First Physio has literally been a life saving experience for me. The knowledge base that Ruth Cohen had not only has helped with my rehab but more importantly changed the direction I was headed! Initially Ruth came along to work with my legs/balance/walking which I was experiencing problems with. However she felt that ‘something else was going on’ and encouraged me to investigate further. Eventually she did some research and recommended a Neurologist to me. This doctor sourced the problem, sent me to a Neurosurgeon and a week later I was in surgery having a very large tumour removed from my spine. Instead of being paralysed I am now walking without falling and First Physio continues to work with my rehab. Because I had fallen over several times (pre back surgery) I had severely damaged my right shoulder and Ruth has helped keep the shoulder in the best condition possible. Although this is an ongoing problem the prospect going forward is greatly enhanced because First Physio has made sure that as much flexibility as possible has been retained.

Ruth has been great since I started seeing her a couple of months back after my previous physiotherapist, based near my place of work, moved on. I'd been having physio for about an year and she quickly identified that it wasn't actually helping my condition and encouraged me to seek a second opinion from anther specialist. Things seem to be moving in the right direction now. Ruth's clinic is local, easily accessible, well-appointed and she takes care to keep us both safe during the covid-pandemic. She's knowledgeable, friendly, yet professional and took the time to explain (using visual aids) what she thought was going on with my condition. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. April 2022 update - my shoulder is so much better now, following an operation and final rehab physio with Ruth. Her support in the run up to, and after, the op was invaluable. I highly recommend first physio.

From my initial consultation with Ruth for a patella/knee injury, she was very professional and knowledgeable of requirements and diagnosis from symptoms shown and analysis of how the injury occurred. Ruth would identify and discuss pain levels each session and used ultrasound therapy and acupuncture to reduce inflammation and manage pain. A plan of specific exercises with progressions were provided to complete between sessions and progress assessed each session. Ruth has a great work ethic and provides great advice and professional letters for consultant specialists whilst continuously providing support! I have also been treated for whiplash from a road traffic incident and Ruth knew exactly how to treat my neck and back pain to speed up the healing process. Ruth goes above and beyond expectations and I would highly recommend First Physio!

I was discharged from hospital after an operation on my shattered knee and phema. I was visited by a community physiotherapist and after 2 sessions I went online and found Ruth at First Physio. I don't usually do online reviews but I had to add my voice to all the people who have been lucky to have Ruth help them recover from their various physical ailments. After 4 sessions with her I am free of my crutches. She is a no fuss therapist. She takes her time to understand your injury and explain her therapy at every stage as she builds on the workout she does every session. I never feel rushed and always leave feeling positive. I don't know how long it would have taken me to recover if I hadn't been lucky to find Ruth. For anyone looking for a friendly thorough excellent therapist....Ruth is one to go to. Thank you Ruth !

After tearing the cartilage in my knee I went for a consultation with Ruth at First Physio. I took along with me the X-rays I had from the surgeon who explained the most likely outcome would be to have surgery. After 9 sessions of physio with Ruth I no longer needed any surgery. Ruth had put a plan together with me and each session we would go through the exercises and go through pain levels and reduce inflammation. I have gone back to playing football as I did before and I am at the gym weekly again. I cannot thank Ruth enough for the work she done with me and I would highly recommend her to everyone I know. Please give Ruth a try because her experience is priceless. Thank you so much Ruth.

I was referred to Ruth by a family member who has been seeing her for years for various reasons. I need a new hip and was in a lot of pain, not sleeping at night etc. Ruth was up front from the start that she would not be able to fix the problem but she could try and help with the pain until I could get the appointment for the new hip. She talked me through diagrams of the hip joint to show me exactly what was wrong, gave me tips on how to walk in order to avoid pain etc. I now sleep through the night due to her help & I will be seeing her after my new hip has been fitted. I completely trust she will be able to get me through the rehabilitation. I highly recommend her!

Following 5 months of working from home during the covid pandemic I had developed some fairly significant neck issues, reducing movement/rotation and causing a lot of pain. Ruth was quick to realise that it was my neck at the source of the issue rather than my shoulder which was going into spasm/very hard. Her unhurried approach allowed her to assess what the root cause was quickly, and after 5/6 sessions with her and following the exercises given I was back to myself within 5 or 6 weeks. Would highly recommend Ruth to anyone requiring physio - especially if like me you have been working from a small laptop screen for months on end..

Ruth is absolutely fantastic with the level of service and support that she offers. From the very first time my father spoke with Ruth, she has always displayed consistent dedication, drive and determination to help alleviate the pain and discomfort that my father has been suffering in his knee and lower back pains for years. Ruth is truly a medical professional and an expert in her field. Her expertise and experience are the keys to help unlock anybody's faith and trust with her. If you're looking for peace of mind and reassurance to help resolve your Physio related issues, Ruth is the quintessential answer and solution.

