- What are your opening hours?
- Can anyone attend the clinic?
- Do I need a G.P. referral?
- Do you treat children?
- How long in advance do I need to book?
- Do you have a car park?
- Can I claim on my insurance?
- Do you only treat sports injuries?
- What does a session involve?
- How long does the treatment last?
- How many treatments will I need?
- What do I need to wear?
- What happens during a session?
- Does Acupuncture hurt?
- What size are the needles?
- How long do the needles stay in?
- Why are needles sometimes put in away from the problem area?
- How many sessions do I need?
- How long will a session take?
- What should I do after a session?
- What is Pilates?
- What are the benefits?
- How long does a session last?
- How many people are in a class?
- What do I wear?
- Can anyone do Pilates?
- What is the difference between Chiropody and Podiatry?
- Are your Podiatrists/Chiropodists professionally recognised?
- What does a Podiatry appointment involve?
- What conditions are commonly treated by Podiatry?
- What are foot orthoses?
- How many pairs of orthoses will I need?
- Do I need to buy bigger shoes to accommodate orthoses?
- How often will I need to renew my orthoses?
- Could I buy supports from my local chemists?
- Is it better for me to buy running trainers with stability control/anti-pronatory control?
- What about shoes?
- What do I need to bring to my consultation?
- What is the difference between Chiropody and Podiatry?
- Are your Podiatrists/Chiropodists professionally recognised?
- What does a Chiropody appointment involve?
- What conditions are commonly treated by Chiropody?
- Why is it important to look after my feet if I have diabetes?
- What about shoes?
- What do I need to bring to my consultation?
General
Q. What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday to Thursday 8.00 am to 7.30 pm and Friday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Reception is open Monday to Thursday 8.30 am to 7.00 pm and Friday 8.30 to 5.00 pm.
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Q. Can anyone attend the clinic?
Yes. We are a private practice therefore we can accommodate any patient.
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Q. Do I need a G.P. referral?
No. We are a self referral private practice clinic.
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Q. Do you treat children?
Yes. We can treat any children of any age, however, we must have written consent from a parent or guardian for under 16's who attend the clinic for treatment alone.
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Q. How long in advance do I need to book?
We aim to provide appointments within 24 hours if you do not have a specific date or time when you would like to be seen.
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Q. Do you have a car park?
No, but there are three car parks less than five minutes walk away, as well as on street parking. The clinic is a five minute walk from the Haymarket metro station and there are numerous bus stops adjacent to the clinic.
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Q. Can I claim on my insurance?
Yes. At your first appointment you will be asked to complete an insurance form so you will need to bring your insurance policy details with you, e.g. membership number, authorisation number. If you have an excess on your policy you will be required to pay this yourself.
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Physiotherapy
Q. Do you only treat sports injuries?
No, we treat all types of injuries and problems not associated with an injury. You also do not need to participate in sports to attend the clinic.
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Q. What does a session involve?
When you have your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will go through what your problem is, the history of your problem, your medical history and your current lifestyle. Once this information is taken, your physiotherapist will assess your injury either hands on or through stretches they will then talk you through your diagnosis and then discuss your treatment plan. Subsequent sessions will be hands on treatment along with progression of exercises and advice and also a re-assessment as and when neccessary.
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Q. How long does the treatment last?
All physiotherapy appointments are 30 minutes including your assessment.
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Q. How many treatments will I need?
When you have your initial assessment with your physiotherapist they will discuss with you your treatment plan and advise how many treatments you may need. It is worth knowing that with an acute injury, the quicker you are able to see a physiotherapist the less time it will take to treat.
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Q. What do I need to wear?
To enable your physiotherapist to fully observe the problem during treatment and to ensure your comfort we would ask you bring along suitable clothing like a pair of shorts or a vest top. However, we do have some available in clinic if you need them.
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Acupuncture
Q. What happens during a session?
You will be asked questions in relation to your symptoms as well as your general health and lifestyle. It is helpful if you can think about the patterns of your symptoms such as what makes them better/worse. Additionally you may be asked questions about your personality, tendencies, sleep patterns etc. Once this information is taken, your acupuncturist will talk through your traditional oriental diagnosis and then discuss your treatment plan with you.
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Q. Does Acupuncture hurt?
Generally people find the needles at lot more comfortable than they expect them to be. As individuals we all have different thresholds for sensitivity and people often find that certain hands on therapies can be more uncomfortable during treatment than acupuncture.
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Q. What size are the needles?
