Free online Physiotherapy Assessment
Talk to a physiotherapist from home. Leave with a clear explanation of your pain and a plan you can start today.
A free 30-minute video call with Stuart Maytham, HCPC-registered physiotherapist and co-founder of Health by Science in Leith, Edinburgh. No obligation, and no hard sell.
Video call from home · No GP referral needed · Replies within one working day
Why a video call can do so much
Most of what a physio needs to know comes from listening to you: how the pain started, what makes it better or worse, how it affects your day, and what you want to get back to. Research going back to the 1970s found that a careful history alone led to the right diagnosis for about three out of four patients.
For most aches, strains and long-standing pain, recovery then comes from three things:
- Understanding. Knowing what is going on, and what isn’t, takes away a lot of the worry. Pain is not always a sign of damage.
- The right amount of movement. Graded exercise that builds up as you get stronger, so you’re not resting it until it “goes away”.
- Support while you do it. Someone checking in, adjusting the plan and keeping you going when progress feels slow.
All three work well on a video call and through an app. Reviews of the research report that, for many common joint and muscle problems, online physio gives similar improvements in pain and function to in-person care.
“I thought i would have needed physio but through his questions and expertise he didn’t think i required it.”
John Kelly, Google review
Online physio is a good fit if…
- You have back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle or tendon pain, new or long-standing.
- You’ve been told to rest, or had treatment that didn’t last, and want a plan that does.
- You’d like to know whether you need hands-on treatment before paying for it.
- You’d rather fit rehab around work and family than travel to appointments.
Online isn’t the right start if you have severe new pain after a fall or accident, numbness around the groin or bladder or bowel changes, or feel unwell with your pain. In those cases, call your GP, NHS 24 on 111, or 999.
How your online physio works
Step 1. Book your free call (30 minutes).
Choose a time that suits you. You’ll get a video link by email. All you need is a phone or laptop and a bit of space to move.
Step 2. Tell your story.
Stuart listens first: when it started, what you’ve tried and what you want to get back to. He asks the screening questions a physio uses to rule out anything serious.
Step 3. Simple movement checks on camera.
Stuart guides you through a few movements so he can see how you move and what brings the pain on.
Step 4. A clear explanation.
You’ll hear what the problem most likely is, what it isn’t, and what you can do from today.
Step 5. Your next step, your choice.
- Advice only: sometimes that’s all you need, and that’s fine.
- One month of online rehab with Stuart (£120): see below.
- In person at our Leith clinic: if your problem needs hands-on assessment, we’ll book you in at a discounted rate.
- Your GP: if anything needs medical tests, we’ll tell you and explain why.
One month of online rehab: £120
Your plan lives in the HBS app (Everfit), on your phone:
- Your exercises, each with a video, built for your body, your goals and the kit you have.
- A 15-minute video check-in with Stuart every week, where your plan is adjusted as you get stronger.
- Chat with Stuart in the app about how it’s going. He replies within one working day.
- Money-back guarantee: if you’re not completely satisfied, tell us within 7 days of the end of your month and we’ll refund your £120 in full.
Most people start the month straight after their free call, while the plan is fresh. Four single check-ins would cost £140, so the month saves you £20, and the app chat and the guarantee come with it.
Not ready for a month? You can book a single 15-minute online follow-up for £35.
Need hands-on care? Leith is close by.
If Stuart thinks you need a physical examination or hands-on treatment, he’ll refer you to our physiotherapists at Health by Science Physiotherapy, 100 Giles Street, Leith, EH6 6BZ. Because your history has already been taken, you can skip the £70 initial assessment and book a 30-minute face-to-face follow-up for £40.
Meet Stuart
Stuart Maytham, MSc Physiotherapy, HCPC PH108811, member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Co-founder of Health by Science.
“I qualified as a physiotherapist in 2015, and before that I was a personal trainer. So I believe in movement, not rest. Most people I speak to have been told to wait it out, or have had treatment that didn’t last. My job is to listen, explain what’s going on in plain English, and give you a plan that fits around your life. If I think you need to be seen in person, I’ll tell you, and our team in Leith will see you.”
