Physio-led rehab classes in Edinburgh
Thrive is our small, supervised exercise class in Leith for people living with stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, arthritis, joint replacements or persistent pain, and anyone who wants to stay strong and steady as they get older.
First 4 weeks free · Free physio assessment · No GP referral needed
Takes under a minute. Our physio, Alex, will call you back for a quick chat. A carer or family member can fill it in for you.
Or email hello@healthbyscience.co.uk or call 0131 210 0140.
Try Thrive free for 4 weeks. Then £70 a month only if you want to carry on.
Who Thrive is for
People whose health makes a normal gym feel out of reach, at any age and any starting point.
Stroke and neurological conditions
Stroke, Parkinson’s and MS. Thrive began in 2017 as an exercise-after-stroke class.
Joints and surgery
Arthritis, osteoporosis, hip and knee replacements, and getting strong again after surgery.
Persistent pain
Chronic pain, fibromyalgia and hypermobility. We build up gently, at a pace your body can handle.
Strength and balance as you age
Fewer falls, easier stairs and getting up from a chair, so you can stay independent.
We also support people with long COVID, heart conditions and those who have finished physio but want to keep going. Not sure if it’s right for you? We’ll talk it through at your free assessment.
How Thrive works
Physio-led from day one, coached every week. You never start a class without knowing what to do and why.
- Free physio assessment. Our physiotherapist looks at your health history, how you move and what you want to get back to, and checks Thrive is the right fit.
- Free one-to-one intro. A coach takes you through your own programme so you feel confident before your first class.
- Join a small group. Up to 7 people per coach, and fewer when someone needs closer support. Exercises are adapted to you.
- Regular physio reviews. We track your strength, balance and everyday function. If your needs change, your plan changes.
What a class looks like
Each class lasts an hour. Everyone works on their own programme, side by side, with a coach on hand throughout.
- Strength for everyday life: standing up, carrying shopping, climbing stairs.
- Balance and steadiness to help you feel safer on your feet.
- Mobility to keep joints moving comfortably.
- Seated and supported options whenever you need them.
- Good company. Many members say the social side keeps them coming back.
See a Thrive class
A short look at a class: small groups, coached by our team, at your own pace.
Class times and price
One simple membership. No long-term contract.
Thrive membership
£70 a month
- Free physio assessment
- Free one-to-one intro session
- A supervised class every week, and more classes at no extra cost when there’s space
- Regular physio reviews
- No contract, 30 days’ notice
Funded places
15% of places
are funded for people in financial difficulty. There’s a waiting list for funded places at the moment. Email us and we’ll add you to it.
Your first 4 weeks are free
If you’re new to Thrive, your first 4 weeks of classes are free. You don’t need a letter or a referral.
- Free physio assessment
- Free one-to-one intro session
- 4 weeks of Thrive classes, free
- Then £70 a month only if you want to carry on. No obligation.
Fill in the short form and Alex will call you.
For health professionals
Thrive is a physio-led, small-group exercise class for people with long-term conditions. Every member has a physio assessment first, and group size is set by clinical reasoning.
Tell your patient about Thrive. They can fill in our short form, and Alex will call them. Their first 4 weeks are free. No referral or letter is needed. Questions? Email us.
For carers, family and health professionals
Many people come to Thrive with help from someone close to them, or on advice from a health professional.
Carers are welcome at the assessment
A carer can come to the free physio assessment. Members then take part in classes on their own, so they need to be able to follow the coach and make their own choices about exercise.
Easy to get in
Step-free entry, an accessible toilet and space for wheelchairs. Drop-off right outside, with paid on-street parking nearby.
Booking for someone else
You can fill in the form or email us on their behalf. We’ll arrange the assessment with you both.
“It has certainly strengthened my arms and core. This helps me with my gardening. It has definitely helped me to stay independent into my 90s and keep living in my house.”Thrive member
“I can go out on my own now. I can carry my shopping now. Everything I would have taken for granted in the past, I can do now.”Thrive member
Real progress from Thrive members
Thrive members tell us they feel stronger, more confident and more independent.
Member figures reported by Health by Science in the Firstport case study. Bookings from our booking records, January 2022 to September 2026.
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.
