Bluebell Sittingbourne: Please note on-going roadworks at M2 J6
which may affect your journey. Please plan ahead.


  To book please call : 01634 757 123

FAQs

Here are some of the things we get asked a lot. Not every question may be relevant to you, so use the tabs above to filter the questions you want to see.

Why are your classes unlike others?

They are run by physiotherapists who will have knowledge of your condition or injury and can adapt the exercises to suit you and your capabilities

Will I be treated on my first appointment?

The first session is designed to allow the physiotherapist to fully assess you so that they can plan what course of treatment to provide. In most cases, there is enough time for treatment to be started in this session. However, this is not always the case so please don’t be alarmed.

Your initial appointment will firstly involve completing a personal details database. This will be followed by a discussion regarding your problem. Your physiotherapist will be asking specific questions aimed at identifying the nature of the problem. A physical examination will then occur of the relevant area. This may include getting you to move the injured region and your physiotherapist completing specific tests. It may be necessary to look at the areas above and below your injury in order to aid diagnosis. Once complete, your physiotherapist will explain the findings and their relevance to your problem. They will provide you with a diagnosis at this point if possible and an estimated timescale for recovery. You will also be able to ask any questions that you may have. Treatment will then commence, followed by provision of a home exercise programme, if appropriate.

What if I decide it’s not for me?

You are under no obligation to continue treatment if you don’t like it, just let us know. If it’s not what you expected, maybe there’s something that we can do – just tell us why you’re unhappy. If you want more details about our GUARANTEED service, get in touch with us!

What if I don’t like the treatment?

If you are unhappy with the service or treatment that you have received, please tell us so we can make things right. As you will have seen on our home page, WE GUARANTEE our service, which is virtually unheard of in our field. For more details about this guarantee, please get in touch with us. If you are happy with us but have had a particular treatment that you feel didn’t suit you, please tell your therapist as soon as possible.

Can I stop treatment at any time?

Yes, you can stop your treatment at any time. However, we do recommend that you complete the planned treatment course as some effects are temporary and require repeated session to have a long term impact.

If you feel the treatment is not achieving the results you anticipate, discuss this with your physiotherapist as they may be able to offer alternative treatment to achieve your desired results.

If you do stop treatment you are welcome to return to physiotherapy when this suits you.

What do I need to bring on my first visit?

Yourself of course! Plus if you feel you want moral support you are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you. They can come into the treatment room with you or wait in reception. Please also bring any letters from your doctor, consultant, X-rays or reports and lists of any medication you are currently taking.

If you have a particularly long or complicated medical history it may be useful for you to write a brief summary of your problems and treatments/investigations in chronological order.

What not to bring:
All jewellery, particularly if it is near an area likely to be treated, should be left at home or in the car and not taken into the treatment room. Our treatment rooms do not have anywhere that jewellery can be safely left so please don’t turn up expecting this. Any other items on your person that are of any monetary or sentimental value should also be removed before entering the treatment room.

We are not liable for any personal items that are lost or damaged during treatment.

What should I wear?

We need to tell you that you may be required to undress to your underwear (so make sure there are no holes!). Of course this isn’t necessary for everyone, particularly if your problem area is easily accessible, for example if it’s your arm or foot! We may need you to remove items of clothing so that a thorough physical examination of the problem/s can be carried out. If you are unhappy about this, let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate your wishes. You may prefer to bring/wear shorts and or a vest top (ladies) if you feel more comfortable. If you have specific concerns about this, please call us so that we can accommodate your particular needs e.g female/male therapist etc.

What not to wear:
All jewellery, particularly if it is near an area likely to be treated, should be left at home or in the car and not taken into the treatment room. Our treatment rooms do not have anywhere that jewellery can be safely left so please don’t turn up expecting this. Any other items on your person that are of any monetary or sentimental value should also be removed before entering the treatment room.

We are not liable for any personal items that are lost or damaged during treatment.

How much treatment do I need?

