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 how to choose.
Private physiotherapy gives you same-week access to a musculoskeletal specialist without the 6-12 week NHS wait. Here's what you'll pay and what to consider.
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.
How much does location matter?
A lot. The same physio session costs significantly more in London:
| 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.
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 cost of private physio can be worthwhile if the alternative is waiting months.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. All HCPC-registered physiotherapists can assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions without a GP referral. You can self-refer directly to any private physiotherapist.
If you have private health insurance (Bupa, AXA, Vitality), check whether your policy requires a GP referral first. Some insurers allow direct self-referral to approved physios.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies enormously, but rough guides:
- Simple muscle strain: 2–4 sessions over 2–4 weeks
- Tennis elbow / tendinopathy: 6–8 sessions over 6–12 weeks
- ACL rehabilitation: 12–20+ sessions over 6–12 months
- Post hip/knee replacement: 8–12 sessions over 3–6 months
- Chronic back pain: 4–8 sessions, then maintenance
A good physio will give you a clear treatment plan at the first assessment, including expected number of sessions and cost.
Compare physiotherapy prices on our physiotherapy comparison page.