The needles used in acupuncture are very fine, single use, sterile and disposable. The acupuncture points that are used are often away from the area of concern so do not worry that the needles will necessarily be placed near painful areas.
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Q. How long do the needles stay in?
This is variable, typically for a first session it may only be 10-15 minutes and then subsequent sessions could be up to 30 minutes. Some acupuncture techniques involves the insertion and almost immediate removal of the needle.
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Q. Why are needles sometimes put in away from the problem area?
Certain acupuncture points are believed to promote a particular effect in other parts of the body and are used if the problematic area is inaccessable or too painful to treat. Based on the traditional theories involved with traditional acupuncture the idea involves unblocking the flow of energy known as the "Qi" allowing it to flow more freely along designated pathways or "Meridians".
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Q. How many sessions do I need?
This will vary depending on your individual condition but your acupuncturist can advise you once the initial consultation and traditional diagnosis has been conducted. Some people may notice a rapid response to treatment while for others this can be a longer process. It is fairly typical to have experienced some benefit around 3-4 sessions.
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Q. How long will a session take?
Acupuncture sessions take up to 45 minutes.
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Q. What should I do after a session?
After any treatment it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise, try to keep activities to a minimum and try to avoid alcohol.
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Pilates
Q. What is Pilates?
Pilates is a body conditioning method that works in a different way to other fitness techniques. It works by building strength from inside out. It helps to reshape your body which will become longer, leaner and more toned. It will also help with your posture and its slow controlled approach will give you more long term results and help with unwanted stress and tension.
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Q. What are the benefits?
Pilates changes the way in which we use our bodies, the benefits include greater strength and muscle tone, improved posture, a flatter stomach and trimmer waist, improved flexibility and increased joint mobility.
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Q. How long does a session last?
All classes are an hour in length.
Initial one to one session are also an hour but then subsequent sessions can be booked for 30 minutes to fit around busy lifestyles.
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Q. How many people are in a class?
There is a maximum of six people in a class. This ensures that the instructor can do plenty of hands on correction to make sure correct technique and alingment is achieved.
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Q. What do I wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows the body to move and although not essential, fitted clothing will allow the instructor to observe the movements of the body better. Pilates is also done in socks or bare feet.
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Q. Can anyone do Pilates?
Yes. The Body Control Method Pilates that is taught at the clinic is suitable for anyone regardless of fitness level.
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Podiatry
Q. What is the difference between Chiropody and Podiatry?
Over the last two decades, schools of Chiropody have been phased out and replaced by schools of Podiatry. The qualification is essentially the same and the two titles are frequently used together. The term podiatry is often associated with more complex needs, such as foot and ankle pain, associated knee, leg and back pain and the prescription of foot orthoses while chiropody is often associated with general footcare, such as treatment of problem nails, callous (hard skin), verrucae and fungal infections (athlete’s foot).
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Q. Are your Podiatrists/Chiropodists professionally recognised?
Podiatrists have their own professional body, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. They are also regulated by the Health Professions Council and must renew their registration every two years. Our podiatrists are members of both the Health Professions Council and the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and are therefore professionally recognised.
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Q. What does a Podiatry appointment involve?
At your first consultation an initial assessment will be completed, medical history will be recorded and your circulation and sensation checked. Your specific concerns will be discussed, including history of injury and other concurrent treatments. A biomechanical assessment of your foot and ankle joints, lower limb alignment, standing posture and walking/running gait (movement) will be carried out. Soft tissue structures will also be assessed for injury, tightness or weakness. Assessment findings will be discussed with you and appropriate advice offered. Orthoses can be provided as a temporary measure, simple stock orthoses, customised orthoses and bespoke or semi-bespoke orthoses. We may also recommend physiotherapy, sports massage or acupuncture following your assessment.
Podiatry is not exclusively for sports related injuries. Frequently, people suffer from foot pain due to their vocation, footwear, foot shape or trauma such as a sprained ankle. We can assess and give advice on the majority of foot problems.
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Q. What conditions are commonly treated by Podiatry?