There is no pre-determined or magic number of treatments for a specific condition. However following your initial consultation and examination, your clinical specialist will discuss and explain the optimum treatment plan with you including the nature, duration and likely frequency of sessions. Factors that affect your treatment needs can be varied and include your individual response to treatment, whether your condition is recurrent or long standing, your age, medical history and general lifestyle factors. Typically, the quicker you deal with a problem the less treatment you will need. During your first appointment, your physio can give you a much clearer idea of how many sessions you are likely to need. There is no obligation to have the suggested number/type of treatment.

Will it hurt?

You may be worried that physiotherapy will hurt and cause more pain than is already present. We are very aware of the importance of limiting the amount of pain and discomfort that you are experiencing. Our aim is to alleviate your pain. You may experience some post treatment soreness, but this is usually transient and settles in a short time. If discomfort is excessive your treatment will be amended accordingly by your therapist.

Do you treat my condition?

Call and speak to one of our team, ask lots of questions and they will explain everything. If you’re not sure, call or email without obligation – we don’t do pressure sales!

Can physiotherapists manipulate joints?

Yes, chartered physiotherapists with the appropriate postgraduate training are qualified to manipulate. If you are suitable for this type of treatment, everything will be explained to you and your permission sought. If you prefer to avoid this type of treatment, just inform your therapist. The same applies if you choose Osteopathy.

What qualifications do your therapists have?

Rest assured, all of our clinical team are suitably qualified and insured to practice.

All of our Physios are registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapists) which is the governing body for physiotherapists.

If you would like more information, please give us a call.

Can I pay by cheque?

Yes we accept cheques at all our branches. Cheques can either be posted or handed to your treating therapist.

If you require a receipt, these can either be sent by email or post. Please call us to arrange this if required.

Can I pay with cash?

We accept cash at all clinics, however change cannot be provided. Over-payments will be kept on account and taken off your next appointment.

If your branch has a reception area, cash payments can be made there. Otherwise, please make any cash payments to your treating therapist.

Receipts will be sent automatically by email. Additional receipts can be arranged by request.

Can I pay by card?

Yes we accept card at all of our branches. If the branch has a Bluebell Reception area, card payments can be processed in person. For all other clinics, card payments are processed over the phone so please call us.

If you require a receipt, these can either be sent by email or post – please mention this during payment if required.

Do you communicate with my doctor?

If you are referred by your GP it is good practice to send a letter informing him or her of your progress. If you refer yourself and you wish us to inform your GP we would be more than happy to do so.

Do I need to be referred for treatment?

No, anyone can make an appointment without a referral as the first thing that happens with every patient is an assessment. This means our therapists can determine what the best type and course of treatment is to suit you. You only need to be referred in some cases if you are using your private health insurance to fund your treatment.

You do not have to be seen or referred by any other medical practitioner unless you wish to.

If you want to discuss your condition or suitability without obligation, please call us.

What should I choose Bluebell?

Our service is GUARANTEED so you have nothing to risk or lose by trying us! We know it is very difficult to make a decision about your health based on information on a webpage, so the best thing is to decide by experiencing what we offer for yourself.

Our fantastic team of qualified professionals have a total of over 100 years of experience, so you can have peace of mind that you are in good hands.

Check out the benefits here at Bluebell!

Do I have to pay an excess?

If your policy has an excess then yes, this must be paid to Bluebell Physiotherapy before the start of any treatment. In the event that you complete your treatment and your excess exceeds the total cost of the treatment, the difference will be refunded in full.

Can I use Private Health Insurance?

Yes, we work with most private health insurance companies and you can book an appointment directly with us. If you are unsure of anything and want us to help, just call us and we will do our best to help you to sort out your claim.

We would advise you to check the terms and conditions of your policy just in case there are exclusions or payment excess charges apply.

Where an excess applies, this must be paid upfront before treatment commences. In the event that you complete your treatment and your excess exceeds the total cost of the treatment, the difference will be refunded in full.

Am I too old or young for treatment?

In short, no. Treatment can be effective to those of all ages, whether you’re in your early teens or you’re someone who has celebrated a three digit birthday.

Provided we are aware of any significant pre-existing medical conditions – which is something the practitioner will go through with you before treatment – there shouldn’t be anything to worry about!

What provision do you have for disabled customers?

