Your questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Whether you’re looking for physiotherapy, psychology, integrated rehabilitation or support for your organisation, we’ve answered some of the questions we’re most often asked. If your question isn’t answered here, please get in touch—we’ll be happy to help. You can Email us directly at hello@evolverehabtherapy.co.uk
You can email us directly at hello@evolverehabtherapy.co.uk
General
When we’re open, who we treat, booking, attending, paying and cancelling.
When are you open?
Our psychology support is available throughout the week with some evening availability. Sessions are online via our secure platform.
Our physiotherapy and sports therapy support is available on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and evenings at The Fitness Experts Harwell. See the Contacts page for details and a Map for directions.
Who and what do you treat?
We work with adults and young people from 18 years and older with physical and/or psychological needs. We may sometimes have availability and resource to work with younger athletes from the age of 16 but we do not work routinely with children and people younger than this. Please contact us to find out or to ask for recommendations if needed.
The majority of people we support are active individuals, performers, athletes and sport personnel such as coaches and support teams, however many of our clients are not sporty at all! We work with anyone for whom we have the expertise and resource to help.
We treat a wide variety of physical and psychological conditions. Some examples are listed below but this is not a comprehensive list! If you have any doubts about whether we can help you, please contact us on hello@evolverehabtherapy.co.uk
Physical conditions:
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff tears
- Neck pain
- Headache
- Sciatica
- Lower back pain
- Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Greater Trochanter Pain syndrome
- Hip impingement
- Shin splints
- ITB syndrome
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Runner’s knee
- Ligament injuries
Psychological issues:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress and burnout
- Pain and return to sport after injury
- Low confidence
- Performance plateaus
- Anger
- Addictive behaviours
- Disordered eating
- Low motivation
- Difficulties with interpersonal relationships
How do I book?
Our online booking system enables you to book directly into our calendar for several types of appointments:
- Initial physical therapy assessment
- Physical therapy follow up once you have your clinician
- Initial psychology enquiry call
- Psychology follow up once you have your clinician
If you’d like to book with one of our therapists, you can use the online booking link on our contact and booking page to book directly at a time that suits you. Alternatively, you can contact us on hello@evolverehabtherapy.co.uk
If you’d like to discuss your needs without booking, please contact us on our email to arrange a suitable time to go through your questions.
What can I expect at my initial appointment?
Your initial session for either psychology or sports therapy support will be a chance to get to know your clinician, understand what is going on for you and develop a plan of support going forward.
We will send you some information to read and forms to complete prior to your appointment. Some of this information can also be found in the website footer below.
If you have any recent medical letters, scans or other documents, please do bring them with you.
If you are attending your appointment at The Fitness Experts Harwell, you will be seen in the treatment room. For physiotherapy you should wear loose fitting and comfortable clothes and if relevant, shorts for a lower limb issue and a sports bra/vest top for upper limb issues.
How should I attend my video consultation?
If you are booking for psychological support, you will get a link to a video consultation appointment hosted on our secure platform. You will receive some forms in an email to read and complete prior to your first session.
At the time of your appointment, use the link to log into your session, and your therapist will meet you online.
Although it is online, you can expect the same level of professionalism as in a clinic setting. It’s important that you choose a time that works for you and that you have a private space from which to log into your appointment. We recommend a room in a building where you can close the door and interruptions will be minimal. People have joined sessions from their car, which is not ideal but can be done if you are comfortable and have more privacy than you would elsewhere. Logging in from cafes, shared study/work spaces, libraries, university study halls and other such public spaces mean that we cannot ensure your privacy and is not feasible for psychology support.
We also recommend logging in via a laptop or tablet rather than a mobile phone where possible. This is so that you can see any documents that you are working on with therapist.
How do I get to The Fitness Experts?
The Fitness Experts is a gym on quad two of the Harwell Campus in south Oxfordshire. There is lots of free parking in the car park next to the gym.
The gym has changing rooms with showers and hairdryers, toilets, and a waiting area with drinks machine. It is also situated next to a cafe and a few minutes walk from the Dish food area.
