First Physio in Exeter provide a full physiotherapy service to help people affected by injury, illness or disability

Our specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through individualised treatment, manual therapy, exercise, education and advice.

First Physio is a dedicated physio practice based at the Devon & Exeter Squash Club in Exeter

We are specialists in diagnostic and rehabilitative management of all musculoskeletal conditions. Our physiotherapists are experienced at treating both children and adults. We are a BUPA accredited practice and registered with other major insurers.

First Physio is situated within the Devon and Exeter Squash Club. We welcome all patients and our clients do not have to be club members. There is extensive on site free parking for First Physio patients.

Experienced physiotherapists and sports masseuse’s for all types of patients

Hands on physiotherapy including joint moblisation, sports massage, acupuncture, exercises and rehabilitation

Physiotherapy to help diagnose and treat anything from neck & back pain to muscle tears and ligament injuries to post operative rehab

Tailored treatment and rehabilitation plans based on clinical and lifestyle needs

Clinic and rehab based treatment: access to studio space, outside space alongside clinic rooms.

Evening, early morning and Saturday appointments available

Services we provide at our friendly Exeter practice include:

Injury Management

We are specialists in diagnostic and rehabilitative management of all musculoskeletal conditions, providing graded treatment and rehabilitation to recover quickly from your problem.

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Acupuncture

We are specialists in the use of acupuncture; it is an extremely useful adjunct to the rehabilitation process and pain management. Physiotherapists are in a unique position to combine acupuncture with other treatment methods, such as: exercise, re-education to movemenrt, joint mobilisation, and relaxation.

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Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a specific hands-on technique, used to diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures for the purpose of modulating pain, increasing range of motion, facilitating movement, and improving function.

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Sports Massage

We can provide massage therapy. Sports massage is a hands-on treatment in the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons and ligaments. It can be used as a standalone treatment, as part of your physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation, as a maintenance programme, or as a form of relaxation.

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Exercise Prescription

We can help you learn the correct way to increase strength, flexibility and prevent injury. We will give you specific individual exercise programmes to help you achieve your optimal level of strength, balance and mobility.

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Taping

We are fully trained in how to apply effective taping depending on your goals of treatment. Taping or strapping is a technique used by physiotherapists for injury prevention or rehabilitation. The physiotherapists can also teach you how to apply the tape yourself so you can continue to experience the benefit.

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What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession, regulated by the Health Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP), concerned with movement, rehabilitation and maximising potential. 

Our specialised physiotherapists at First Physio will provide individualised physiotherapy treatment tailored to your needs. Our physiotherapists are experienced at treating both children and adults with a wide variety of conditions. Physiotherapists are experts in body movement. They understand how muscles and joints work and why injuries occur helping individuals with a variety of conditions, improve their physical function. Physiotherapists use a combination of treatment techniques to improve mobility and increase muscle strength, range of movement, balance and posture.

The HCPC national register can be accessed here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Referrals can come from any source – via a GP, a self referral or as part of the patient’s post-op recovery, and patients do not need to have health insurance to be seen.

  • No, we do not require a GP referral for you to be seen within the clinic.

    However, many private medical insurance companies require a GP referral before they will fund your treatment.  If you are in any doubt, you should contact your medical insurance company directly to check.

  • Non members are very welcome. First Physio welcomes all referrals. Non-members can also, as part of their physiotherapy session, if necessary, access the inside exercise space and the large outside grassed area.

  • First Physio is an approved provider for most major private medical insurance companies. We submit claims directly to your insurance company, as long as you have given us your policy details and authorisation number. Please ensure that you bring all your insurance details with you when you attend your first appointment. 

    As every policy is different, we recommend you contact your insurance company prior to making an appointment to clarify:

    • Whether your policy covers you for physiotherapy

    • It may also be necessary for you to have been referred by your GP or specialist

    • Whether there are restrictions on the number of sessions you are allowed and get you authorisation code for the episode of physiotherapy

    • Whether you may be asked to fund any excesses or shortfalls. We would ask that this could be settled promptly.

    You will be responsible for any costs not covered by your insurance company. 

  • Booking information can be found on our appointments page.

  • Full details on where to find us on our appointments page.

  • Both locations have extensive free parking right outside the door. You do not need to pay to park at either locations as First Physio members are exempt.

  • If you have a referral letter from your GP or another clinician, you should bring this with you.  If you have had investigations related to your condition or if you have any other relevant medical information, please bring along copies of any reports or images you have as they may be useful to your clinician. You can also if you prefer email this prior to your appointment to us at info@firstphysio.com as we can then save to your clinical online notes securely.

  • You will need to wear or bring suitable clothing to change into which allows the clinician to assess the site of your injury. For example, shorts for a lower limb injury would be appropriate. In the case of shoulder, neck or upper back problems, it may be necessary to remove your shirt or top to expose the relevant area.

  • Your physiotherapist will ask you some questions aimed at identifying the nature of your problem.  They will then examine you, which may include asking you to perform specific movements or carrying out a particular test on you.  The physiotherapist will then make a diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan with you.  Please feel free to ask them questions, so you understand what they will be doing, and what might be expected of you.  Your treatment plan will start straight away, and you may be given exercises to work on at home.

  • Your initial appointment will last up to 45 minutes and include a full assessment and treatment. Any follow ups will be 30 minutes long or 45 minutes if preferred.

    Sports massages will be 30 minutes 45 minute or 1 hour depending on what you choose and book.

  • If you miss your appointment, or we receive less than 24 hours notice of a cancellation we will charge 50% of the appointment fee if we are unable to fill the appointment.  This will be sent directly to you, rather than your insurance company.

  • If you are self-funding your physiotherapy appointment card payment or cash is accepted. 

    If you are claiming through insurance, please check that the clinician and or practice are registered with your company prior to making the appointment. We will need the provider name, policy number and authorisation code for the treatment episode prior to physiotherapy assessment.

  • There are a numerous parking spaces immediately outside the premises and there is flat access to the building if required.

  • Extensive changing and showering facilities are available.