How Much Does Private Physiotherapy Cost in the UK?
Last updated 29 September 2026
Physio is one of the private treatments where paying out of pocket makes the most obvious sense: NHS physio usually needs a GP referral and can involve a wait of weeks, while most private clinics can see you within a day or two, no referral needed. It's also one of the more affordable private services, but prices still vary more than you'd expect.
Quick answer: a private physiotherapy session in the UK typically costs £35 to £135, and most clinics charge £70 to £100. Your first appointment (the initial assessment) is usually longer and £10 to £25 more than follow-ups.
What affects the price
- Initial assessment vs. follow-up. The first session includes a full assessment and usually runs 45 to 60 minutes; follow-ups are shorter and cheaper.
- Session length. Some clinics offer 30-minute follow-ups at a lower price; others only book 45 to 60 minute slots.
- Who treats you. A senior or specialist physio (sports injuries, women's health, neuro) generally charges more than a general musculoskeletal physio.
- Location. Central London clinics tend to sit at the top of the range; clinics in outer London and the commuter towns are often noticeably cheaper for the same session length.
- Extras. Acupuncture, shockwave therapy, or sports massage added to a session are usually billed on top.
What physio clinics are currently charging
Based on clinics listed on Keystone (checked 2026-08-28):
| Price | Notes |
|---|---|
| £35 | Lowest published price found |
| £70 to £100 | Where most clinics sit for a standard session |
| £110 to £135 | Higher end: senior physios and central London clinics |
That's from nearly 40 clinics with a published session price, so it's a solid cross-section of the market. One specialist clinic lists an assessment package at £490, but that's a different service from a standard session.
NHS vs private physio
| NHS | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free at the point of use | Roughly £35 to £135 per session |
| Typical wait | Referral plus a wait that varies a lot by area | Usually within a few days |
| Referral needed | Usually, via your GP (some areas allow self-referral) | No, you book directly |
For a new injury, being seen quickly matters: early assessment and a proper exercise plan often mean fewer sessions overall. If your NHS wait is more than a couple of weeks, one or two private sessions to get started is a common middle ground.
Cheapest clinics for physiotherapy
The lowest published prices we list. Check what each price includes before you book.
| Clinic | Area | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Try Physiotherapy | RH10 | £35 |
| Surrey Injury Clinic | RH6 | £45 |
| Horsham Sports Injury Clinic | RH12 | £48 |
| Klinica Physiotherapy and Healthcare | RH1 | £50 |
| One Body LDN (Tower Bridge) | London SE1 | £54 |
| One Body LDN (Camden) | London NW1 | £54 |
| One Body LDN (Islington) | London N1 | £54 |
| One Body LDN (Shoreditch) | London EC2A | £54 |
Best rated clinics for physiotherapy
Highest Google ratings among clinics with at least 20 reviews.
| Clinic | Area | Session | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| The MSK Clinic Physio | London SE16 | £95 | 5.0 (456) |
| Fit2Function Clinics | London WC2E | £99 | 5.0 (356) |
| Crawley Physiotherapy | RH10 | £75 | 5.0 (323) |
| MarcoHealth | London E2 | £120 to £130 | 5.0 (295) |
| Physiomove | London W1W | £130 to £145 | 5.0 (252) |
| Prorehab Physio Crawley | RH10 | £60 | 5.0 (213) |
Compare physiotherapy clinics near you
The same 45-minute session can cost twice as much at one clinic as at another nearby. Search your postcode on Keystone to see physio clinics near you, ranked by distance, price, and patient rating, and request an appointment directly.
Curious what clinics near you actually charge? Compare real prices, distances and ratings.
Compare physiotherapy clinics near you →Frequently asked questions
How much is a physio session UK?
Based on clinics currently listed on Keystone, a private physiotherapy session costs roughly £35 to £135, with most clinics charging £70 to £100. Initial assessments usually cost a little more than follow-ups.
How many physio sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem, but many straightforward injuries need somewhere between 2 and 6 sessions. A good physio will give you an honest estimate at the initial assessment and a home exercise plan to cut down the number of visits.
Do I need a GP referral for private physio?
No. Private physios accept self-referral, so you can book directly. If they find something that needs a doctor's input, they'll tell you.
Is private physio covered by health insurance?
Often, yes, if your policy includes outpatient cover, though most insurers require a GP referral first and cap the number of sessions. If you're paying yourself, the prices above apply.
