Physiotherapy that helps you understand the problem, not just chase treatment
EXPERT PHYSIOTHERAPY, REAL RESULTS
Most people looking for physiotherapy are not just looking for a treatment. They want to know what is wrong, whether it is serious, whether they can keep working, whether they need a scan, and what they should do next.
At Chris Heywood Physio, physiotherapy starts with understanding the problem properly. The aim is to give you a clear explanation, a realistic plan, and treatment where it is genuinely appropriate.
25+ Years' Experience
Trusted. Proven. Results.
Highly Qualified
Expert physiotherapy
Evidence-Led Care
Best practice. Best outcomes
1-to-1 Appointments
Full focus. No rushed visits
Clear Diagnosis & Plan
Understand your pain & plan
What People Usually Want to Know
Pain is often stressful because it creates uncertainty. You may not know whether to rest, keep moving, work through it, seek medical help, book physiotherapy, or wait and see.
A good physiotherapy appointment should take into account your wider health, lifestyle, work demands and goals, helping you make sense of the problem rather than just giving you a list of exercises and sending you away still guessing.
Is it serious?
Most muscle, joint and tendon problems are not medical emergencies, but some symptoms need urgent medical advice. If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, linked to major trauma, or making you feel generally unwell, physiotherapy may not be the right first step.
Can I still work?
Pain does not automatically mean you must stop working, but some jobs need temporary changes. The right advice depends on the problem, your job demands, your symptoms and whether work is making things worse. For UK employees, short periods away from work are usually managed through self-certification before a fit note is needed. If you are self-employed, the question is often more practical: what can you safely keep doing, what needs adapting, and what is likely to delay recovery?
Will it settle on its own?
Some musculoskeletal problems improve with time, sensible activity and simple self-management. Others need proper assessment, rehabilitation, treatment or onward referral. The difficult part is knowing which situation you are in. Physiotherapy should help you understand what is likely to improve naturally, what needs active management, and what should not be ignored.
Do I need a scan?
Many people worry that they need an MRI, X-ray or ultrasound scan before anything useful can happen. Sometimes imaging is important. Often it is not the first step. Scans are most useful when they are likely to change management. In many cases, a careful history and examination are more useful than rushing into imaging that may show findings unrelated to your pain.
What Patients Value About Physiotherapy With Me
Clear explanation, personalised advice, and a plan that makes sense — not rushed treatment or pressure to keep booking when it is not needed.
I used to suffer often with my back giving out. Chris treated me and gave me exercises to do. Luckily I’m all good now.
Martin Howard - Google Reviews
Feb 2026
Chris is a very experienced physio. I went to see him with a very painful back. He diagnosed and explained what the issue was. After some treatment on the day I went home with exercises and can say that I have made a miraculous recovery. Chris is not the kind of physio that will insist on countless appointments either. I only needed one visit.
Sarah M- Google Reviews
Feb 2026
I'd been trying (unsuccessfully) to self-manage plantar fasciitis for about 3 months before deciding I needed professional physio guidance. 1 session with Chris and 1 week later - following all his guidance and plan - and it's immeasurably improved already! I even managed 18 holes of golf - virtually pain free - at the weekend (and no, I haven't set myself back - still feeling good!) Chris created a highly customised plan for me and what was happening with my body - not a generic set of exercises, stretches or other costly 'fixes' that you find all over the internet. Thank you Chris!
Emma Poole - Google Reviews
Feb 2026
I saw Chris to treat a very painful bout of sciatica and couldn’t be happier with the experience. I travelled over 45 minutes to reach the clinic, but it was well worth the journey. The clinic itself is modern and clean, and there was no faffing about trying to find somewhere to park. Prior to my visit, I'd spent some time researching things online, and Chris was up to speed with all the latest research, which put my mind at ease. The 3D computer models Chris used to show me what was causing my sciatica were also helpful. There was no need to book any repeat visits, I could do all the exercises at home. Chris’s expertise and care were exceptional, helping me manage my condition effectively. He also gave me hope that I didn't need to give up the training I enjoy. If you’re looking for a skilled and experienced physiotherapist, I highly recommend Chris Heywood.
Christian Finn - Google Reviews
Sept 2025
When Physiotherapy Is Normally the Right Route
Physiotherapy is often the right route when a problem needs proper assessment, clinical reasoning and a plan built around what is actually driving it.
