Frequently Asked Questions

No. Private physiotherapy is fully self-referral. You can book directly without seeing your GP first, for any appointment type including MSK, neurological and acupuncture. If your assessment indicates that further investigation is needed, Marcus will advise you clearly on what those next steps should be.

The easiest way is online: our booking portal lets you choose your appointment type, date and time instantly. You can also call 07586 605462 or email Jointventurephysiotherapy@gmail.com. Same-week appointments are usually available. If you're unsure which appointment type is right for your situation, call us and we'll help you decide.

We offer three formats: in-clinic appointments at Flexspace Bolton; video or phone consultations for patients who prefer to be seen remotely; and home visit assessments across Bolton and Greater Manchester for those who are unable to travel. Not every treatment can be delivered remotely. Marcus will advise on the most appropriate format for your condition.

Yes. A home visit is 60 minutes at £80 for musculoskeletal, sports and neurological physiotherapy, or 30 minutes at £70 for acupuncture. We cover Bolton and the surrounding area, including Farnworth, Horwich, Westhoughton, Bury, Salford, Swinton, Worsley, Walkden, Leigh, Wigan and Chorley. Home visits suit patients who cannot travel easily, whether that is after surgery, with a neurological condition, or simply because getting to a clinic is the barrier. If you are not sure whether you are within range, call us and ask before you book.

Monday 16:30–21:00, Tuesday 17:00–21:00, Wednesday 17:30–21:00, Thursday 16:30–21:00, Friday 16:30–20:00 and Saturday 09:30–14:00. We're closed on Sundays. Appointments are intentionally scheduled outside standard working hours so that physiotherapy fits around work, school and family commitments, not the other way around.

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Please call or email us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to find you an alternative slot. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be charged.

Your initial assessment lasts 40 minutes and is fully focused on understanding your condition in depth. Marcus will take a detailed history, covering when the problem started, what makes it better or worse, your work, sport, and previous treatment, then carry out a thorough physical examination. By the end of the session you'll have a clear diagnosis, an explanation of what's driving your symptoms, and an agreed treatment plan. Not vague recommendations. A specific, structured plan from the first visit.

This depends on the condition and how long you've had it. Most acute musculoskeletal injuries resolve meaningfully within 3–6 sessions. More complex or chronic presentations, including neurological conditions and persistent pain, typically require a longer programme. Marcus will give you a realistic indication at your initial assessment and update that estimate as treatment progresses.

Yes. Marcus treats children over the age of 6, through to adults of any age. Reduced rates apply for patients under 18 and for students, so mention it when you book. Below the age of 6 we would point you towards your GP or an NHS paediatric physiotherapy service instead, as very young children need a specifically paediatric assessment.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated. For lower limb problems, shorts or leggings work well. For shoulder, neck or back issues, a vest top or t-shirt is ideal. You'll be asked to remove footwear at the clinic.

For assessment, exercise rehabilitation, education and programme progression, remote appointments are highly effective, and for many patients they're more convenient. Hands-on techniques such as manual therapy, joint mobilisation and acupuncture require in-person attendance. Marcus will advise you on the most appropriate format for your specific condition and stage of treatment.

Yes. Acupuncture is available as a standalone 30-minute session or as part of a broader physiotherapy programme. For conditions that respond best to a course of treatment, block bookings of 6 sessions are available at £250, a saving of £38 versus individual session pricing.

Yes. Joint Venture Physiotherapy is recognised by all major UK private health insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality and WPA. Check your policy to confirm that physiotherapy is covered and whether a GP referral is required by your insurer before booking. If you need help understanding your coverage, contact us and we'll assist where we can.

Reduced rates are available for students and patients under 18, please mention this when booking. Acupuncture block bookings (6 sessions for £250) also represent a meaningful saving over individual pricing. We believe good physiotherapy should be accessible, and we're happy to discuss options if cost is a concern.

Yes. A block of 6 acupuncture sessions is available for £250, saving £38 compared to booking individually at £48 per session. Block bookings work well for conditions that benefit from a sustained course of treatment. Marcus will advise whether this is the right approach for your presentation.

We're based at Unit 28, Flexspace Bolton, Manchester Road, Bolton, BL3 2NZ. Free 24/7 parking is available directly outside. The clinic is on the ground floor and is fully wheelchair accessible, a short drive from Bolton town centre along the A666.

Marcus is the Clinical Lead at Joint Venture Physiotherapy. He holds a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice, a qualification held by fewer than 5% of UK physiotherapists, and is HCPC registered (registration number PH104377, checkable on the HCPC public register) and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. His background spans the NHS, private practice and elite professional sport: he served as physiotherapist across several professional sports teams, where evidence-based rehabilitation under pressure is a professional standard.

Corticosteroid injections are being added to the clinic's services shortly. Marcus is qualified in injection therapy and will offer this for appropriate conditions, including inflammatory joint problems, tendinopathy and bursitis, where injection is indicated as part of a broader management plan.