This is a long term review as I completed my treatment with Ruth last October. I went to Ruth based on her reviews and was very happy with the initial consultation and subsequent treatments. I went in with a bad shoulder; Ruth clearly explained what we would need to do heal and ultimately make it stronger. By following the exercises I was given each week and being dedicated to them my shoulder healed and feels great. Ruth's Covid safety protocols made me feel totally safe to visit. Ruth is also a good conversationalist so you can understand your treatment and exercises whilst also having a good chat should you wish to.

I went to see Ruth for a stubborn rotator cuff injury which had kept me out of the gym and was causing me much discomfort. She is extremely knowledgable and gave clear explanations throughout my rehabilitation programme so I understood how the treatment worked. We had a few set backs (caused by me being a bit eager) but I'm pleased to say I'm now back in the gym and my shoulder is feeling strong and stable. I can't thank Ruth enough for all her help. If you follow her instructions, be patient and put the work in with the programme you'll be fit again soon enough. We always had a good chat too! Highly recommended!

I first went to see Ruth after I tore my calf muscle around 2 years ago & I could not even walk properly for 6 weeks. She helped me back to being able to play football again which I feared I would not be able to do ever again. I tweaked my calf again recently as I guess it’s always going to be susceptible & Ruth has once again helped me with my recovery with her wealth of knowledge as well as her patience & guidance with which I can continue not just my rehabilitation but can strengthen & progress my recovery & hopefully not have to see her again, in the nicest way possible.

When I first went to Ruth back in November I didn't think I would be able to run again. Ruth identified quite a bad hamstring injury and over three months Ruth has got me to a place where I'm running. Ruth used a variety of physio techniques in my treatment including massage, ultrasound and a build up of strengthening and resistance exercises. Ruth is professional and took the time to explain my injury, the muscles, why it had occurred as well as the purpose of each technique and exercise. She is also incredibly friendly and I would highly recommend.

I was referred to Ruth after seeing another physio for months without improvement. Ruth conducted such a thorough assessment and in that initial session provided me with so much clarity. She used diagrams and clear explanations to show me what had happened and what needed to be done to address it. Ruth is very clear in her instruction and very open and honest about what can be achieved. Her covid procedures are very thorough. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend Ruth and she will be my first port of call for any future physio needs.

I had been suffering from some uncomfortable pain in my upper arm which was preventing me from undertaking weight training. Ruth identified my rotator cuff as the culprit within our first session. She set me on a course of rehabilitation exercises. Within weeks my condition had improved significantly. Ruth is very friendly and articulate and clearly explained my injury and what options were available to me. If I have any other issues in the future, I will definitely use Ruth again, Highly recommended.

I came to see Ruth earlier this year for a problem with my shoulder. She explained what the issue was with my shoulder using images on the computer to help me understand the issue, and provided excellent treatment. Ruth also advised on exercises I could do at home to help improve my shoulder, which have been vital during lockdown. A well run practice, and the office manager was very helpful in booking appointments and sorting out insurance payments. I would thoroughly recommend First Physio.

I have been seeing Ruth for a few months now, and she has been incredibly helpful in my recovery from a series of back/neck pain and related nerve symptoms. She was highly experienced and spotted the link between my physical and mental symptoms of anxiety - and used a combination of exercises, ultrasound therapy, massage and acupuncture when needed, mostly to improve the connection between my brain and body and give me confidence in my abilities/movements again. Would highly recommend.

I have been using first Physio for over 20 years and found their level of care exceptional. Having played football for most of that period and still training in kickboxing Ruth, in particular, has extended my enjoyment of these sports and widened my knowledge of how to listen to my body and take care of it. Although she will tell you I don't listen quite enough. Not usually one for writing reviews, I couldn't recommend highly enough, if there was a 10 star option I'd give 11.

Really impressive - Ruth was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and took the time to explain, using diagrams on screen, exactly what had happened when I hurt my shoulder. Provided excellent physio treatment during my visits and clear instructions for exercises at home. Conveniently located in Woodford, not far from the station, and took Covid-measures very seriously. Would recommend and wouldn't hesitate to return if in need of physiotherapy again.

Went to Ruth with a load of pain in my right knee which was significantly impacting mobility. After one session felt immediate relief and she gave a number of sensible exercises to do between follow on visits which has made a significant impact on my recovery and fingers crossed reduces the risk of recurrence. One thing I really appreciated was her explanation of the injury which helps me understand the cause and what I need to do moving forward.

