of your information, including automated decision-making.
 • Take your data to another practice or anywhere else.

CONTACT US:
If you have questions or queries about how we handle your data. Please email helenshanklinphysio@gmail.com
You also have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection issues, at any time. Website address http://ico.org.uk

FAQ