FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the questions we are most commonly asked. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Appointments
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book an appointment directly without needing a referral from your GP, consultant or any other healthcare professional.
What happens at the first appointment?
Before your appointment, you'll receive an intake form to complete. The more information you can provide beforehand, the more time we can spend assessing your child during the appointment.
At your first appointment we'll briefly review your completed form, discuss any additional information or concerns, then carry out a detailed assessment. We'll explain our findings, answer your questions and discuss our recommendations for treatment, if required.
How long are appointments?
| Appointment Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Baby MOT | 30 minutes |
| Initial Musculoskeletal Assessment | 45 minutes |
| Initial Neurological Assessment | 60 minutes |
| Follow-up Musculoskeletal Appointment | 30 minutes |
| Follow-up Neurological Appointment | 55 minutes |
What should my child wear?
Comfortable clothing such as leggings, joggers or shorts and a T-shirt are ideal. Where possible, please avoid Lycra-based clothing, as the slippery material can make it more difficult to facilitate movement during treatment.
Can siblings or other family members attend?
Absolutely. Siblings are very welcome, and both parents or grandparents are welcome to attend if you'd like additional support.
To help everyone remain comfortable, we recommend no more than two adults attend each appointment, as seating within the clinic room is limited.
Therapy
How many sessions will my child need?
Every child is different, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
- Many musculoskeletal conditions only require one or two appointments.
- Baby MOTs are often a single assessment with advice and reassurance.
- Children with neurological conditions often benefit from regular ongoing therapy.
- Families travelling from further afield may choose longer appointments or several sessions over one or two consecutive days.
We'll always discuss our recommendations with you following your child's assessment.
Will you liaise with my child's school or NHS team?
Yes. We regularly work alongside schools, nurseries, consultants, therapists and NHS teams to help ensure everyone is working towards the same goals.
Email communication is included within your appointment fee where appropriate. Meetings, additional reports and lengthy liaison are chargeable services.
Can you write EHCP reports?
Yes. Maggie has extensive experience providing reports for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), including independent assessments and tribunal work.
Please see our Medico-Legal page for further information. Charges apply for report writing.
Booking & Clinic Information
Where are you based?
Our clinic is based in Hamworthy, Poole (BH15), Dorset.
Do you offer home, school or nursery visits?
Yes. Home, school and nursery visits are available across Dorset where appropriate. Travel charges apply depending on location.
Can I book online?
Online booking is currently being introduced and will be available soon. In the meantime, please contact us by email or telephone to arrange an appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
We kindly ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment. Late cancellations may incur a cancellation fee.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is available on the driveway and there is also unrestricted on-street parking nearby.
Please note that appointments usually run for 55 minutes, so the driveway may still be occupied by the previous family. If this is the case, there is plenty of parking available on the surrounding roads.
Is there a waiting room?
We do not have a dedicated waiting room, so please arrive no more than a few minutes before your appointment time.
Is the clinic accessible?
The clinic has step-free access via a ramp, making it accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
There is a toilet available, although this is not an accessible toilet. Full accessibility information can be found on our Location page.
Baby MOTs
When should I book a Baby MOT?
As soon as you have any concerns, no matter how small they may seem.
Many parents book a Baby MOT simply for reassurance, while others have concerns about rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, head shape or movement. Early advice is often the best way to put your mind at rest and identify any support that may be helpful.
What if my baby needs further treatment?
If we feel your baby would benefit from additional physiotherapy, we'll discuss this with you and recommend an appropriate treatment plan or follow-up appointments.
DMI & Intensive Therapy
Is my child suitable for DMI?
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) can be adapted for children of all ages and abilities. The original techniques are primarily designed for children under approximately five years of age and under 20kg.
For older or larger children, Maggie uses modified DMI techniques while maintaining the same clinical principles and treatment goals.
How do intensive therapy programmes work?
Every intensive programme is individually designed around your child's needs.
Many programmes involve approximately two hours of therapy per day, often delivered as two one-hour sessions across three to five consecutive days. Longer or shorter programmes can also be arranged.
Do I need an assessment before booking an intensive?
No. An assessment isn't essential before booking.
However, to achieve the best possible outcomes, we strongly recommend either a face-to-face assessment or virtual consultation beforehand. This allows us to plan your child's intensive programme and ensure every session is tailored to their goals.
Still have a question?
Can I use private health insurance?
Children's Physio Dorset is not currently registered with private health insurance providers such as Bupa or Vitality, so appointments cannot be billed directly through your insurer.
However, some families have successfully reclaimed the cost of treatment through their insurance company after paying privately. Our invoices contain all of the information typically required for reimbursement, but we recommend checking your policy with your insurer before booking.
My child already has NHS physiotherapy. Can they still see you?
Absolutely. Many of the children we see also receive NHS physiotherapy, and private physiotherapy can work alongside NHS services to provide additional support, increased therapy intensity or access to specialist treatment approaches.
With your permission, we are happy to liaise with your child's NHS physiotherapist to help ensure everyone is working towards the same goals.
Likewise, if your child already sees another private physiotherapist, they are still welcome to attend Children's Physio Dorset for specialist services such as Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), intensive therapy programmes or other advanced treatment approaches.
Please get in touch—we're always happy to discuss your child's needs and help you decide which service is most appropriate.
