FAQ for Burton & Derby Clinics
Welcome to the Burton Physio Group FAQ — your go-to resource for answers to common questions about our Burton and Derby physiotherapy clinics. Whether you’re curious about booking, treatments, fees, or advanced therapies such as Shockwave or MBST, we’ve compiled clear, concise information to help you before your visit. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, simply get in touch — our team is happy to assist.
- General / Clinic & Booking
Q: Which clinic should I go to — Burton or Derby?
A: This will be purely based on convenience and location. We ensure both clinics offer equivalent high standard physiotherapy care, and we can help you choose the most suitable clinic when you call or book.
Q: Is the Derby Physio Clinic suitable if I live in Allestree, Duffield, Chaddesden, Oakwood, Little Eaton, Mickleover, Littleover, Darley Abbey?
A: Yes, we are conveniently located to access from all areas of Derby.
Q: Is the Burton Physio Clinic suitable if I live in Burton on Trent, Stretton, Stapenhill, Winshill, Newhall, Drakelow, Swadlincote, Castle Gresley, Barton-under-Needwood, Branston, Rolleston-on-Dove Tutbury, Hatton, Hilton?
A: Yes, we are conveniently located in the heart of Burton upon Trent with ample parking on site.
Q: How do I book an appointment?
A: You can book via our website “Book Now” link, or call the clinic phone number: 01283 741555. We use the same number for both locations. We aim to offer flexible appointment slots, including early evening where possible.
Q: Do I need a GP referral?
A: No you do not need a GP referral. For all musculoskeletal problems, you can self-refer and come directly to us for assessment. However, if your condition is complex or under investigation, we might liaise with your GP or consultant (with your permission).
Q: What should I bring or wear to my first appointment?
A: Wear comfortable, loose clothing (e.g. shorts & t-shirt) that allows movement. Bring any relevant scans, imaging reports, or referral letters. Also, if appropriate, you can bring your footwear that you would normally use for walking or sport, so assessment of gait or posture is possible.
Q: How long is the first appointment?
A: The initial assessment will take 45 minutes. At this appointment we’ll discuss your history, perform a physical examination, and develop a treatment plan. Follow-up sessions are typically shorter at 30 minutes.
Q: Can I bring someone with me?
A: Yes, patients may bring someone along. For minors, a chaperone or guardian is mandatory.
Q: What qualifications do your therapists have?
A: Our team are Chartered Physiotherapists, registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). They also have additional training in advanced techniques (e.g. shockwave, MBST, manual therapy).
- Treatment / What We Treat
Q: What kinds of conditions do you treat?
A: We treat a broad range of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions, including (but not limited to):
- Back pain (low back, upper back)
- Neck pain
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee pain, ligament & meniscus problems
- Hip pain
- Foot & ankle issues (sprains, Achilles, plantar fasciitis)
- Elbow, wrist, hand conditions (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, etc.)
- Arthritic / degenerative joint conditions
- Work-related or occupational injuries
- Sports injuries and overuse conditions
- Other soft tissue, tendon, ligament, and joint problems
- Cases where shockwave or MBST may benefit
Q: How do you assess and diagnose problems?
A: On your first visit, we will take a detailed history, listen to your concerns, examine movements, posture, strength, flexibility, perform functional tests and palpation of areas (including adjacent regions). From this we arrive at a working diagnosis and design your treatment plan.
Q: What kinds of treatments do you use (besides Shockwave and MBST)?
A: We offer a blend of manual therapy (soft-tissue release, joint mobilisations, manipulations), postural correction, spinal adjustments, acupuncture / dry needling, exercise prescription, kinetic taping, rehabilitation exercises, and more. Treatments are always tailored to the specific needs of the patient.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: That depends on several factors: how long you’ve had the problem, severity, response to treatment, and your compliance with the home exercises. Some acute conditions resolve in a few sessions; chronic or degenerative issues may require longer. We’ll review progress periodically and adjust as needed.
Q: Will treatment be painful?
A: Some manual therapy may cause mild discomfort, but we always aim to stay within tolerable limits. Any discomfort is typically short-lived. If you feel pain beyond your tolerance at any time, please tell us immediately — we can adjust approach.
Q: Can I continue other activities / sport while undergoing treatment?
A: Often yes, but we may need to adapt load or modify activities temporarily. We place emphasis on gradual progressive loading and safe return to function. Precautions or rest periods may be advised depending on injury type.
- Shockwave Therapy FAQs
Q: What is Shockwave Therapy?
A: Shockwave Therapy (also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, ESWT or SWT) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic (mechanical) pulses to tissues to stimulate healing. It helps improve blood flow, reduces pain, breaks down scar tissue and calcifications, and encourages regeneration of soft tissues.
Q: Which conditions can Shockwave help with?