As a back sufferer of many years Ruth has been of enormous help, understanding my problem and helping me find a solution. When I called she always made the effort to see me quickly. Now after a shoulder operation we can plan the recovery together. Ruth feels like part of tmy team who aim to get things back to full mobility. Without her knowledge, skill and enthusiam it would be a far more daunting task.

I went to see Ruth after having had a bunion removal that left me worried about how my foot was healing. I'd had the bone of my big toe broken and reset in the process and was a little wary of putting weight on it but visiting Ruth not only loosened the stiffness in my toes but also gave me the confidence to put more weight on it and move around more. She's straight talking but it definitely helped me!

I have been using this Physiotherapist practice over many years for different purposes, the most recent being a hamstring injury. Ruth is a very caring and extremely thorough professional. It is obvious that she takes a lot of pride in her work. Ruth explains an injury in detail and offers very precise advice as to how to best cope with it and the exercises that would best help recuperation.

Ruth made me feel very comfortable and relaxed during the sessions. Her explanations of what she was doing and why she thought it would help my lower back issue were very clear. I have had four sessions with Ruth so far where we have been able to identify the reason I'm having problems with my back and put steps in place to resolve it. Highly recommend.

Very happy with the care I received from Ruth. She is very knowledgeable and explains possible reasons for symptoms, why they are occurring and how they can be treated and prevented in the future. She is professional, friendly and I found her advice, care and treatment plan to be holistic and tailored to my lifestyle. Excellent service.

I went to Ruth, after a injury I pick up several months ago was still causing me discomfort. Ruth found the issue right away, and worked with me over a few months to build up my strength again. She also provided me with online resources, so I could continue the progress when at home. Her sessions are great, and you never feel rushed.

Great service from Ruth at First Physio. The clinic is bright, modern and spotlessly clean Was referred with shoulder pain and very restricted movement. After 8 sessions the pain is gone and movement is 100%. If you are reading this because you are in pain and need a Physio then look no further and just give her a call.

Ruth is an excellent physiotherapist. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable and thorough. I have visited Ruth on numerous occasions in the past with injuries and she is always patient, listens well and gives good advice. I never feel rushed and I am always happy to return to a physio that I can trust.

Ruth is a brilliant physio. I was referred by my surgeon for a rotator cuff injury which a previous physio had not been able to address. With patience and care, my shoulder has improved so much so that I don't need surgery. She has a great manner with patients too. Highly recommended.

Currently seeing Ruth after having a prolapse slipped disc. Even after seeing a chiropractor the pain continued. Since seeing Ruth, I've stopped talking pain killers as the exercise regimen that she created has improved my well-being and no longer feel the discomfort I once felt.

I had treatment with Ruth from February to July of this year. She was fantastic from start to end of my treatment and I wouldn’t hesitate to return in the future. She was thorough and gave me a full plan of action on how to manage my injury in the future. Would highly recommend.

I have been using Ruth at First Physio for quite a few years. The service, knowledge of injuries and solutions are second to none. I would recommend highly to anyone. She has fixed my problems straight away leading me to continue to work without disruption.

Ruth has helped my recover from multiple different injuries. The holistic approach to recovery has helped ease pain far quicker than I could've imagined and in such a friendly, helpful and informative manner. Would thoroughly recommend First Physio!

Unfortunately I have a recurring back problem, which on occasion completely incapacitates me. Ruth was highly recommended and she has without doubt, been a lifesaver. After five sessions of physio, I was back on my feet and had returned to work.

Myself and my mum have been treated by Ruth at First Physio over many years. We have always found Ruth to be very Professional and very knowledgeable regarding medical conditions. We would have no hesitation in recommending her in the future.

Highly professional and very thorough. Ruth is knowledgeable and friendly. She quickly located my problem and gave me longer term exercises to do to strengthen my body and ensure the problem did not return. Would definitely recommend.

I came to Ruth following recovery from a rugby injury. She was very thorough in her approach and fully appreciated my needs. I left with a solid plan of action to help rebuild muscle and restore mobility. Money well spent, thank you.

I have been seeing Ruth for around 3 months and she has really improved my back problem.She was able to diagnose and treat my condition very quickly and accurately. She is very professional and I wouldn`t hesitate to recommend her.

Ruth has been methodically piecing together the root of my shoulder pain. Slowly but surely she has manipulated, lasered and acupunctured her way to a much improved situation. I would highly recommend First Physio.

Ruth has been helping me with a prolapsed disc problem and is playing a big part in my recovery. I would not hesitate to recommend her very highly. She is knowledgeable, friendly and very easy to get on with.

I've seen Ruth for 2 different injuries in the past 12 months and she has helped get me back to full fitness both times! I've recommended her to friends before and continue to do so.