Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about Active Motion Injury Clinic, our treatments, or what to expect from your appointments, you will likely find the answer here. If not, call us on 023 8104 0304 or use our free telephone consultation to speak with a member of the team.
This page explains exactly what each profession involves, where they overlap, where they differ, and how to decide which is right for your situation.
5.0 ★★★★★ | Trusted by thousands of patients across Hampshire
Active Motion Injury Clinic | Portsmouth and Eastleigh
About Active Motion Injury Clinic
What is Active Motion Injury Clinic?
Active Motion Injury Clinic is a private musculoskeletal injury and rehabilitation clinic with locations in Portsmouth and Eastleigh. We help provide treatment for those in the surrounding areas* within Hampshire.
We specialise in treating back pain, sciatica, sports injuries, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, nerve pain, and a wide range of other muscle, joint, and tendon conditions. We also offer advanced therapies including shockwave therapy, Stimpod nerve treatment, red light therapy, and scar healing.
*surrounding areas: Romsey, Southampton, Chandlers Ford, Winchester, Waterlooville, Chichester, Emsworth, Peterfield
Where are your clinics located?
We have two clinic locations in Hampshire:
- The Eastleigh Clinic: Places Leisure, Passfield Avenue, Eastleigh, SO50 9NL. Easily accessible from Southampton, Chandler’s Ford, Fair Oak, and Winchester.
- The Portsmouth Clinic: Jetts 24hr Fitness, Anchorage Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5SA. Easily accessible from Fareham, Chichester, and the surrounding area.
Both clinics are situated on the ground floor, fully accessible, and have free on-site parking.
Who runs Active Motion Injury Clinic?
Active Motion Injury Clinic was founded by Jordan Sahota, a ex university lecturer and former professional football therapist. Jordan became a therapist following his own experience of injury and inadequate treatment as a young competitive international ballroom and latin dancer. He opened Active Motion to provide the kind of expert, personalised care he wished he had received. Jordan and the team hold undergraduate degrees in their specialist fields and are members of the relevant professional bodies.
What makes Active Motion different from other clinics?
Several things set us apart. We identify the root cause of your problem rather than just treating the symptom, which means results last rather than fading after a few weeks. We design every treatment plan around your specific goals, whether that is returning to sport, playing with your grandchildren, or simply moving without pain. You see the same therapist throughout your course of treatment. And we combine hands-on clinical treatment with exercise rehabilitation and education, so you understand what is happening and how to stay well long term.
Booking and Appointments
How do I book an appointment?
You can book online through our website at activemotioninjuryclinic.co.uk, call us on 023 8104 0304, or email us at info@activemotion.uk. We offer separate booking links for the Eastleigh and Portsmouth clinics. If you are unsure whether we can help you, you can also request a free telephone consultation or free 1:1 consulation before committing to an appointment.
Do I need a GP referral to book an appointment?
No. You can book directly with us without a GP referral. This means you can access treatment straight away without waiting for a GP appointment first. We do see many patients who have been referred by their GP and we are happy to liaise with your GP on your behalf if needed during your treatment.
What is the free consultation and what does it involve?
Our free consultation is a no-obligation telephone or in-person conversation with a member of our team. It gives you the chance to describe what you are experiencing, ask any questions you have, and find out whether we think we can help you before you commit to booking a paid appointment. Please note that no clinical treatment is provided during the free consultation. It is purely an opportunity to talk things through and decide whether Active Motion is the right fit for you.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We aim to see patients as quickly as possible. In most cases we can offer an appointment within a few days. Contact us directly to check current availability at your preferred clinic location.
Can I book a specific therapist?
Yes. If you have a preference for a specific therapist, please let us know when booking and we will do our best to accommodate you. You can view our team and their areas of expertise on the Meet the Team page on our website.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes, we do offer home visits in certain circumstances. Please call or email us to discuss this as it requires additional planning and scheduling. Home visits may be appropriate for patients with significant mobility difficulties or other barriers to attending the clinic in person.
Your First Appointment
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is a thorough clinical assessment, not just a quick look at where it hurts. We will take a detailed history of your symptoms, how they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they are affecting your daily life and activities. We will then carry out a physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. We will explain our findings clearly, talk you through what is causing your symptoms, and discuss the best treatment approach for your situation. In most cases we will begin treatment in that first session and give you exercises and advice to start making progress straight away.
How long does a first appointment last?
