Private Physiotherapy Costs UK 2026: What You'll Pay
How much does private physiotherapy cost in the UK? Initial assessments £45-120, follow-ups £35-85. Regional pricing, what's included, NHS vs private, and session counts.
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- Source type
- Named public and provider sources
- Primary source
- Health and Care Professions Council
- Reporting period
- 2026-04-29
- Last updated
- 2026-04-29
- Figure type
- Mixed sources
- Use
- Research and comparison only
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Private physiotherapy in the UK costs £45–120 for an initial assessment and £35–85 per follow-up session. Specialist treatments (shockwave, sports physio, MSK ultrasound) cost more. London practices charge 30–50% more than equivalent providers in the North or Midlands. NHS physiotherapy is free with a 6–12 week typical wait.
How much does private physiotherapy cost?
| Treatment | Typical price | Range | Session length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial assessment | £65 | £45–120 | 45–60 min |
| Follow-up session | £50 | £35–85 | 30–45 min |
| Sports physio | £75 | £55–130 | 45–60 min |
| Shockwave therapy | £80 | £50–150 | 20–30 min |
| Clinical Pilates class | £25 | £15–45 | 45–60 min |
| Acupuncture (physio) | £55 | £40–90 | 30 min |
| MSK ultrasound scan | £150 | £100–250 | 20–30 min |
Prices as of April 2026, based on publicly listed fees from major providers.
Regional pricing
| Region | Initial assessment | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| London (central) | £80–120 | £60–85 |
| London (outer) | £65–95 | £50–70 |
| South East | £55–80 | £45–65 |
| Midlands | £50–70 | £40–55 |
| North | £45–65 | £35–50 |
London practices charge 30–50% more than equivalent providers in northern England or Wales. The same specialist treatment (shockwave, MSK ultrasound) follows the same regional pattern.
NHS vs private physiotherapy
| NHS | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | £45–120 per session |
| Wait time | 6–12 weeks typical | Same week |
| Session length | 20–30 min | 45–60 min |
| Continuity | May see different physios | Same physio throughout |
| Choice | Allocated by area | Choose your specialist |
| Referral | GP referral usually needed | Self-refer directly |
For acute injuries (ligament tears, post-surgical rehab), earlier treatment typically leads to better outcomes — the NHS wait may be longer than the acute recovery window.
GP referral requirements
All HCPC-registered physiotherapists can assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions without a GP referral. You can self-refer directly to any private physiotherapist.
Private health insurance (Bupa, AXA, Vitality) policies vary — some require a GP referral first, others allow direct self-referral to approved physios. Check your policy before booking.
Typical session counts by condition
| Condition | Sessions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Simple muscle strain | 2–4 | 2–4 weeks |
| Tennis elbow / tendinopathy | 6–8 | 6–12 weeks |
| ACL rehabilitation | 12–20+ | 6–12 months |
| Post hip/knee replacement | 8–12 | 3–6 months |
| Chronic back pain | 4–8 + maintenance | Ongoing |
A good physio provides a clear treatment plan at the first assessment, including expected session count and total cost. Open-ended treatment without a stated endpoint is a common signal to query.
Compare physiotherapy prices
Compare UK private physiotherapy clinics on price, specialism, and location.
Compare physiotherapy pricesRelated guides
- NHS vs Private GP — access, cost, and referral pathways compared
- Private GP Consultation Guide — when to see a GP before a physio
Frequently asked questions
How much does private physiotherapy cost in the UK?
Private physiotherapy in the UK costs £45–120 for an initial assessment (typically £65) and £35–85 per follow-up session (typically £50). Sports physio runs around £75 per session and shockwave therapy costs £50–150. An MSK ultrasound scan is typically £150 (£100–250).
Is physiotherapy available on the NHS?
Yes — NHS physiotherapy is free, but the typical wait is 6–12 weeks and sessions are usually 20–30 minutes. Private sessions cost £45–120, are typically available the same week, and run 45–60 minutes with continuity of the same physio. For acute injuries like ligament tears or post-surgical rehab, the NHS wait may be longer than the acute recovery window.
Where is private physiotherapy lower-cost in the UK?
The North is the lower-cost region, with initial assessments £45–65 and follow-ups £35–50. The Midlands is similar at £50–70 and £40–55. Central London is the most expensive at £80–120 for an initial assessment and £60–85 for follow-ups — 30–50% more than equivalent providers in northern England or Wales.
Do I need a GP referral to see a private physiotherapist?
No — all HCPC-registered physiotherapists can assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions without a GP referral, so you can self-refer directly. However, private health insurance policies (Bupa, AXA, Vitality) vary — some require a GP referral first while others allow direct self-referral to approved physios. Check your policy before booking.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
Session counts vary by condition: a simple muscle strain typically needs 2–4 sessions over 2–4 weeks, tennis elbow or tendinopathy 6–8 sessions over 6–12 weeks, ACL rehabilitation 12–20+ sessions over 6–12 months, and post hip/knee replacement 8–12 sessions over 3–6 months. A good physio provides a clear treatment plan at the first assessment, including expected session count and total cost.
How much does shockwave therapy cost?
Shockwave therapy typically costs £80 per session, with a range of £50–150. Sessions are short — 20–30 minutes — and the same regional pattern applies, with London providers charging more than equivalent clinics in the Midlands or North.
Sources & further reading
- Health and Care Professions Council — UK physiotherapist registration checks
- NHS physiotherapy — NHS access route and treatment context
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy — Professional body for physiotherapy practice in the UK
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