Physio in Edinburgh: get stronger and back to what you love
Knee, back or shoulder pain? A running or sports injury? Our team in Leith finds what’s causing it, then builds your strength so you can keep running, lifting and playing for years to come.
Initial Assessment and Treatment £70 · Follow-up £40 · No GP referral needed
Short form, under a minute, then pick a time in our online booking. Early, evening and weekend appointments.
Physio for knee, back and shoulder pain
The problems we see most often, from runners, lifters and people whose pain has hung around too long.
Knee pain
Runner’s knee, patellar tendon pain, ligament injuries and rehab after knee surgery.
Lower back pain and sciatica
Recent or long-standing back pain, sciatica and leg pain, and back pain that’s stopping you training.
Shoulder pain
Rotator cuff pain, lifting and overhead sport injuries, and rehab after shoulder surgery.
Neck pain
Stiff, sore necks, including desk-related neck and upper back pain.
Ankle, foot and calf
Ankle sprains, Achilles tendon pain, calf strains and shin pain.
Hip pain
Hip and glute pain, groin strains and hip pain that flares when you run.
We also treat tennis elbow, wrist pain and lifting injuries, hamstring strains and tendon pain, and rehab after surgery.
How we work: active rehab that lasts
We follow the evidence. For most muscle and joint pain, that means a clear diagnosis and progressive strength and movement work, with hands-on treatment as support where it helps. Our approach to back pain follows NICE guidance (NG59), which puts exercise at the centre of care.
- Assess properly. Your history, how you move and how strong you are, so we find what’s driving the pain, not just where it hurts.
- Explain clearly. What’s going on, in plain English, and what to do and avoid for now.
- Rebuild strength. A progressive plan in our exercise app with video demonstrations, adjusted as you improve.
- Get back to it. A staged return to running, lifting or sport, with support so it’s less likely to come back.
Mainly looking for hands-on work to ease tension? Our sports massage in Edinburgh is a great fit, and the same team is on hand if a problem keeps coming back.
Who comes to us
Mostly active people who want to get stronger and get back to it. Whatever your starting point, the approach is the same.
Runners
From first 10k to marathon. We look at your load, training and strength, then stage your return to running.
Gym-goers and lifters
Keep training where you can while we rebuild the lift or movement that hurts.
Team and racket sports
Football, rugby, racket sports and more. Rehab that builds up to the speed and demands of your sport.
Long-standing pain
Pain that’s lasted months or keeps coming back, including sciatica and nerve pain.
After surgery
A structured plan from early recovery back to full strength after knee, shoulder or back surgery.
Desk-based work
Neck, shoulder and back pain from long days at a desk, with strength and movement habits that fit your week.
Your first appointment
Your Initial Assessment and Treatment takes about 60 minutes with the same clinician you’ll see throughout your plan.
- We listen. Your symptoms, history, training and goals.
- We assess. Movement, strength and the tests that matter for your problem.
- We explain. A clear working diagnosis and what it means for training and daily life.
- Treatment starts. Exercises, advice and hands-on treatment where it helps. Your plan goes into our app, and we follow up by email.
Your physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation team
Every clinician is registered with a UK regulator, and you can check each one. You see the same person throughout your plan.
Check our registrations: physiotherapists on the HCPC register, sport rehabilitators on the BASRaT register. Stuart is also a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Page clinically reviewed by Alex Nairn, HCPC PH123656.
Complex cases welcome
Stroke, chronic pain, fibromyalgia or a long-term condition? We work with people whose recovery needs more time, and we build strength at a pace that suits you.
- Rehab that keeps going. After one-to-one sessions, many people continue in our Thrive rehabilitation classes, small supervised strength groups led by our clinical team.
- Joined-up support. Pain and recovery can affect mood, sleep and confidence. If it would help, we can refer you to our counselling service, Counselling Edinburgh, also based on Giles Street in Leith.
- One team. Physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, strength coaching and counselling under one roof in Leith.
Keith, after a stroke. Six years after his stroke, Keith started rehab and strength training with us. In his words, he went from buttering toast to deadlifting 120kg.
From the treatment table to strength in the gym
What clients say most often: a thorough assessment, a clear explanation and a plan that made sense.
Rebuilding life after a spinal injury
After a spinal fracture and surgery, Eilidh had lost confidence and feared movement. With one-to-one training, she rebuilt her strength step by step.
Back to strength after an ACL injury
Peter started with online physio, moved to rehab in the clinic and now trains with one of our coaches.
“She listened attentively and explained the issue was likely more strength than stretching, which was really helpful.”Elizabeth W, Google review
“Some lower back issues started interfering with my powerlifting training… she has worked with me both in person and via email between sessions to get me back to squatting pain free.”Jenni B, Google review
“The rehab exercises she prescribed were clear, progressive, and genuinely effective.”Parth D, Google review
“I attended for help with sciatica and long-term back problems. The assessment was thorough and grounded in clear scientific explanation.”Melvyn C, Google review
“I have had shoulder pain for over a year which was getting worse… I particularly welcomed the follow up email and check in 5 days later.”Alison B, Google review
“After months of conflicting advice for my knee, this was the first comprehensive review that truly made sense.”Laura B, Google review
4.9 from 150+ Google reviews · Read the reviews
Physio prices
Clear prices, no packages to buy. Bupa, Axa and Aviva accepted.
