Welcome to Crystal Palace Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre.
We have compiled a list of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) to help answer any questions you may have about visiting the centre.
Q. When are you open?
A. Please visit our clinic Opening Hours page for full opening hours.
Q. Is there a waiting list for treatment?
A. No! We can usually see you within 24 - 48 hours, although evening appointments are busier. Sometimes same day appointments are available. We also operate a cancellation list so you may be contacted earlier if an appointment becomes available.
Q. How long are appointments?
A. First appointments take about 45 minutes and include a full assessment and treatment; follow up appointments take approximately 30 minutes. We also have an onsite rehabilitation gym and we encourage our patients to use it after treatment, so allow a bit more time if you have it.
Q. Do I need referral from a doctor?
A. No! You can make an appointment without a referral from you doctor although some insurance companies may require a referral if you have private health cover, we suggest you check with your company before starting treatment.
Q. I have private medical insurance - can I claim back the treatment costs?
A. Yes (but it may depend on your policy). You will need to check with your company and on their terms and conditions for claiming back treatment. Some will require you to see your GP first so it pays to check. We have agreements with BUPA, PPP, Norwich Union, in fact with nearly 30 medical and 3rd party insurers, which means we can sort out all the paper work and claiming on your behalf. We will need some important information when you first come, so bring anything relevant with you to your first appointment. In the unlikely event that we don't deal with your insurer payment must be made directly after each treatment and we will provide you with a receipt so that you claim back your costs.
Q. What are your payment terms?
A. Payment is made after each treatment either by cheque, cash or debit or credit card.
Q. What can I expect to happen on my first visit to see a Physiotherapist?
A. Once you’ve arrived at the Clinic, you will be greeted by one of our friendly reception team and signed in. If you are a new client we will ask you to fill out a patient details form which gives the Physiotherapist essential background information. Your Physiotherapist will then come and introduce themselves, and lead you through into a treatment area. They will then take a detailed background of your history to develop a good understanding of your problem and how it is affecting your quality of life. They will then conduct a physical examination, performing relevant clinical tests and observations, which will provide further information leading to an accurate diagnosis of your injury or condition. Following this it will then be explained in easy to understand terms to you (often with the use of pictures or models). A treatment plan will then be designed, meaning you are now on the road to recovery! This treatment will typically involve a combination of advice/education, soft tissue release or massage, joint mobilisations, manipulation, exercise therapy (home or gym based), stretches, core strengthening or Pilates, biomechanical analysis and correction, and sometimes Acupuncture. Throughout this process you will be encouraged to ask questions. At the end of the 45 minute consultation, your Physiotherapist will advise you on what you need to do next in order to get the fastest results possible.
Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. Every patient and condition is different and during your first assessment your therapist will outline your treatment and discuss the number of treatments expected.
Q. Where can I park?
A. We have dedicated free parking directly outside the clinic with easy level access. Please see our find us page for more details of how to get here.
Q: What do I bring to my appointment?
A: Please bring your GP's details (name and address), something to get changed into, and any other information that you think is relevant eg: x-rays, letters from consultants, medical reports etc. If you are seeing the Podiatrist, please bring your training shoes and a pair of everyday shoes e.g. works shoes that you use regularly.
Q: What do I wear?
A: Please wear or bring shorts/track bottoms and T-shirt/sleeveless top (the body part to be treated needs to be accessible. There are changing facilities, free lockers and showers for your use if you require them.
Q: What is your Privacy Policy?
At Crystal Palace Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre we are committed to ensuring the best standards of practice in all our activities. Visitors to our Clinic can be assured that the protection of privacy and confidentiality are given the highest priority. All personal information is collected, held and used in strict compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
