Physiotherapy

Please be aware that, given the high level of demand, there is a waiting list for this service.

Our physiotherapist’s expertise and advice aims to help to improve quality of life. They often begin with a questionnaire about baseline function and working with the patient, supports them to identify their priorities and aims; this may also involve family and carers as needed.

Appointments are available for people with M.E. age 13 and over.

One of our recent clients told us:

“The physio sessions are so helpful. If I am on my own, I can’t see my way through, but when the physio breaks it down it can sound quite simple. It is so helpful to have someone who understands the situation.”

Coming up with a plan gives the patient a sense of control and hope. Reviews allow for adjustments and take into account the variable nature of M.E., which is not expected just to steadily improve day by day.

Our physiotherapist can help with pacing, which is learning to work within one’s "energy envelope." This avoids "boom and bust" (doing too much), which can result in post exertional malaise (as the doctors call it), or payback (as families call it).

Learning to truly relax, in a planned way, allows the body to refresh and repair, so advice about resting positions and pain management from the physio is helpful, along with guidance addressing the damage that may have occurred due to spending a long time in bed or indoors.

Read about our physiotherapists on our clinical team page.

What this service doesn't offer

We are not able to offer emergency appointments or crisis support.

While our physiotherapist's consultation summary letter may be used as medical evidence to support welfare benefit or employment claims, we do not offer a service with the sole purpose of providing such letters and reports. For information and resources about the process of claiming welfare benefits, and accessing social care or other services/support, please contact our Information & Support service.

How to refer yourself to our physiotherapy service

You can make a self-referral by:

completing our Healthcare Services self-referral form, which also has a Bursary section for those seeking help with fees
calling us on 0117 927 9551 if you'd prefer to talk things through with one of our friendly Information and Support team. Please note this team cannot answer any clinical questions.

When we receive your completed self-referral form, our Healthcare Administrator will contact you to confirm that you have been added to the physiotherapist waiting list. You will then be contacted by one of our physiotherapists when an appointment becomes available, and they will arrange an initial consultation with you.

What to expect from your initial consultation

Consultations are offered by phone or online platform (eg. Zoom, FaceTime). A home visit may be possible depending on location and whether it is deemed appropriate and clinically safe.

Our physiotherapist may ask you to complete a short pre-consultation form either prior to or during this first consultation. This will help them to understand how best to help you and to help develop a treatment plan. They will provide videos and pictures to help make sense of advice, eg. resting positions.

After your initial appointment, you will be sent a written summary of your consultation, and details of any recommended exercises.

Follow up appointments will be arranged on an individual basis according to your treatment plan.

Fees for this service

As a charity, we charge fees only to cover our costs. We aim to keep our fees affordable, and help is available for those in financial need. Help with up to 50% of fees may be available, depending on your circumstances.

Fees for the physiotherapist are as follows:

Initial consultation by Zoom, Skype or telephone: The first 15 minutes of this will be FREE, as the physiotherapist gets an understanding of how best we can help you. The remainder will be charged at a rate of £88 per hour.
Follow-up consultation by Zoom, Skype or telephone: Follow up consultations will cost £22 for up to 15 minutes and £44 for up to 30 minutes.
Longer follow-up consultations will be charged at the rate of £88 per hour.
Home visit: Occasional home visits may be arranged depending on location and travel time, starting from £198.

Cancelling your appointment