Physiotherapy At CHP - Time, Clarity, and Clinical Experience
Evidence-led assessment and treatment from an experienced physiotherapist in Northamptonshire
At Chris Heywood Physio, I believe in doing things properly. That means giving you time, attention and clarity — both before we meet, and once you’re in the treatment room.
Before we meet — pre-appointment process
Before your first session, I’ll send you a short set of forms to complete. These include:
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basic personal details, medical history and medications,
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a brief account of your current condition (if you have relevant consultant letters or scan results, those are welcome — though additional paperwork won’t be reviewed before the session),
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a short symptom questionnaire.
This helps me build a reliable clinical picture before you walk through the door - ensuring that our face-to-face time is focused, efficient and meaningful.
£100 - 60 mins
£100 - 60 mins
Payment
All fees should be paid in full at the end of each session by card. If you wish to pay by cash please request this prior to the appointment. Please see the Q & A below for information regarding health insurance.
Assessment - what happens on the day?
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At Chris Heywood Physio, I believe in doing things properly. That means giving you time, attention and clarity — both before we meet, and once you’re in the treatment room.
From the moment we meet, I’m already assessing posture, movement and subtle cues that often reveal more than words alone. Having honed my clinical reasoning over 25 years — and tens of 1000's of assessments — I begin forming hypotheses about likely diagnoses even before touching you. Then a careful physical examination confirms (or rules out) these possibilities.
Once I’m confident in the findings, I’ll walk you through them — often using 3D anatomy software to help you visualise exactly what’s going on. From there, we agree on a tailored treatment plan: whether that’s a one-off session or a longer-term rehabilitation programme.
07576 4 73422
07576 4 REHAB
Treatment & Follow-Up - what happens next?
If treatment is appropriate, I’ll start during your first session. Because we’re not racing through a short slot, there’s time to work thoroughly — often addressing multiple issues in one visit, it all depends on what you present with.
For follow-up sessions, we skip the full re-assessment and instead concentrate on changes between sessions. This allows me to focus on treatment, progression or rehab. My aim is always efficiency without compromising quality.
What I Expect From You - honesty, openness, and consent
Because I take a hands-on approach, it’s important you wear suitable clothing so I can properly assess and treat the affected area. For more sensitive areas (e.g. groin or chest), I’ll always obtain your additional consent and respect your dignity as much as possible.
If an issue requires a chaperone (such as female groin concerns), a trusted friend or family member must attend — I don’t provide chaperones myself. If one isn’t present, I cannot proceed with the session. This is a standard safeguard; it’s never been needed, but it’s part of the professional boundary I maintain.
A good rule of thumb is to assume that I will need to see the area I am assessing/treating, as well as the area immediately above and below.
Why Sessions Are 60 Minutes Long
Unlike many clinics offering rushed 20–30 minute appointments, every session with Chris Heywood Physio is a full 60 minutes. This allows for:
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a thorough assessment
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hands-on treatment
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a clear explanation of your diagnosis
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time for your questions
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an individually tailored rehab or self-management plan
Longer sessions often mean better outcomes — and fewer visits needed overall. My aim isn’t to lock you into a fixed block of sessions, but to help you recover and move better — in fewer visits.
I appreciate the initial cost seems more but in actual fact my hourly rate is less than a lot of my competitors regardless of my experience and expertise. This is ultimately what I am comfortable with.
My Philosophy - honest, evidence-based, patient-centred care
I treat patients like people, not profit streams. That means:
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You won’t be told you must commit to a fixed block of sessions before we’ve even started.
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You’ll be given time, clear explanations, and straight, honest advice about what your body actually needs.
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Treatment decisions are based on your presentation and progress — not on a pre-set protocol or business model.
I’m also comfortable challenging the idea that recovery automatically requires one or two sessions a week for eight to ten weeks. In many cases, people do improve — but often not because of the volume of treatment. With clear diagnosis, appropriate guidance, and honest advice, the body is frequently capable of recovering with far less hands-on input than is commonly prescribed.
That isn’t to say ongoing care is never appropriate. Post-operative rehabilitation and more complex conditions can, of course, require closer follow-up. But for many musculoskeletal problems, the most efficient route to recovery is not more appointments — it’s better understanding, better direction, and allowing the body to do what it is designed to do.
Practical Details - location, parking, payment
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The clinic is housed in a purpose-designed, detached treatment room at my home in the village of Scaldwell (Northants). This offers a calm, private space — with garden views and natural light — without the bustle common in high-street clinics.