Access to the building and the treatment area is on flat ground with no steps.
See the Contacts page for full address details and a map.
How do I pay?
Our psychologists and physiotherapists are registered with various healthcare insurance providers so if you have a policy you will need a pre-approval code from your healthcare insurance provider. Evolve will then bill your provider directly although depending on your policy you may have an excess to pay.
Unfortunately, healthcare insurance providers do not yet recognise sports therapists and so we are unable to offer this service under insurance.
If you are self paying, we accept card and cash payments at your appointment, or bank transfer if you prefer. If you are receiving a psychology service or online service from us then we will send you an invoice with payment details included.
How do I cancel?
We understand that things happen and you may not be able to attend your scheduled appointment. We would appreciate it if you could inform us as soon as you know so that we can re-offer the appointment time. We have a 24 hour cancellation policy, so any sessions cancelled within this time will be subject to payment. You can contact us on hello@evolverehabtherapy.co.uk to cancel.
Need more answers?
You can contact us at hello@evolverehabtherapy.co.uk
Choosing The Right Support
Whether you’re contacting us for physiotherapy, psychology or integrated rehabilitation, these answers should help you understand what to expect.
How do I know which service is right for me?
You don’t need to know before you contact us. Many people come to us unsure whether physiotherapy, psychology or an integrated approach would be most helpful. We’ll discuss your situation, understand your goals and recommend the service that best meets your needs.
How to know whether I need physiotherapy or psychology?
Recovery and performance are not always purely physical or purely psychological. If you’re recovering from injury, struggling with confidence, experiencing persistent pain or preparing to return to sport, both physical and psychological factors may play a part. We can help you decide whether physiotherapy, psychology or a combination of both is likely to give you the best outcome.
Do I need a referral?
No. Most people contact us directly and arrange their own appointment.
However, we also accept referrals from GPs, consultants, physiotherapists, psychologists, coaches and other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
Can another healthcare professional refer me?
Yes. We accept referrals from GPs, consultants, physiotherapists, psychologists, coaches and other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
If you’re referred to us, we’ll work closely with both you and, where appropriate and with your consent, the referring professional to ensure your care is well coordinated and supports your individual needs.
Can I arrange a free consultation before booking?
Yes. If you’re unsure whether we’re the right service for you, or you’re not certain which type of support you need, you’re welcome to arrange a free initial consultation. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your situation, ask questions and decide whether we’d be a good fit before committing to treatment.
What happens after I contact you?
Once we receive your enquiry, we’ll respond promptly to discuss your situation and arrange the most appropriate next step. Depending on your needs, this may involve booking an assessment, arranging a psychology consultation or discussing which service would be most suitable. Our aim is to make the process straightforward, supportive and tailored to you from the very beginning.
What if I'm still not sure which service I need?
That’s completely normal. Many people contact us without knowing exactly what type of support they need, particularly if they’re recovering from injury, experiencing ongoing pain or finding that physical and psychological challenges overlap.
We’ll take the time to understand your situation, listen to your concerns and discuss your goals before recommending the most appropriate approach. If your needs would benefit from both physiotherapy and psychology, we’ll explain how these services can work together to support your recovery and long-term progress.
You don’t need to have all the answers before getting in touch—that’s what we’re here to help with.
Physiotherapy
Common questions about physiotherapy, injury rehabilitation and what to expect from treatment.
What happens at my first physiotherapy appointment?
Your first appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and goals. We’ll then carry out an assessment to understand the cause of your problem before explaining our findings and discussing the most appropriate treatment plan.
Where appropriate, treatment may begin during your first appointment, and you may also receive advice or exercises to help support your recovery between sessions.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Depending on the area being assessed, you may be asked to expose part of the affected limb or joint, so clothing such as shorts, a vest top or loose-fitting sportswear can be helpful.
If you’re unsure, don’t worry—we’ll explain what’s needed when you book your appointment.
Do I need an MRI or X-ray before attending?
No. In most cases, a thorough clinical assessment provides the information needed to begin treatment.
If imaging is appropriate, or if we feel further investigation would help guide your care, we’ll discuss this with you and advise on the most suitable next steps.