“After my stroke I joined the Exercise After Stroke / Thrive Class. Five years on I’m still improving my fitness. The sessions are structured, progressive and delivered in a safe, encouraging environment.”K Jenkinson, Google review
“Living with long-term pain, I was helped to focus on functionality rather than fear. Thrive sessions are supportive, progressive and tailored to each individual. I now feel fitter and stronger than I imagined possible.”Stuart R, Google review
“Following my stroke, the team helped me rebuild strength and confidence through structured sessions and consistent support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their expertise.”Lisa S, Google review
4.9 from 150+ Google reviews · Read the reviews
Your Thrive team
Your assessment is with a physiotherapist. Your classes are coached by our team, all trained in rehabilitation and pain management.
Ross, Bradley, Artur and Sebastian from our coaching team also coach Thrive. Every coach volunteers in Thrive before joining Health by Science. Check physiotherapists on the HCPC register.
A social enterprise in Leith since 2017
Thrive started as a single exercise-after-stroke class. It has grown with support from NHS referrers, local GPs and a Firstport Step Up loan to expand the classes.
Our surplus goes back into keeping care affordable, including free Thrive places. As Edinburgh Reviews put it, choosing the clinic “directly helps fund essential rehabilitation classes for neighbours in Leith”.
Thrive rehab class FAQs
Is Thrive suitable for my condition?
Thrive regularly supports people with stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, arthritis, osteoporosis, joint replacements, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, hypermobility, long COVID and heart conditions, and older adults working on strength and balance. Your free physio assessment checks it’s right for you.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can fill in the short form yourself, or a carer or family member can do it for you.
What happens at the free physio assessment?
A physiotherapist asks about your health history and goals, looks at how you move, and explains whether Thrive is right for you. If one-to-one physio would suit you better first, we’ll say so.
I haven’t exercised for years. Will I keep up?
Yes. Everyone works on their own programme, adapted to their ability, with seated and supported options. You’ll have a free one-to-one intro session before your first class.
How much does Thrive cost, and how often can I come?
Thrive is £70 a month. That includes a supervised class every week, and you can come to more classes at no extra cost when there’s space. Classes run Monday to Friday at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.
Is there a contract?
No long-term contract. You can stop at any time with 30 days’ notice.
Are there funded places?
Yes. 15% of places are funded for people in financial difficulty. There’s a waiting list for funded places at the moment, and we’re happy to add you to it.
How many people are in a class?
Up to 7 people per coach. If someone needs closer support, we reduce the group size.
Can a carer come with me, and is the clinic accessible?
A carer is welcome at your free physio assessment. Classes are for members on their own, so you need to be able to follow the coach and make your own choices about exercise. The clinic has step-free entry, an accessible toilet and space for wheelchairs. You can be dropped off outside, and there’s paid on-street parking nearby.
Can I join after finishing NHS or private physio?
Yes. Thrive is a good next step after physio, so you keep building strength with support. If you’re still having physio, tell us at your assessment.
Is this the same as Thrive Edinburgh?
No. Thrive at Health by Science is a rehab exercise class in Leith. It isn’t connected with Thrive Edinburgh, the city’s mental health and wellbeing service.
Where are Thrive classes held?
At Health by Science Physiotherapy, 100 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BZ. It’s easy to reach from Leith Walk, Newhaven, Trinity, Portobello and the city centre.
Find Thrive in Leith
Classes are at our physiotherapy clinic on Giles Street, a few minutes from the foot of Leith Walk.
Health by Science Physiotherapy
100 Giles StreetLeith, Edinburgh
EH6 6BZ
Thrive class times
Monday to Friday
11am, 12pm and 1pm
Each class lasts an hour.
Getting here
Access: step-free entry, an accessible toilet and space for wheelchairs. Drop-off right outside.
Parking: paid on-street bays on Giles Street and nearby streets during class times. Please check the signs.
Tram: Foot of the Walk stop is about a 4-minute walk.
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, about 3 minutes away.
Book your free physio assessment
Tell us a little about yourself, or the person you care for, and we’ll be in touch to arrange your free assessment.
Alex will call you back after you enquire. You can also email hello@healthbyscience.co.uk or call 0131 210 0140.
Looking for one-to-one support instead? See physiotherapy, a free online physio assessment, personal training or counselling at Counselling Edinburgh, also on Giles Street.