What people say about Online Physio
Nell: twisted knee from dancing. Struggling with stairs, now back to spins.
- “I was sceptical… But I realised once I was able to explain the issue, the physio was also really understanding and knew straight away what it was.”
- “At the beginning I was still struggling to even go down the stairs… And now I’m able to do all of that as well as get back to dancing and do spins.”
Yasmin: months of shoulder and back nerve pain, after doctors and A&E. Easing within two to three weeks.
- “Considering that I’ve been experiencing pain for months and months… the fact that it’s managed to ease up in the space of about two to three weeks… feels like a big achievement.”
- “You don’t necessarily need to see someone in person because it’s already made a difference for me.”
Emily: a familiar running injury. Now running more than before, and racing again.
- “I’m back up to running, even actually beyond the volume that I was when the problem started, and I feel very confident in that movement as well.”
- “I didn’t feel that I needed to go to a physical space to have somebody watch me do heel raises. I just needed somebody to help me with the plan.”
Charlotte: groin pain for a year after bouldering. Less pain, with help between sessions.
- “I can text you a message, feedback for exercises and things like that, or ask you a question if I’m concerned about something.”
- “The value for money is pretty second to none, to be honest.”
Atrei: rounds of in-person physio hadn’t worked. She was sceptical about online, and found she could keep it up.
- “I was sceptical… if you couldn’t see me walking… how would you spot if I was doing something wrong.”
- “The flexibility of doing it online was like a big motivator.”
“Had free online consultation and got some advice and exercises to get back to normal which are working a treat. I thought i would have needed physio but through his questions and expertise he didn’t think i required it, so saved me lots of money there. Thanks Stuart!”
John Kelly, Google review
“Most recently my online consultant with stuart. Professional, friendly and helpful, checking in a few day later to get updates on me. His advice helped my issue and put my mind at rest.”
Simon Blossfeldt, Google review
What makes online rehab work
Emily and Charlotte both say the same thing, and it’s true: the plan only works if you do it. Online physio suits you if you’re happy to fit 15–20 minutes of exercise into most days. The app reminds you, and Stuart checks in every week to keep you on track.
Simple, clear prices
Free online assessment
Free. 30-minute video call, clear explanation and advice
One month of online rehab
£120. A weekly 15-minute video check-in, app programme, chat with Stuart, money-back guarantee
Single online follow-up
£35. A 15-minute video call to review and progress your plan
Face-to-face follow-up at Leith
£40 for 30 minutes, for people who have had the free online call (you skip the £70 initial assessment)
Using private health insurance? We accept major providers including Bupa, Axa and Aviva. Please make sure you have authorisation before your appointment.
Issues we solve remotely
Spine & core
- Low back pain
- Sciatica
- Neck stiffness
Lower limb
- Runner’s Knee
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Hip Bursitis
Upper limb
- Shoulder Impingement
- Tennis Elbow
- Wrist strain
Post-op & sports
- ACL Rehab stages
- Muscle tears
- Training load management
Frequently asked questions
Is it really free? What’s the catch?
There isn’t one. Some people only need advice. If you need more, we’ll explain your options and the price, and you choose.
Can you really assess me over video?
For most joint and muscle problems, yes. Your story and some guided movement checks tell us most of what we need. If anything needs a hands-on test, we’ll say so and book you in at Leith.
What do I need for the call?
A phone, tablet or laptop with a camera, somewhere you can move about, and clothes you can move in.
What if I’m not happy with the month?
Tell us within 7 days of the end of your month, by email or in the app, and we’ll refund your £120 in full. You don’t need to give a reason. Full terms are in our Terms and Conditions.
What if I need to be seen in person?
Stuart will book you a 30-minute face-to-face follow-up at our Leith clinic for £40. Your history is already done, so you skip the £70 initial assessment.
Do I have to live in Edinburgh?
No. The call and the online rehab work anywhere in the UK. Most of our clients are in Edinburgh, so in-person care is close by if you need it.
How do I access my exercises?
We send a link to our app where you can see HD videos of your exercises and message your Physio directly.
What if my injury is serious?
If we identify any “Red Flags” during the call, we will refer you immediately to your GP or A&E with a clinical summary.