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Practical Guide, Before You BookHow much does private physiotherapy cost?
Private physio is usually paid per session, and the price depends mainly on how long the session is, whether it is your first visit, who is treating you and what is included. At this clinic in Wymondham, an initial assessment is £65 for 45 minutes and a follow-up is £55 for 30 minutes. The bigger question is usually how many sessions you will need, and that should come from a proper assessment rather than a guess.
What affects the price of a physio session?
Prices vary from clinic to clinic, so rather than quote averages, it is more useful to understand what you are actually paying for.
Session length
A 30-minute session and a 60-minute session are not the same product, even if they are both called "a physio appointment". When you compare prices, check how many minutes you get with the physiotherapist, and whether that time is genuinely one to one or shared with other patients.
Initial assessment or follow-up
Most clinics charge more for the first appointment because it is longer and does more work. A good initial assessment covers your history, what makes the problem better or worse, a physical examination, screening for anything that needs a doctor rather than a physio, and an explanation of what is going on. Follow-ups are usually shorter and focus on treatment and progressing your plan.
Clinician experience
Experience does not just mean years on a certificate. It shows in how quickly someone can work out what is driving your pain, and whether they recognise when something needs referring on. A more experienced clinician may charge more, but may also need fewer sessions to get you where you want to be.
Location and setting
Rent and running costs differ between a city centre clinic, a hospital-based private department and a gym. That is reflected in prices, but the setting also changes what you can do in the session.
What is included
This is where clinics differ most. Some sessions are mostly hands-on treatment on a couch. Others include supervised exercise with proper equipment. Ask whether you will leave with a written or video home exercise plan.
How many physio sessions will I need?
The honest answer is that it depends on the problem, how long you have had it and what you want to get back to. A recent, straightforward ankle sprain may need far less input than a long-standing tendon problem in someone who wants to get back to running.
Some people are well served by one assessment and a clear home plan, with a review a few weeks later. Others do better with regular sessions over a number of weeks, especially when the work involves building strength in a structured way. What matters is that the number of sessions is driven by your progress, not by a fixed package.
NHS or private physio: which is right for you?
NHS physiotherapy is free at the point of use and is a very good service. Elliot works full time in the NHS himself, assessing complex musculoskeletal (muscle, joint and bone) conditions, so this is not a case of one being good and the other bad. The trade-offs are mostly about time and format.
- Cost: NHS physio is free. Private physio is paid for by you, session by session.
- Waiting times: NHS waits vary a lot by area and can sometimes be several weeks or longer. Private appointments are usually available sooner.
- Getting referred: many areas now let you self-refer to NHS physiotherapy without seeing your GP first. Private physio never needs a GP referral. Read more in do you need a GP referral for physiotherapy?
- Session format: NHS services often have to limit the number and length of sessions. Private sessions can be more flexible, for example with longer appointments or more time spent on supervised strength work.
If your problem is not urgent and you are happy to wait, the NHS route is a perfectly sensible choice. If pain is stopping you working, sleeping or training, private physio can make sense.
Can I use health insurance?
Not at this clinic. Elliot Stubbs Physiotherapy is self-funded only and is not registered with any health insurer, so sessions are paid for directly and cannot be billed to an insurance policy. If you have private health cover and want to use it, check with your insurer which providers they recognise before you book anywhere.
How to get real value from private physio
The cheapest session is not always the best value. Value comes from sessions that move you forward, and much of that depends on what happens between them.
- Agree a clear goal. "Less pain" is a start, but "walk the dog for an hour" or "get back to five-a-side" gives you and your physio something specific to work towards.
- Do the home exercise plan. Most of the change happens in the days between appointments.
- Expect progression. Exercises should get harder as you get stronger. If you are doing the same thing for weeks without change, raise it.
- Know when to stop. A good physio will tell you when you are ready to carry on by yourself, rather than booking sessions you do not need.
Private physio prices at this clinic
Prices here are straightforward:
- Initial assessment: £65 for 45 minutes
- Follow-up session: £55 for 30 minutes
Every session is one to one with Elliot, in a fully equipped gym, so treatment can move straight from hands-on work and advice into guided strength and rehab exercise. Full details are on the pricing section of the homepage. No GP referral is needed, and clinic hours are Tuesday evenings, 6:15pm to 9:00pm.
Not sure whether a physio is the right person to see? The guide on physio vs osteopath explains the differences.
Private physio in Wymondham, Norwich and South Norfolk
If you are in Wymondham, Norwich or anywhere in South Norfolk and weighing up whether private physio is worth it, the clinic is at Suggs Gym on Penfold Drive. You can book an assessment or call 07730 013625 with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a physio session?
How much do physios charge per hour?
How many physio sessions will I need?
Can I use health insurance at this clinic?
Do I need a GP referral to see a private physio?
This guide is general information written by a physiotherapist, not a substitute for individual assessment. Prices shown are this clinic's own and were correct when the guide was last updated.