How to Find the Best Physiotherapy in London

Get The Best Physiotherapy Near You

london physiotherapy Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London

It only takes a quick Google to realise that there are hundreds of clinics that offer the “best physiotherapy in London”, but they can’t all be the best! Luckily, there is an easy way to narrow down your choice of private clinic. All you have to do is look for our five signs of a good physio clinic while avoiding any clinic that raises a red flag.

Keep reading to find out exactly how to uncover the best physiotherapy in London for your needs and all the red flags to avoid. If you need a quick overview of what physiotherapy entails and whether it is the right course for you, read our Ultimate Guide to Physiotherapy first.

5 Signs a Physio Clinic is Good

When researching London physiotherapy clinics (or clinics elsewhere in the UK), here are five signs to look for.

1. Meet the Team

Although the reputation of the clinic is important, you’ll usually be treated by a single physiotherapist – it’s their expertise and reputation that matters for physiotherapy in London! 

Look for a list of practising physiotherapists available at the clinic. Assess their experience in the field, seniority, education, and specialities. Practising physio requires a BSc, though some therapists may also have an MSc in Physiotherapy. All physiotherapists must be licensed to practise in the UK by the HCPC, and many therapists are also members of other boards and organisations.

Good clinics list all this information on their websites.

2. Relevant Services

The next sign is subjective: check that the physio clinic has expertise and treatments that fit your needs. A good physio clinic for your friend might not necessarily be appropriate for you.

Look for physiotherapy in London clinics that have a clearly defined list of services and ailments that they treat. If your condition or required physio type isn’t listed (or is hidden away), then they are not a good option for you.

Some of the largest clinics may seem to be a “one-stop-shop” for physiotherapy, offering every type and treatment possible. This isn’t automatically a bad thing, you just need to check that they truly do have physiotherapists that specialise in all the treatments they offer.

At One Body LDN, we focus on musculoskeletal physiotherapy (great for general aches and pains), sports injuries and sports physio, and full-body MOTs to check and optimise your health.

3. Clear Pricing

In addition to providing clear info about physiotherapists and the services on offer, a good private physiotherapy clinic in London will always be honest about their prices. Look for:

  • The cost of an initial assessment,
  • The costs of different session lengths,
  • Any additional costs for more specialist treatments,
  • Discount rates for group sessions (and the terms attached to the deal),
  • Fees that might not be included upfront (tax, clinic vs home visit fees, cancellation fees).

It’s normal for prices to increase with session length, physiotherapist seniority, and more complex treatments. 

4. Consistent Reviews

Five-star reviews are great, but it’s not realistic for a clinic to have 100% five-star reviews; in fact, that’s a bit suspicious. Instead, look for consistency across reviews on the clinic’s website, social media, and dedicated review sites (like feefo and Trustpilot). If customers all seem to be saying the same thing, like praising the clinic’s open hours or the friendliness of the staff, then they are likely to be trustworthy. Having a few reviews that are four-star or less isn’t the end of the world. What matters more is how the clinic responds to negative feedback.

Good places to check for reviews include social media sites like Instagram and Facebook, Google business reviews, and review sites. You can also ask friends, family and medical professionals for their clinic recommendations too.

5. Initial Diagnosis and Ongoing Assessments

The last thing you should look for is details about that first session with a physiotherapist. Treating your condition starts with a diagnosis and an assessment. Whether you are referred to physio by a doctor or not, no good physiotherapist will skip this step. By assessing your body, discussing your medical history, and talking to you about your goals, we can ensure that physiotherapy is effective and targeted. 

Voted by 1000's as the best London physiotherapy clinic

From fixing your back pain to full ACL reconstruction rehabilitation; we’ve got you covered.

Get a precise diagnosis, treatment plan, and expert sessions for instant pain relief.

5 Signs You Should Avoid a Physiotherapy Clinic

If you find any of these signs when looking at private physiotherapy in London, take a step back and reevaluate.

1. No Clarity

As you probably guessed from our signs of a good clinic, lack of clarity is a major red flag for physiotherapy in London. Thankfully, this is easy to spot just by browsing their website. The details you need to look for are:

  • Names and specialities of the physiotherapists.
  • The type of physio, conditions treated, and treatments on offer.
  • Clinic location and opening times.
  • Pricing structure.

If a few or all of these details are missing, avoid the clinic altogether. Some small and independent physiotherapists may ask you to contact them to clarify pricing, usually due to home visits with varying travel costs. Any communication you have with the clinic should be clear and concise. The larger clinics have no excuse for not being upfront on their website.

2. A Guaranteed Number of Sessions

If you are told exactly how many sessions you will need and other intricate details before you even get an assessment, this is another red flag. Clinics or individual physiotherapists may be able to give you an average number of sessions for your ailment, but nothing precise. 

Each person is different, from the severity of their symptoms to how their body heals. We sometimes find that as one symptom is treated, another underlying symptom emerges. So, there’s no way a physiotherapist can accurately tell you how many sessions you need. They can only give you an estimate after first assessing your body and talking through your medical history. Even then, estimates change as the sessions go by.

