Physiotherapy in Brighton & Hove
Physiotherapy at the Tree of Life Centre
Expert physio care for movement, pain & recovery
Tree of Life Centre offers professional physiotherapy in Brighton & Hove, helping people of all ages restore movement, recover from injury, manage pain and build lasting physical resilience.
Physiotherapy is an evidence-based approach that combines expert assessment with hands-on treatment, movement rehabilitation, education and personalised exercise. Our physiotherapist works in partnership with you, taking a holistic, person-centred approach that looks beyond your immediate symptoms to support your overall function, recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Scroll down to meet our physiotherapist and discover how physiotherapy could help you move and feel better…
Fees
- Initial appointment (60 minutes): £75
- Follow-up (60 minutes): £75
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy can be beneficial at any stage of life. It is effective for treating acute conditions such as sports injuries, muscle strains, and sudden-onset back pain, as well as supporting those living with longer-term or recurring conditions including repetitive strain injuries, chronic pain, and postural problems.
It can also help prepare the body for significant physical challenges — from pregnancy and childbirth to sporting events and returning to exercise after a period of inactivity. Beyond treating specific conditions, your physiotherapist will offer practical, personalised guidance on physical activity, posture, injury prevention, and movement habits to support your wider wellbeing.
Conditions we treat
Our Brighton & Hove physiotherapist works with a wide range of musculoskeletal and movement-related conditions, including:
- Back pain — lower back, upper back, and thoracic
- Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Shoulder injuries — rotator cuff, frozen shoulder, impingement
- Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems
- Sports injuries and rehabilitation
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and overuse conditions
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Posture and ergonomic issues
- Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort
- Chronic pain management
- Returning to exercise after injury or illness
Physiotherapy for back pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people come to physiotherapy. It can stem from a range of causes, including poor posture, weak or tight muscles, joint stiffness, repetitive strain, awkward lifting, and prolonged sitting or standing.
Rather than simply treating symptoms, your physiotherapist will assess what may be driving your pain and tailor treatment to your individual needs. This may include hands-on therapy, posture or ergonomic advice, and targeted exercises to improve strength, mobility and movement — helping to reduce discomfort, restore function and lower the risk of the problem returning.
A unique integrative approach
Our physiotherapist Suzy Greenwood brings an additional dimension to her practice: she is also a qualified yoga teacher. This means her approach to rehabilitation and movement naturally incorporates breath work, body awareness, and the principles of mindful movement alongside conventional physiotherapy techniques.
This integrative approach is particularly valuable for patients whose physical symptoms have a postural, stress-related, or lifestyle component — or for those who want to move beyond pain management toward genuine, lasting resilience in the body.
What to expect at your first physiotherapy appointment
Your initial physiotherapy appointment at Tree of Life Centre lasts 60 minutes and includes both assessment and treatment. Your physiotherapist will:
- Talk through what’s going on, including your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and what you’d like to achieve.
- Assess how you move, looking at posture, movement patterns and the relevant areas of your body through gentle hands-on assessment and functional tests.
- Explain her findings clearly and talk through her recommendations with you, so you understand what’s contributing to the problem and how she can help.
- Begin treatment during your first appointment, using the hands-on techniques and approaches most appropriate for you.
- Give you a personalised home exercise programme, with practical guidance to support your recovery between sessions.
What to wear: Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being assessed is ideal. If she needs to see more of the area during your examination, she’ll explain what’s needed and make sure you feel comfortable and at ease throughout.
Not sure what is the best service or team member for you? Feel free to get in touch for guidance and advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does a physiotherapist do?
Physiotherapists assess, diagnose, and treat conditions that affect movement and physical function. They use a combination of hands-on manual therapy, exercise prescription, education, and rehabilitation to help people recover from injury, manage pain, restore mobility, and improve physical resilience. They are regulated healthcare professionals registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
How much does physiotherapy cost in Brighton & Hove?
At Tree of Life Centre, physiotherapy appointments are £75 for both initial and follow-up sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. This is competitive for private physiotherapy in Brighton & Hove and includes both assessment and hands-on treatment within the same appointment.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
This depends on your condition, its severity, and how your body responds to treatment. Acute injuries often respond well within two to four sessions. Chronic or complex conditions may benefit from a longer course of treatment. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic expectation at your first appointment and review progress as treatment continues.
Do I need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist?
No — you can self-refer directly to our physiotherapist without a GP referral. This is known as direct access physiotherapy. If further investigation or onward referral is appropriate, your physiotherapist will advise you during your appointment.
Can physiotherapy help with back pain?
Yes — back pain is one of the most common conditions physiotherapists treat, and there is a strong evidence base for physiotherapy as an effective intervention for both acute and chronic back pain. Our physiotherapist will assess the root cause of your pain and provide a tailored combination of manual therapy, exercise, and practical advice to reduce discomfort, restore movement, and help prevent recurrence.
What is the difference between physiotherapy and osteopathy?
Both physiotherapists and osteopaths are regulated healthcare professionals who use hands-on techniques to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Physiotherapy tends to place greater emphasis on active rehabilitation — exercise programmes, movement retraining, and education — while osteopathy focuses more on hands-on. In practice there is considerable overlap, and the best fit depends on your individual preference, condition, and response to treatment. At the Tree of Life Centre, we offers both — please see our Osteopathy page for more information.
Can physiotherapy help during or after pregnancy?
Yes — physiotherapy is safe and beneficial during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. It can help with pelvic girdle pain (PGP/SPD), lower back pain, rib discomfort, and postural changes during pregnancy, as well as postnatal recovery, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and returning to exercise after childbirth.
What is sports rehabilitation physiotherapy?
Sports rehabilitation physiotherapy focuses on the assessment, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries, and on supporting athletes and active people to return to full fitness safely. It includes injury management, strength and conditioning, movement analysis, and sport-specific exercise programmes. Our physiotherapist works with both recreational and competitive athletes across all sports.
What should I wear to a physiotherapy appointment?
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area we’ll be treating. For lower back, hip or leg problems, shorts or loose trousers are ideal; for shoulder or neck issues, a loose top or vest can be helpful. We may need to see or examine the area involved, but we’ll always explain what we’re doing, make sure you feel comfortable, and respect your privacy throughout.
Can physiotherapy help with posture and desk-related pain?
Yes — postural problems and musculoskeletal pain related to desk work, screen use, and prolonged sitting are extremely common, and physiotherapy is well placed to help. Your physiotherapist will assess your posture and movement patterns, identify the contributing factors, and provide targeted exercises, ergonomic advice, and manual therapy to address the problem. Given that our physiotherapist Suzy Greenwood is also a yoga teacher, her approach to postural retraining draws on additional breath and body awareness techniques that many patients find particularly helpful.
Is physiotherapy available for older adults?
Yes — physiotherapy is highly beneficial at any age. For older adults, it can help maintain mobility and independence, manage conditions such as osteoarthritis, recover from falls or fractures, and support balance and strength. Our physiotherapist takes a gentle, person-centred approach adapted to each individual’s needs and health status.
Where is Tree of Life Centre’s physiotherapy clinic in Brighton & Hove?
Tree of Life Centre is located at 143–145 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ — easily accessible from across Brighton & Hove by bus or car, with street parking available nearby. To book or enquire, call 01273 220159 or email info@tolcentre.com.