How many sessions will I need?
There isn’t a single answer, as every person and every injury is different.
Some people achieve their goals within a small number of sessions, while others recovering from surgery, persistent pain or more complex injuries may benefit from longer-term support.
After your assessment, we’ll discuss our recommendations and work with you to agree a treatment plan that reflects your goals and circumstances.
Will I receive exercises to do at home?
In many cases, yes.
Exercise and self-management advice are often an important part of recovery. Any exercises we recommend will be tailored to your needs and explained clearly, so you feel confident carrying them out between appointments.
Can you help if my pain has been present for a long time?
Yes. Many people seek physiotherapy after living with pain or movement problems for weeks, months or even longer.
Persistent pain can have a range of contributing factors, and treatment is not solely about the length of time you’ve had symptoms. We’ll assess your individual situation and work with you to develop a realistic plan aimed at improving function, reducing pain and helping you return to the activities that matter to you.
Do you only treat sports injuries?
No. Although we have extensive experience working with active individuals and athletes, we also assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting people of all activity levels.
Whether your goal is returning to competitive sport, enjoying recreational activity or simply moving more comfortably in everyday life, we’ll tailor treatment to your individual needs.
Will I be treated during my first appointment?
Where appropriate, yes.
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your symptoms and carrying out a thorough assessment. If it’s appropriate to do so, treatment will usually begin during the same appointment, together with advice and, where helpful, exercises to support your recovery at home.
Psychology
Answers to common questions about performance psychology, athlete mental health and how online sessions work.
What happens during my first psychology session?
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know you and understand what has brought you to us. We’ll talk about your current situation, the challenges you’re facing, your goals and any relevant background that may help us understand your experiences.
There’s no pressure to discuss anything you’re not comfortable with. The first session is about building an understanding of your needs and agreeing how we can best support you.
Are psychology sessions confidential?
Yes. Everything you discuss during your sessions is treated confidentially and handled in accordance with professional, ethical and legal standards.
There are a small number of exceptional circumstances where a psychologist may have a legal or professional duty to share information, for example where there are serious concerns about your safety or the safety of others. Wherever possible, we would discuss this with you first.
Further information about how we collect, use and protect your personal information can be found in our Privacy Policy.
Why do you offer psychology sessions online?
Online sessions provide a flexible and convenient way to access specialist psychological support wherever you are. Many of our clients balance training, work, study or travel, making online appointments easier to fit around their commitments.
Delivering sessions online also allows us to support clients across the UK without the need to travel.
Is online psychology as effective as face-to-face?
For many people, yes. Research has shown that online psychological therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions for a wide range of concerns.
The most important factor is developing a positive working relationship with your psychologist. Many clients find that online sessions provide the same level of support while offering greater flexibility and convenience.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and the nature of the challenges you’re facing.
Some people benefit from a small number of focused sessions, while others choose longer-term support. During your initial sessions, we’ll discuss your goals and agree an approach that best meets your individual needs.
Do I need to have a diagnosed mental health condition?
No.
Many people seek psychological support without having a diagnosed mental health condition. You may be looking to improve confidence, manage pressure, cope with injury, overcome setbacks, improve performance or simply gain a better understanding of yourself.
Psychology isn’t only about treating mental health conditions—it’s also about helping people develop the skills and resilience to thrive.
Can psychology help after injury?
Yes. Recovering from injury often involves more than physical healing.
Many people experience frustration, loss of confidence, anxiety about returning to activity or uncertainty about future performance. Psychology can help you develop strategies to manage these challenges and support your return to sport, work or everyday life alongside your physical recovery.
Can I have psychology even if I don't compete in sport?
Absolutely.
While we have particular expertise in working with athletes and active individuals, many of the challenges we help people overcome—such as anxiety, stress, confidence, motivation and coping with life changes—are not limited to sport.
Our approach is tailored to your individual circumstances, whether your goals relate to sport, work or everyday life.
Teams & Organisations
Information for clubs, academies, schools and organisations looking to support the wellbeing and performance of their people.