The number of sessions you require is tailored to your recovery, not the other way around!

3. Unconfirmed Treatment Techniques

Another sign that a physiotherapy clinic in London should be avoided is an over-reliance on unproven treatment techniques. Some alternative medicine techniques can be used to supplement your treatment, but the physiotherapist should always rely on proven and accepted treatment methods.

Look to see what techniques they use in the services part of the website menu, or contact them to find out. You can find a list of widely-used treatments and physio types in our Ultimate Guide to Physiotherapy.

4. Bad Attitudes

Getting a sense of the physiotherapist’s attitude can help you decide if they are the right fit. If they seem uninterested in helping you or just want to go through the motions without taking the time to discuss your concerns, they are not the right therapist for you.

Additionally, physiotherapists who are too friendly and want to spend more time socialising than practising should also be avoided. While building rapport with patients and providing verbal education is important, physiotherapists are not here to waste your time.

Ultimately, we are trained professionals and our relationship with patients must remain professional too. You should trust us just as you would any other medical professional. If you attend sessions (or read reviews of sessions) where the physiotherapist ignores personal boundaries, asks irrelevant personal questions, or creates an uncomfortable environment, this is not acceptable.

5. No New Qualifications

The field of medicine is constantly evolving and improving as new studies and reviews come to light. This is no different in physiotherapy. Physiotherapists should be open to learning and refreshing their knowledge on their own time. If you ask about a new technique and their response is to dismiss it even if they have no knowledge of it, this could be a red flag. 

Not every new treatment will be effective for your condition, but the best physiotherapists in London should always be open to researching and expanding their education. They should also be able to pass this knowledge on to you. A good sign that a physiotherapist is staying up-to-date is a list of qualifications or specialisations beyond their initial physiotherapy training – look for this on their website.

physiotherapy in london treatments at One Body Physiotherapy in London

Book your private physio session today with one of our specialists

london physio Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London

100% NO-RISK SERVICE GUARANTEE

If you’re unhappy, your next session is free.

Find a Near By Physio Clinic

Other Areas We Serve Physio in London

Physiotherapy FAQs

Look for a physiotherapist who specialises in the condition you are suffering or the treatment you are seeking. They should be qualified and experienced for physiotherapy in London. They should also be upfront with their pricing and what a physio session entails.

A good physiotherapist is knowledgeable with up-to-date education. They will have an area of expertise and be able to educate you as well as treat you. Physiotherapists are medical professionals, so expect a friendly, trustworthy and can-do attitude from physiotherapy in London!

The number of sessions depends on your ailment, goals, and how your body responds to treatment. Your physiotherapist should be able to give you an estimated number of sessions (based on their experience) after assessing your health status and medical history.

author avatar
Kurt Johnson CEO
Kurt is the co-founder of One Body LDN, the founder of the acclaimed London clinic Osteo LDN and a seasoned professional in health and fitness. Kurt has worked as a London Firefighter and strength and conditioning coach and was a top 10 UK-ranked professional K1 kickboxer.

Related Physio Articles

How to Find the Best Physiotherapists in London

It only takes a quick Google to realise that there are hundreds of clinics that offer the “best physiotherapy in London”, but they can’t all be the best! Luckily, there is an easy way to narrow down your choice of private clinic. Learn how to choose the best physio in London near you

Private Physiotherapy in London - Everything You Need to Know

Private physiotherapy in London is popular for everything from back pain to sports injuries – but is it worth paying for? With physiotherapy available for free on the NHS, you are likely wondering whether you should put up with the lengthy wait times for a cost-free session. See our guide on booking private physio in London

Importance of Rehab Physiotherapy: Role, Benefits, and Rehabilitation After Surgery

Rehabilitation physiotherapy is an essential component in the journey towards recovery, especially after undergoing surgery. Dive into the realm of post-surgical rehabilitation here

The Ultimate Guide to Private Health Insurance for Physiotherapy in London

Private health insurance makes sure you can access the finest medical care in London if you’re struck down by illness or injury. But can you use it for physiotherapy treatments? The short answer is yes! At One Body LDN, we work with all major health insurers in the UK to help you get the physio treatments you need quickly and affordably. See our guide on using your private health insurance for physio in London

Physiotherapy vs Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

In our latest article, we are comparing physiotherapy versus physical therapy. While these terms may seem interchangeable, there are actually some key distinctions. Which one you choose can significantly impact your treatment journey. Learn the differences between Physio and Physical Therapy

How Many Physiotherapy Sessions Will I Need?

Curious about asking “how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?” You’re not alone. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or striving for peak performance, the number of physiotherapy sessions required can vary. Find out how many physio sessions you need here

What Does Physiotherapy Do?

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on ‘What Does Physiotherapy Do?’ In this article, we will delve into the role of a physiotherapist, what to expect during a physiotherapy session and the importance of sticking to physiotherapy recommendations from your healthcare provider. Learn what physiotherapy does here

Physiotherapist vs Chiropractor: Who Should You See?

