Frequently Asked Questions

Referrals and Appointments

How do I get referred to physiotherapy?
You can be referred by your GP, a hospital consultant, or another healthcare professional. In many cases, you can also refer yourself directly, see the next question for more information.

Can I self-refer, or do I need a GP referral?
For most musculoskeletal (muscle and joint) conditions, you can self-refer without needing to see your GP first. To self-refer, complete the online self-referral form here [link].

For neurological physiotherapy, pelvic health physiotherapy and rheumatology physiotherapy you will need a GP referral. Our hand therapy service is availably via direct consultant referral only.

If you are unsure whether self-referral is right for you, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.

What happens after I submit my self-referral form?
Once we receive your referral, our team will review it and contact you to arrange an appointment. You will receive a letter or phone call confirming your appointment details.

Please note that we have a waiting list for physiotherapy appointments, and you will not be contacted until we are ready to be able to offer you an appointment. If we need any further information from you, we will be in touch. 

How long will I wait for an appointment?
Waiting times vary depending on the type of physiotherapy you need and current demand for the service. If your condition changes while you are waiting, please contact us.

What happens if I need to cancel or rearrange my appointment?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or rearrange. You can contact us by phone on 01625 663333 or by email at ecn-tr.therapyservices@nhs.net. This helps us offer your slot to another patient. Please note that if you do not attend without letting us know, you may be discharged from the service.

Where is the physiotherapy department located, and where do I park?
We run physiotherapy services across several sites in eastern Cheshire, including Macclesfield District General Hospital, Congleton War Memorial Hospital, Wilmslow Health Centre, Knutsford Community Hospital, Handforth Health Centre, Poynton Health Centre, and Watersgreen Medical Centre [add links to all location pages]. Your appointment letter will confirm which site to attend. Information about getting to each site, including parking, is available on our Physiotherapy Locations page [link].

What to Expect

What happens at my first physiotherapy appointment?
Your physiotherapist will start by asking about your condition, your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then carry out a physical assessment, which may involve looking at your movement, posture and strength. Afterwards, they will explain what they think is causing your symptoms and discuss a treatment plan with you. You will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

How long will my appointment last?
Your first appointment is typically around 45 to 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter, around 30 minutes, though this can vary depending on your needs.

How many sessions will I need?
This varies from person to person and depends on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Your physiotherapist will discuss a plan with you at your first appointment and give you an idea of how many sessions they expect you to need. Many patients see significant improvement within a small number of appointments.

Will I see the same physiotherapist each time?
We aim to ensure continuity of care wherever possible. However, there may be occasions when you see a different member of the team, for example if your usual physiotherapist is unavailable. All members of our team have access to your notes and will be up to date with your treatment.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
Please bring any relevant information about your condition, such as scan or X-ray results, a list of any medications you take and your referral letter if you have one. If you use any aids or supports, such as a splint or walking aid, please bring these along too.

What should I wear to my appointment?
Please wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows your physiotherapist to access the area being treated. For example, shorts are helpful for knee or hip problems, and a vest or loose top is useful for shoulder or back conditions.

Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, you are very welcome to bring a family member, friend or carer to your appointment. If you need a chaperone or interpreter, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to arrange this.

Are your facilities accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, our physiotherapy sites are accessible for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users. If you have any specific requirements or concerns, please contact us before your appointment so we can make sure everything is in place for you.

Practical and Administrative

How do I give feedback or make a complaint?
We welcome all feedback, whether positive or about areas where we could improve. You can share your experience using the Patient Engagement and Experience form. If you would like to make a formal complaint, details of how to do so are available on the Trust website. We take all feedback seriously and use it to help us improve.