Q1: What is physiotherapy? Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession that uses movement, exercise, manual therapy, and education to help people recover from injury, manage pain, and improve physical function. Physiotherapists assess the underlying cause of a problem, not just the symptoms. At Harris Physiotherapy, all treatment is delivered by HCPC-registered Chartered Physiotherapists, working to current clinical evidence.

 

Q2: Do I need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist? No. You can book directly with Harris Physiotherapy without seeing your GP first. This is called self-referral and it is suitable for most musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including back pain, sports injuries, shoulder problems, and knee pain. If your assessment suggests you need to see your GP or a specialist, we will tell you clearly and explain why.

 

Q3: What conditions do you treat? We treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions, including:Back pain and sciaticaNeck pain and whiplashShoulder injuries (rotator cuff, frozen shoulder, impingement)Knee injuries (ligament, meniscus, patellofemoral pain)Hip and groin painAnkle and foot problemsSports injuries: sprains, strains, tendinopathiesPost-surgical rehabilitation (joint replacement, ligament repair)Work-related and posture-related injuriesChronic pain and long-term musculoskeletal conditionsIf you are unsure whether we can help with your condition, call us on 07713 148723 and we will advise you.

 

Q4: What happens at a physiotherapy initial consultation? Your first appointment lasts 45 minutes. Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your condition, carry out a clinical assessment using relevant tests, and agree a personalised treatment plan with you. In most cases, treatment begins in that same session. You will leave knowing what the problem is, what the treatment involves, and what to expect over the course of your recovery.

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Q5: How many appointments will I need? This depends on your condition, how long you have had it, and your goals. After your initial consultation, your physiotherapist will give you a realistic estimate of the number of sessions likely to be helpful. Many patients see meaningful improvement within four to six sessions. For more complex or long-standing conditions, a structured rehabilitation programme over several weeks may be recommended.

 

Q6: How much does physiotherapy cost? Our fees are:Initial Consultation: £55 (45 minutes)Follow-up Appointment: £55 (45 minutes)Sports Massage: from £35 (30 or 45 minutes)Payment is taken after each session by card (preferred) or cash. We do not charge additional admin fees.

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Q7: Are your physiotherapists registered? Yes. All physiotherapists at Harris Physiotherapy are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). These are the two regulatory bodies that govern clinical standards and patient safety in UK physiotherapy. You can verify registration at any time on the HCPC public register at hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register.

 

Q8: What is the difference between an HCPC-registered physiotherapist and a sports therapist? HCPC registration is a legal requirement to use the protected title "Physiotherapist" in the UK. Only practitioners who have completed an accredited physiotherapy degree and met the HCPC's standards of proficiency can use that title. Sports therapists and massage therapists are not HCPC-registered physiotherapists and work to different professional standards. If your condition involves clinical diagnosis or post-surgical rehabilitation, an HCPC-registered physiotherapist is the appropriate choice.

 

Q9: Is the clinic accessible? Yes. Harris Physiotherapy is on the ground floor of 3-1-5 Health Club on Mannin Way, Lancaster. Disabled parking is available nearby and both the entrance and treatment areas are suitable for wheelchair users. If you have specific access requirements, please call ahead on 07713 148723 and we will make sure everything is in place.

 

Q10: How do I book an appointment? You can book online using our Wix Bookings system, by phone on 07713 148723, or by email at info@harrisphysiotherapy.com. We see patients from Lancaster, Morecambe, and across the Bay Area.

 

Q11: What is your cancellation policy? We ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged in full. This allows us to offer the slot to other patients.

 

Q12: Can physiotherapy help with long-term or chronic conditions? Yes. Physiotherapy is not only for acute injuries. It is frequently used to manage chronic pain, improve mobility in long-term musculoskeletal conditions, and support patients whose problems have not resolved through GP treatment alone. If you have had a problem for months or years and have not seen a physiotherapist, an assessment can identify what is maintaining the problem and what a structured treatment plan can realistically achieve.