Welcome to our comparison of physiotherapist vs chiropractor sessions! In this article, we are going to delve into the details of each discipline, exploring their similarities and differences. Learn the difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic

Physiotherapy and Mental Health: 5 Unexpected Benefits

Welcome to our article exploring the unexpected ways physiotherapy can boost your mental health! Physiotherapy isn’t just about fixing physical ailments – it also has surprising benefits for your mind. From improving mood to managing pain, we’ll delve into five key ways physiotherapy can enhance your mental well-being. Learn the benefits physiotherapy has on mental health

Osteopathy vs Physiotherapy in London: Which is Best?

Osteopathy and physiotherapy London clinics are in no short supply across the capital. Many clinics, including One Body LDN, offer both physiotherapy and osteopathy services. But what exactly is osteopathy? How is it different from physiotherapy? Learn the difference between physiotherapy and osteopathy

What to Pay for Physiotherapy in London

Navigating physiotherapy London prices can leave you with a headache. Ranging from the ultra-expensive to the dirt cheap, you can find physio at every price point. And that should raise some red flags! Learn how much to pay for physiotherapy here

Voucher for Physiotherapy in London Gift Guide

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift or want to treat yourself with a deal, finding a voucher for physiotherapy in London is an excellent idea. Soothe your aches and pains, treat your family to a wellness break, or just book in for a sports massage – because why not? Learn about physio gift vouchers here

The Best Physiotherapy in London - Ultimate Clinic Guide 2024

Searching for the best physiotherapy London clinic? This guide is for you. We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 clinics offering exceptional care and services to patients like you. Check out the best physio clinics in London

Sports Massage vs Physiotherapy: Which is Best?

Figuring out if you need sports massage vs physiotherapy is simple – all you have to do is read this guide. Our physiotherapists and sports massage therapists have put together this guide to help you understand the difference. Learn the difference between physiotherapy and sports massage

Sports Injury – How to Get Physio Treatment in London

If you have a sports injury – whether it’s a sudden tear or worsening tendonitis – then you can benefit greatly from sports injury physiotherapy. From reducing pain and inflammation in the short term to rebuilding strength and enhancing peak performance in the long term, sports injury physio should be an integral part of your recovery. Learn all about sports injury physio in London

Sports Physiotherapy in London (Expert Guide)

Sports physiotherapy in London offers athletes and active individuals a vital resource for injury prevention, recovery, and performance enhancement. But what sets it apart from traditional physiotherapy? Learn about sports physiotherapy in London

Can Physiotherapy Help Arthritis? Everything You Need to Know

Physiotherapy can promote healing and speed up recovery, but can physiotherapy help arthritis? Find out how physio fixes arthritic pain here

How to Get Rid of a Trapped Nerve

Whether it’s in your neck, back, shoulder or elbow, find out how to get rid of a trapped nerve with expert advice from our expert MSK physiotherapists here at One Body LDN. Find out more on how to relieve trapped nerve pain

Tendonitis - Physio Guide to Treatment

Problems with your tendons? Find out how physiotherapy may be able to help tendonitis and tendinopathy in this treatment guide from our expert London physios. See how physio can treat tendonitis here

Will Physio Help a Trapped Nerve? Physiotherapist Explains

Will physio help a trapped nerve or are you better off seeing a chiropractor? Find out how to heal your trapped nerve with physiotherapy in this guide

The Top 10 Best Shoulder Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right shoulder specialist in London is crucial to a fast and optimal recovery. With so many shoulder pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best shoulder pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Back Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right back specialist in London is crucial to a fast and optimal recovery. With so many back pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best back pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Elbow Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right elbow specialist in London is crucial to a comfortable and safe recovery. With so many elbow pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best elbow pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Forearm Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right forearm specialist in London is crucial to a fast recovery. With countless forearm pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best forearm pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Wrist Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right wrist specialist in London is crucial to a fast recovery. With countless wrist pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best wrist pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Hand Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right hand specialist in London is crucial to a safe recovery. With many hand pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best hand pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Head Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right head and headache specialist in London is crucial to a fast recovery. With many head pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best head pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Neck Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right cervical and neck specialist in London is crucial to a fast recovery. With many neck pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best neck pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Lower Back Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right lumbar and lower back specialist in London is crucial to a safe and efficient recovery. With many lower back pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best lower back pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Knee Specialist Clinics in London

Finding the right knee specialist in London is crucial to a safe and efficient recovery. With so many knee pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best knee pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Hip Specialist Clinics in London

Finding a competent hip specialist in London is crucial to a safe and optimal recovery. With countless hip pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best hip pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Ankle Specialist Clinics in London

Finding a competent ankle specialist in London is crucial to a fast and optimised recovery. With countless ankle pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best ankle pain specialists in London here

The Top 10 Best Foot Specialist Clinics in London

Finding a competent foot specialist in London is crucial to a fast recovery. With countless foot pain specialists and clinics in London to choose from, where do you start? Check out the top 10 best foot pain specialists in London here