Initial Assessment and Treatment
About 60 minutes, in the clinic.
£70
- Full history, movement and strength assessment
- Clear diagnosis in plain English
- Treatment starts in the same session
- Your plan in our exercise app
Follow-up
30 minutes, in the clinic.
£40
- Reassessment and progression
- Load adjusted to how you’re responding
- Return-to-sport and activity guidance
Using private health insurance? Please get authorisation from Bupa, Axa or Aviva before your appointment. No GP referral is needed to book with us.
Physiotherapy FAQs
Can I self-refer for physiotherapy in Scotland?
Yes. You can book directly with us as a private patient, with no GP referral needed. NHS Scotland also offers self-referral for muscle, bone and joint problems, usually from age 16. If we think you need further investigation or another professional, we’ll explain why and help with your next steps.
Who will I see?
In the clinic, you’ll see Niamh or Alex, our HCPC-registered physiotherapists, or Laura, our BASRaT-registered sports therapist. Stuart, also a physiotherapist, sees clients online. You usually stay with the same clinician throughout your plan.
What should I expect at my first physiotherapy appointment?
A full history and assessment, a clear explanation of what we think is driving the problem, and a structured plan. Treatment starts in the same session, and you leave with guidance you can act on straight away.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in. Shorts help for hip, knee or ankle problems, and a vest or t-shirt for shoulder or neck problems.
How long is a physiotherapy session?
Your Initial Assessment and Treatment takes about 60 minutes. Follow-ups are 30 minutes and focus on reassessment, progression and adjusting your plan.
Will I get exercises at my first session?
Yes. Your plan may include exercises, movement advice and changes to your training, set up in our exercise app with video demonstrations so you can start straight away.
Do you offer dry needling, acupuncture or shockwave?
No. We focus on active rehabilitation: a clear diagnosis and progressive strength and movement work, the approach best supported by current guidance for most muscle and joint pain, such as NICE guidance on low back pain. We use hands-on treatment where it helps, and our sports massage team offers longer hands-on sessions.
What is the difference between NHS and private physiotherapy?
NHS physiotherapy is free at the point of use and delivered by skilled clinicians, though waits can be long and appointments shorter. Private physio usually means being seen within days, longer appointments and the same clinician throughout. Many people use both: the NHS for urgent or surgical care, and private physio for a structured return to activity.
What is the difference between online and in-clinic physiotherapy?
The online assessment is the conversation part of an assessment, about your history, symptoms and goals, and it works well by video. In the clinic we can also test strength and movement hands-on and treat you in person. If you’re unsure, start with a free online physio assessment.
Do I need a scan before booking?
Not usually. In most cases a detailed assessment tells us more than a scan alone. If imaging would help, we’ll explain why and advise on the best next step.
Can you help me return to running or lifting?
Yes, it’s what we do most. Your plan rebuilds strength and confidence and stages your return, so you’re not guessing how much is too much.
What if my pain flares up during rehab?
A flare-up doesn’t always mean you’ve made things worse. Symptoms often settle with small changes to load, exercise or recovery. We’ll help you understand what’s normal and how to adjust.
Should I rest completely if I’m in pain?
Usually not. Complete rest can slow recovery. We guide what to keep doing and what to change, so you keep moving safely while symptoms settle.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes. We accept Bupa, Axa and Aviva. Please get authorisation from your insurer before your appointment and bring any details they give you.
Where are you based?
Health by Science Physiotherapy, 100 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BZ. We see clients from across Edinburgh, including the city centre, Stockbridge, Portobello and New Town.
Is there parking near the clinic?
Yes. There are pay-and-display and permit bays on Giles Street and nearby streets, charged Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, and free in the evenings and at weekends. Foot of the Walk tram stop is about a 4-minute walk, and several bus routes stop within a few minutes.
Find our physio clinic in Leith
Our physiotherapy clinic is in Leith, with clients from across Edinburgh. Our personal training studio is next door at 98 Giles Street.
Health by Science Physiotherapy
100 Giles StreetLeith, Edinburgh
EH6 6BZ
Appointment times
Monday to Friday: 6am to 10pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 8pm
By appointment only. Times depend on availability.
Getting here
Tram: Foot of the Walk stop is about a 4-minute walk. The Shore stop is about 6 minutes.
Bus: services 16, 17, 35 and 36 stop on Constitution Street, about 2 minutes away. Services 7, 14, 21 and 49 stop by the Kirkgate at the foot of Leith Walk, about 3 minutes away.
Parking: pay-and-display and permit bays on Giles Street and nearby streets, charged Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Free in the evenings and at weekends. Please check the signs when you park.
Book your physio assessment
Tell us a little about what’s going on, then pick a time straight away in our online booking. We’ll also email you the booking link. Early, evening and weekend appointments, often within days.
Questions first? Call 0131 210 0140.
Not sure physio is right for you yet? Start with a free online physio assessment: a 15 to 30 minute video call with a physio about your history, symptoms and goals, with no hands-on treatment.
