All our Physiotherapists are chartered, fully trained, and registered with their professional bodies, the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) and, the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). All our Physiotherapists undergo Continual Professional Development (CPD) to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date and to ensure that the professional standard of their qualifications and registrations are maintained.

The modern Chartered Physiotherapist uses a wide range of skills including manipulation, mobilisation, massage and exercises, often aided by the use of sophisticated electronic and electrical apparatus - all designed to help in the relief of pain and to promote healing. Preventative measures are very important in physiotherapy. The Physiotherapist will spend time teaching the patient how to avoid re-occurrence of his/her problem.

The methods used by "alternative" therapies differ widely, but most of the theories and principles which govern them are included as standard practice in Chartered Physiotherapy, which is the "orthodox alternative". Physiotherapy is a medically recognised treatment with physiotherapists working closely with GPs and Consultants. Many physiotherapists have developed additional skills in areas such as acupuncture, reflex therapy, aqua-aerobic fitness programmes, Alexander technique, aromatherapy, cranio-sacral therapy and Shiatsu.

Your assigned Physiotherapist will undertake a thorough assessment of your problem. This will involve a thorough examination, together with an understanding of your work, rest and recreational activities. This full assessment may identify a problem which is situated some distance from where the pain is felt. It also ensures that the diagnosis and treatment will relate to you and your whole lifestyle. After full consultation with you and your physiotherapist, and possibly your doctor, the best form of treatment will be determined.

A home exercise program is a series of exercises that patients complete at home to maintain strength and increase therapeutic gains. Home exercises are designed to be practical, accessible and feasible so that patients can maximize efforts without a therapist present. Exercise Programs will be created specifically for your rehabiitation needs and emailed to you on the day of your session.

No, not necessarily. You may consult a Chartered Physiotherapist without a doctors referral, but contact will usually be maintained between your GP and Physiotherapist. Chartered Physiotherapists work in close co-operation with GPs in much the same way as consultants do, and this relationship is for the ultimate benefit for you, the patient.

If you wish to be seen privately, all you need to do is to contact us and one of our administrators will be able to book you in at a time that is convenient to you. Although you do not need a doctors referral, we do liase with GP and usually send a report on completion of your treatment. If you specify that you do not wish your doctor to be contacted, we will of course comply with your wishes. If you are claiming from a health insurance company for the cost of your treatment, you may need to have a referral from your doctor. Please check with your insurance company first.

You do not need to bring anything specific with you. We may ask you to undress to your underwear to carry out a treatment or assessment, so you may feel more comfortable if you bring a pair of shorts with you.

All assessments and treatments will be performed by a qualified, registered and insured therapist who will practice within the defined scope of practice as per the relevant governing bodies in the United Kingdom. You must advise your therapist of any factor that may affect your treatment or diagnosis. Following examination, an explanation of the therapist’s opinion and proposed treatment will be provided. It is important that you fully understand the diagnosis, recommendations, procedures and treatment techniques that may be involved, as well as any likely effects. Your therapist should make every effort to ensure you do, but if you are in doubt, please ask for further information. You can choose to consent to, or refuse, the suggested treatments. With certain conditions, a degree of undress may be required and this will be explained at the time by the therapist. You are entitled to be accompanied during your treatment if you wish.

Following your initial assessment the physiotherapist will be able to advise you as to how much treatment you may require. Generally the longer you have had symptoms, the more treatment will be required but as a guide, the average number of treatments varies between 4 and 8. Normally if you are not improving after 3 sessions, we would suggest that treatment is not continued until perhaps further investigations are undertaken, or your doctor has reviewed you.

Sammy Margo Physiotherapy is registered for physiotherapy with all major private health insurers in the UK. It is your responsibility to seek authorisation from your insurance company and it is recommended that you do so before making an appointment. We are able to invoice directly to some of the major insurers on your behalf. The fees when invoiced directly to insurers may vary from our standard fees. You may choose to pay at the time of your appointment and take responsibility for your own claim process. Please be aware that your insurance may not cover the full cost of your invoice and you remain liable for all costs associated with your treatment. BUPA clinic number 80008557 AXA-PPP clinic number ZZ00818

We accept Credit/Debit Card Payments and payments from Medical Insurance Companies. Payment is required at the time of your appointment. If you have Private Medical Insurance then please provide the required details of your Private Insurer prior to treatment so we can check your treatment will be covered. Formal receipts can be provided if necessary.

Sammy Margo Physiotherapy is the trading name of The Physiotherapist Company Limited which is a registered company in England and Wales (no 03322706) with a registered office address of 444 Finchley Road London NW2 2HY. The information provided on this website is intended as a guide to inform the reader of our services at Sammy Margo Physiotherapy. You should not rely solely on the information provided here as the only source of self-management of an injury. We believe the information to be truthful but always recommend seeking professional advice on the best approach to management of individual injuries and for decisions on return to work, sport or other activities.

The Team at SMARTPhysio are committed to providing a high-quality service to all our patients. With that in mind, we take your data and the security and protection of that data very seriously. We want you to feel confident that your personal records are safe with us and we will never pass your information to a third- party without your permission. All data will be handled in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 and any other relevant legislation. Medical records will be stored electronically and only accessed by authorised personnel. Disclosure of information may be made to appropriate health professionals, such as your GP, when communicating about your presenting condition. It is common practice to write to your GP and/or referring Specialist; if you do not want this to happen please inform your clinician. For more information please see our Privacy Notice.

SMART PHYSIO privacy notice is displayed on our website, through signage in the waiting room and in writing during patient registration. We will: • Inform patients how their data will be used and for what purpose • Allow patients to opt out of sharing data, should they so wish

We will collect information such as personal details, including name, address, next of kin, records of appointments, visits, telephone calls, your health records, treatment and medications, test results, X-rays, etc. and other relevant information to enable us to deliver effective medical care. You can find more information in our Privacy Notice.