First appointments are typically 45 minutes to allow adequate time for assessment, explanation, and the start of treatment. Follow-up appointments are usually 30 to 45 minutes depending on the treatment required.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated. For lower limb problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder or upper back issues, a vest top works well. If you forget or are coming from work, we have facilities to change at the clinic.
Should I take painkillers before my appointment?
If you are currently taking prescribed painkillers, you may continue to take them as normal before your appointment. They will not significantly affect our ability to assess or treat you. However, if you are able to manage comfortably without them, coming to your appointment without painkillers can be helpful as it gives us a clearer picture of your symptoms. If you are not currently taking painkillers, please do not take any specifically before your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything to my first appointment?
It is helpful to bring any relevant medical letters, scan or imaging reports, or a list of any medications you are currently taking. If you have had previous treatment for the same condition, bringing a brief note of what was tried and how it helped (or did not help) is also useful. None of this is essential but it helps us get up to speed quickly.
Treatment and Recovery
Will I see the same therapist at every appointment?
Yes. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances such as illness, once you are booked in with a therapist you will stay with the same person throughout your course of treatment. We believe continuity of care is important for the best outcomes. On the rare occasion that a change in therapist is needed, this will always be discussed with you in advance.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the nature of your condition, how long you have had it, and how well you implement the advice and exercises we give you between sessions. On average, our patients recover in around 8 sessions. Some conditions resolve more quickly, and some complex or long-standing issues may take longer. We will give you a realistic expectation at your first appointment and review progress regularly throughout your treatment.
How quickly will I start to feel better?
Many patients notice some improvement after their first or second session, though this varies depending on the condition and how long it has been present. We will always be honest with you about the likely pace of recovery for your specific situation. Our goal is meaningful, lasting improvement rather than short-term relief that fades after a few weeks.
What if I am not getting better?
If you are not progressing as expected, we will review your treatment plan and consider whether a different approach is needed. We will always be open and honest with you. If we believe your condition requires investigation or input from another specialist, we will tell you and help guide you toward the appropriate next step. We never continue treatment beyond the point where we believe it is genuinely helping you.
Will my treatment hurt?
Some treatments and exercises can cause temporary discomfort, particularly when working on tight or sensitive tissues. We will always explain what we are doing, why, and what you might feel. We work within your tolerance throughout and you are always in control. Any discomfort during treatment typically settles quickly and is usually followed by a noticeable improvement in movement or pain levels.
Do I need to do exercises at home between sessions?
Yes, and this is one of the most important parts of your recovery. The exercises and advice we give you to do at home between sessions significantly affect how quickly and completely you recover. Patients who follow their home programme consistently tend to recover faster and maintain their results better long term. We keep exercises practical, achievable, and relevant to your specific situation and goals.
Conditions We Treat
What conditions do you treat at Active Motion?
We treat the full range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones. The most common include:
- Back pain and sciatica
- Neck pain and headaches
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Bursitis (hip, shoulder, and knee)
- Sports injuries including sprains, strains, and tendinopathies
- Running injuries
- Golf injuries
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff problems
- Knee pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Peripheral neuropathy and nerve pain
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Scar tissue and adhesions
If you are unsure whether we can help with your specific condition, please contact us for a free telephone consultation.
Do you treat older adults?
Yes. A significant proportion of our patients are aged 45 and over, and we have developed specialist expertise in helping people in this age group stay strong, mobile, and independent. We work with people managing age-related joint changes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, balance and fall risk, and the general loss of strength and mobility that can come with getting older. Our approach is always tailored to your health history, fitness level, and personal goals.
Can you treat me if I have already had surgery?
Yes. Post-operative rehabilitation is an important part of what we do. Whether you have had a knee or hip replacement, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, spinal surgery, or any other orthopaedic procedure, we can design a rehabilitation programme to support your recovery and help you return to full activity. We will liaise with your surgical team if needed.
Can you help if I have been told my pain is due to wear and tear or arthritis?
Yes. Being told your pain is due to wear and tear or arthritis can feel like a dead end, but it very rarely has to be. Research consistently shows that people with arthritic changes on scans often respond very well to targeted exercise and manual therapy. The presence of degeneration on a scan does not determine how much pain you feel or how much function you can regain. We have helped many patients who had been told to simply manage their arthritis go on to make significant and lasting improvements.
Our Therapists and Qualifications
What qualifications do your therapists hold?
