Private physiotherapy
No referral is needed. You book directly, the physiotherapist assesses you at the first appointment, and treatment starts the same day. This is the quickest route and the reason most people go private: you choose the clinic, the timing and the practitioner rather than waiting on a list.
NHS physiotherapy
Many NHS trusts and GP practices now offer self-referral for musculoskeletal problems, either through an online form, a phone line or a first-contact physiotherapist based in the GP surgery. Check your practice website or ask reception. Waiting times vary widely, from a couple of weeks to several months depending on area, and the number of sessions is usually limited.
Private health insurance
This is where a referral may still matter. Some insurers, including several of the major ones, require a GP referral or a call to their own triage line before authorising physiotherapy, and most cap the number of sessions. Others allow direct access for musculoskeletal problems. Check your policy wording or ring the insurer before your first appointment so you know what is covered.
When to see a GP first
A physiotherapist will refer you back to a GP if something needs medical investigation, but there are situations to see a doctor before booking: severe or worsening pain after an injury, numbness or weakness in a limb, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weight loss, or night pain that does not ease with rest.
At Omnia
Our physiotherapists in Chiswick are HCPC registered, and we are recognised by AXA, Vitality, WPA and Aviva. Your first appointment is 70 minutes, includes a full assessment and hands-on treatment, and is currently £99. Book online, or call 020 4515 0000 if you are unsure whether physiotherapy is the right first step.