Guides
Practical, evidence-informed articles from our Bloomsbury clinic on common aches, pains and treatments — what to expect, what you can do yourself and when to get checked.
Knee pain going down stairs: common causes and what helps
Why stairs are often the first thing to hurt a knee, the three most common causes we see, what may help at home and when to book an assessment.
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Shoulder pain at night: why it happens and what may help
Why shoulder pain is often worse in bed, the common causes (rotator cuff, frozen shoulder, impingement), sleeping positions that may help and when to get checked.
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Hip pain when walking or climbing stairs
Where hip pain is felt tells you a lot: outer hip, groin or buttock. The common causes we see, what may help at home and when to book an assessment.
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Tech neck: phone and laptop neck pain and how to ease it
Why hours looking down at a phone or laptop can leave your neck sore, simple habits that may ease it, and when neck pain or headaches need an assessment.
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Shin splints: causes, recovery time and getting back to running
What shin splints are, why they happen to runners, how long recovery usually takes, how to return to running gradually and the signs of a stress fracture.
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Do I need orthotics? What a 3D foot scan shows
Who may benefit from orthotics, who probably does not, what a 3D foot scan measures, and how custom insoles are made from the scan at a UK laboratory.
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What a 3D posture scan shows (and what it doesn't)
How a 3D posture scan works, what the report measures, why it is a tool rather than a diagnosis or an X-ray, and how clinicians use it alongside examination.
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Dry needling vs acupuncture: what's the difference?
How dry needling and acupuncture differ in aims and training, what the evidence suggests, what a session feels like, and who it may not suit.
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When pain needs imaging: X-ray vs MRI vs ultrasound
Most aches and pains do not need a scan. What X-ray, MRI and ultrasound each show, when imaging changes treatment, and how we arrange fast-track referral.
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Your first physiotherapy appointment: what to expect
What to wear and bring, how the assessment works, why treatment usually starts in the same visit, and how to book your first physio appointment in Bloomsbury.
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How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
What decides how many physiotherapy sessions you may need, typical ranges for common problems, how we review progress and how packages work.
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Physiotherapist vs osteopath vs chiropractor: what's the difference?
How physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors are regulated in the UK, what each tends to focus on, and how to choose when the overlap is large.
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Do I need a GP referral for private physiotherapy?
Self-paying patients can book physiotherapy or chiropractic directly. Insurers may ask for a GP referral or pre-authorisation: check with us before you book.
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How long does sciatica last?
The typical course of sciatica, what may help it settle, what tends to slow recovery, and the warning signs that need A&E or 999 rather than a routine visit.
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Sprained ankle: the first 72 hours and how long recovery takes
What to do in the first three days after an ankle sprain (PEACE & LOVE), when an X-ray may be needed, recovery times by grade and how physio may help.
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Frozen shoulder: the three stages and what helps at each
The freezing, frozen and thawing stages of frozen shoulder, how long each may last, and which treatments may help at each stage, from exercise to injection.
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Tennis elbow vs golfer's elbow: how to tell them apart
Tennis elbow hurts on the outside of the elbow, golfer's elbow on the inside. How to tell them apart, what causes each, and how physio and shockwave may help.
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Common running injuries and how physiotherapy may help
Shin splints, runner's knee, ITB syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis: how to spot them, why they peak in marathon season, and how physio may help.
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Focused shockwave for heel pain (plantar fasciitis): what to expect
When focused shockwave may be considered for plantar fasciitis, what a session feels like, a typical course, aftercare and who it may not suit.
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Physiotherapist or chiropractor: who should I see?
How physiotherapists and chiropractors are regulated in the UK, where their work overlaps and differs, and why either initial assessment is a fine place to start.
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Desk neck and back pain: when to get it checked
Why long hours at a desk can leave your neck and back aching, simple changes that may help, and the signs it is time to book an assessment or seek urgent care.
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This guide is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. A clinician will assess you before recommending any treatment, and outcomes vary from person to person. Read our full disclaimer