All therapists at Active Motion hold undergraduate degree-level qualifications in their specialist field, typically a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy or Physiotherapy. Our sports therapists are members of the Society of Sports Therapists (SST). All therapists maintain their continuing professional development and keep their knowledge and skills current with the latest clinical evidence.
What is the difference between a sports therapist and a physiotherapist?
Both professions are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions. The key difference is in scope. Physiotherapists train across a broader range of clinical areas including neurology, respiratory care, and women’s health. Sports therapists specialise exclusively in the musculoskeletal system, often developing deeper expertise in movement, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and sports-specific care. For the vast majority of musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, sciatica, sports injuries, and joint problems, sports therapists and physiotherapists offer equivalent clinical outcomes. For a more detailed explanation, see our dedicated page: Physiotherapy vs Sports Therapy.
Are your therapists insured?
Yes. All therapists at Active Motion hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance. Our clinic also holds full business insurance.
Practical and Accessibility Questions
Is there parking at the clinics?
Yes. Both clinic locations have free on-site parking. The Eastleigh clinic at Places Leisure and the Portsmouth clinic at Jetts 24hr Fitness both have large car parks available to patients.
Are the clinics accessible for people with mobility difficulties?
Yes. Both treatment rooms are situated on the ground floor and are fully accessible. There are no stairs to navigate at either location. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please let us know when booking and we will ensure everything is in place for your visit.
What are your opening hours?
Opening hours vary by clinic and therapist availability. Please visit our website or contact us directly to check current availability at your preferred location. We offer early morning, daytime, and evening appointments to accommodate different schedules.
Do you offer online or remote appointments?
In some circumstances we are able to offer remote consultations for patients who are unable to attend in person, for example for those who are recovering from surgery and cannot yet travel, or for online programme reviews and follow-up consultations. Please contact us to discuss whether this is appropriate for your situation.
Cost and Insurance
How much do appointments cost?
We offer a FREE consultation to ensure that we can help you. After hearing more about what you are currently suffering with and answering any questions you may have. A qualified practitioner will put together a tailored plan for you. The number of sessions will depend on a number of factors such as the duration of symptoms and their history.
Do you accept private health insurance?
We do not currently process insurance claims directly. For a number of different reasons. Ultimately, we want to provide you with the best service possible and this include both techniques and equipment not covered by health insurance. However, many patients self-pay and then claim reimbursement from their insurer. We are happy to provide invoices, clinical notes, and any other documentation your insurer requires to support a claim. We recommend checking your policy before booking to understand what musculoskeletal treatment it covers.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. We ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a cancellation fee. This policy allows us to offer the appointment to another patient who may be waiting for treatment.
Do you offer any discounts or packages?
Please contact us directly to discuss options. We offer packages for patients requiring multiple sessions. Details are available from the clinic team and will be disucssed with you once we understand more about what’s going on and the number of sessions required.
Advanced Treatments
What is shockwave therapy and do you offer it?
Yes, we offer shockwave therapy (ESWT: Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) at both our Portsmouth and Eastleigh clinics. Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process in damaged or degenerated tissue. It is particularly effective for persistent tendinopathies such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff conditions that have not responded to other treatment. See our Shockwave Therapy page for more detail.
What is Stimpod therapy?
Stimpod is an FDA-cleared device that uses pulsed radiofrequency stimulation to treat nerve pain and peripheral neuropathy. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and works by targeting the source of nerve dysfunction rather than masking pain symptoms. It is effective for conditions including diabetic neuropathy, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, post-surgical nerve pain, and complex regional pain syndrome. See our Stimpod Therapy page for more detail.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy (photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. It is non-invasive, painless, and has a strong evidence base for musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical recovery, and chronic inflammation. See our Red Light Therapy page for more detail.
What is the Wellness Lab?
The Wellness Lab is our dedicated space for non-invasive, technology-led recovery and wellness treatments combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy, compression therapy, red light therapy and Stimpod nerve treatment. It is available to both existing patients and new patients looking for a proactive approach to managing pain, accelerating recovery, and maintaining long-term health. See our Wellness Lab page for more detail.
Still Have a Question?
If your question is not answered here, we would be happy to help. You can:
- Call us on 023 8104 0304
- Email us at info@activemotion.uk
- Request a free telephone consultation through our website
- Book online at activemotioninjuryclinic.co.uk
Active Motion Injury Clinic | Portsmouth and Eastleigh