Physiotherapy is a legally protected title in the UK. In order to work as a Physiotherapist in the NHS or private practice, you must be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).

My registration number is PH60507

I am also a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)

My membership number is 065690

I am also a member of Physio First and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sport and Exercise Medicine (ACPSEM)

You can pay for your appointment by cash or card. I have a card machine that accepts all major credit/debit cards (except American Express) as well as Apple pay.

There is on street parking outside which is limited to an hour. There is on street parking (unlimited time) in Downs Park East and Downs Park West which are just off North View close to Active8. There is also parking at Waitrose at the other end of North View but this is limited to 1.5 hours and there is vehicle registration plate recognition in operation at all times.

Various bus routes stop nearby on the The Durdham Downs . The nearest bus stops are:

Bus 1 – Westbury Road

Bus 2 – Northumbria Drive

Bus 3 – Westbury Road

Bus U1 – Durdham Park

The nearest train station is Clifton Down. You can get the bus (1, U1, 2, 3) from here to the bus stops listed above.

As part of your initial assessment it if often necessary to partially undress to enable full assessment e.g. looking at spinal movement. However if you would rather remain fully clothed this will be absolutely fine.

Generally shorts/leggings/jogging bottoms and t-shirt/vest tops work well. There are changing rooms available at Active8 if you are heading straight to work/school afterwards.

If your issue is associated with running activity please bring your trainers with you.

You can wear anything you are comfortable in, just make sure it is comfortable to move in. I wouldn’t recommend jeans or skirts/dresses. You do not need to wear trainers. You can do Pilates in socks or bare feet. When you are initially learning Pilates, it is usual for the instructor to gently palpate your abdominal muscles to ensure you are recruiting them effectively. This can be done with clothing on.

Yes, please feel free to bring someone along to the appointment if you would prefer. I will always check if you are happy for whoever you bring to remain in the appointment for the physical assessment; this is entirely up to you. If someone does accompany you to the appointment but doesn’t want to stay for the whole time there are two coffee shops nearby (Arabica and Grounded).

As a parent of 2 young children I completely understand how difficult it can be to attend any appointments with children in tow. If there is no one available to look after your child, you are welcome to bring them along. It may impact how much we can get through in the appointment, but we will do our best to make it work.

Unfortunately I no longer accept insurance clients where I have to claim directly from the insurance company e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP.

I am happy to provide receipts for your sessions if this allows you to claim back all/a portion of the session fee from your insurance company.

If you want to start exercising, it can be daunting wondering how to start. This can often stop people taking that first step. The best way to start really is to take that first step and go out of the door for a walk. Decide you are going to go for a walk and go. Increasing your general activity is a great way to get going. Walk more, take the stairs, get off the bus/train a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way.

Make the decision to get more active and aim to be consistent. It is the consistency that will really make it beneficial.

There are lots of local groups that offer beginers sessions and courses for walking, running, cycling and other sports.

https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/downs-walking-for-health-group-bristol - offer different walks from The Downs

https://www.bristolnordicwalking.co.uk - offer courses to learn Nordic Walking and hold regular fitness walks

www.thismumruns.co.uk - offer run30 and run60 courses as well as weekly social runs

https://www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/adult-cycle-training-bristol - offer a range of courses to help you learn to cycle or get more confident on the roads

https://betterbybike.info/start-cycling - offer a range of courses and bike hire