A: Common conditions include:
- Plantar fasciitis / heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow / golfer’s elbow
- Calcific tendinopathy of rotator cuff
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Trochanteric bursitis
- Other tendon, ligament and soft tissue disorders that have been persistent or resistant to conventional therapy
It’s especially useful when symptoms are longstanding and haven’t responded fully to other treatments.
Q: How does the treatment feel — is it painful?
A: You will feel the pulses; some mild discomfort is common but generally tolerable. After treatment you may have redness, mild swelling, bruising or transient numbness — typically subsiding within 1–2 days.
Q: How many Shockwave sessions are needed?
A: Protocols generally use 3–6 sessions, spaced weekly. In more stubborn cases, additional sessions may be required.
Q: How long does a session take?
A: The shockwave application itself is relatively quick (often under 15 minutes), but the appointment also includes assessment, positioning, aftercare advice, and exercises.
Q: Are there any contraindications or risks?
A: Yes, in certain circumstances we would not use shockwave, including (but not limited to):
- Pregnancy
- Over growth plates in children
- Active infection or tumours in treatment area
- Presence of implanted devices in field (eg pacemaker, metal implants)
- Certain vascular conditions or bleeding disorders
- Local skin lesions or ulceration
Your physiotherapist will assess for contraindications before prescribing.
Q: When will I see improvement?
A: Many patients feel changes after a few sessions, but often improvement is gradual over weeks as the healing process continues. It may continue to improve after the final session as tissues remodel and exercise programmes will supplement this.
- MBST (Magnetic Resonance Therapy) FAQs
Q: What is MBST?
A: MBST (Magnetic Resonance Therapy) is a non-invasive, non-drug, pain-free therapy that targets cells in tissues (bone, cartilage, soft tissue) to stimulate regeneration and repair. It uses magnetic resonance technology similar to MRI, but instead of imaging, it stimulates cellular processes. Click HERE to find out more
Q: What conditions can MBST help?
A: MBST is used for a variety of conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis / degenerative joints
- Cartilage defects
- Tendon or ligament injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Bone bruises, fractures or post-fracture recovery
- Spinal disc issues
- Post-surgical healing
- Chronic pain / degenerative changes
- Neuropathic or nerve pain in some cases
Q: How many MBST sessions are needed?
A: MBST is often delivered in a course of multiple sessions (for example, 5, 7 or 9 daily sessions depending on the tissue treated). Your clinician will recommend a protocol based on your diagnosis.
Q: Does MBST hurt or require downtime?
A: No, MBST is painless and non-invasive. During treatment, you simply relax while the device delivers magnetic signals. There is no surgical invasion, no needles, and no recovery time needed.
Q: Are there risks or contraindications?
A: MBST is generally safe. However, contraindications may include pregnancy, metal implants or devices incompatible with magnetic fields (depending on device), or conditions where magnetics may be contraindicated. These are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Some clinics note that there have been no reported side effects over large cumulative use.
Q: When will I see results?
A: Some patients report improvements during the course; others gradually over weeks to months as cellular repair processes continue. The benefits may continue post-treatment as regeneration evolves.
Q: Is MBST regulated or backed by evidence?
A: MBST has been used in Europe (especially Germany) for many years. It is considered a complementary / advanced therapy. MBST is the only medical technology with peer-reviewed studies at the cellular level. Research has shown measurable improvements in comfort, mobility, and bone health, with lasting effects observed months and even years after use. Ongoing studies continue to expand understanding of how MBST supports biological repair and resilience. At Burton Physio Group, we employ MBST as part of a comprehensive treatment plan (never in isolation). Click HERE to find out more.
Q: Where can I have MBST treatment?
A: After an initial assessment with your physiotherapist, (which can be at either our Burton clinic or Derby Physio clinic), you will be able to use our portable Pro-Mobile device in the comfort of your own home.
- Logistics / Costs / Insurance
Q: What are your fees, and do you accept insurance?
A: Our pricing structure varies by treatment type (initial assessment, follow-up, special therapies). Please see our Pricing page for up-to-date details. We work with some private medical insurers. Be sure to check with your insurer whether they cover treatments like shockwave or MBST under your policy.
Q: Do I have to pay at the time of appointment?
A: Yes — payment is typically collected at the end of your session (or via your agreed insurance pathway).
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: We require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations; late cancellations or no-shows will incur a fee for the cost of the appointment.
Q: How long will it take to see improvements overall?
A: It depends on the condition, how chronic it is, your body’s response, and how well you follow the home exercise plan. Some patients will see improvements in days; chronic issues may need several weeks or months of therapy + adjunctive techniques (shockwave, MBST, rehab). Periodic reviews guide continuation or modification.
Q: Can you liaise with my GP or consultant?
A: Yes, with your consent we can communicate findings, treatment plans, or reports to your GP or any referring consultant. In some cases we may also suggest further investigations or refer you on if your condition warrants.