.png)
Pain That Needs a Proper Diagnosis
When you want to understand what is likely causing the pain, not just mask it.
Injuries Affecting Work, Activity and Sport
For strains, sprains, overload injuries and problems that need more than generic advice.
Symptoms Not Settling
When pain, stiffness or weakness is dragging on and you are not sure why.
Recurring or Complex Problems
When the same issue keeps coming back or previous treatment has not fully resolved it.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
When you need structured recovery, progression and confidence after surgery or procedures.
You're Not Sure What's Driving It
If you do not know what service fits, physiotherapy is usually the most sensible starting point.
Your Physiotherapy Journey, Made Simple & Clear
Book or Contact
Book online, or contact me first if you are not sure which appointment type fits best.
Your Assessment
I listen properly, assess carefully and really try to understand your goals.
Findings and Plan
I explain the findings clearly and agree the next steps with you.
Treatment if Appropriate
Hands-on treatment and appropriate techniques to reduce pain, restore movement and support recovery where clinically useful.
Self-Care & Exercise Plan
Personalised exercises and guidance to support your recovery
Review If Needed
I review your progress, adapt the plan where needed and help you return to what matters most.
When Another Route May Be Better First
Physiotherapy is not always the right first step.
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, linked to serious trauma, or associated with feeling generally unwell, urgent medical advice may be more appropriate than booking private physiotherapy.
You should seek urgent medical help if you are worried about
symptoms such as:
-
new or worsening numbness or weakness
-
symptoms after a serious injury or accident
-
severe or rapidly worsening pain
-
symptoms with fever, unexplained weight loss of feeling generally unwell
-
new bladder or bowel changes
-
chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or symptoms that feel like a medical emergency
This is not a complete list and it cannot replace medical advice. If you think you need immediate help now call 999, or if not, NHS 111, A &E or urgent care, depending on severity.
Most People Do Not Need Endless Treatment
Physiotherapy should not be built around dependency. Most people do not need to be sold repeated appointments as the default, and clinics should not be recommending long courses of treatment before they have properly understood the problem. Good care is not measured by how often you are booked in, but by whether you understand what is going on, know what to do, and are moving in the right direction.
The strongest plans usually combine clear explanation, sensible self-management, appropriate exercise, and treatment only where it adds value. Hands-on treatment can be useful, but it should support recovery rather than replace it. The aim is not to keep you attending forever. The aim is to help you become well enough, and confident enough, not to need me.
Not Every Problem Needs Hands-On Treatment
Hands-on treatment can be useful, but it should serve a purpose. It is not automatically the answer to every pain problem.
Not Every Problem Needs a Scan
Scans can be valuable when they are likely to change management. They can also create worry when findings are not clearly linked to symptoms.
The Goal Is Clarity, Not Dependency
A good plan should make you more confident in what to do, not more dependent on someone else doing treatment to you forever.
What Physiotherapy with Chris Heywood May Involve
A physiotherapy appointment is not just a treatment slot. It is a full clinical session designed to work out what is most likely going on, what matters, what is probably less relevant, and what the most sensible next step should be
Detailed History
and Questioning
Understanding the
pattern of symptoms,
aggravating factors,
training or work demands,
previous care, general
health and recovery goals.
Movement, Joint, Muscle and Nerve Assessment
Examining how the
problem behaves, what
tissues may be involved,
and whether the issue
looks mechanical, load-
related, post-operative,
neural or more complex.
Clear Explanation
of Findings
You should leave with
a clearer understanding
of what is likely
happening, what the
options are, and what
the plan is.
Treatment Where
Appropriate
This may include physiotherapy treatment, shockwave therapy, aquatic therapy, clinical sports massage, or simple self-care and time.
Discussion of
Next-Step Options
This may include continuing physiotherapy, adapting activity, using another treatment option, considering imaging, or referring on if your presentation suggests that is more appropriate.
Sometimes the Right
Answer is Not More
Treatment
Where appropriate,
the best plan may be
reassurance, self-
management, pacing,
further investigation or
onward referral.
When Physiotherapy Is The Correct Route
Physiotherapy is usually the right route when pain, injury or loss of movement is affecting your work, sport, sleep, confidence or day-to-day life, but the problem is not a medical emergency. Over more than 25 years in musculoskeletal care, I have assessed and managed a wide range of spinal, joint, muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve-related problems.
