FAQs - Lewin Clinic

Frequently asked questions

What is sports physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when a person has been affected by injury. Sports physiotherapy is a specialist field within physiotherapy, focused on the assessment and treatment of sports-related injuries, with the approach being slightly different in that the patient usually needs to get back to a higher level of activity.

Sports physiotherapy is a comprehensive treatment approach that involves easing aches, pains, stiffness, and injuries, that may have been caused by participating in any kind of sports and activities. Physiotherapy and the associated rehabilitation programmes will help a person to get stronger, to move easily, and pain-free again, so they can return to the sports they enjoy.

Would physiotherapy help my injury?

Physiotherapy exercises and rehab can help restore your mobility and regain your strength and function, especially following an injury. A good physiotherapist will look to get to the root cause of your injury, provide a thorough assessment, treat the symptoms, and put a rehabilitation programme in place to help prevent a recurrence.

Do sports physiotherapists only treat athletes?

Although sports physiotherapy is a field within physiotherapy (focused on the assessment and treatment of sport-related injuries), we do not only treat athletes – we treat people of all ages and all levels of abilities. Physiotherapy is suitable for both sports people and non-athletes alike and can help with restricted range of motion, chronic pain, tendon problems, ligament sprains and muscle strains and the everyday types of injuries that anyone may experience at any age. While physiotherapy does help people who regularly play sports, it’s just as valuable for anyone who wants to lead a fit and active lifestyle.

Do physiotherapists provide ongoing support?

Yes, here at the Lewin Sports Injury Clinic, we have our own rehabilitation gym which our patients can use to help with their recovery programme. As well as providing in-clinic assessments and treatment programmes, we may also suggest rehab sessions are undertaken outside of the clinic – for example on the court, pitch, or track – to help with recovery and sports-specific drills.

Do you only specialise in sports injuries?

No, we don’t only specialise in sports injuries. Here at the Lewin sports injury clinic, we see and treat people of all ages, with all different kinds of issues and injuries. The stress of sport on the body is generally higher than most everyday activities and does place more load on the tendons, muscles, bones, joints and ligaments, but we often see the same kind of injuries in non-athletes as well as sports people. If you enjoy being active and value your health, we’re happy to help regardless of your age or fitness level. Whether you work out once a week, or just want to be able to have fun with your family, we’re here to help.

Can I speak with a physiotherapist before I book an appointment?

We’re more than happy to have a quick chat with you if one of us is available. Often we’re with patients so we may not be able to chat immediately, but you’re welcome to call the clinic on 020 8070 7777 or email us at info@lewinclinic.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.

What should I wear for physiotherapy sessions?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing for your physio session; clothing that allows you to move and allows your physio access to your specific injury or pain area and to get an idea of your range of motion. We’d also recommend wearing comfortable trainers – especially for your follow up appointments, as you may be required to perform some form of exercise.

What will happen during my first physiotherapy session?

In your first physiotherapy session, we’ll complete a thorough assessment of your medical history, what’s bothering you and how long you’ve been having issues. We undertake a musculoskeletal evaluation (a physical assessment) and discuss the options and treatments to help ease your pains and assist your injury recovery. We’ll suggest the appropriate rehabilitation programme, which you can undertake either at home, our gym, your gym or a mixture of both.

Do I consent to treatment before starting?

Your clinician will explain to you in your first session the process of therapy and the treatment protocol you have been triaged for. The clinician will discuss confidentiality and there will be time for you to voice any questions regarding these. You can choose to consent or decline a treatment if you so wish.

What shall I do if I'm seeking immediate or urgent advice/ treatment?

We provide a Musculoskeletal Outpatients Service and are therefore not equipped to deal with emergency/ urgent medical care. The Lewin clinic does not offer an out of hours service.
If you are experiencing significant Musculoskeletal pain, please contact your GP to discuss options for pain relief. Our Physiotherapists cannot provide prescriptions for medication.
If you need urgent medical help, use the regular NHS 111 online service.
The 111 online service asks questions about your symptoms to help you get the help you need.
Call 111 if you need urgent help for a child under 5 or cannot get help online.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance.

Will I learn about exercises I can do at home?

Yes. Following your initial session, your physiotherapist will give you some advice and specific, individualised exercises that you should be doing at home, to help your recovery. As your programme progresses, your home-based exercise plan will be adapted based on your own personal recovery. The home rehab programme is often a very important part of your recovery and so please ask any questions about it if you’re unsure – but your physio will explain it fully and you will be taken through it in the gym.

How often will I need to see a physiotherapist?

How often you see a physiotherapist depends on the nature and severity of your injury and pain. Our aim is to get you back doing what you love, as quickly and safely as possible. Once you’ve had your first session, your physiotherapist will be able to advise you on how often they’d like to see you and if you are self-funding the sessions, a programme can be worked out to suit your budget.

How soon can I get back to my sport after an injury?

Your return to sport will depend on many different, individual factors and you should always take on board your physiotherapist’s advice as to how long that will take. The time it takes to heal, repair, and strengthen depends on your age, any previous injury, the circumstances of the sports injury and the length of time you’ve had the injury, as well as many other factors. Our aim is to get you back doing your favourite sport as quickly, but as safely, as possible.

Whereabouts in Essex, are you?

Our sports injury clinic is located on the borders of Chigwell and Hainault (Essex), at 65 New North Road. It’s easily accessible by car or public transport and is just a 2-minute walk from Hainault underground station on the Central Line. You can view our location on a map at the bottom of this website.

Do you have access to consultants/scans ?

Absolutely. At our sports injury clinic we’ll undertake a physical examination, but if required, we will refer you for the relevant X-Rays, Ultrasound scans or MRI scans. Given our years of experience with elite-level footballers, we have speedy, exclusive access to a wide network of surgeons, scan centres & other sports injury specialists at extremely competitive prices. We call it our “little black book” and we’re happy to share it with our patients who need to be referred.

Can I park at your Essex physiotherapy clinic?

Most of our patients use on-street parking, all within 50 metres of the clinic. No parking is allowed on the single yellows for a one hour slot at lunchtime (11.30am-12.30pm) so you may wish to avoid that time, however there are two designated parking bays in Hughes Rd, directly next to the clinic which are ‘first hour free’.

Do you treat children?

Yes, we also treat children here at the Lewin Sports Injury Clinic. We see lots of teenagers who participate in sports at different levels and we have seen many younger than that. Because of our partnerships with many of the grass-roots sports clubs in the local area, we regularly see both male and female teens who participate in sports such as football, hockey, netball, tennis, golf, athletics, and rugby. We also have a partnership with a local school, where they send their young athletes to see us when deemed necessary.

How soon should I come in after surgery?

Physiotherapy can often begin the day of, or the day after your surgery, but this is hugely dependent on the type of surgery and any surgeon’s restrictions and so needs to be advised on an individual basis. It’ always worth asking the surgeon when they are happy for you to begin your rehab. Once you have been discharged, you can contact us to make an appointment and we will then advise on the earliest day that your injury should be seen post-op. In many cases we wait for the stitches/clips to be removed but certain surgical procedures need to be mobile early and so each one is different. Education and advice are key in the early days and a good understanding of the upcoming rehab process is important in establishing a relationship with your physio and gaining each other’s trust.

Do you have a safeguarding statement?

Safeguarding Statement

The Lewin Clinic is committed to safeguarding all vulnerable patients who access our services. We work together with our partner organisations to safeguard vulnerable adults and children from all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation. In line with Care Quality Commission (CQC), Fundamental Standards 2015, people who use services will be protected from abuse, or the risk of abuse, and their human rights respected and upheld.