Do you offer bespoke support rather than fixed packages?
Yes. Every organisation has different priorities, challenges and resources, so we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.
Following an initial discussion, we’ll work with you to develop a programme that reflects your organisation’s goals, whether you’re looking for support with athlete wellbeing, performance, rehabilitation, education or a combination of services.
What kind of organisations do you work with?
We’re available to work with a range of sporting organisations, including clubs, academies, schools, colleges, universities and governing bodies. We also support organisations looking to promote the wellbeing, resilience and performance of their athletes, coaches or staff.
Every organisation is different, so we take the time to understand your needs before recommending the most appropriate support.
Can you deliver services at our club or organisation?
Yes. Where appropriate, we can work with you at your workplace or other suitable venue. We also offer online support where this provides the most practical solution.
We’ll discuss your requirements and agree the best approach for your organisation.
Do you provide workshops?
Yes. We can deliver workshops covering a range of topics, including performance psychology, mental wellbeing, resilience, communication, confidence, injury recovery and other subjects relevant to your organisation.
Sessions can be tailored to the age, experience and objectives of your group.
Can you support us throughout a season?
Yes. Some organisations ask us to provide support for a single event or workshop, while others prefer ongoing involvement throughout a season or programme.
We’ll work with you to develop a level of support that reflects your objectives, resources and the needs of your athletes or staff.
Can you work with coaches as well as athletes?
Yes. Coaches play an important role in creating healthy, supportive and high-performing environments. We can work with coaches, athletes, support staff and leadership teams, helping develop communication, wellbeing and performance across the organisation.
Appointments & Practical Information
Everything you need to know about booking, attending and paying for appointments.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment online at a time that suits you using the booking link on our Contact & Booking page.
If you’re looking for physiotherapy, you can book your initial assessment directly online.
If you’re interested in psychology but would like to discuss your needs first, you’re welcome to arrange a free initial consultation before deciding whether to proceed with an appointment.
If you’re still unsure which service is right for you, simply contact us by email. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you decide on the most appropriate next step.
How quickly can I usually be seen?
Our online booking system shows our current appointment availability, allowing you to choose the earliest appointment that suits you.
If you have an urgent enquiry or can’t find a suitable appointment, please contact us by email. We’ll do our best to help where we can.
Are evening appointments available?
Yes. Both physiotherapy and psychology appointments include some evening availability, although appointment times vary depending on the service and clinician.
Our current availability is shown in our online booking system, allowing you to choose the appointment that best suits your schedule.
Can I use private medical insurance?
In many cases, yes. Our psychologists and physiotherapists are recognised by a number of private medical insurance providers.
Before booking your appointment, you should contact your insurer to confirm that your treatment is covered and obtain any pre-authorisation or claim reference number that may be required.
Where appropriate, we’ll invoice your insurer directly. Depending on the terms of your policy, you may be responsible for paying any excess or charges that are not covered by your insurance.
Please note that sports therapy is not currently recognised by most private medical insurers and is therefore not usually covered under private medical insurance policies.
How do I pay?
If you’re paying for your treatment yourself, card payment is our preferred method for physiotherapy appointments. Bank transfer is also accepted, and cash payments can be accommodated if necessary.
For psychology and other online appointments, we’ll send you an invoice with details of how to make payment by bank transfer.
If you’re using private medical insurance, we’ll invoice your insurer directly where appropriate. You will only need to pay any excess or charges that are not covered by your policy.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that, from time to time, circumstances change and you may need to cancel or rearrange an appointment. If this happens, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the appointment to someone else.
We operate a 24-hour cancellation policy. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to the full appointment fee.
If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, please contact us by email as soon as possible.
Where are you based?
Our physiotherapy appointments take place at our clinic hosted by The Fitness Experts in Harwell, Oxfordshire. Full address details, directions and a location map can be found on our Contact & Booking page.
Our psychology services are delivered primarily online using a secure video consultation platform. This enables us to support clients throughout the UK without the need to travel.
Need more answers?
You can contact us at hello@evolverehabtherapy.co.uk