- Plantar Fasciitis – pain under the heel affecting one or both feet and is often worse first thing in the morning. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by foot mechanics such as high or low arch foot type, injury, footwear and occasional inflammatory or arthritic conditions. The term heel spur is often used in conjunction with plantar fasciitis or heel pain, but is not usually the true cause of the pain. Many people are found to have heel spurs but have no pain and require no treatment for the condition
- Achilles Tendonopathy – this is typically caused by overuse or trauma to the Achilles tendon. Improving the mechanics of the lower limb with foot orthoses, better footwear, stretching and strengthening are often recommended
- Arthritis – foot orthoses can help reduce force through arthritic joints in the feet, ankles and knees, relieving discomfort and helping to improve how you walk
- Forefoot Pain – this has many causes, including arthritis, inflammation, nerve impingement, fractures, overloading toe joints or ill fitting shoes. Foot orthoses are commonly used to resolve forefoot pain
- Knee Pain – excessive force through the knee that may cause pain can be altered using orthoses. This improves knee alignment and can reduce stress on ligaments and tendons when standing, walking and exercising. Podiatry can help to improve and resolve knee pain, often in conjunction with physiotherapy
- Tendon overuse injuries, muscle overuse injuries and ligament injuries– these can occur through sport and also general day to day activities. They may relate to training techniques or problems with biomechanics including muscle weakness or tightness. Podiatry can often help with injuries to the iliotibial band, hamstrings, calf muscles and foot and ankle sprains and pain
- Hip and back pain – problems with lower limb alignment can lead to or exacerbate hip and back pain. Foot orthoses can improve foot posture and lower limb alignment to help reduce stress to the spine and hips and ease symptoms
- Heel Pain – this may result from any number of problems, such as fat pad bruising, fractures, inflammation, nerve pain, tendon overuse, ligament injury and plantar fasciitis. Assessment is advised to clarify the cause of pain, so that appropriate treatment can be applied
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Q. What are foot orthoses?
Foot orthoses are insole-type devices that fit inside your shoes. They are specifically prescribed to meet your individual foot and body mechanics, alongside your activity needs and your footwear. The aim of foot orthoses is to alter the forces acting through the foot and the body, to reduce the stresses which impact on your joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissue structures.
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Q. How many pairs of orthoses will I need?
You may only need one pair of orthoses depending on your unique biomechanics. Orthoses can be lifted out of one pair of shoes and put into another pair of shoes. In some instances, alternative orthoses are prescribed between a variety of activities, as they may have different biomechanical actions. This is not always necessary and can be discussed with the podiatrist.
Some people like to have two or more pairs of orthoses so that they don’t need to be swapped between shoes each time a different pair is worn. We always recommend trying one pair at first before ordering additional pairs.
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Q. Do I need to buy bigger shoes to accommodate orthoses?
Orthoses are usually fitted to your existing footwear. However, shoe styles vary tremendously and it is not always possible to accommodate orthoses in some shoes – we will advise you further if this is the case.
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Q. How often will I need to renew my orthoses?
This depends upon the type of orthoses prescribed and the amount of wear they receive over time. Some orthoses may last for years.
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Q. Could I buy supports from my local chemists?
Although supports are available from chemist shops, they are not specifically designed for your unique biomechanics and are therefore unlikely to address your specific needs.
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Q. Is it better for me to buy running trainers with stability control/anti-pronatory control?
This type of running shoe should only be worn if it has been recommended specifically for you by a podiatrist or a specialist running shop, following assessment. Neutral control trainers have no additional control or adjustment.
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Q. What about shoes?
It is essential that suitable footwear is used when you are on your feet a lot. Many people feel happier using footwear that ‘feel like slippers’. However, slippers would be very uncomfortable to climb a mountain in.
In the vast majority of instances we recommend a shoe that encloses the heel, providing firm support. The heel height should be no more than 1½ inches and should be as broad as the heel itself. The sole of the shoe should also be broad and sturdy from the heel to the forefoot. Cushioning soles are usually recommended. Slip-on shoes are best avoided, particularly for broad feet, as they are shallower and tighter, around the foot to keep the shoe in place. Toes also work hard inside slip-on shoes and can retract, leading to blisters, callus, hard skin and corns on the tops and ends of toes. Lace up shoes are ideal, however Velcro and buckle up straps are suitable alternatives.
Sport specific shoes are recommended for individual activities such as running, fell running, netball and hill walking as these shoes are designed to cope with increased ankle and foot strains specific to that activity.
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Q. What do I need to bring to my consultation?
For podiatry appointments, please be prepared to inform us of any medical history and medication. Please bring shoes that you wear on a regular basis and any footwear you use frequently for specific activities. It is preferable for you to bring a pair of shorts with you. If this is not possible, you will need to be able to roll your trousers or skirt well above your knees, for your examination. Please also bring any foot orthoses you may have used previously.