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Parking is easy: on clinic days, personal vehicles are moved from the driveway, so there’s off-road parking right outside the clinic.
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Appointments are spaced out — no overlap — ensuring privacy and a calm experience.
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Payment is by card at the end of each session. Cash is accepted only if requested in advance.
Booking & Contact - straightforward and flexible
Booking is simple. You can use the online booking system to select a 60-minute session and confirm in a few clicks.
If you’re unsure which option to choose, drop me a message via the contact form or WhatsApp on the clinic number, +447576 473422 — I’ll reply as soon as I can (usually same day).
There’s no receptionist, no call-centre — just honest, straightforward care.
Physiotherapy FAQ's
1. What types of problems do you treat?
I primarily treat musculoskeletal conditions — including back and neck pain, all joint problems, sports injuries, tendon issues etc, post operative rehabilitation and persistent pain that hasn’t responded well to previous treatment. If your problem falls outside my scope, I’ll tell you and help you find the right next step.
2. How long is an appointment?
All appointments are 60 minutes. This allows time for a proper assessment, hands-on treatment where appropriate, clear explanation, and a tailored rehabilitation plan — without rushing.
3. How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your condition, your goals, and how your body responds. Some people improve significantly after one or two sessions; others benefit from ongoing input. I don’t use pre-set treatment blocks — we decide as we go, based on progress. Most of my patients (excluding non surgical. referral by consultant, chronic persistent pains) do not require any ongoing care and many are able to try and self manage partially or wholly after the assessment. Follow sessions are often dictated by how they react to this self care portion.
4. Do I need a GP referral to book?
No. You can book directly without a GP or consultant referral. If further investigation or onward referral is needed, I’ll advise you clearly.
5. Will I be given exercises?
Often, yes — but only if they’re appropriate. Exercises are prescribed to support recovery, not to tick a box. I’ll explain why each exercise matters and how it fits into your overall plan.
6. What happens at the first appointment?
Your first session includes a detailed history, physical assessment, and clear explanation of findings. Where helpful, I use 3D anatomy software to show what’s going on. Treatment usually starts in the first session.
7. Do you treat long-standing or recurring problems?
Yes. Many patients see me after months or years of ongoing symptoms, or after previous treatment hasn’t helped. In these cases, the focus is on understanding why the problem persists and addressing contributing factors, not just symptoms.
8. Is treatment hands-on?
Hands-on treatment is often used where appropriate and helpful (most patients will benefit from some hands on on some sort)— but it’s never the whole solution. Physiotherapy works best when manual input, education, and self-management are combined intelligently.
9. Where are you based, and is parking available?
The clinic is based in the village of Scaldwell, Northamptonshire, in a purpose-designed treatment room. There is easy off-road parking directly outside the clinic.
10. How do I book, and what if I’m unsure?
I work with a number of medical insurance providers provided they are willing to cover my standard fees and recognise the value of longer, senior-led appointments.
Over the years, I have chosen to part ways with some large insurers — including Bupa, AXA and Aviva — because their reimbursement models do not reflect clinical experience, expertise, or session length. As a senior physiotherapist with over 25 years’ experience, I don’t believe it is appropriate to be reimbursed at the same rate as a newly qualified clinician.
That said, I continue to work happily with insurers such as WPA, Mercedes-AMG First Health, and others who support experience-based care. I also undertake specialist rehabilitation work for complex post-injury or medico-legal cases on a case-by-case basis.
Insurance policies can vary even within the same provider, so the best approach is to contact your insurer directly to confirm whether your policy will cover treatment at my clinic. I’m always happy to help clarify this where needed.
Contact Info
Alongside private practice, I also work on Mondays and Tuesdays as a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) – Musculoskeletal in NHS Primary Care, assessing, diagnosing, and triaging patients without the need for a GP appointment.
You’re very welcome to call, but when I’m in clinic my phone is often on silent to ensure all my concentration is on my client at that time. For this reason, it’s usually quicker to reach me via the contact form or WhatsApp.
Whichever way you get in touch, I’ll respond as soon as possible — and during the week that’s almost always the same day.
Clinic Opening Hours
The Clinic is located at 2 Old Road, Scaldwell, Northants, NN6 9LA
Tel: 07576 473422 (Feel free to watapp)
** Please note that Home Visits, Online Sessions and Aquatic Therapy can often be arranged outside of normal clinical hours on request.**
Monday & Tuesday: Closed for FCP Work
Wednesday - Friday: 0915 - 1400
Saturday & Sunday: Closed