Physiotherapy (Adult)
What we do
Physiotherapy is beneficial for people of all ages to restore physical movement, function and wellbeing when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce risk of injury or illness in the future.
Physiotherapists consider the ‘whole person’ throughout their treatment. This holistic approach ensures the involvement of people in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment.
Physiotherapy can support improvement in a number of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as;
- Musculoskeletal (bones, joints and soft tissue) – such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and sports injuries
- Neurological (brain & nervous system) – such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease
- Cardiovascular (heart & circulation) – such as rehabilitation after a heart attack
- Respiratory (lungs & breathing) – such as chest infection and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pelvic Health (urinary, bowel and reproductive organs) – such as after surgery or continence problems.
Inpatient physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy is provided to patients admitted to Leamington Hospital, Stratford Hospital and Warwick Hospital, and those presenting to A&E, as required.
In Warwick Hospital, inpatient physiotherapists cover specialty areas including A&E, post-surgery, ITU respiratory care and rehabilitation, orthopaedics, paediatrics, respiratory and cardiology, frailty and neurological and acute medical care.
In Leamington Hospital, inpatient physiotherapists cover specialty areas such as stroke rehabilitation, brain injury rehabilitation, and the assessment, management and functional rehabilitation of the older person.
At Stratford Hospital, at the Nicol Unit, inpatient physiotherapists also provide assessment, management and functional rehabilitation of the older person.
If you would like to speak to a ward physiotherapist, please contact the ward directly.
Outpatient physiotherapy:
We provide multiple outpatient clinics across Warwickshire. Services are divided into specialities;
- Musculoskeletal
- Neurological
- Pelvic Health
- Chronic Pain Management
- Respiratory and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Musculoskeletal Triage Service (South Warwickshire Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (SWIMS))
- Post Covid
Please note for all specialities other than musculoskeletal services, you must be referred by a health care professional.
Please note we do not accept referrals:
- if the problem has been treated with Physiotherapy in the last 6 months
- for hand and wrist assessments, please refer to Occupational Therapy
Useful exercises
Below are some information booklets from Versus Arthritis that provide general advice on different types of pain. Within them you can find some exercises that you may find beneficial.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) also provide some exercise booklets and online videos to help manage various muscle and joint problems. The following are booklets you can download and save.
If you prefer to watch a video instead click on one of the links below, which will take you to CSP's website to view them.
Patient information leaflets
Related links
To self-refer please complete the self-referral form below.
Please allow 5 working days before contacting the Therapies booking team on 01926 600818 (option 5) for an appointment.
Please note we do not accept referrals:
- if the problem has been treated with Physiotherapy in the last 6 months
- for hand and wrist assessments, please refer to Occupational Therapy
Self-referral link: self referral criteria and form
Who will I see?
Our Physiotherapy Team consists of qualified Chartered Physiotherapists of different grades, Assistant Practitioners and Physiotherapy Assistants. The clinician you will see will be the one who is most suited to treat or help you to manage your condition.
We have regular students on placement who may carry out your assessment and treatment with your consent. The student will have the support of an experienced clinician. You do have the right to decline the student assessment.
Where can I have treatment?
We offer physiotherapy at several sites across Warwickshire to ensure treatment can take place as close to your home as possible. Please note that waiting times and opening hours may vary depending on your preferred treatment locality.
There may be the option of having a virtual or telephone assessment.
During your appointment
At your first appointment the clinician will take a detailed history of your condition and general health. The appointment may take up to 60 minutes. Please bring details of your current medication.
Where appropriate, a physical assessment will be completed. The clinician will often need to look at the area concerned, and with your consent, you may be asked to undress. It is advisable to bring shorts or a vest top, or wear loose clothing that can be easily removed.
Following the completion of your assessment, the clinician will discuss their findings with you and the treatment options available. This will enable you to agree a plan of treatment that you feel is achievable.
| Physiotherapy Admin Booking Team Building 3 Saltisford Office Park Ansell Way Warwick CV34 4UL | Please post paper self-referrals to this address | (Telephone: 01926 600818 option 5 Email: therapies@swft.nhs.uk |
| Physiotherapy Department Hospital of St Cross Barby Road Rugby CV22 5PX | Physiotherapy Services at this hospital: · Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy | (Telephone: 01788 663077 |
| Physiotherapy Warwick Hospital Lakin Road Warwick CV34 5BW | Physiotherapy Services at this hospital: · Inpatient Physiotherapy · Chronic Pain Service Outpatient Clinic | (Telephone: 01926 600818 option 5 Email: therapies@swft.nhs.uk |
| Physiotherapy Department Stratford Hospital Building Two Arden Street Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6NX | Physiotherapy Services at this hospital: · Inpatient Physiotherapy · Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy · Pelvic Health Physiotherapy · Respiratory Physiotherapy · Long COVID Service · Chronic Pain Service Outpatient Clinic · Neurological Physiotherapy | |
| Physiotherapy Department Leamington Spa Rehabilitation Hospital Heathcote Lane Heathcote Warwick CV34 6SR | Physiotherapy Services at this hospital: · Inpatient Physiotherapy · Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy · Pelvic Health Physiotherapy · Respiratory Physiotherapy · Neurological Physiotherapy | (Telephone: 01926 600818 option 5 Email: therapies@swft.nhs.uk |
| South Warwickshire Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (SWIMS) Leamington Spa Rehabilitation Hospital Heathcote Lane Heathcote Warwick CV34 6SR | | ( Telephone: 01926 317703 Email: SWIMS.SWFT@nhs.net |
| Long Covid and Respiratory Physiotherapy administration can be contacted via telephone or email | | (Telephone: 01926 567115 Email: PostCovidMDT@swft.nhs.uk |
| Chronic Pain Service administration can be contacted via telephone or email | | ( Telephone: 01926 495321 extension 8318 Email: painservice@swft.nhs.uk |
| Orchard Centre Lower Hillmorton Road
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 3SR | Physiotherapy Services at this hospital: · Neurological Physiotherapy | (Telephone: 01926 600818 option 5 Email: therapies@swft.nhs.uk |
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