All customers are welcome at Bluebell Physiotherapy. Please let us know of any disability at the time of booking so that special arrangements and/or an extended appointment can be made for you if necessary. For customers with restricted mobility we may need to give additional instructions regarding parking or access to the building.

Customers with other difficulties such as communication problems should, where possible, arrange for a friend, relative or other assistant to accompany them. For example, this could include an interpreter or signer. Bluebell Physio do not have specialised equipment for moving patients such as hoists etc.

If you have particular mobility difficulties, a home visit can sometimes be arranged.

Can I bring someone with me?

You are more than welcome to have someone chaperone you during your treatment. In some cases a chaperone is compulsory, such as for young children or someone with special needs.

Many of our clinics also have designated waiting rooms if you would rather someone waited outside the treatment room.

What if I need to change or cancel my appointment? (F)

Call us AS SOON as you can so we can cancel your appointment. 24 hours notice is required otherwise a late cancellation fee may apply.

For referred patients, several late cancellations or non-attendance can result in discharge, meaning you lose out on any remaining treatment.

Can I visit any clinic? / Can I change clinic?

We have several clinics across Kent and you can attend any branch that suits you! If you see a different therapist, they can view the notes written from other appointments so your treatment can continue without a problem.

Will you send me a reminder?

Yes, we send SMS and email reminders 2 days before every appointment. If you have any trouble receiving these, please get in touch with us so we can check you details.

If you need to change your appointment after getting a reminder message, just give us a call and we can arrange this. Please remember that 24 hours notice is required, otherwise a late cancellation fee may apply.

Can I book more than one appointment at a time?

Yes! You can book ahead as many appointments as you like. This might be useful if a particular time or day of the week suits you best, so you can ensure that slot is not booked by someone else.

You will get an email confirmation at the time of booking each appointment along with an email and SMS reminder 2 days before each appointment, so you don’t need to worry about forgetting things.

When can I have an appointment?

Whenever it suits you! We often have same day or next day appointments available and also provide evening and weekend appointments at various clinics. Please call us to we get the latest availability.

You may be offered appointments at other local clinics to help find a suitable day and time.

You can also book several appointments in advance if you prefer to ensure you get the most convenient slots before anyone else!

Can I see a Male / Female therapist?

Yes, we have both male and female therapists available. Please mention this, along with any other relevant information, when booking your appointment so we can ensure the appointment meets your preferences.

How much does it cost?

Prices will vary depending on the appointment length and the type of treatment as we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ mentality. As a guide, fees start from as little as £19 for a clinical massage treatment.

Give us a call and we can provide you with an accurate price for the treatment that will suit your personal situation the best.

Generally, we advise is that you initially have a thorough assessment to determine what your particular problems are and hence what the optimum treatments and treatment plan is for you. This way you can work out exactly what the costs will be, what alternative options you have and then make a decision as to how to proceed. You are under no obligation to continue with treatment at this stage.

What if I want more treatment?

If you are a referred client, your treatment will usually be authorised for a fixed number of sessions at a time. At the end of every set of authorised treatment, the therapist will write a report to provide an update on your progress. In this report, further treatment can often be requested by the therapist if deemed clinically necessary after discussions with yourself.

It is then at the discretion of your referring body whether or not to provide authorisation for any requested additional treatment. This process is usually completed fairly quickly, but in certain circumstances it can take several weeks. During this time, treatment can be continued with private funding if desired.

Should you have any questions about your treatment, please give us a call.

How long are the appointments?

Appointment durations vary depending on the type of treatment and what length you would like to book, but a 30 minute appointment is the most typical. Therefore you are advised to arrive early to ensure you make the most of your session

If you have already booked an appointment, you should have received an email with the appointment duration along with the other appointment details.

If you want to double check, you can always give us a call.

Do I have to visit the branch to which I was referred?

We have several clinics across Kent, so referred patients are usually referred to the clinic nearest your home address. However, sometimes that may not be the clinic which is most convenient for you to visit. If you would prefer to visit another clinic, just let us know when booking your assessment and we can arrange an appointment there instead.

If you want to find what other clinics are nearest you, either take a look at our clinics page, or give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. You can also enter a postcode and search for clinics nearby.

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