📋 General Questions About Our Clinic

Q: What is the difference between Physiotherapy and Pilates?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. Our physiotherapists use hands-on treatment, exercise, and advice to diagnose, treat, and prevent problems.

Pilates is a form of exercise developed to strengthen the body's core muscles, improve posture, flexibility, and balance. At Sussex Physio Pilates, our classes are often Physio-led, meaning the instructors have a deep understanding of anatomy and injury, making the exercises safe and highly effective, particularly for rehabilitation and injury prevention.

Q: Do I need a doctor's referral to book an appointment?

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see our physiotherapists or join our Pilates classes. You can book directly with us. However, if you are planning to claim the cost through a private health insurance provider, they may require a referral from your GP or consultant—please check your specific policy beforehand.

Q: Where is Sussex Physio Pilates located?

Sussex Physio Pilates is situated on the ground floor at:

22-24 South Street, Tarring
Worthing, West Sussex.
BN14 7LH

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🩺 Physiotherapy Questions

Q: What conditions and injuries do you treat?

Our chartered physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Back and neck pain (e.g., sciatica, disc issues)

• Sports injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, ligament tears)

• Joint pain (e.g., shoulder, knee, hip pain, arthritis)

• Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., knee replacement, ACL repair)

• Postural issues and chronic pain

• Repetitive strain injuries (e.g., tennis elbow)

Q: What should I expect during my first Physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial session is usually 45-60 minutes. It involves three main parts:

1. Assessment: Your physio will take a detailed history of your condition and perform a physical examination to diagnose the problem.

2. Treatment: Based on the assessment, you will receive immediate treatment, which may include hands-on therapy (massage, manipulation), dry needling, or electrotherapy.

3. Action Plan: You will be given a clear explanation of your diagnosis and a personalized plan, including exercises and advice to continue at home.

Q: How many Physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This varies significantly based on your condition. For an acute, simple injury, you may only need 2-3 sessions. For chronic or complex issues, a longer course of treatment may be necessary. Your physiotherapist will discuss a recommended treatment schedule with you after your initial assessment.

🧘‍♀️ Physio-led Pilates Questions

Q: Is Pilates suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! We offer classes specifically designed for beginners. Our Physio-led approach means that all exercises can be modified to suit your current fitness level, ensuring you learn the fundamentals safely and effectively. We also offer 1:1 sessions for those who prefer individual instruction before joining a class.

Q: What types of Pilates classes do you offer?

We typically offer a mix of classes to suit different needs:

• Matwork Classes: Performed on a floor mat, using gravity and your own body weight.

• Reformer Pilates: Uses a specialized piece of equipment with a sliding carriage and springs for resistance.

• Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced: Levels to progress your strength and technique.

• Specialty Classes: Such as antenatal/postnatal Pilates, or classes specifically for bone health.

Q: Can Pilates help with back pain?

Yes, it can. Pilates is highly effective for managing and preventing recurrent back pain. It focuses on strengthening the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles (the 'core'), which support the spine and improve posture. However, if you are currently experiencing acute pain, it is advisable to book a Physiotherapy assessment first to ensure Pilates is safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

Q: What should I wear to a Pilates class?

Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing (like leggings or shorts and a T-shirt) that allows for a full range of movement. For hygiene and safety, we recommend wearing grippy or non-slip socks for all mat and reformer classes.

💵 Appointments, Payments, and Insurance Questions

Q: How can I book an appointment or class?

You can book in the following ways:

• Online: https://sussex-physio-pilates.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=19333#service

• Phone: Call us on 01903 256500

• Email: Email info@sussexphysiopilates.co.uk

Q: Do you accept private health insurance?

Yes, we are registered with WPA health insurance. Please inform us of your provider when booking. To process your claim, you will generally need to provide:

1. Your policy number.

2. Your authorisation number (obtained from your insurer).

3. Details of your excess or claim limit.

We recommend checking your policy's terms and conditions with your insurer before your first appointment.

We do not accept other insurance companies, such as AXA or BUPA.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed appointments, will be charged the full appointment fee. This policy allows us to offer the slot to another client who may be waiting for treatment.