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Chiropody
Q. What is the difference between Chiropody and Podiatry?
Over the last two decades, schools of Chiropody have been phased out and replaced by schools of Podiatry. The qualification is essentially the same and the two titles are frequently used together. The term chiropody is often associated with general footcare, such as treatment of problem nails, callous (hard skin), verrucae and fungal infections (athlete’s foot) while podiatry is often associated with more complex needs, such as foot and ankle pain, associated knee, leg and back pain and the prescription of foot orthoses.
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Q. Are your Podiatrists/Chiropodists professionally recognised?
Podiatrists have their own professional body, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. They are also regulated by the Health Professions Council and must renew their registration every two years. Our podiatrists are members of both the Health Professions Council and the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and are therefore professionally recognised.
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Q. What does a Chiropody appointment involve?
At your first consultation an initial assessment will be completed. Medical history will be recorded and your circulation and sensation checked. Your foot concerns will be discussed and a treatment plan agreed with you. We will monitor your foot health as necessary at subsequent appointments.
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Q. What conditions are commonly treated by Chiropody?
- Thickened, ingrowing or difficult to manage toenails – these can occur due to the natural shape of individual nails, ill fitting foot wear, trauma to the nail, poor nail cutting technique or infection
- Callus – this is hard or thickened patches of skin caused by pressure and friction and can occur under the feet, around the heels and also on top of toes, between toes and on the ends of toes
- Dry skin – this is usually caused by reduced moisture, but can also be apparent with excessive sweating, athlete’s foot infections, eczema and psoriasis and with callus
- Cracked heels – this can happen when skin is too dry and also if there is a build up of callus around the heels
- Corns – these usually occur where there is a high pressure point on the foot. Occasionally they will occur when skin is very dry. They are usually very painful to walk on. Corns can be removed to relieve pain, but may come back if there is still pressure in that area of the foot
- Verrucae – verrucae arise from a virus, similar to a wart virus and can be persistent and difficult to eradicate. They can easily be confused with corns, so it is important to check they are not corns before treating them. They occur frequently in children and may resolve of their own accord, but can respond well to treatment
- Blisters – in the foot are usually caused by friction or trauma but it is important to rule out allergic or chemically induced reactions. Small blister type swellings can also be seen with athletes foot infections. Treatment depends on the cause, but recurrent blisters should always be checked out
- Ulcers – these are a breakdown of the soft tissue and may occur under the skin. They can occur anywhere on the foot and are usually very painful. It is very important to seek immediate attention if you suspect you have a foot ulcer
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Q. Why is it important to look after my feet if I have diabetes?
People who have diabetes are at risk from reduced circulation and sensation in their feet, particularly when blood glucose levels are poorly controlled. Rates of healing are also slowed, so injuries and open wounds are slower to heal. The body’s immune response can be impaired, so the risk of infection, particularly in longstanding open wounds, is a concern. It is therefore important to check your feet on a daily basis, immediately treating anything of concern. Open wounds should be cleaned and dressed, even if only with an elastoplast, to prevent infection. If infection is suspected or wounds are not healing, medical attention should be sought immediately. Diabetics should check their feet every day, particularly if there is some loss of sensation, as even minor injuries can lead to ulceration if you are unaware that the foot is damaged and so do not seek treatment.
We can provide further checks on your circulation and sensation, alongside checks and treatment of problem areas such as nails, callus and corns.
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Q. What about shoes?
It is essential that suitable footwear is used when you are on your feet a lot. Many people feel happier using footwear that ‘feel like slippers’. However, slippers would be very uncomfortable to climb a mountain in.
In the vast majority of instances we recommend a shoe that encloses the heel, providing firm support. The heel height should be no more than 1½ inches and should be as broad as the heel itself. The sole of the shoe should also be broad and sturdy from the heel to the forefoot. Cushioning soles are usually recommended. Slip-on shoes are best avoided, particularly for broad feet, as they are shallower and tighter, around the foot to keep the shoe in place. Toes also work hard inside slip-on shoes and can retract leading to blisters, callus, hard skin and corns on the tops and ends of toes. Lace up shoes are ideal, however Velcro and buckle up straps are suitable alternatives.
Sport specific shoes are recommended for individual activities such as running, fell running, netball and hill walking as these shoes are designed to cope with increased ankle and foot strains specific to that activity.
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Q. What do I need to bring to my consultation?
For chiropody appointments please be prepared to inform us of any medical history and medication. Please bring shoes that you wear on a regular basis so that we can assess and advise you, as appropriate. Please remove nail polish as it is not possible for us to accurately assess and treat nail conditions when nails are painted.
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