The areas below cover some of the common reasons people book, with links through to relevant patient condition pages. This is not because people already know the diagnosis, but because they want someone experienced to work out what is going on, explain it clearly, treat what needs treating, and help them return to the things that matter.
Low back pain, sciatica, slipped discs and spinal stenosis. Recurring flare-ups, nerve pain, stiffness and movement loss.
Neck pain, arm symptoms, pins and needles or weakness. Headache, shoulder blade pain and nerve-related irritation.
Sprains, strains, tendon, ligament pain and overload injuries. Running, gym, other sports and return-to-training problems.
Pain that has lasted longer than expected or keeps returning.
Flare-ups, fear of movement and loss of confidence.
Hip pain, knee pain, ankle sprains and foot problems. Arthritis, tendon pain, ligament injury and walking issues.
Rotator cuff pain, frozen shoulder and shoulder instability. Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, wrist and hand symptoms.
MRI, X-ray, ultrasound and worries about scan results. Clear explanation when reports do not match symptoms.
Common Questions
Do I need a diagnosis before booking?
No. You do not need to diagnose yourself before booking. Working out what is likely going on is part of the appointment and my job!
Will I get treatment at the first appointment?
Usually, if it is appropriate. The first priority is to assess and understand the problem properly. Treatment may then include hands-on work, exercise, advice, rehabilitation planning or other options depending on the findings.
Do I need a scan first?
Usually not. Some problems need imaging, but many do not. Scans are most useful when they are likely to change management. If imaging or onward referral seems appropriate, this can be discussed after assessment.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on the problem, your goals and how your symptoms respond. Some people only need one or two appointments. Others need a longer rehabilitation plan. You will not be pushed into routine packages or unnecessary repeat bookings.
What if I am not sure which service to choose?
Choose the closest fit or send a practical question before booking. Most clinic appointments allow time to assess the problem and adjust the plan if a different treatment route is more appropriate.
Can you help if I need a consultant referral or scan?
Yes. If your symptoms suggest that imaging, further investigation or a consultant opinion may be appropriate, I will explain this clearly and help you understand the most sensible next step.
Many painful problems do not need a scan straight away, and imaging can sometimes show age-related changes that are not actually the main cause of pain. Equally, some cases do need further investigation, especially where symptoms are severe, worsening, unusual, not responding as expected, or suggest a more specific structural or medical concern.
Where appropriate, I can advise you on the type of specialist who may be relevant, such as an orthopaedic consultant, spinal consultant, sports physician or other healthcare professional. I can also signpost patients towards trusted consultants and imaging providers where I have direct experience of their work and feel comfortable doing so.
If a consultant, clinic or imaging provider is not listed on my trusted recommendations page, that should not be taken as a negative judgement. It may simply mean I have not worked with them directly, do not know them well enough to comment, or have not been given permission to include them on the site. The most important thing is that you feel confident in the clinician or provider you choose. I can give guidance based on my own clinical experience, but the final decision should always be yours.
Do you work with health insurance companies?
I work with a small number of selected insurers, including WPA and First Health, which is used by some Mercedes employees and associated schemes. Most of my patients, however, choose to self-fund their care.
Like many experienced clinicians nowadays, I do not work with every insurance provider. Some larger insurers use a single fixed rate for physiotherapy, regardless of whether the clinician is newly qualified or has decades of advanced clinical experience. As my appointments are longer, more personalised and based on over 25 years of physiotherapy experience, my service is best suited to patients who value direct, specialist care rather than a volume-based insurance model.
If you intend to use insurance, please check before booking so I can confirm whether your provider is one I currently work with.
Can physiotherapy help if I have had symptoms for a long time?
Often, yes, but the plan may be different. Longer-standing problems usually need clear explanation, graded rehabilitation, confidence-building and realistic progression rather than chasing quick fixes.
Common Questions
Alongside private practice, I also work on Mondays and Tuesdays in an advanced role as a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) in Musculoskeletal Primary Care within the NHS, assessing, diagnosing, and triaging patients without the need for a GP appointment.
The easiest way to see my private physiotherapy appointment availability in real time, and book, is to visit the book an appointment page. If you need to make contact directly for questions and queries you are very welcome to call, but when I am in clinic my phone is always on silent so I can give my full attention to the patient I am seeing at the time. For this reason, it is usually quicker to reach me via the contact form, email or WhatsApp, where I can often read and respond in gaps.
Whichever way you get in touch, I will respond as soon as possible — and during the working week that is almost always the same day.