Private health and protection insurance expert and editor
Seeing a physiotherapist can relieve joint pain and help you move better. However, waiting lists for NHS physiotherapy have never been longer. It's natural that you might consider visiting a private physiotherapist so you can get seen quicker and start moving again. The question is, how much do treatment sessions with a private physiotherapist cost? Is it worth paying for a private physio, or should you just wait for your NHS appointment?
Now you know the benefits of private health, it's time to talk about the prices. As you'll see, the overall cost of physiotherapy depends on many factors, including where you live and the treatments you need.
The average price for a 60-minute initial assessment with a private physical therapist in the UK is £75.07. The average price for follow-up consultations (30 minutes) is £52.81.
Here are the cities and towns with the most expensive and most affordable average physiotherapy costs. What is the price list like where you live?
Average initial assessment fee (60 minutes):
Average initial assessment fee (60 minutes):
NHS England does not make waiting times for physiotherapy public. However, you only have to read the news to know that waiting times are longer than ever.
The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on the National Health Service. While the pandemic may be over, the NHS is still working to make up lost time.
It's no surprise that rather than wait months for treatments, more Britons are choosing to pay for private healthcare. A 2022 report by industry analysts LaingBuisson found that sector leaders expect the private health market to grow by 10-15% by 2025.
If you're suffering from joint pain, injury or your body just isn't moving like it should, you probably feel the same way.
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Here are the three best ways to book an initial assessment with a private physical therapist. After your first appointment, you can book further sessions for your individual needs.
Book an appointment with your doctor. They will assess your pain and if they feel it's necessary, they'll recommend further treatment.
Private physiotherapists accept self-referrals, so you don't necessarily need a letter from your doctor. However, your GP will give you advice on the best path with full knowledge of your medical history. You may find this gives you more peace of mind than a self-referral.
If you have private medical insurance, you can contact your insurer and they will arrange an initial assessment with a physiotherapist near you. If your policy allows it, your PMI provider will also cover the payment.
There are many ways to find a physiotherapist near you, including:
Private treatment has several advantages compared to waiting for the NHS, including:
Disclaimer: This information is general and what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances. Please speak with a financial adviser or do your own research before making a decision.
Chris Steele is myTribe’s resident expert in private health insurance and healthcare, with over a decade of experience in the field. As a Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualified professional, he has helped countless consumers navigate private medical insurance. Regularly quoted by national media, Chris is a trusted voice in the UK insurance industry, with his insights featured in leading consumer finance publications.
The average cost of a 60-minute assessment with a private physio is £75.07. The average cost of a 30-minute follow-up session is £52.81.
Physical therapy is an identical term to physiotherapy. Physical therapy is healthcare that relieves joint pain and helps your body move better. People visit physios to recover from an accident or sports injury, rehabilitate after surgery, or manage illnesses including arthritis. Methods of physical therapy can include manual therapy, massage and fitness exercises. Some physiotherapists also offer acupuncture as part of their service.
Treatment usually begins with an initial assessment session. This is a session where your physiotherapist can find the biggest source of pain and plan a remedy. Following on from your assessment, you will typically need to visit the clinic for regular sessions of around 30 minutes.
On average, in the UK, a 60-minute initial consultation costs £75.07. For 30-minute follow-up sessions it's £52.81.
There is a cost to private physical therapy, but you'll find that going private is faster, more convenient, more personal - and you may receive better treatment.
NHS physiotherapy treatment is free of charge but doesn't come with the same level of service.
The answer to this question depends on the level of pain you are feeling and whether you have the money available for physiotherapy. If you have the money (or private medical insurance) or are in unbearable pain, you might prefer to go private. If you're faced with a long wait for NHS treatment, a session with a private specialist could be your only hope.
