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Forbury PhysiotherapyPrivate physiotherapy by Forbury Gardens, Reading
0118 496 0678Book your first visit

Before you arrive

Your first appointment

Your first visit takes 45–60 minutes. Here's exactly what to expect, what to wear, and how paying for it works.

What happens

What happens at your first visit

  1. A conversation and your history

    We'll talk through what's going on, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to.

  2. A physical assessment

    We'll look at how you move, test strength and range of movement, and work out what's likely driving your symptoms.

  3. Treatment usually starts the same visit

    Most people leave their first appointment having already had some hands-on treatment, not just an assessment.

  4. A plain-English plan to take away

    We'll explain what we think is going on, how long it's likely to take, and set you up with a home exercise plan.

Practical

What to wear

Knee, hip or ankle
Shorts, or trousers that roll up above the knee
Shoulder or neck
A vest top, or something with straps we can move aside
Back
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing you can move freely in
General
Flat, comfortable shoes if we're assessing your walking or running

Practical

What to bring

  • A timeline of when your symptoms started and what's changed since
  • Any GP letters, referral letters or clinic correspondence about this problem
  • Scan or X-ray results, if you've had any
  • A list of any medication you're currently taking
  • Your insurance details, if you're claiming through a health insurer

Paying for your care

Self-pay or claiming through insurance

Most patients pay for their own care. If you’re claiming through a health insurer, a couple of things work differently — here’s both, side by side.

If you’re paying yourself

  1. Book directly

    Call or book online — no referral or authorisation needed. You pay for each session as you go.

  2. Pay after your visit

    We take payment by card at the end of each appointment; a receipt is available if you'd like to claim it back yourself.

If you’re claiming through insurance

  1. Check your policy first

    Call your insurer before booking to confirm physiotherapy is covered and get an authorisation reference.

  2. Give us your details

    Bring your policy number, authorisation reference and insurer's claims-line number to your first visit.

  3. We invoice your insurer where we can

    Where your insurer allows direct billing we invoice them for you; otherwise you pay us and reclaim the cost yourself.

Pre-authorisation
Most insurers ask you to call them for a pre-authorisation reference before your first session — without it, they may decline the claim. We're happy to give you anything we can to help that call.
Excess
Many policies carry an excess — an amount you pay yourself before your insurer contributes. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm yours.
GP referral
Some insurers need a GP referral letter before they'll approve physiotherapy; others accept self-referral. This varies by insurer and policy, so it's worth checking before you book.